Experiential Classroom

About the Clinic 

The Experiential Classroom is the premier clinic for educators from across the globe who are relatively new to the teaching of entrepreneurship and the building of entrepreneurship programs, and those who are trying to update their skills and knowledge base. We share best practices and the latest innovations in entrepreneurship education from some of the thought leaders and master educators in the field. Over 1,700 faculty members, entrepreneurship program directors, and members of ESOs have attended this intense, three-day clinic. Delegates must attend all three days. The Experiential Classroom is jointly offered by the Florida State University, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Tampa and the University of Florida.

 

In 2025, we celebrate the very special XXV Experiential Classroom, and the program will be hosted on the campus of Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, from September 11 – 14*. Attendance is limited to 75 delegates each year. The experience is personalized, with ample opportunity to interact with the presenters both inside and outside the classroom.

*Note: Dates are subject to change, but it will be held in September 2025.

 

Apply now! 

 

The Experiential Classroom is primarily intended for several key target audiences:

  • Current faculty members from any discipline who are re-tooling to teach entrepreneurship;
  • Entrepreneurs planning to return to the classroom to teach entrepreneurship courses;
  • Adjunct faculty teaching entrepreneurship on a part-time basis;
  • Advanced doctoral students and faculty new to teaching entrepreneurship;
  • Center directors coordinating entrepreneurship programs;
  • Directors of entrepreneurship support organizations who are teaching and working with entrepreneurs at the community-level

 

Objectives of the Experiential Classroom:

  • Help those who are new to the teaching of entrepreneurship, including both faculty and practitioners, to learn best classroom practices;
  • Capture the experiences of those who came to teaching entrepreneurship from diverse backgrounds and share lessons learned in making the transition;
  • Introduce a number of highly creative and effective experiential approaches, ranging from cases, business plans, and the use of entrepreneurs in the classroom, to having students conduct entrepreneurial audits, the concept of marketing inventions and consulting engagements;
  • Apply a simple but powerful framework for organizing the content within an entrepreneurship course;
  • Demonstrate effective teaching approaches by observing master teachers;
  • Share ideas on specialty topics in entrepreneurship education, such as how to kick off a class, creative mentoring programs, what’s new in entrepreneurship internships, and much more;
  • Expose delegates to a rich resource base and help them join a network of faculty who share similar experiences;
  • Give delegates an opportunity to actually teach live in front of students, with helpful critiques from entrepreneurship faculty; Share insights on how to build world-class entrepreneurship programs;

 

 

Sample clinic topics have included:

  • Is There Content in Entrepreneurship? A Frameworks Perspective
  • Landing on an Alien Planet: Experiences with Teaching Entrepreneurship When You Come From a Completely Different Background
  • Engaging with Local Communities to Make an Entrepreneurial Difference
  • Entrepreneurial Audits, Marketing Inventions, Business Models and Entrepreneurial Interviews as Learning Tools
  • Cool Ways to Use Artificial Intelligence in Entrepreneurship Education
  • Is the Lean Startup All Its Cracked Up to Be?
  • Using Simulations to Teach Entrepreneurship in New and Different Ways What is a Great Case Discussion?
  • What is a Great Case Discussion Outcome?
  • How to Integrate Experiential Learning with Textbook Material
  • Developing Your Own Cases and Experiential Exercises
  • Play to Learn and Learn to Play Can Students Really Help Small Businesses? The Use of Consulting Projects
  • A Look at Syllabus and Curriculum Design in Entrepreneurship
  • Exploring Creativity in the Classroom
  • Teaching Entrepreneurship to Students of Diverse Backgrounds
  • Bringing Entrepreneurs and Other Practitioners Into Your Classroom: Managing the Managers
  • Delivering a Great Lecture
  • Building a Top Entrepreneurship Program
  • How to Teach Social Entrepreneurship
  • Teaching Opportunity Discovery

 

Testimonials from Experiential Classroom Delegates in Previous Editions

“All instructors at the EC XXIV were always willing to chat, share knowledge, and provide suggestions. It was a fantastic opportunity to develop my entrepreneurship teaching skills as I continue to foster creativity and innovation here in East Texas. I had the chance to network with incredible entrepreneurship and economic development professionals, some of whom I am already collaborating and strengthening relationships with. As I continue to build our EE programs here at UT Tyler, I will keep Dr. Kuratko's words of encouragement present after sharing our projects with him: "Build something special." - Andy Alvarado, The University of Texas at Tyler

 

"I left inspired. I have a new perspective on many subjects. I cannot recommend this enough for anyone who is teaching or involved with entrepreneurship programming. I'm grateful for the knowledge received.” - Juan Lara

 

“Experiential Classroom XXIV was one of the most transformative educational experiences of my career. I left feeling inspired, curious, and eager to apply these lessons in both the classroom and my entrepreneurial journey. For any educators passionate about entrepreneurship, I highly recommend this experience!” -  Byron Abrigg, Saint Louis University

 

“The Experiential Classroom provided an invaluable opportunity to witness firsthand the innovative spirit of entrepreneurship. As a cybersecurity instructor, I was particularly impressed by the program's ability to foster a collaborative and creative environment. The insights gained have inspired me to explore potential synergies between cybersecurity and entrepreneurship, offering new avenues for student learning and professional development.” - Frankie Rodriguez, Miami Dade Florida – Homestead

 

“On behalf of Benedict College, we would like to extend our most profound appreciation to The Experiential Classroom for an exceptional venue and outstanding program. The environment was perfectly conducive to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, creating an unforgettable experience for our faculty. The interactive and immersive nature of the event has equipped us with invaluable insights to enhance our teaching approach in entrepreneurship. Thank you for providing such a great space for learning and inspiration.” - Benedict College

 

 

Questions? Contact:

 

 

Michael H. Morris, Ph.D. 

Experiential Classroom Program Director 

Professor of the Practice in Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation 

University of Notre Dame 

mmorri24@nd.edu

574-631-9880

 

 

 

 

 

Susana C. Santos, PhD

Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship

Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship

ssantos@jmc.fsu.edu

850-644-1691

RSB 232