Center for Engaged Learning

Preparing students through real-world experience, exploration and reflection

Students

The Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) connects you with opportunities to enhance your learning experiences inside and beyond the classroom. Every student is encouraged to complete an engaged learning experience before graduation to help develop career-readiness competencies, like critical thinking, communication, leadership and teamwork. Students who complete at least two engaged learning experiences may be eligible to receive the CARDS EXCEL distinction and cords.

Benefits of engaged learning

  • Understand and apply course material
  • Expand your view of the world, including appreciation of community and diversity 
  • Gain insight into your skills, interests, passions and values
  • Collaborate with diverse organizations and people
  • Develop professional practices and skill sets
  • Improve your community through civic engagement
  • Boost your self-confidence and leadership skills
  • Earn graduation cord and distinction through CARDS EXCEL

Find an engaged learning opportunity

The CEL is your first stop to learn about the many internships, studies abroad, research projects, community service projects and other employment opportunities available throughout the university and the community.

INTERNSHIPS AND CO-OPS

You can search and apply for co-ops and internships through UofL’s comprehensive career management tool, Cardinal Careers (powered by Symplicity).

Cardinal Careers helps you create a personal profile and post your resume for local, regional and national recruiters. Cardinal Careers is your one stop resource for job postings, upcoming event registration and more. To get started, you’ll need to create an account using your Ulink userID and password.

Find an internship or co-op

Search for an international internship through the GoinGlobal system. GoinGlobal provides jobseekers of all nationalities with tools to fast track their career explorations abroad, featuring employment, internship and study abroad resources for more than 120 locations. Visit the GoinGlobal webage for more information. 

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Undergraduate research and creative activities expand on classroom learning to advance knowledge and human expression through exploration and discovery. You will gain opportunities to use your skills and imagination to solve problems, advance health, create art, engage in performance or advance human culture. You will also learn essential skills, such as time-management, critical thinking, communication, cultural humility and teamwork, that will translate to any career path you take. And it’s fun!

Find an undergraduate research opportunity

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Office of Student Involvement uses the Helper Helper app to coordinate and track community service experiences for students, making it easier for you to find volunteer opportunities and track your service hours. To get started, you’ll need to request a Helper Helper account through the Office of Student Involvement.

Request Helper Helper account

RECOGNIZED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND STUDENT GOVERNMENT

UofL hosts over 400 recognized student organizations (RSOs) covering a wide variety of student interests. These groups provide a wonderful opportunity to become involved in campus life and to connect with other students on campus. The UofL Student Involvement portal, Engage allows you to search for RSOs and student government opportunities. Students who serve in leadership positions in RSO’s may be eligible to use that experience as part of the CARDS EXCEL program.

Find an RSO opportunity

STUDY ABROAD

The Office of Study Abroad and International Travel facilitates international educational experiences that provide opportunities for international study, research or practical experiences outside of the United States. These enriching experiences foster critical thought, intellectual and social growth, knowledge and experiences for professional success and responsible global citizenship.

Find a study abroad opportunity

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM (ISLP)

The International Service Learning Program (ISLP) offers multidisciplinary 3 credit hour classes that culminate in an international service project in one of four countries. Each program is unique to the rich cultural experiences at the program sites that blend community engagement, learning, and some sustainable tourism fun!

Learn more about ISLP

COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING COURSES

Community-Based Learning (CBL) courses offer students a learning experience with an external partner organization and can include internships, co-ops, independent studies, clinical experiences for credit, capstone projects and culminating educational experiences. The Office of Community Engagement offers a searchable database for finding CBL courses.

Find a CBL course

Contact us

If you would like information about other engaged learning opportunities or need help choosing the engaged learning experience that’s right for you, contact the Center for Engaged Learning.