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), Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 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 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵs (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. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ students of any major are welcome to participate.

    Think Big

  • Mustang Mentors

    We match incoming Mustangs with upper-division peer mentors who share their academic interests, hobbies, and goals for the future.

    Get connected

  • 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?

Engaged Learning Fellows luncheon 2019
Give today

Upcoming events

  • Thursday, September 18, 2025, 11:30am — Dallas Hall, Thompson Reading Room Ground Floor Come enjoy lunch and conversation with English and Medieval Studies faculty

  • Thursday, September 18, 2025, 12:00pm — Private Location (sign in to display) Open House

  • Thursday, September 18, 2025, 1:00pm — Blanton 338 Join your PBI Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) for office hours to check in on your academic progress and extracurricular involvement. This session also...

  • Thursday, September 18, 2025, 4:00pm — Scholar's Den Express who you are and what you stand for! Build your bracelet with your PBI PAL features a customizable space where students can reflect their...

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Entrepreneur Spotlight

Big iDeas winner Ryland Adzich ('28) is transforming everyday spaces like laundromats into literacy hubs to promote reading in underserved communities.

 

 

Research and Innovation Week

Celebrate undergraduate researchers' achievements at our poster session on April 1, 2025!

Details about the session

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