Seminole State College Applied HIPs
The Seminole State College High Impact Practices (HIPs) team is highlighting eight total areas of High Impact Practices starting December 2025, through course designation. Some of which are designated through an application process and some are automatically designated based on the nature of the course. The main five areas designated through an application process include Capstone Programs, Collaborative Projects, Intensive Writing, Service Learning and Community-Based Learning, and Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry. Some areas of Experiential Learning, like Clinicals and Practicums. There are also spotlight areas that are not designated through an application process, Experiential Learning, including Internships and Work-Based Learning*, the First Year Experience Course, IDS-1107, and all Faculty-Led Study Abroad programs selected through the proposal submission process. Due to the very definition of these types of courses, they are automatically considered High Impact Practices. More information on all High Impact Practices categories can be found below.
*The Work-Based Learning portion of the Experiential Learning area is automatically assigned to courses based on Florida Statue (§446.0915(1), F.S.). More information on this can be found under the Experiential Learning – Work-Based Learning, Clinicals, Internships, and Practicums section below.
HIPs Categories for Designation
Capstone Projects serve as culminating, integrative experiences where students apply cumulative learning from their degree program to a final, significant product or performance. Whether a learning portfolio, culminating leading performance, design-build task, community partnership, or comprehensive presentation, capstones challenge students to synthesize knowledge, collaborate across disciplines, and demonstrate readiness for post-graduation careers or further study. With faculty mentorship, peer interaction, and public dissemination of outcomes, capstone courses highlight students’ capstone achievements and celebrate their transition from learners to professionals.
Capstone Program HIPs Taxonomy
Deep Dive Into Capstone Programs Presentation - October 18, 2025
Collaborative Projects focuses on developing students' ability to work together in groups to solve problems, complete projects, and engage in meaningful dialogue. This High Impact Practice emphasizes peer-to-peer learning, where students learn not only from their instructors but also from their classmates through discussions, teamwork, and shared problem-solving. Collaborative Projects can involve group assignments, team-based research, and cooperative writing projects, all aimed at enhancing communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Reflection on collaboration and constructive feedback are key elements, ensuring that students build both intellectual and interpersonal competencies in diverse learning environments.
Collaborative Projects HIPs Taxonomy
Deep Dive Into Collaborative Projects Program - November 15, 2024
The Collaborative Projects Worksheet will assist with asking the right questions to help you get started.
Experiential Learning includes Clinicals, Internships, and Practicums, where students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments under professional supervision. These experiences allow students to gain firsthand experience in their chosen career paths, often accompanied by coaching, mentoring, and structured reflection. Whether students are working in healthcare, education, business, or other fields, this practice bridges academic concepts with practical application and enhances overall career readiness.
Some Experiential Learning courses automatically qualify as a High Impact Practice (HIP) because they have been designated by other programs or departments. Others may require submission through the bi-annual HIPs Course Designation Form. The submission process for Experiential Learning courses differs from other HIPs areas. Please review the categories below to determine whether your course is automatically designated or requires submission.
If you feel your course qualifies in this definition, please reach out to Hailee Handel.
HIPs Course Designation Form Submission Required:
Clinicals
Clinicals are supervised, hands-on learning experiences in professional healthcare or technical environments. Students apply classroom knowledge in real patient-care or industry settings, developing the technical and interpersonal skills essential for their future professions. Clinicals typically follow structured schedules and competency-based outcomes guided by qualified instructors or clinical supervisors.
Practicums
Practicums provide students with structured opportunities to gain applied experience in professional environments related to their academic discipline. Under faculty and site supervision, students integrate theory with practice through specific projects, observations, and performance-based tasks designed to meet learning outcomes within a defined timeframe.
Automatically Designated
Internships
Internships allow students to engage in supervised, practical work experiences directly related to their academic or career interests. Through guided professional practice, students gain exposure to workplace dynamics, professional expectations, and skill development. At Seminole State College, internship courses that are officially recognized through the Career Development Center are automatically designated as High Impact Practices (HIPs).
Work-Based Learning
The Florida Statue definition of “Work-Based Learning” is “a course that engages students in work-based learning, defined under §446.0915(1), Florida Statutes (F.S.), for more than 50% of its statute-required instructional hours across all implemented sections at the reporting institution. Estimation of hours is permitted. On-campus, virtual, simulated and unpaid activities are permissible. The following do not meet the definition of work-based learning: job shadowing, mentoring, workplace tours and other activities that do not involve “firsthand experience with tasks required in a given career field” (§446.0915(1), F.S.).” Courses already designated with a WBL course designation will also receive a HIPs designation.
The First Year Experience (FYE) course, IDS-1107, is an essential part of students’ transition to college life. Small class sizes facilitate strong faculty-student connections, and the course places a strong emphasis on critical inquiry, collaborative learning, and goal setting. At Seminole State College, FYE is designed to familiarize students with campus resources, the Pathways approach, and opportunities for personal and academic growth. By engaging in college activities and exploring career pathways, students develop essential skills like self-advocacy and information literacy, ensuring they are well-equipped to succeed throughout their academic journey. Due to the nature of the course being in its purpose a first-year seminar course, an application for course designation is not necessary and instead automatically applied.
Intensive Writing courses emphasize extensive, scaffolded writing experiences embedded throughout a semester. Students engage in multiple drafts, peer feedback, instructor conferences, and reflective revision as they deepen their mastery of discipline-specific genres and audiences. By moving beyond one-off essays, these courses build students’ capacity to think critically, communicate effectively, and produce polished, sustained work. The process of writing, rewriting, and reflecting supports learning, retention, and preparation for advanced study and professional inquiry.
Intensive Writing HIPs Taxonomy
Deep Dive Into Capstone Programs Presentation - Coming November 10, 2025
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Intensive Writing Worksheet to get started - coming November 10, 2025
Service Learning integrates academic coursework with direct community service, giving students real-world experience in addressing social challenges. This approach allows students to work with community partners on meaningful projects that align with the course curriculum. Through reflection, students connect their service experiences to academic concepts, preparing them for active citizenship and professional life. Faculty can apply for course designation to offer students the opportunity to engage deeply with the community, fostering both civic responsibility and academic growth.
Service Learning & Community Based Learning HIPs Taxonomy
Deep Dive Into Service Learning Presentation & Q&A Panel - October 18th, 2024
The Service Learning Worksheet from Dr. Kuh will assist with asking the right questions to help you get started.
If you are partnering with an outside organization to complete your Service Learning initiative, please complete the SSC General Council MOU Template with the other company and share the completed document with Hailee Handel and Kenneth Eubanks.
Study Abroad immerses students in a global learning environment, enabling them to engage with different cultures, academic traditions, and international perspectives. Through faculty-led programs, students live and study abroad, applying their coursework in unfamiliar contexts, honing intercultural competence, and developing self-awareness and adaptability. These experiences expand students’ worldviews, foster global citizenship, and enhance both personal growth and professional readiness.
For more information on the Study Abroad process for both faculty and students, please visit Faculty-Led Study Abroad
Undergraduate research provides students with the opportunity to actively engage in the process of inquiry and investigation, particularly in fields like science, where students can explore cutting-edge questions. This High Impact Practice emphasizes developing research questions, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating findings. Students learn by doing—working alongside faculty to address empirical challenges, experience the excitement of research, and develop the critical thinking skills necessary for future professional and academic success. The application process for course designation ensures that research opportunities are structured and impactful.
SSC Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry HIPs Taxonomy
Deep Dive Into Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry and Q&A-December 6, 2024
Undergraduate Research Worksheet from Dr. Kuh