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Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

Unveiling new possibilities: Fall highlights from Pathways to Business and Industry

SMU Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) is an exciting initiative dedicated to supporting undergraduates as they navigate their academic journeys and prepare for careers in business and industry. By fostering aspirations and providing resources, PBI equips students with the tools they need to succeed both during their time at SMU and beyond.

This fall, PBI collaborated with key partners, including the Hegi Family Career Center, University Advising Center, and Peer Academic Leaders (PAL), to organize a diverse selection of events. These 15 sessions spanned various academic disciplines, featuring contributions from departments such as Journalism, History, and Operations Research Engineering Management.

One of the highlights of the fall term was the Pathways to Business and Industry Current Student and Alumni Panel. The panel brought together current students—Daniyal Saleem ’27, Oliver Xu ’26, and Bianey Rojas ’27—representing majors like Data Science and Management Science & Economics. Alumni speaker Sean MacKenzie ’23, an Economics graduate now working at JP Morgan, offered valuable insights into transitioning from college to a professional career.

As we look ahead to the spring semester, PBI is gearing up to deliver a lineup of unique workshops, social events, and targeted programs. Students are encouraged to explore the calendar of events and register on SMU 360 to take full advantage of these opportunities.

Additionally, this spring, our dedicated PBI Peer Academic Leader (PAL), Tiffany Nguyen, will be hosting office hours to provide mentorship and tailored advice to current PBI scholars and students interested in joining the program. She will also lead Spring Degree Planner Workshop and the Stepping Blocks Digital Career Counselor Sessions, equipping students with practical tools to navigate their academic and career journeys. Meetings with Tiffany can be easily scheduled through SMU 360.

If you know any first-year, second-year, or transfer undergraduate students eager to explore careers in business and industry—even those without a business degree—please encourage them to join PBI by signing up at smu.edu/pbi.

For more information about the PBI initiative, feel free to reach out to Alisha Bailey at pbi@smu.edu. Pony Up!

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center

University Advising Center welcomes new Coordinator

The University Advising Center welcomes Anthony Cesario as the new office coordinator. Anthony joined the University Advising Center on November 11th during the peak of Spring 25 enrollment and has hit the ground running!

Born and raised in Coppell, Texas, Anthony graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in American Studies in December of 2023. Prior to joining SMU, he has held various customer service roles and was a summer camp counselor. Anthony enjoys listening to music, writing, exploring parks and nature trails, and binging Buffy the Vampire Slayer whenever possible. He is very excited to work in the realm of higher education.

Please join us in welcoming Anthony to the Hilltop and the UAC!

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center

University Advising Center announces Staff Change

The University Advising Center is pleased to share that Gerralynn McKenna is continuing her work in our office as our newest Academic Advisor. She has gracefully stepped in to her new role and advising students for Fall 24 and beyond.

Before her new position, Gerralynn came to SMU in June of 2023 to serve as Coordinator for the UAC. Prior to her time at SMU,  she taught elementary special education for 4 years, and moved to Dallas from Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband. She continues to enjoy hiking, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and reading. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome to her new position!

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Introducing SMU Dining flex cards to support student success

Exciting news, faculty and staff! The Office of Student Success and Retention is thrilled to announce the introduction of SMU Dining flex cards, designed to enhance your engagement with students beyond the traditional classroom or office setting.

This initiative offers a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with students in a relaxed environment, foster meaningful relationships, and demonstrate your support, particularly for those who may need additional encouragement to stay on track or at SMU.

To get your hands on a flex card:

  1. Reach out to the Office of Student Success and Retention at ssr@smu.edu or 214-768-6824 to reserve your card.
  2. Pick up your card from the SSR office in Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 100 between 8:30 – 5 PM Monday – Friday.
  3. Treat yourself and your student to coffee, tea, lunch, or a snack at any SMU Dining location.
  4. Return the card along with your receipt within 24 hours of checkout to the SSR office.

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference! For any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact the Office of Student Success and Retention at ssr@smu.edu. Thank you for your commitment to supporting our students and helping them succeed.