Category: Latest Updates

From the National Weather Service (NWS): A complex of storms is expected to move through North Texas tonight. It will likely contain significant damaging straight line winds. Wind gusts in excess of 80 mph will be possible with the strongest storms. Stay weather aware and monitor local conditions.

The NWS issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for North Texas until 4 a.m. CDT Monday.

The NWS issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for portions of Dallas County until 11:30 p.m. CDT. A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for Dallas County until 3 a.m. CDT Monday.

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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.

From the National Weather Service: Friday is the first day in an active stretch of weather for North Texas. There will be chances for strong to severe storms each day beginning mid-afternoon and into the early overnight hours. Stay weather aware, have multiple ways to receive warnings,

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, large hail, 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.

[May 5 at 2:10 p.m.] UPDATE: Earlier today, SMU Police arrested an unaffiliated 37-year-old Dallas man in connection with the SMU Aware Warning issued on Friday. He was taken into custody on a charge of indecent exposure. The investigation remains ongoing, and the individual’s name is not being released at this time.
SMU Police are grateful for the tips they received that led to this arrest.
If you have any information related to this case, please contact the SMU Police Department at 214-768-3388.

Campus Awareness Tips

Please be aware of your surroundings and report any information you may have about this incident to SMU Police at 214-768-3388. Information also may be reported anonymously through the Police Department’s Silent Witness Program by calling 214-SMU-2TIP or online at http://www.smu.edu/2TIP.

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[May 2 at 2 p.m.] On Friday, May 2, 2025, SMU Police received a report that an unidentified individual has repeatedly exposed themselves to an SMU student near the University Crossing Trail in the 5500 Block of SMU Blvd., with the latest incident occurring at approximately 7:30 a.m. today.

The subject is described as a white male, approximately 25 to 30 years old, about 6 feet tall, with a thin build. He has shaggy blonde or reddish hair covering his ears, wears glasses, and is consistently seen in dark clothing, including a black short-sleeve shirt.

Anyone who has had contact with this subject or has information, please reach out to contact the SMU Police Department at 214-768-3388.

Campus Awareness Tips

Please be aware of your surroundings and report any information you may have about this incident to SMU police at 214-768-3388. Information also may be reported anonymously through the Police Department’s Silent Witness Program by calling 214-SMU-2TIP or online at 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.

From the National Weather Service: Heavy to excessive rainfall may produce flash flooding today across parts of the Dallas County.

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, large hail, 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.

From the National Weather Service: Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms will continue mainly across north and northwest parts of the region through midday. By Fridayafternoon, additional scattered storms are expected with a severe threat mainly east of I-35. Showers and thunderstorms will increase in coverage overnight Friday with most areas seeing some rainfall. There is a low threat for a few severe storms during the overnight hours, but locally heavy rainfall will be the main threat.

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, large hail, 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.

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Dallas County until 2 a.m. Sunday, March 30. The National Weather Service reports that large hail, isolated gusts up to 70 mph, and frequent lightning is possible with this front. Stay informed and watch local conditions.

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, large hail, 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.

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.