What is a University Recognized Experience (URE)? A URE is a co-curricular or “non-credit”, career-related experience that gives you hands-on, real-world experience as a valuable part of your learning journey. These experiences go beyond the classroom, allowing you to develop key skills, apply what you’ve learned, and expand your professional network while exploring in a meaningful role. The URE meets UF’s standards for high-impact experiential learning and gives you official recognition for your professional experience and skill development outside the classroom.
University Recognized Experiences (UREs) are one of the most impactful ways UF students turn classroom learning into real‑world growth and the URE submission process makes it simple to document that learning. Students can complete the entire submission in about 15 minutes, using the Gator Experiential Learning Hub to record their experience and reflection.
All you need to do is enter a few basic details about your experience and complete a short reflection. Once submitted, your experience can be verified and added to the Gator Experience Record, UF’s co‑curricular transcript. It’s a fast, accessible way to ensure your hands‑on learning is officially recognized and ready to shine on future applications.
By taking just a few minutes to submit your URE, you can highlight your accomplishments, celebrate your growth, and make your experiential learning count.
University Recognized Experience Categories to Self-Report:
- Creative & Entrepreneurial Works: Creative Immersion Activity, Design Competitions, Curated Art and Creative Shows, Entrepreneurship or Innovation Project, Recital or Exhibition
- Internship, Co-Op & Work-Based Learning: University Recognized Internship, Cooperative Education (Co-op), Apprenticeship
- Leadership & Involvement: Event Planning and Execution, Leadership Training, Summits, or Retreat, Peer Leadership Program
- Professional Exploration & Development: Job Shadow and Externship, Seminars, Conferences and Showcases, Professional Immersion Activity, Scholar or Achievement Program
- Research: Undergraduate Research (Off-Campus), Paid Research Assistantships, Community-Based Research, Undergraduate Research-Based Work Experience
How to Submit Your University Recognized Experience:
- Log in to the Gator Experiential Learning Hub and select “University Recognized Experiences” located on the left side navigation bar.
- On the “My Experiences” page, select “Locate Experience Type and Term.”
- Then select which of the 5 categories of experiential learning that you would like to self-report. This will open a pop-up box that will allow you to apply for recognition of your experience.
- After confirming you want to proceed with self-reporting, complete the three-part submission form. This will include self-reflection, sharing of an artifact, and providing details related to the experience.
The University Recognized Experience is one of the easiest ways for UF students to elevate the work they’re already doing and ensure their hands‑on learning is officially documented. With a quick process and clear steps, students can turn any experience: research, leadership, service, study abroad, or internships into a verified achievement on their Gator Experience Record. By taking a few minutes to complete the submission, students not only celebrate their growth but also build a stronger story for future employers and graduate programs.
Let’s Celebrate You!
