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Office of General Education Peer Academic Leaders Student Academic Engagement & Success

The Office of General Education is recruiting Peer Academic Leaders for the 2025-2026 academic year

The Office of General Education has begun recruiting Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) for the 2025-2026 academic year. The PALs are a diverse group of undergraduate students with a goal to help students better understand the Common Curriculum, utilize academic resources, connect with their community, and navigate academic challenges.

This is a paid student worker role, averaging 5-9 weekly work hours. Students can also earn their Community Engagement and Oral Communications Proficiency & Experience. Students hired for the position will also receive an $800 housing credit for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Students can apply for the PALs role through the Peer Leader Recruitment Qualtrics form. Staff and faculty can also nominate a student they think would be a good fit for the role.

Once a student applies, they will be contacted to schedule their first-round interview. From there, students will be invited for a final interview with the PALs supervisor, Melina Padron.

The deadline to nominate a Peer Leader will be February 10th. The Peer Leader application will close February 12th. Please contact Melina Padron, the PALs supervisor, at melinap@smu.edu with any questions or concerns.

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Office of General Education Peer Academic Leaders Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center

Peer Academic Leaders and University Advising Center prepare for Success Fest

The Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) and University Advising Center (UAC) have started preparing for the Spring 2025 Success Fest, which will take place on February 26th from 11:30am-1:30pm in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center, Ballroom C. Success Fest is an event dedicated to the promotion and adoption of Degree Planner.

As stated on the university’s academic calendar, undergraduate students are required to update and complete their Degree Planner before the March 1st deadline.

Students can expect a To-Do message on their my.SMU Student Dashboard that will prompt them to complete their Degree Planner. Undeclared students will be asked to plan through the semester after their major declaration, and declared students will be asked to plan to the semester of their graduation.

Students will also receive a message through the Message Center with more information about the Degree Planner deadline, Success Fest, and upcoming Degree Planner workshops offered by the PALs and UAC.

Students, staff, and faculty can refer to the Office of General Education’s SMU 360 event page for details about the February Degree Planner workshops. Alternatively, staff and faculty can request a PALs Degree Planner workshop on a date and time that is more convenient. 

Students who show proof of a completed Degree Planner can enter Success Fest, however, students can also complete their Degree Planner on the day of the event. RSVPs to Success Fest are encouraged via SMU 360, but walk-ins are welcome.

Categories
News Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

Seeking SMU-entrepreneurs to sell or demo at the Big iDeas Marketplace

The Office of Engaged Learning invites all SMU-affiliated entrepreneurs to sell their products, demo their apps, share brochures, etc., at the Big iDeas Marketplace on Friday, February 14th, from 10am-1pm.

If you have a business, no matter the size, we encourage you to participate in the event. We are still accepting applications from SMU faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Fill out the application form to reserve a table.

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

Undergraduate Research Student Spotlight: Tran Lam

By Diana Bautista Hernandez, Student Media Assistant for OEL

Transportation inefficiencies have a major impact on both the environment and business profitability. Tran Lam, a senior Computer Science and Data Science major, is tackling these challenges as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. Under the mentorship of Dr. Eli Olinick in the Department of Operations Research and Engineering Management (OREM), Tran is working on mathematical modeling of network flow to develop faster, more scalable algorithms for solving large, complex routing problems in transportation. This is no simple task for a student. In an interview with Tran, she shares her experiences, challenges, and the goals she aspires to achieve through her work.

What inspired you to do research? 

Research offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper into topics that genuinely interest me, beyond just what’s covered in classes. Instead of passively absorbing information, I get to engage directly with complex problems and try out different approaches. It’s a more dynamic way of learning where I’m not confined to fixed curriculum but can ask my own questions and find my own answers. It allows me to ask questions, get direct feedback, and refine my thinking. This hands-on experience helps me build critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any career path I choose later.

What types of support do you receive from your mentors?

They offered new perspective on tackling the problem, suggesting different methods and approaches that I hadn’t considered before. For instance, they guided me on using specific optimization techniques and shared insights from their own experiences working on related problems in logistics. This helped me refine my algorithms and improve the efficiency of my solution. Overall, their feedback and expertise played a key role in shaping the direction of my research and pushing it to higher level.

What do you hope people take away from your research? 

Through my research, I hope to demonstrate a practical approach to optimizing the profitability of backhaul trips, which is a critical aspect of logistics that often gets overlooked (a “backhaul trip” refers to the return journey of a vehicle carrying goods or cargo after completing a delivery). My goal is to show that even small improvements in planning backhaul routes can lead to significant gains in efficiency and profit for logistics and delivery companies. On a larger scale, I hope this work encourages industry professionals and researchers to explore new and creative strategies for reducing empty travel time and making the most out of every trip. Ultimately, I want my research to serve as a stepping stone for future innovations in logistics optimization, helping companies reduce costs, increase sustainability, and improve overall service quality.

What advice would you give to students interested in research but feeling intimidated?

I’d say that feeling intimidated is completely normal, especially if it’s your first time considering research. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that research isn’t about knowing everything from the start; it’s about the willingness to learn, experiment and adapt. My advice would be to embrace curiosity. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, no matter how simple they may seem. It’s surprising how much you can learn just having open conversation about your ideas. Additionally, don’t be afraid to fail or make mistakes. I’ve learned that research is about finding what doesn’t work just as much as find what does. Even the setbacks are valuable because they help refine your approach.

For someone new to research, what’s the first step to take?

The first step is to find a topic that you’re genuinely curious about. Don’t worry if it’s not a groundbreaking idea right away, what matters is that it’s something you are excited to learn more about. Once you have a topic, start by doing some basic reading or literature review to understand what’s already been done in that area. This will help you identify gaps or question that you might want to explore further. Also, don’t be afraid to start small. Pick a specific problems or questions that you can tackle and build from there. The research process can seem daunting at first but taking that initial step with clear focus will give you a strong foundation on growing your skills and confidence.

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Hilltop Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success

Get to Know the Hilltop Scholars Program

What Is the Hilltop Scholars Program?

The Hilltop Scholars Program (HSP) is an invitation-only first-year honors program that helps students transition to university life while setting the stage for their future success. What sets HSP apart is its holistic focus, which emphasizes leadership development, community engagement, and academics.

This program identifies students with academic promise and a strong desire to make a difference, offering them a framework to excel in and out of the classroom. HSP students often go on to become campus leaders, involved citizens, and high-achieving alumni.

Building Community

For first-year students, transitioning to university life can be a daunting process. The Hilltop Scholars Program recognizes this and intentionally fosters a strong sense of community among its participants. Through shared classes, group service projects, and social events, HSP students form lasting connections with their peers and mentors.

SAES faculty and staff can contribute to the success of HSP by creating spaces where students feel supported and encouraged. Whether it’s through advising, classroom interactions, or informal conversations, your engagement helps reinforce the program’s sense of belonging and collaboration.

Opportunities for Faculty and Staff

The success of the Hilltop Scholars Program is deeply tied to the involvement of SMU’s faculty and staff. Here are several ways you can contribute:

  • Teaching HSP Courses or Offering a Guest Lecture: Faculty have the opportunity to lead discussion-based courses that challenge students to think critically and explore interdisciplinary topics. These courses not only fulfill core requirements but also introduce students to the broader intellectual community at SMU.
  • Mentorship: Faculty and staff can serve as mentors, offering guidance and support as students navigate their first year. Your insight and encouragement can make a significant impact on their growth and confidence.
  • Service Collaboration: Staff members who oversee community engagement initiatives can partner with HSP to identify meaningful service opportunities and help students understand the impact of their contributions.
  • Leadership Development: Faculty and staff can provide workshops, lead discussions, or offer one-on-one coaching to help students refine their leadership skills.

 

What’s Next?

The Hilltop Scholars Program represents a vital part of SMU’s mission to cultivate leaders who make a difference. For SMU’s faculty and staff, supporting HSP is an opportunity to shape the next generation of leaders. By understanding the program and its goals, you can play a pivotal role in helping these students reach their full potential. Your involvement can help ensure the program continues to thrive and enrich the lives of first-year students.

Together, we can provide HSP students with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed—both at SMU and beyond.

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

Pathways to Business and Industry Spring 2025 Events

 

 

The Pathways to Business & Industry initiative offers a full slate of spring programs in collaboration with campus partners. These opportunities are designed for students interested in exploring business and industry careers while pursuing a major in another field. Students can register for events through SMU360.

Social & Networking Events
PBI Scholars Welcome Social
Enjoy free tacos, meet other students and faculty, and learn about resources available on campus.
– Thurs, Jan 30, 2-4 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den

TGIF Lunch in the Scholars Den with PBI
Come have lunch and meet other students and staff in the PBI program.
– Fri, Feb 21, 12-1 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den

Workshops, Trainings & Panels
Pathways to Careers in Management Science 
Learn what a B.S. in Management Science can do for your future from a panel of recent SMU alumni. Lunch provided. Co-hosted with Lyle School of Engineering.
– Wed, Feb 19, 12-1 PM, HTSC Chamber

Introduction to Business Research 
Learn to use Mergent Intellect, IBISWorld, and Factiva to investigate companies and the industries they operate in. Co-hosted with Duda Family Business Library.
– Tues, Feb 18, 11AM-12 PM, Fondren Library 110

Degree Planner Workshop
Get help using SMU Degree Planner from your Peer Academic Leader (PAL).
– Thu, Feb 27, 2-3 PM, Fondren Library 109

Stepping Blocks Workshops
Learn how to use the Stepping Blocks Digital Career Counselor as a tool to guide your career path forward.
– Tuesday, March 4, 12:30-2:30 PM, Online
– Tuesday, April 15, 12:30-1:30 PM, Online

Advising & Mentorship
PBI Coffee Chats
We’re here for you! Enjoy some coffee or tea and have a one-on-one chat with PBI staff.
– Schedule anytime by e-mailing pbi@smu.edu

PBI PAL Office Hours
Have questions? Want to learn more? Meet with your PBI Peer Academic Leader (PAL) Tiffany Nguyen.
– Mon, Feb 3, 1:30-3:30 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den
– Tues, Feb 4, 12:30-2:30 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den
– More dates to come. Check schedule on SMU360.

PBI UAC Advising
Receive one-on-one advising with a PBI University Advising Center advisor.
– Workshop: Mon, Mar 10, 3-4 PM, Hughes-Trigg 227
– PBI Drop-in Advising: Mon, Mar 31, 2-4:30 PM, Blanton 408F
– PBI Drop-in Advising, Mon, April 7, Clements Hall Scholars Den
– PBI Drop-in Advising, Mon, April 9, Online

 

Categories
Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies First-Generation Initiative Student Academic Engagement & Success

Academic Skill Development launches quick video series

Academic Skill Development has launched a rebranded Quick Video Series that includes new videos about note-taking, strategic studying for deep learning, test anxiety, textbook study reading, concentration, and finals preparation. Updated videos include those related to time management, test preparation, and more. Visit our study skills website to see both the videos and study tools. Students can pick up printed versions of the study tools in the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center, located on the second floor of the Loyd All Sports Center. Subscribe to the Academic Skill Development YouTube channel to view all videos.

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Honors and Scholars National Fellowships University Honors Program

University Honors Program announces staffing changes

Starting this semester, Dr. Brandon Gray Miller will serve as the Director of the University Honors Program and continues to oversee the Office of National Undergraduate Fellowships in his role as Assistant Dean for University Honors Program and Fellowships. Undergraduate students seeking to learn more about the University Honors Program or awards for international study, research, travel, and other professional development opportunities should schedule a meeting with him.

Mrs. Dorie Beitchman joined the UHP as the Assistant Director in October. She works with the Honors Student Advisory Council to plan UHP events and meets with UHP students to ensure they are completing their UHP requirements. Please direct student questions about requirements, UHP course petitions and Culminating Project petitions to her. She is available for office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which students can schedule via booking.smu.

Dr. David Doyle will continue to serve as the Dean of Honors and Scholars Programs and office in the Scholars’ Den.

The University Honors Program prepares undergraduate students for their future by emphasizing a broad-based education in the humanities and sciences, and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity through dedicated Honors coursework, events, and independent research opportunities. The UHP is supported by expert faculty, advisors, and a community of like-minded students who are committed to exploring diverse academic interests.  Current students eager to learn more should contact a member of the UHP staff about how to apply.

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Office of General Education

Approved meeting minutes from the Council on General Education on December 6, 2024

The Council on General Education met on December 6, 2024. The meeting minutes for November 8, 2024 were approved at this meeting. Below is the agenda, and the meeting minutes have now been posted on the General Education website.

  1. Approval of the Agenda for December 6, 2024, Council on General Education meeting.
  2. Approval of Minutes for the November 8, 2024, Council on General Education meeting.
  3. Course Proposals (revisions)
    1. ANTH 3352-TAS
    2. ANTH 3343-TAS
    3. BIOL 1303-ES
  4. Literary Analysis and Interpretation (non-English) Rubric Update (Dayna)
  5. Course and Experience Proposal Review Process Discussion
    1. Sub-Committees
    2. Voting Proposals
  6. Spring Meeting Schedule
    1. January 31, 2025
    2. February 28, 2025 (proposal meeting)
    3. March 14, 2025
    4. April 4, 2025 (proposal meeting)
    5. April 25, 2025 (in-person)
  7. General Education Office Updates (Dustin)
    1. Fall 2024 Tag Removals
      1. SOCI 3370-W
      2. WL 3341/HRTS 3341-HC
      3. ENGL 1380-CA
      4. FILM 3304-OC
      5. FILM 2362-HC
    2. CIE Course Proposals (Selected 5)

Please contact the Office of General Education for questions or proposal development support.

Categories
Office of General Education

Common Curriculum Course Search updated on January 14, 2025

The Office of General Education has updated the Common Curriculum course search with added breadth and graduation requirement tags.

The January 14, 2025, update reflects the following tag additions and removals:

Added:

AMAE 3387 – Creativity & Aesthetics: Creation (CAC) ANTH 3343 – Human Diversity (HD) ANTH 3343 – Technological Advances and Society (TAS)
ANTH 3385 – Oral Communication (OC) ANTH 3385 – Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS) ARHS 1322– Creativity & Aesthetics: Analysis (CAA)
ARHS 3305 – Human Diversity (HD) ARHS 3352 – Technological Advances and Society (TAS) ARHS 3382 – Civic & Individual Ethics (CIE)
ARHS 3382 – Historical Contexts (HC) BUSE 2311 – Technological Advances and Society (TAS) ENGL 1380- Literary Analysis & Interpretation (LAI)
HIST 1328 – Historical Contexts (HC) HIST 1328 – Human Diversity (HD) HIST 3337 – Philosophical, Religious & Ethical Inquiry (PREI)
HRTS 3341 – Civic & Individual Ethics (CIE) MNO 3375 – Civic & Individual Ethics (CIE) MSA 3391 – Creativity & Aesthetics: Creation (CAC)
RELI 3337- Philosophical, Religious & Ethical Inquiry (PREI) SOCI 3322 – Community Engagement (CE) SOCI 3322 – Civic & Individual Ethics (CIE)
SOCI 3322 – Human Diversity (HD) SOCI 3322 – Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS) UNIV 2301 – Technological Advances and Society (TAS)
UNIV 2301 – Writing (W) WL 3308 – Global Perspectives (GPS) WL 3312 –Literary Analysis & Interpretation (LAI)
WL 3312 – Writing (W) WL 3341 – Civic & Individual Ethics (CIE)  

Removed:

ENGL 1380 – Creativity & Aesthetics: Analysis (CAA) FILM 2362 – Historical Contexts (HC) FILM 3304 – Oral Communication (OC)
HRTS 3341 – Historical Contexts (HC) MSA 3391 – Creativity & Aesthetics: Analysis (CAA) SOCI 3370 – Writing (W)
WL 3341 – Historical Contexts (HC)    

Any questions or concerns about the Common Curriculum course search can be directed to the Office of General Education.