This workshop series served as a cornerstone for Work-Based Learning (WBL) faculty development for Summer 2025. Over the course of 4 virtual sessions, participating faculty explored and prioritized methods for integrating work-based learning into their courses and explored Academy resources. Focused attention was given to student preparation & support, group discussions and insight from previous participants.  

Building on the foundational Humanities at Work series, the advanced workshop Humanities in Action invited faculty to deepen their understanding of work-based learning (WBL) by examining the perspectives of key stakeholders: employers and students. This two-session series provided actionable insights into strengthening WBL initiatives in Humanities courses by fostering collaboration with employers and centering the student experience. Session 1, focused on employer perspectives, will feature industry professionals sharing their expectations, needs, and experiences working with Humanities interns. Session 2 shifted to student experiences, creating a platform for interns to showcase their portfolios, reflect on their WBL journeys, and evaluate the impact of faculty-led initiatives. 
 

By engaging with both employers and students, faculty received a more comprehensive understanding of how to bridge academic and professional realms. This workshop intended to further empower faculty as they adapt their WBL strategies, ensuring Humanities students are career-ready and equipped for success.

Internship coordinators in the College of Arts & Letters play a pivotal role in bridging classroom learning with real-world experience. To support this critical work, this  workshop was designed to engage coordinators in the review, analysis, and enhancement of the Work-Based Learning (WBL) Faculty Module. This collaborative session helped ensure that WBL materials remain robust, relevant, and aligned with the needs of both faculty and students ahead of the summer intensive series. By actively involving coordinators in this process, we aimed to foster a shared ownership of WBL initiatives and create a foundation for tailored resources that meet diverse disciplinary needs. 
 

The workshop offered internship coordinators the opportunity to evaluate the current Faculty Module, identify gaps, and contribute their expertise to refining its content. Through guided discussions, coordinators analyzed the materials’ effectiveness in addressing key areas such as career readiness, professional communication, and work-based learning. 

This follow-up workshop built on the previous Learning Communities targeted session by creating an interactive space for faculty to further collaborate on integrating the Monarch Humanities Internship Academy and work-based learning into their Learning Community courses. Participants revisited work-based learning activities, shared progress, and discussed how Academy representatives can continue supporting courses through class visits or enrichment events.  

Co-sponsored with leadership from our partners in the Center for Faculty Development at ODU, this workshop was designed to help faculty embed additional professional development opportunities into their courses. By integrating career-focused activities and discussions early on, faculty can better prepare students for successful work-based learning experiences (WBLE). This workshop explored strategies for weaving career readiness into the curriculum, ensuring that students develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to navigate their future careers.

This workshop introduced Learning Community and Living Learning faculty to the resources offered by the Humanities Internship Academy. Participants were tasked with integrating a professional development module into their Learning Community, fostering student engagement with work-based learning content through low stakes assignments, and inviting Academy representatives to pitch paid humanities internship opportunities.

This design thinking inspired virtual workshop gathered information by the experts on work-based learning. This workshop marked the inaugural step in our Mellon grant-funded faculty development initiative. By engaging Arts & Letters Internship Coordinators, we aimed to leverage existing expertise to inform the overall design of MHIA faculty development efforts.

Over the course of 4 virtual sessions, participating faculty explored and prioritized methods for integrating work-based learning into their courses. Focused attention was given to preparing students for work-based learning experiences.  This intensive and multi-session workshop aimed to cultivate a culture of work-based learning within the Arts & Letters community, ensuring sustained engagement and impact throughout the duration of the grant period.