University Recognized Experience: Student Guide

What is the University Recognized Experience?

Why should I submit my University Recognized Experience?

  • Get official UF recognition for your experience
  • Showcase your experience on your Gator Experience Record
  • Highlight transferable skills for job applications, interviews, and grad school
  • Reflect on your learning and how it connects to your career goals

Benefits of Submitting a University Recognized Experience:

A University Recognized Experience at UF strengthens your professional story and becomes part of your official Gator Experience Record (GER), which is UF’s comprehensive, verified record of your learning beyond the classroom. Your experiences are validated, documented, and displayed in a way that strengthens your story for employers and graduate programs.

How You Participate:

  • Complete an experience that falls in one of the URE Categories (below)
  • Reflect on your experiences
  • Self-report your University Recognized Experience within the Gator Experiential Learning Hub

University Recognized Experience-Categories to Self-Report:

  • Creative & Entrepreneurial Works: Creative Immersion Activities, Design Competitions, Curated Art and Creative Shows, Entrepreneurship or Innovation Projects, and Recitals or Exhibitions
  • Internship, Co-Op & Work-Based Learning: Internships, Cooperative Education (Co-ops), and Apprenticeships
  • Leadership & Involvement: Event Planning and Execution, Leadership Trainings, Summits or Retreats, and Peer Leadership Programs
  • Professional Exploration & Development: Job Shadowing and Externships, Seminars, Conferences and Showcases, Professional Immersion Activities, and Scholar or Achievement Programs
  • Research: Undergraduate Research Programs, Graduate and Professional Research Programs, First‑Year Research Experiences, Research Assistantships, Community‑Based Research, and Research‑Based Scholar Programs, and Undergraduate Research-Based Work Experiences

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.

Make Your Experiences Count!