Engaged Learning

Connecting SMU students with learning experiences through capstone-level research, service, internships, creative and entrepreneurial projects.

The Office of Engaged Learning (OEL) empowers undergraduate students to expand their learning beyond the classroom through experiential programs.

Our comprehensive offerings include funding, mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities allowing students to showcase their work and connect with peers in their field. The Engaged Learning Fellowship (ELF), Undergraduate Research Assistantships (URA), Big iDeas, and Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) are among the programs offered by OEL. Additionally, we coordinate the Summer Research Intensive (SRI) and programming for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU). OEL also coordinates the Mustang Mentors peer mentoring program and the Pathways to Business and Industry initiative. 

Inspiring, Engaging and Connecting Students

Take your learning to a higher level.

Get involved

  • Engaged Learning Fellows luncheon 2019

    Engaged Learning Fellowships

    Engaged Learning Fellowships (ELF) allow undergraduate students to design and pursue capstone-level projects in research, service, and creative activity.

    Make your mark

  • Big iDeas Madison McMahon pitching

    Big iDeas

    The Big iDeas program hosts pitch competitions and provides training and coaching for entrepreneurial projects. Undergraduate students of any major are welcome to participate.

    Think Big

  • Digital flyer for Clinton Global Initiative University showing President Bill Clinton with student participants

    Clinton Global Initiative University

    An opportunity to be among a cohort of over 600 social entrepreneurs, from over 100 nations and 300 countries, who are all working to solve some our world’s most pressing issues.

    Change the World

  • Pathways to Business and Industry Recruiter and student shaking hands at a company booth

    Pathways to Business and Industry

    You can find success in business without a business degree. At SMU, there are majors housed in all five of the undergraduate schools including Meadows School of the Arts, Lyle School of Engineering, Cox School of Business, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, and Simmons School of Education and Human Development, as well as business-focused clubs and organizations, that provide the foundation for a business or industry career.

    Forge your path

Make a gift to the Office of Engaged Learning

It costs approximately $2500 to fund a student project. Want to make a difference in a student's career? Click "Make a gift" and search for "Office of Engaged Learning Fund."

Engaged Learning Fellows luncheon 2019
Make a gift
Jude Lugo with his big check from Big iDeas

Entrepreneur Spotlight

Big iDeas winner Jude Lugo ('25) is impacting student success initiatives at universities across the country through his software Lecture Logger.

 

Read More about Jude's Journey as an Entrepreneur

Group photo of SMU students who presented at NCUR 2024

NCUR 2024

Dr. Adam Neal and a group of eight students traveled to Long Beach, California to present work on the 2024 National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR). This year the conference will be in Pittsburgh, April 7-9!

Read about our trip

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