Global Learning High Impact Practice (GL HIP) Support

Integrate Global Engagement into Your Course – No Passport Required

As today’s students prepare to enter an increasingly interconnected world, providing opportunities for global learning within the classroom is more important than ever. At UCF, faculty can enrich their courses by incorporating Global Learning High Impact Practices (GL HIPs) – experiences that deepen students’ cultural understanding, promote critical thinking, and connect course content to real-world global issues. Whether through international case studies, collaborative projects, or virtual exchanges, GL HIPs empower students to become more informed, empathetic, and globally engaged citizens.

What is a GL HIP Designation?

A Global Learning (GL) designated course at UCF gives students the opportunity to explore diverse perspectives, global systems, and worldwide challenges through an interdisciplinary and inclusive lens. These courses foster greater cultural awareness and encourage students to think critically about their roles in an interconnected world.

GL courses cultivate open-mindedness, a sense of global responsibility, and an appreciation for diversity. Students examine how their individual and collective actions impact both local and international communities, working collaboratively and equitably to address pressing global issues.

What are High Impact Practices (HIPs)?

High Impact Practices (HIPs) are powerful educational experiences that significantly enhance student learning and engagement. They help students build essential academic and real-world skills in communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. At UCF, GL-designated courses qualify as HIPs and align with other proven practices, including:

• First Year Courses/Seminars
• Learning Communities
• Undergraduate Research
• Experiential Learning
• Study Abroad & Global Learning
• Capstone Courses
• Integrative Experience Courses

If your course meets certain criteria, you’re eligible to receive the GL HIP Designation.

Note: Because study abroad opportunities are already high-impact practices, Study Abroad courses are not eligible for the GL HIP Designation.

Is the GL HIP Designation Right for You?

If this sounds like you…

Building and providing global learning activities, outside of the traditional Study Abroad, is one of your main course goals.

You seek out ways to enhance student learning through intentional, high-impact, and real-world civic learning objectives.

Empowering students to engage meaningfully and ethically with global challenges is a priority of yours.

…the GL HIP Designation is right for you!

With it, you’re able to document global learning experiences that take place in your classroom and be acknowledged for the innovative work and accomplishments that come from such experiences.

Check out the GL Course Designation Rubric to see if your course and goals match up.

How Can the iLab Help You Get Started?

Although all submissions are reviewed by Faculty Excellence’s HIP Course Designation Committee, we at the Division of Digital Learning’s (DDL) Pegasus Innovation Lab (iLab) are here to assist in preparing you and your course for approval.

Our goal is to help you develop your instructional activities so that they take advantage of technology and provide global learning opportunities for your students. By connecting you with specific resources and various Center for Distributed Learning services, we can help you reach all your global learning course goals.

Some of our Global Learning Projects include:

For additional questions, email us at iLab@ucf.edu.