Return to the Experiential Learning Homepage
What Is It? What Does It Do? Where Is It?
The ExL @ Pitt Hub is Pitt’s home for experiential learning. Located on the ground floor of Hillman Library (Room G-08), the Hub provides a visible and welcoming space for collaboration, reflection, and innovation across campus, alumni, community, and industry networks.
Developed through a partnership between the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences and the University Library System, with additional collaboration across Pitt units and external partners, the Hub serves as a platform for making experiential learning visible, connected, and accessible. It also provides structure to coordinate initiatives, share resources, and strengthen ExL practices. Programming and operations will be guided by a joint coordinating group (ExL Community of Practice), which is currently in development.
While the Hub is rooted in Hillman, its reach extends online to share resources, highlight stories, and connect partners who cannot always be present in person. It will engage with key assets such as the Open Lab @ Hillman, Center for Creativity, Media Production & Stark Services, studio spaces, and the Research Wall — all aligned with the ExL mission. The Hub hosts a wide range of activities that foster a culture of learning integrating knowledge, experience, and civic purpose, including:
- Learning and reflection through story circles and cross-disciplinary programming
- ExL-focused retreats and institutes for faculty, staff, and advisors
- Career roundtables, student showcases, and alumni mentoring
- Community, industry, and global engagement events
- Innovation and scholarship through AI tools, digital storytelling, and applied research
- Immersive gatherings and exhibitions including project displays and use of the Research Wall
The CACI Framework: Foundation of the ExL @ Pitt Hub
Campus
The Hub connects students, advisors, faculty, and staff across Pitt’s schools and disciplines, creating a space where ideas meet, collaborations form, and reflection deepens learning. By drawing on the full range of expertise on campus, the Hub helps transform academic knowledge into applied, meaningful experiences.
Alumni
Graduates return to the Hub as mentors, advisors, and partners. They share professional expertise, open doors to career pathways, and inspire current students with stories of how experiential learning shaped their own journeys.
Community
Community collaboration ensures that experiential learning contributes to the public good while cultivating civic responsibility in students. The Hub partners with local, civic, and organizations to advance projects that matter beyond the classroom. The hub works closely with partners to co-create and co-design culturally responsive initiatives that address unique needs while fostering community well-being, enhancing learning and training, and creating opportunities for sustainable impact.
Industry
Employers, tech leaders, and innovators engage with the Hub to help shape the future of work. Industry partners contribute insight into evolving career landscapes, co-create opportunities for internships and projects, and collaborate on applied research. These connections give students access to mentorship, professional pathways, and emerging technologies while also giving partners fresh perspectives and talent.
Through the CACI framework, the Hub moves outward in a circle of connection from campus to alumni, into the community, and across industry to create a shared culture of learning, reflection, and impact. Engagement with the Hub equips trainees with the skills and character essential for leadership while also supporting a stronger workforce and innovation in the region. Contact us: ExL@pitt.edu
Connect with us:
- Drop-in hours: Thursdays 11am - 1pm
- Book a time here
- E-mail us to schedule: ExL@pitt.edu, Soudi@pitt.edu