Category: Latest Updates

April 17, 2024

SMU Police report two concerning incidents involving water gel pellets shot from a car on our campus.

Two students reported being struck by water pellets fired from a moving vehicle at approximately 12:15 a.m. Wednesday on Bishop Blvd. Additionally, several students reported being struck by water gel pellets from a moving vehicle near 3100 Binkley Ave. on April 10 at approximately 10 p.m.

Both incidents have been referred to our Criminal Investigations team, who believe these cases to be linked.

The vehicle is described as a dark-colored sedan, and victims and witnesses were unable to provide detailed descriptions of the occupants.

Please review these photos of the suspected vehicle involved in these incidents.

We urge anyone with information about these incidents or who may have witnessed anything suspicious to come forward and report it to SMU Police immediately by calling 214-768-3333.

The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are our top priorities. We take these incidents very seriously and are actively working with local law enforcement to investigate these incidents.

If you see something, say something.

Report suspicious people or activity by contacting SMUPD at 214-768-3388 or anonymously through the Silent Witness Program at 214-SMU-2TIP, online at http://www.smu.edu/2TIP, or by using the SMU Aware Safety App.

April 12, 2024

[8:06 p.m.] SMU Police have apprehended Ian James Smith. SMUPD detectives arrested Smith today on outstanding warrants, including stalking and violating a criminal trespass warning.

Smith is unaffiliated with SMU and prohibited from being on any SMU property. Police received a report this morning of a sighting of Smith on campus, resulting in a search that led to his arrest in Carrollton.

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.

[1:32 p.m.] SMU Alert – UPDATE: SMU Police have conducted checks of the SMU campus following the reported sighting of Ian James Smith earlier this morning. Officers have checked all campus facilities and have determined that Smith is not on campus and is no longer in the area.

Additional patrols will remain on campus as SMU Police and their local, state and federal partners attempt to locate Smith, who has outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Please contact SMU Police at 214-768-3333 or call 911 if you have information about Smith.

---

[9:04 a.m.] SMU Alert-SMU Police are actively searching for Ian James Smith, who is wanted for stalking. He was observed SMU property this morning near the Mustang Parking Center (6001 Bush Avenue) at approximately 8 a.m. If you see Smith, contact SMU Police immediately at 214-768-3333 or call 911. He was last seen wearing a dark hoodie and shorts.

SMU Police previously issued a criminal trespass warning to Ian James Smith. He is unaffiliated with SMU and prohibited from being on any SMU property

Smith was arrested in 2021-22 for harassment, obstruction and retaliation. While working as delivery driver, he cyber-stalked and harassed several SMU students and attempted to use a third party to intimidate a victim/witness following arrest. He was convicted and sentenced to the Texas Department of Corrections.

Smith was recently released from prison and observed near the SMU campus on March 21. Officers determined he had resumed contact with some people involved in his previous cases and issued the criminal trespass warning.

Person of concern: Ian James Smith
Age: 22
Race: White
Description: 5’6”, 130 lbs., brown eyes and brown hair
Information also may be reported anonymously through the Police Department’s Silent Witness Program by calling 214-SMU-2TIP, online at www.smu.edu/2TIP or through the SMU Aware Safety App .
If you see something, say something. Report suspicious people or activities.

Dear SMU Community,

Monday will be an extraordinary day on campus and in our surrounding region. Dallas lies within the path of totality for the upcoming total solar eclipse. During this event, the moon will completely obscure the sun for approximately four minutes, from 1:40 to 1:44 p.m. With over 400,000 visitors expected in the Metroplex, we want to remind you to be prepared and safe for this rare astronomical event.

Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind:

---

Viewing the Eclipse Safely

• Do not look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Please make sure to use approved solar viewing glasses. Looking directly at the sun, even for a brief period, can cause serious eye damage or even blindness.
• Avoid using homemade or improvised filters for viewing the sun. Only use eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
• You are encouraged to purchase your own approved eclipse glasses. SMU will offer a limited supply of eclipse glasses for students, faculty, and staff free of charge. They will be available Monday on a first come, first serve basis on the main quad and the plaza surrounding the Val and Frank Late Fountain, just east of Dedman Life Sciences Building.
• Additionally, the Deason Innovation Gym will be open from 9 a.m. to noon for individuals to drop in and assemble a pinhole projector as an alternative method for safely viewing the eclipse.

---

Traffic Preparedness and Other Info for Drivers

• Anticipate increased traffic on the day of the eclipse, especially on roads leading to and from campus. North Central Expressway could be especially congested.
• Don’t wear eclipse glasses while driving. Pull over and park before looking at the eclipse. Don’t stop on highways or major thoroughfares, per TxDOT.
• Exercise special caution with pedestrians who may be distracted and looking up at the sky.
• Plan your commute accordingly and allow for extra travel time.
• Consider carpooling or using public transportation if possible to reduce traffic congestion.
• If you are driving from noon to 3 p.m., turn on your vehicle headlights while the moon is blocking the sun’s light.

---

Pedestrian Safety Information

• Exercise caution when walking around campus, as there may be increased and distracted pedestrian traffic.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and watch for vehicles, especially in crowded and congested areas.
• Follow designated pedestrian pathways and crosswalks and adhere to traffic signals and signs.

We encourage everyone to witness the solar eclipse safely. This is a unique opportunity, as the next time our region will be in the path of totality will be in 2317.

SMU classes and operations will resume as scheduled on Wednesday, January 17.

The dining halls (Arnold, Lee) and retail locations, SMU Libraries and Dedman Center will operate as scheduled and open at regular business hours Wednesday.

Given the recent extreme cold, there might be lingering impacts. Report any water leaks or damage in on-campus housing, work areas, and classrooms via STABLE. While road and travel conditions have improved, any wet surfaces may refreeze overnight, so please be careful returning to campus Wednesday morning. Stay warm.

[Click here for Tuesday’s campus notice about operational changes.]

Updated Tuesday (1/16/2024) at 12 p.m.

Due to inclement weather, all undergraduate and most graduate classes on Tuesday, January 16, are canceled. Information on certain graduate or professional courses is available here.

The dining halls (Arnold, Lee) and Mac’s Place will operate as scheduled. Starbucks is open and closes at 5 p.m. Chick-Fil-A, Panera and The Market are open and close at 6 p.m. Sushic is open and closes at 5 p.m. Follow smudining on Instagram for more information.

Fondren Library is open and closes at 5 p.m.

Dedman Center is open and closes at 5 p.m.

The SMU Bookstore is open and closes at 5 p.m.

The SMU Men’s Basketball game on Tuesday evening (vs. Temple) will take place as scheduled.

Faculty and Staff

Only employees designated as essential on-campus should report to work on campus. If you have questions about your on-campus/remote designation, please refer to these FAQs.

Continue to check the SMU Aware website for the latest information.

January 12, 2024

Dear SMU Community,

Frigid temperatures and inclement weather are forecasted Sunday through Tuesday. SMU is observing the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday and classes resume on Tuesday. Please be prepared for the unusually cold weather and check back here for updates on any operational changes.

PREPARE AND STAY INFORMED

• Ensure we can reach you. Keep your contact information updated. Verify or update your details on your my.SMU account.
• Stay informed with SMU Aware. As an SMU student or employee, you are already signed up to receive SMU Alerts. 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.
• Prevent freezing pipes by maintaining adequate heat in your room, apartment, or house. Set your thermostat around 65 degrees or higher. Let faucets drip during extreme cold and open cabinet doors to warm pipes, especially on external walls.
• Become familiar with SMU Policy 9.12.  For academic continuity information, please review the Inclement Weather and Emergency Operations Guidelines. Staff members should refer to the Operational Changes FAQs.
• Monitor local news reports for the latest information about 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 inform your RA.
• Check for dining availability on the SMU Hospitality website or SMU Aware during severe weather.
• If SMU loses power, door card readers will switch to battery mode for up to a few hours. Watch for email updates on accessing your room/building.

NAVIGATE SAFELY

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

DRESS WARMLY

• Wear layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing, a hat, scarf and gloves.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Try to stay dry and out of the wind.

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

[5:56 p.m. UPDATE]:

Here is an update to the SMU Warning sent earlier today.  Dallas police have 27-year-old Shane Patrick Hubenak of Dallas in custody.

Hubenak is under investigation for threats against persons associated with SMU, his family members, and to businesses in other areas in Texas. He is also wanted on warrants for terroristic threats and had been considered armed and dangerous.

If you have information about this person or case, contact SMU Police.

Campus Awareness Tips

If you see something, say something. Report suspicious people or activities. Call SMU Police, report anonymously online, use the SMU Aware Safety App, or call 214-SMU-2TIP. 

---

[10:30 a.m.] Police are investigating a Dallas man, not affiliated with the University, for threats against persons associated with SMU, his family members, and to businesses in other areas in Texas.

27-year-old Shane Patrick Hubenak also has several open warrants for terroristic threats and is known to be armed and dangerous. See photos below.

If you see Hubenak or his vehicle on campus, do not approach him and immediately call 9-1-1 or SMUPD at 214-768-3333. Also, if you have information about this person or case, contact SMU Police.

Campus Awareness Tips

If you see something, say something. Report suspicious people or activities. Call SMU Police, report anonymously online, use the SMU Aware Safety App, or call 214-SMU-2TIP.  

In compliance with the federal campus safety law known as the Clery Act, SMU is required to send Timely Warnings about reported crimes that could pose a continuing threat to campus. This message is intended to provide information to help you protect yourself and to aid in the prevention of similar crimes.

October 24, 2023

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

In the hustle and bustle of campus life in the middle of a busy urban area, pedestrian safety cannot be overlooked. It is not just an individual duty, but a shared commitment to protect each member of our community. By prioritizing pedestrian safety, we create a safer campus experience for every Mustang. During this National Pedestrian Safety Month, please review these important safety tips for pedestrians and motorists.

Motorists

• Yield for pedestrians in crosswalks. They have the right of way. Motorists have a significant responsibility to help protect pedestrians.
• 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.
• 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.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.

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 your efforts to help keep SMU a safe learning, living and working environment.

SMU Warning ­–A student reported to SMU Police that a man with a knife attempted to rob the student in the 5300 block of East Mockingbird near campus just before 9 p.m. (10-18-2023).

The student was able to get away and contact police. The suspect is described as approximately 6 feet tall with a medium build, wearing dark-colored clothing and armed with a knife.

If you have any information, please contact SMU PD at 214-768-3388.

Information also can be reported anonymously through the Police Department’s Silent Witness Program by calling 214-SMU-2TIP, online at www.smu.edu/2TIP or with the SMU Aware Safety App.

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.

Dear SMU Community,

You may be aware of calls for demonstrations across the world in connection with the war in Israel and Gaza. Please know that there is no indication of any threat to SMU and the campus is operating normally. SMU Police remain in constant contact with local, state and federal law enforcement partners, sharing information and resources.

Because of concerns expressed by Jewish and Palestinian members of our SMU community, we have put in place additional security precautions over the next several days – more officers and more patrols – to support campus safety.

What SMU Police ask from the community:

• If you see something, say something. We rely on the community to alert us to activities that appear suspicious. Please report any suspicious activity 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, online at www.smu.edu/2TIP or through the SMU Aware Safety App.
• Reach out to us. The ability to discuss any safety and security concerns with SMU Police can be helpful to groups and individuals and also assists in developing safety programs for our campus community. Other campus resources include the Office of the Chaplain, Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of the Dean of Students.
• Verify. Information on social media and the web can be misleading. Rely on trusted institutions and known sources. Call SMU Police and let us either confirm what you are hearing or seeing or put you in touch with the correct agency to get an accurate answer.
• Stay informed. The SMU Aware website remains your campus hub for emergency information. Please bookmark this website and review the safety resources and procedures.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep our campus safe.