

- Description
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Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society.
CIC is the major national organization that focuses on providing services to leaders of independent colleges and universities and state-based councils. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.
CIC and Riipen have joined forces in a multi-year work-based learning initiative to benefit 25 member institutions. This collaboration will integrate work-based learning opportunities into up to 375 courses led by 125 faculty members and impacting up to 11,250 students.
- Portal website
- https://learn.riipen.com/cic-wbl
Subportals experiences

Indigenous Histories, Power, and Social Justice
History 10188-01
Learners in this course develop a strong understanding of Indigenous worldviews, histories, and contemporary struggles, particularly regarding power, privilege, and social justice. They can critically analyze the systemic and structural inequalities faced by Indigenous communities, assess the impact of settler colonialism, and interpret different perspectives on sovereignty, activism, and identity. Learners will be able to engage in discussions on intersectionality, structural inequity, and historical and contemporary Indigenous issues using evidence-based reasoning. Employers working with these learners will benefit from their ability to: Recognize and analyze historical and present-day structures of inequality affecting Indigenous communities. Explain Indigenous worldviews and histories using scholarly evidence. Discuss power, privilege, and intersectionality in relation to Indigenous identities and experiences. Evaluate social justice frameworks and propose informed strategies to address inequities. Use interdisciplinary research methods to analyze complex social and historical issues.

Understanding Human Behavior in Social Contexts 2025
SOWK 312
This experience provides companies and organizations with a team of upper-level social work learners who are trained to analyze and assess human development, social systems, and environmental factors impacting individuals, families, and communities. Throughout this course, learners will: Analyze how biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors shape human development. Assess individuals, families, and communities across various life stages. Apply evidence-based social work theories and research to real-world challenges. Engage in discussions on social justice, equity, and systemic barriers affecting human well-being. Evaluate interventions that support individuals at different stages of life. By collaborating with our learners, companies and organizations will receive insightful, research-based assessments of human behavior and development, with practical recommendations for interventions, policies, or program development.

Organizational Behavior Dynamics
MG 318 2025
This experience is designed for learners who are exploring the intricacies of organizational behavior and its impact on performance. Participants will gain insights into the causes and consequences of individual behaviors, motivational techniques, and the development of effective teams. They will also explore the influence of power, politics, and organizational culture on behavior and performance. Learners will apply these insights to real-world projects, enhancing their ability to analyze and improve organizational dynamics effectively.

Comprehensive Financial Planning for Diverse Client Profiles
FPLN 495
Franklin University’s Financial Plan Development course offers a unique opportunity for employers to collaborate with final-year students specializing in financial planning. This capstone course integrates comprehensive financial planning skills and knowledge, equipping students to tackle complex, real-world scenarios. Learners will apply their expertise to develop detailed financial strategies for various client profiles, including individuals and families with diverse needs.