Category: Latest Updates

SMU Alert: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Dallas County until 6:30 a.m. High winds and heavy rain. Monitor local conditions. smu.edu/aware

Weather conditions:

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[2:45 p.m. update]: With your safety and well-being as our top priority, and with inclement weather expected to continue, in-person classes scheduled for Friday, January 10, are canceled. Online classes will be held as scheduled. Jan Term faculty, please refer to the previous communication from the Provost’s Office for further guidance.

The Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports and SMU Libraries will remain closed Friday. For updates on dining halls and other campus operations, please check below:

Current Operations (as of 1/10, 9:09 a.m.)

• Dining Services:
  • Umphrey Lee Dining Hall: Closed through January 14 for Winter Break
  • Arnold Dining Hall: Closed through January 14 for Winter Break
  • The Market, Chick-Fil-A at HTSC: Open Thursday (1/9) and Friday (1/10) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Starbucks: Closed 1/9 and 1/10
• Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports: Closed 1/9 and 1/10
• SMU Libraries: Closed 1/9 and 1/10
• Hughes Trigg-Student Center: Open until 3 p.m. on 1/9. Open on 1/10 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Dr. Bob Smith Health Center:
  • Medical and counseling appointments switching to virtual 1/9 and 1/10
  • Pharmacy and Campus Smiles Dentist closed until 1/13
• Safety Escort: Resumes regular operations 1/13; SMU PD available for assistance
• Parking and Transportation:
  • SMU Express Shuttles: Service suspended 1/9 and 1/10
• George W. Bush Presidential Center: Closed 1/9 and 1/10

Only employees designated as essential for on-campus work should report to work on Friday. If you have questions about your remote or on-campus designation, check the FAQs or consult with your supervisor.

Please take precautions for your safety and keep warm during this winter storm. The University will resume normal operations on Saturday, January 11.

January 6, 2025

We are entering a season of colder temperatures with the potential for inclement winter weather. The University aims to hold classes and events in person. Should severe weather conditions risk the safety of students and employees, the University’s operating schedule may be adjusted.

The President makes the decision to alter the University’s operations after consulting SMU Police and the President’s Executive Council. Please note these important winter weather protocols and safety reminders.

CAMPUS NOTIFICATIONS

Changes in regular operations, including class delays or cancellations, may be communicated via the following channels:

• Text and e-mail messages from SMU Aware sent to all students, faculty and staff.
• The SMU Aware website and SMU homepage
• The SMU Aware Safety App
• Official SMU Aware social media accounts
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMUAware/
  • X: https://twitter.com/smuaware
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smuaware/

• Call 214-SMU-INFO (214-768-4636) for a recorded message. Please do not call the SMU Police.
• DFW news media – television and radio. Always check the official SMU channels listed above first.

TIMELINE

Whenever possible, we will announce any changes in operations the evening prior to the next workday and by 3 p.m. before evening events. Late-breaking weather developments may occasionally require a shorter notification timeline.

CHANGES IN REGULAR OPERATIONS

Familiarize yourself with SMU Policy 9.12 regarding emergency operations. For academic continuity information, review the Inclement Weather and Emergency Operations Guidelines. Staff members should refer to the Operational Changes FAQs.

As a reminder, the President makes the decision to alter University operations.

In the event official SMU communication channels contain no notice, normal operations will continue as scheduled. Students, faculty and staff are expected to report to their classrooms or offices.

BE PREPARED AND STAY INFORMED

• Make sure we can reach you. Keep your contact information updated. Verify or update your details on your my.SMU account (here’s how).
• Stay informed with SMU Aware. As an SMU student or employee, you are already signed up to receive SMU notifications via text and email. Check the website and follow SMU Aware on social media for additional information and updates.
• Take home your laptops and charge electronic devices, including external batteries, to stay connected during potential power outages.
• Monitor local news reports for the latest information regarding weather and travel conditions.

RESOURCES FOR ON-CAMPUS RESIDENTS

• Use STABLE to submit a maintenance request for temperature issues in your room.
• Report emergency repair issues, such as leaks or flooding, to the SMU Office of Facilities at (214) 768-7000 and also inform your RA.
• Check dining and campus transportation options on the SMU Aware website.

NAVIGATE SAFELY

• Wear sturdy shoes or boots with heavy treads to prevent falls on slick surfaces.
• Be cautious when crossing streets and intersections. When roads are slick, vehicles may not be able to stop.
• Prepare your car with a winter kit including a scraper, flashlight, water, snacks, and a blanket.

Be proactive and stay safe this winter! For more information, visit SMU Aware and follow updates on our website and social media channels.

[12:44 p.m. on 11/29] This updates the Nov. 26 SMU Aware Advisory about Richard Agyemang, a non-affiliated individual previously issued a criminal trespass warning by UT Dallas Police for attempting to lure women into his vehicle.

University Park Police and SMU Police contacted Agyemang in the 5200 block of Fondren Ave. yesterday around 4:15 p.m. Officers issued Agyemang a criminal trespass warning, which bans him from being on University property.

If you see Agyemang on or near SMU property, contact SMU Police immediately at 214-768-3333.

Agyemang, who states he is homeless and lives in his car, is 39 years old, 6 feet tall, and weighs 165 lbs. He was last seen driving a gray 2018 Acura with Massachusetts license plate 3VTX41.

Safety Tips

• Do not get into a vehicle with a person you do not know.
• Request your ride share from indoors and avoid lingering outside.
• Share your trip with a trusted friend or family member so they know when you make it to your destination safely.
• Confirm that the car, license plate and driver information match your ride-share app before getting in.
• Trust your instincts, cancel the ride or walk away if you do not feel safe.
• Report suspicious activities or people trying to offer rides to the SMU Police Department at 214-768-3388.

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[10:22 a.m. on 11/26] On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, SMU Police responded to a report of a suspicious person near the SMU Intramural Field and escorted Richard Agyemang off campus after confirming he was not affiliated with the University. Yesterday, the University of Texas at Dallas Police informed SMU Police that Agyemang had been issued a criminal trespass warning there for attempting to lure women into his vehicle.

Safety Tips

• Do not get into a vehicle with a person you do not know.
• Request your ride share from indoors and avoid lingering outside.
• Share your trip with a trusted friend or family member so they know when you make it to your destination safely.
• Confirm that the car, license plate and driver information match your ride share app before getting in.
• Trust your instincts, cancel the ride or walk away if you do not feel safe.
• Report suspicious activities or people trying to offer rides to the SMU Police Department as 214-768-3388.

[2:40 p.m.] A tornado watch has been issued for most of North Texas until 9 p.m.

ABOUT THE OUTDOOR SIREN SYSTEM
The outdoor warning siren system on SMU’s campus is activated by the City of University Park in the event of tornados, high winds, or other emergencies. Learn More

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Current Conditions:

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Remember, there is a difference between a watch and a warning

On-campus residents who need additional information or support should contact an area desk at Virginia-Snider (214-768-2230) or Armstrong at (214-768-5062) or contact the on-call staff.

[5:03 p.m.] A flash flood warning has been issued for Dallas County until 6:00 p.m. Monday. Never attempt to drive through flooded areas—turn around instead. Keep headlights on, drive slowly to maintain control, and follow all local closures and alerts for your safety.

[2:36 p.m.] SMU Alert: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Dallas County until 3:15 p.m. Be prepared to take shelter and monitor local conditions.

[11:01 a.m.] A Tornado Watch has been issued for parts of North Texas through 6 p.m. tonight.

ABOUT THE OUTDOOR SIREN SYSTEM
The outdoor warning siren system on SMU’s campus is activated by the City of University Park in the event of tornados, high winds, or other emergencies. Learn More

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Current Conditions:

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Remember, there is a difference between a watch and a warning

On-campus residents who need additional information or support should contact an area desk at Virginia-Snider (214-768-2230) or Armstrong at (214-768-5062) or contact the on-call staff.

Update 10/24 [8:46 a.m.] SMU Police have apprehended Jerrick D. Young, a former SMU contract employee. SMUPD arrested Young yesterday (Oct. 23) on a felony warrant for threatening violence against coworkers on campus.

Information about this case or any crime on campus may be reported by calling SMUPD at 214-768-3388 or anonymously through the Silent Witness Program at 214-SMU-2TIP, online at www.smu.edu/2TIP or by using the SMU Aware Safety App.

If you see something, say something. Report suspicious people or activities.

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[10/17/2024] SMU Police are searching for Jerrick D. Young, (38), a former SMU dining contract employee. Young made a series of phone calls today (Oct. 17) with specific threats of violence against other contract employees on campus. 

Young is being sought for making terroristic threats.  Warrants are pending for his arrest.

If you see Young, pictured below, do not attempt to contact him; notify SMU Police immediately at 214-768-3333.

Campus Awareness Tips

Please be aware of your surroundings and report any information you may have about this incident to SMU Police at 214-768-3333. Information also may be reported anonymously through the Police Department’s Silent Witness Program by calling 214-SMU-2TIP or online at www.smu.edu/2TIP.

October 14, 2024

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and focusing on pedestrian safety as we walk and drive around the Hilltop helps make campus safer for everyone. Please take a moment to review these important tips for both pedestrians and drivers.

Motorists

• Yield for pedestrians in crosswalks. They have the right of way.
• Obey traffic signs and signals. Be sure to come to a complete stop at stop signs.
• Watch your speed.
• Put the cell phone down and look out for pedestrians.
• Do not block crosswalks when you stop at intersections.
• Take extra care while driving around campus and the adjacent neighborhoods.
• Don’t drive impaired.

Pedestrians

• Obey traffic signs and signals.
• Avoid cell phone use and keep earbuds or headsets off so you can see and hear what is going on around you.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Activate rapid flash beacons (RFBs) if the crosswalk has them. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
• Try to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they notice your presence.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking areas.

Electric Scooters

Users of privately-owned electric scooters and other personal mobility devices must follow University policy, including the following:

• Obey traffic rules on campus, including stopping at stop lights and stop signs, and limit their speed to ten (10) miles per hour or less.
• Stay to the right on all roadways, pathways, and sidewalks.
• Yield to pedestrians in walkways and sidewalks and provide audible or hand signals when approaching or passing pedestrians.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep SMU a safe place to learn, live and work.

[6:38 p.m.] The following is an update to the SMU Warning sent earlier today. SMU Police have identified two individuals suspected of assault and burglary in connection with the earlier report from a student who reported being physically assaulted in their room on campus.

Arrest warrants have been issued for both subjects.

The victim believes that they were targeted in retaliation for a previous incident.

SMU Police thank the University community for providing quick information about the subjects.

If you have information about this case, contact SMU Police at 214-768-3333.

Campus Awareness Tips

Please be aware of your surroundings and report any information you may have about this incident to SMU Police at 214-768-3333. Information also may be reported anonymously through the Police Department’s Silent Witness Program by calling 214-SMU-2TIP or online at www.smu.edu/2TIP.

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SMU Warning: Assault Reported on Campus

[2:03 p.m.] SMU Police are asking for help identifying three people involved in an assault on a student that occurred in the Ware Residential Commons at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 20, 2024.

SMU Police do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the campus.

The victim reported to police that he was physically assaulted by three unknown males in his room. The victim believes that he was targeted in retaliation for a previous incident.

The suspects were described as white males in their early twenties. One subject was wearing a black ski mask with a white shirt and black pants, a second was wearing dark clothing and a third was wearing dark pants and a light-colored shirt.

Campus Awareness Tips

Please be aware of your surroundings and report any information you may have about this incident to SMU police at 214-768-3333. Information also may be reported anonymously through the Police Department’s Silent Witness Program by calling 214-SMU-2TIP or online at www.smu.edu/2TIP.

SMU is sending this Timely Warning in compliance with the federal campus safety law known as the Clery Act, to provide information that may help you protect yourself and to aid in the prevention of similar crimes.

Friday (9/6) messages

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Thursday (9/5) messages

[9:30 a.m.] Umphrey Lee will be closed Thursday and Friday (9/5-9/6). Classes relocated. Arnold and retail dining locations will be open. Click on the blue “Class Relocation Info” button for temporary classroom relocations.

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Wednesday (9/4) messages

[4:15 p.m.] Umphrey Lee will be closed Thursday (9/5). Classes relocated. Arnold and retail dining locations will be open. Check smu.edu/aware for details

[11:30 a.m.] Power is now restored in McFarlin Auditorium.

[10:18 a.m.] SMU Advisory- Classes in Lee relocated today (9/4). Students should check this website for the latest class info. Arnold and retail dining locations are open.

[9:50 a.m.] SMU Advisory – Crews responding to water intrusion at Umphrey Lee. Avoid the area. Classes in Lee relocated. Dining available at Arnold. More updates will be posted here soon.