CARDS EXCEL
CARDS (Conceptualize, Adventure, Research, Develop, Serve)
EXCEL (Expand the Classroom through Engaged Learning)
Engaged learning allows you to expand your knowledge and gain skills to further prepare you for life after graduation. Students who complete two or more qualifying engaged learning activities and submit reflections on those experiences are eligible to earn the CARDS EXCEL distinction cord at graduation. Watch our student testimonial videos to hear from previous CARDS EXCEL participants about their engaged learning experiences.
How does it work?
1
Participate in Engaged Learning Experiences
Complete two or more qualifying engaged learning experiences from at least one of the five categories—Conceptualize, Adventure, Research, Develop and Serve. Experiences should meet a minimum of 15 hours of involvement across a semester.
2
Apply for CARDS EXCEL Distinction
During your graduating semester, submit a CARDS EXCEL distinction application including reflections on each experience. Applications will be completed through the InfoReady system. Students graduating in May 2025 must submit their completed application by April 29, 2025.
3
Application Review
The Center for Engaged Learning team will review your application and notify you if it is approved, unapproved, or if it needs to be edited and resubmitted.
4
Pick-up your graduation cords
If your CARDS EXCEL application is approved, you may pick-up your cord for graduation during the week of May 5-9, 2025 from the Center for Engaged Learning office.
5
Celebrate!
Wear your cords at graduation and celebrate your accomplishment!
Categories & Requirements
Engage in conceptualization, application and entrepreneurship, examples include:
Business Plan Competitions
Hackathons
Industry Projects
Senior Capstone Course Projects (CUE Course Project)
Academic Student Competition Teams
Seek adventure by engaging with the global community, examples include:
Study Abroad
International Service Learning Program (ISLP)
International Internships
International Co-ops
International Research Experiences
Improve lives through research, creativity and discovery, examples include:
Visual & Performing Arts
Creative Humanities
Mentored Research Experience
Intensive Summer Research Experiences
Hone career and leadership skills to apply to future career endeavors, examples include:
Co-ops & Internships (general part-time and full-time jobs are not considered unless directly related to a student's major/minor or career focus areas)
Practicums
Field Experiences
Student Teaching
Student Organization Leadership
Clinical Experiences
Student Government Position
Greek Life Leadership
REACH Peer Tutor or Academic Coach
ROTC
UofL (D1) Student Athlete
Serve your local and global community through community engagement opportunities, examples include:
Service Learning
K-12 Outreach
For an engaged learning experience to qualify for the CARDS EXCEL distinction, it must:
Involve a minimum of 15 total hours of involvement during one semester.
Involve a hands-on learning experience.
Provide the opportunity to develop Essential Skills and Career Readiness Competencies such as critical thinking, communication, leadership, professionalism, and teamwork.
Application Information
Submit the CARDS EXCEL application through InfoReady during the semester that you are graduating
May 2025 graduates: Submit reflections and application by April 29, 2025.
Students will be asked to provide detailed responses to the following reflection questions:
- Provide a clear and detailed description of your participation, activities, and responsibilities in the engaged learning experience.
- Describe in detail how you were able to apply, or make relevant, the knowledge, skills, or concepts you learned in your coursework as part of the engaged learning experience, and what new skills or knowledge did you gain?
- Provide at least one relevant example to show how this engaged learning experience required you to analyze and/or evaluate information or situation in new ways.
- Describe in detail how the assumptions and perceptions you had about the community, culture, environment, or workplace were challenge or affirmed by your engaged learning experience.
- How has participating in this engaged learning experience advanced your future academic and/or professional goals? Describe how this experience helped deepen your understanding of yourself, including your passions, interests, and values.
CARDS EXCEL reflection responses should include these elements in order to meet or exceed the CARDS EXCEL application requirements.
Reflection Question | Criteria to Meet or Exceed CARDS EXCEL Requirements |
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Reflection is a critical component of engaged learning, linking your experience to learning outcomes, enhancing your academic understanding and increasing awareness of how your work impacts the community.
The benefits of taking the time to reflect on engaged learning experiences include:
- Links academic knowledge to real world experiences through transfer of learning
- Challenges students to assign meaning to their engaged learning experiences
- Understand and be able to communicate specific skills and experiences which can be useful for resumes, applications, and interviews for jobs and further educational opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Only experiences completed while enrolled as a student at UofL can be considered for the CARDS EXCEL distinction.
No, CARDS EXCEL is an optional program that undergraduate students can choose to participate in.
Yes, currently the CARDS EXCEL program is focused on undergraduate students.
Undergraduate students enrolled at UofL at the launch of CARDS EXCEL in spring 2023, will be allowed to submit previous experience following the timelines listed below based on their expected graduation year:
| Graduation Year | Timeframe for Prior Experience to be Included |
|---|---|
| 2025 | August 2020 – Graduating Semester |
| 2026 | August 2021 – Graduating Semester |
| 2027 | August 2022 – Graduating Semester |
Participating in engaged learning was very important to my college experience - experiencing the world and giving back to your community is beautiful and memorable!
