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

  • Mustang Mentors

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

    Get connected

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

  • Monday, September 28, 2026, 5:00am — Private Location (sign in to display) The SMU Entrepreneurship Varsity Team is designed to showcase and support our top student ventures as they compete beyond campus. Selected teams will ...

  • Friday, October 02, 2026, 11:00am — Private Location (sign in to display) WELI Open House is the annual kickoff for the WELI co-campus program at SMU and a great way to get connected with the Women鈥檚 Innovative Network...

  • Wednesday, October 07, 2026, 5:00pm — Private Location (sign in to display) Study. Snacks. Scholars Den. Those three things just go together - just add Students and we have a Four-of-a-Kind - Turner Scholar? Log your...

  • Thursday, October 08, 2026, 5:00pm — Private Location (sign in to display) E-Launch Bootcamp sessions are designed for early stage entrepreneurs to move through the ideation phase and into further development of their...

Read our latest newsletter

Meet our staff

Contact us

News and announcements