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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), Engaged Learning Starter Award (ELSA), Undergraduate Research Assistantships (URA), 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).

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.

Become a Fellow

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

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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

NCUR 2023 students posing

NCUR 2023

Dr. Adam Neal and a group of eight students traveled to Eau Clair, Wisconsin to present work on the 2023 National Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR). This year the conference will be at Cal State Long Beach, April 8-10!

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Entrepreneur Spotlight

Big iDeas winner and Engaged Learning Fellow Nrithi Subramanian 25’ (seated) founded Mantra and Co., is a South Asian diasporic brand selling apparel and other accessories.

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Premier Events

Big iDeas Pitch Contest

Date: September 29, 2023

Time: 10:00 AM

Calling all student entrepreneurs! Apply for the Big iDeas contest and pitch to win $1000 in seed funds to get your ideas of the ground. We invite you to connect, network, and build teams with your fellow student entrepreneurs at the Big iDeas Marketplace.

 

Apply to Pitch

Fall Research Symposium

Date: November 1, 2023

Time: 4:00 PM

Each fall, students in select research and service programs are invited to give oral presentations in a miniature professional conference. The programs include: Engaged Learning Fellows, Summer Research Fellows, Cooper McElvaney Peace and Justice Fellows, Maguire Public Service Fellows, McNair Scholars, and Richter Fellows. 

Join Us

Hours:

Monday-Friday
8:00am-5:00pm

Upcoming events

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