Signature learning enriches student experiences at UCalgary

There’s a thrill of excitement on campus as students start a new semester and dream about what’s to come for their time in university. At UCalgary, there are countless opportunities for undergrads to enhance their education with experiences both in and outside of the classroom — from study abroad to undergraduate research to micro-credentials in research and entrepreneurial thinking, it can be overwhelming to find and choose the right experiences.

That’s where the Office of Signature Learning Experiences (OSLE) comes in. Aligning with Ahead of Tomorrow, the new unit combines expertise from across campus to amplify, support and improve signature learning at UCalgary. Launched in July 2025, OSLE combines the former Office of Experiential Learning (OEL), Global Learning (GL), Campus as a Learning Lab (CLL) and Entrepreneurial Thinking (ET) teams to create pathways for students to learn about and access opportunities through collaborative efforts and sharing resources.

“OSLE aligns with Ahead of Tomorrow’s strategic plan to increase access to impactful and future-focused education for students. The office allows us to consider signature learning experiences as a whole and as they relate to each other, creating more opportunities for transformative educational experiences for students,” says Dr. Sandra Davidson, PhD, provost and vice-president (academic).

While the office may be new, UCalgary has always had a reputation for impactful student experiences, both in and out of the classroom.

Gabby Barber, a Faculty of Arts student who participated in the Program for Undergraduate Research Experiences (PURE) in 2024, says, “I had so many invaluable experiences throughout my summer of research that have left feeling me confident in both my research skills and my people skills; I had the opportunity to meet and work with so many wonderful, kind, and generous people, all of whom I will never forget. I cannot wait to continue to apply these skills gained during my PURE research experience!”

Thousands of students undertake experiential learning 

Last year, over 800 students participated in some form of global learning including international exchanges and group study abroad programs, and over 130 undergrads participated in international summer research projects. Over 900 undergrads from every faculty and year of study underwent summer research projects last year, with over $4M in funding awarded. This is in addition to the thousands of UCalgary students who do work-integrated and experiential learning as part of their degree programs, or take advantage of virtual or internationalization at home initiatives.

“Before my group study to Southeast Asia, I put the trip on my resume, and it made me stand out. I was selected for multiple interviews, and even hired for an internship position because the interviewers thought I was interesting and well-rounded for pursuing educational experiences abroad. Group study can differentiate you from the crowd and give you an edge in finding new opportunities," says Christina Kampel, an engineering student who participated in the Environmental and Urban Sustainability in Southeast Asia group study in 2024. 

Signature learning experiences set UCalgary apart as a university where students can learn the skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

“Our goal is to guide students to the opportunities at UCalgary that will enhance their degree programs, and set them up to be successful, both academically and in their future careers,” says Dr. Catherine Heggerud, DBA, executive director of OSLE. 

“Signature learning experiences are transformative; students who participate in these types of experiences come out with new perspectives, skills and enthusiasm to engage with the world around them.”

In addition to supporting programs across the university, OSLE collaborates with partners on campus to create original offerings for students to grow their skills in entrepreneurial thinking, research, creative scholarship, career-focussed skills and more.

As per Ahead of Tomorrow, building these skills empowers students to “take initiative, exchange knowledge across disciplines, learn from experience, and resourcefully engage with creative and cultural literacy.”

In 2026, OSLE will introduce a micro-credential in entrepreneurial thinking open to all undergraduate students at UCalgary, in collaboration with partners at Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking and Continuing Education. The course will take students through the ways they can use entrepreneurial thinking anywhere their career takes them.

OSLE is the hub for signature learning experiences on campus: whether it’s doing a practicum through a degree program, participating in an international research exchange, or taking a hands-on, experiential learning course, UCalgary encourages students to try something new.