Engaged learning

The University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI) prepares future information professionals to create practical solutions to real-world problems. This begins during their time at UMSI.

Through course-based, community-based, global, entrepreneurial and research opportunities, students take what they are learning in their courses and apply it in new settings, including nonprofit organizations, innovative research companies and global educational institutions.

The Engaged Learning Office (ELO) partners with a wide range of educational, nonprofit and industry organizations to provide UMSI students with relevant and complex engaged learning projects. Students gain real experience, while organizations gain real deliverables.

As a result, UMSI students graduate with both practical experience and theoretical knowledge, making them competitive candidates for today’s job market and, most importantly, informed members of society. View the ELO’s 2022-2023 Annual Report to learn more.

Contact the ELO at [email protected] to learn more or inquire about engaged learning programs, and sign up for the weekly newsletter at umsi.info/elo-newsletter.

Engaged learning outcomes

An image of Emily Veguilla and Bella Mai with RoosRoast coffee bags on a shelf behind them, overlaid with their prototypes of the RoosRoast homepage and mobile experience.

Giving RoosRoast web designs that fit the vibe

Improving a beloved local coffee shop's online experience — without sacrificing personality.

A camera still of four desert bighorn sheep in front of red rocks. Two tilt their horns together, starting directly at the camera.

Advancing wildlife research

Using data wrangling skills to facilitate wildlife monitoring in Capitol Reef National Park.

An image of an aerial view of a river in Otisville, Michigan, with clouds reflected in the surface of the water.

Confronting a statewide septic system crisis

Teaming up across disciplines to understand Michigan's lack of a statewide septic code.

A digital rendering of a break room with comfortable chairs, stools and a table, and natural light streaming through from the ceiling.

Reimagining the Bentley Historical Library

Designing a makeover for the university’s archives to welcome newcomers into the fold.

Master of Science in Information students Suviksha Hirawat, Rebekah Lim, Terrence Liu and Yeshashree Prasanna pose with their prototype of “DiscGuide,” an auditory disc golf experience for visually impaired users April 2023 at the City of Ann Arbor Bandemer Disc Golf Course.

Making disc golf accessible to visually impaired players

Creating an app prototype that uses auditory cues to guide players, with help from the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind.

Four Bachelor of Science in Information Capstone students posing for a picture in the Museum of Natural History in front of a large dinosaur skeleton.

Bringing dinosaur bones into your living room

Teaming up with the Smithsonian Institution to use UX research to improve the museum’s digital experience.

A selfie of Lauralyn Curry-Leech pointing to the Washington Monument

A spring break with lasting impact

Completing hands-on information projects in communities across the U.S., from Dearborn to D.C.

Four students in University of Michigan gear stand on the second floor of a green house looking down on the trees

Nurturing student-led projects at U-M

Matching U-M student organizations with real-world clients, like Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

A UMSI student holds a shovel and smiles while working in a rain garden

Diving into the data on rain gardens

Finding solutions for local nonprofits during A2 Data Dive, an annual data hackathon.

Students Dana Gentry, Jun Xue and Yangqin Yan stand in front of the Heidelberg Project, an immersive, outdoor art exhibit.

Closing the technology gap

Helping Detroit residents install neighborhood-governed internet structures.

people gather in an event space

Fostering civic engagement

Partnering with Michigan communities to improve how citizens engage with their local government.

Two people balance on a frozen lake in Sweden

Introducing the Global Engagement Fellowship

Going beyond passive participation when studying abroad.

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