The mission of the Center for Academic Engagement at The University of South Dakota is to assist students in connecting with community experiences that will enhance the students’ academic experiences. The notion of an “engaged student” is one who works both in and outside the classroom to become a participating and interested citizen within the community. Such engagement among students is a foundation of the liberal learning mission of the University of South Dakota. The Center works to identify and promote community service needs that could be met by students through service-learning. By offering these connections to the campus, the Center empowers students to make their own connections with the world around them for greater knowledge of their community, appreciation of differences, and commitment to civic participation. Similarly, the Center supports the use of undergraduate research as a means towards engaged scholarship. Study Abroad, National Student Exchange, nationally competitive scholarships, and other experiential learning are also supported by the Center.