Philosophy and Mission
Transforming Education Through Experience
At the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, we believe learning is most impactful when it extends beyond the classroom. Our philosophy of experiential learning (ExL) emphasizes hands-on, real-world engagement that deepens understanding, fosters critical thinking, and prepares students for meaningful lives and careers. Our three-pronged model integrates knowledge, experience, and civic purpose. These core pillars come together under the central aim of integrating experience, knowledge, and innovation.
Our mission is to create opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in diverse contexts—through research, internships, community partnerships, and global experiences. By integrating experiential learning into our academic programs, we empower students to become active participants in their education, gaining skills and insights that transcend traditional boundaries.
The Dietrich School is committed to supporting faculty in designing innovative experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning. Together, we shape an education that is as dynamic and diverse as the world our students are preparing to lead.
Meet the Dean’s Fellow for Experiential Learning
Abdesalam Soudi
Teaching Associate Professor, Department of Linguistics; Director, Linguistics Internship and Consulting Program; Co-Director, Teaching Cultural Competency for Educators, Master's Course, Institute for Clinical Research Education (ICRE); Electus Faculty, David C. Frederick Honors College
Abdesalam Soudi is dedicated to advancing experiential learning across the Dietrich School. As Dean’s Fellow for Experiential Learning and a proud Pitt alum, Soudi has long championed outreach and community engagement as essential to integrating knowledge with experience and innovation. With a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration and student-centered education, he works with with faculty and students in the 42 academic departments and programs in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences to design and implement transformative learning experiences. Soudi is a resource for innovative course development, fostering connections with community and global partners, and ensuring students gain the skills to thrive in and beyond the classroom. His vision includes establishing a Community of Practice bringing together faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community and industry partners to create a collaborative framework where stakeholders can share best practices, build sustainable projects, and amplify the transformative impact of experiential learning.
Connect with Soudi to learn how he can support your experiential learning initiatives or to collaborate on innovative ideas to expand ExL!
Faculty Resources
The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences is committed to fostering meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that enrich the classroom and prepare students for real-world success. We offer a wealth of resources to help faculty integrate experiential learning into their courses, including:
- Assessment Tools: Resources to help evaluate the impact of experiential learning on student outcomes and identify areas for growth.
- Collaborative Project Support: Guidance for designing research, community engagement, or team-based projects.
- Funding Opportunities: Access to grants and stipends to support fieldwork, travel, and innovative course enhancements.
- Partnership Development: Assistance in connecting with local organizations, industry partners, and campus resources.
- Workshops and Consultations: Tools and strategies for implementing high-impact practices tailored to your discipline.
Whether you're looking to launch a new experiential course or enhance an existing one, we're here to help you create transformative learning opportunities for your students.
Email Abdesalam Soudi to learn more.