Month: February 2025

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Student Academic Engagement & Success University Testing Center

University Testing Center Acquires Recertification from National College Testing Association

The University Testing Center (UTC) is excited to announce its recognition as a recertified testing center by the National College Testing Association (NCTA), valid through March 2030.  The center received original certification in 2020 and is one amongst a growing number in the United States and around the world to have completed the process.  The recertification will be in place for five years and can be renewed by demonstrating continued compliance to national standards.

SMU’s UTC is the only certified center in Dallas, and one of three in the greater D/FW area, recognized for dedication to test integrity and adherence to NCTA’s best practices in test administration.

The certification is a rigorous, one-year accreditation process granted to those centers whose test administration policies are compliant with testing industry standards developed by the NCTA. Centers are evaluated using criteria from the NCTA’s Professional Standards and Guidelines that focus on the evaluation of the test facility, test integrity methods, test security, confidentiality practices, staff training, and public relations.

The distinction is not only important for the SMU community, but also to others as UTC expands its service offerings that include professional testing for certification and licensure, proctoring for distance learners attending other universities, credit-by-exam, placement testing, and school admission exams.

The National College Testing Association is a non-profit organization of testing professionals working in post-secondary institutions, in companies with test-related products and services, and in other professional testing venues. NCTA was organized in 2000 and currently has more than 2,200 testing professionals from 650 colleges and universities as well as 50 test companies and organizations offering test-related products and services.

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Student Academic Engagement & Success

Now accepting applications for the SAES Coordinator role!

SMU Student Academic Engagement & Success (SAES) is excited to share that we are seeking a new Coordinator to support division-wide functions and the University Foundations department!

SAES Coordinator: The Coordinator of SAES will help create efficiency and productivity in the functioning of the University Foundations (UNIV) department and the Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success (SAES). Reporting to the SAES Business Manager, this role will support standardization and documentation practices across the division, the Committee on Academic Petitions, and several administrative processes for UNIV. Applicants must possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify, analyze, and devise solutions.

Application Deadline: March 9

Hiring Point of Contact: Bailey Price (bcprice@smu.edu)

Know someone who may be interested? Click here to see the full job posting on the SMU HR website. If you have questions, feel free to reach out!

Categories
Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

New Year, New Mustang Champions

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The life of a SMU student-athlete is a demanding one, requiring a delicate balance between rigorous training schedules and challenging academic pursuits. We are always impressed by our SMU Mustangs who exemplify dedication, resilience, and a commitment to excellence both in their respective sports and in the classroom. These four Mustangs are starting the year off strong!  

Kayanna Cox (Women’s Basketball) 

Cox’s story is one of incredible resilience. After undergoing surgery just before the start of the school year, Kayanna faced an uphill battle. Undeterred, she tackled a demanding 17-hour course load in the challenging engineering program and achieved one of the highest semester GPAs on her team. Her relentless work ethic and dedication, both on and off the court, have made her an exceptional student-athlete and a true leader in the classroom. Kayanna’s professors have raved about her active participation and engagement, highlighting her passion for learning. 

Jack Berube (Men’s Swimming) 

Jack Berube, a Fall 2024 transfer, has wasted no time making his mark on the SMU community. He’s already broken the school record in the 100 backstroke, an impressive feat made even more special by the fact that the previous record holder was his own father! Jack was also a key member of the record-breaking 400 medley relay team. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Jack is driven to excel academically and plans to pursue a business degree. He’s also passionate about elevating the team’s social media presence and is a vocal advocate for his teammates, demonstrating his commitment to the SMU community both in and out of the pool. 

Shelby Clauson (Equestrian) 

Shelby Clauson, a graduating senior majoring in CCPA: Organizational Communication with a minor in Political Science, embodies the ideal of a well-rounded student-athlete. Shelby has consistently demonstrated her commitment to academics by proactively managing her academic plan and utilizing available resources to maximize her academic success. We’re incredibly proud of this Baylor transfer who contributed to the national championship team last year and is now striving for another. 

Richard Garcia (Men’s Soccer) 

Richard, a junior midfielder on our Men’s Soccer team has had an impressive semester as a Mustang. Originally from Dallas, he wanted to transfer to SMU to be closer to family and follow in his cousin’s footsteps, Homero (who graduated from SMU as well). He transferred from California Polytechnic State University and is majoring in Sports Management.  He has aspirations to study law after he graduates in Fall 2025, finishing his last season as a Mustang.  

These four students- athletes represent the best of SMU, demonstrating what it takes to perform at the highest level- academically and athletically. Their hard work, dedication, and passion serve as an inspiration to us all. We congratulate them on their accomplishments and wish them continued success! 

Categories
Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

S.P.I.R.I.T of a Mustang

DecMC

The SMU Mustangs are known for their competitive spirit and dedication to excellence, both on the field and in the classroom. Let’s celebrate their recent successes! 

Yohan Traore (Men’s Basketball) 

Yohan Traore, since transferring to SMU last Fall, has demonstrated exceptional work ethic and a positive attitude. Navigating the complexities of transferring universities can be challenging, but Yohan tackled the process with grace and determination, diligently completing all necessary petitions. Now, fully immersed in the academic year, he continues to shine. Yohan is a model student, consistently punctual for classes, tutoring, and study hall. His dedication is evident in his strong performance in his history courses, a testament to his commitment to academic success. Beyond his achievements, Yohan’s respectful demeanor makes him a true pleasure to work with. 

June Song (Women’s Golf) 

Junior June Song is a force to be reckoned with. Majoring in Journalism and minoring in Art History, June maintains a stellar GPA while simultaneously competing at a high level on the Women’s Golf team. Her talents extend beyond the classroom and the golf course. June recently captivated audiences with her stunning vocal performance at the ACC Football Conference Championships. She truly embodies the definition of a well-rounded student-athlete, excelling in academics, athletics, and the arts. 

Luke Sitz (Men’s Diving) 

Luke Sitz has made a splash on the international stage! Representing the United States at the World Aquatics Junior Diving Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Luke earned three impressive top-six finishes: 5th in 3-meter diving, 6th in 1-meter diving, and 5th in synchronized diving. His talent and hard work haven’t gone unnoticed at the collegiate level either. Luke has been named ACC Diver of the Week three times this fall, further solidifying his position as a rising star in the diving world. His ADSA counselor, Katie Evans, looks forward to supporting the academic development of this first year student. 

Maddy Parker (Women’s Swimming) 

Transferring to SMU this fall from Washington State University, sophomore Maddy Parker has already made a significant impact on the swimming scene. At the US Open Championships  in Greensboro earlier this month, Maddy showcased her talent by winning two events: the 50 free (22.26) and the 100 free (48.09). Her impressive performances signal a bright future for this Mustang swimmer. Maddy plans to major in Anthropology, demonstrating her commitment to academic pursuits alongside her athletic ambitions. 

These four student-athletes represent the best S.P.I.R.I.T  of SMU. Their dedication, talent, and commitment to both academics and athletics serve as an inspiration to the entire Mustang community! 

Categories
Honors and Scholars Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Student Academic Engagement & Success

Mustang Mentors Spotlight: Hayley and Fenix

Meet Hayley and Fenix, one of the first mentorship pairs in the Mustang Mentors peer mentoring program.

Fenix, a freshman at SMU, arrived on campus in Fall 2024 excited to explore every opportunity to invest in herself. As an undecided major, she was looking for guidance from someone who had been in her shoes and shared her academic interest and goals. Who better than a peer?

After receiving an invitation to join Mustang Mentors, Fenix was matched with Hayley, a senior majoring in Applied Physiology and Sport Management. Initially, Hayley said, “I was so nervous to be a mentor, and then once I met Fenix and realized how much we had in common, I knew I could actually help her with the things she needed.”

Fenix’s academic and career interests ranged from business to advertising, marketing to communications, and everything in between – very similar to Hayley’s.

“When I would talk to Hayley about her experiences with applications to Advertising and to Cox, then making her shift to sports management, it gave me confidence to say ‘Okay, I’ll end up where I need to be at the end of the day. There is so much I can do at this school,'” said Fenix.

For Hayley, the leadership opportunity to be a mentor during her senior year came at the perfect time. When the program came across her email, she knew “this could be a good opportunity to keep me accountable and to also meet someone I would’ve never met in any other setting.”

Both Fenix and Hayley shared the impact of peer mentorship on their college experience. “Having a peer mentor is motivating — especially knowing you are not alone and that you can ask for help. It gives you a foundation to keep you grounded in yourself and make more friends,” says Fenix.

“Being on the other end of this as a mentor, it’s a good way to see where I’m at with my leadership skills. I’m not one to normally put myself out there for positions like this, so it’s an experience I wouldn’t have ever gotten without this program,” says Hayley.

Peer Mentorship Matters

Hayley and Fenix’s mentorship highlights the important role of peer mentorship at SMU. Click here to watch their brief interview on youtube!

If you know a student who could benefit from Mustang Mentors, encourage them to email us at mustangmentors@smu.edu or visit our website smu.edu/mustangmentors!

 

 

 

 

Categories
Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

ADSA Academic Feedback Requests

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The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) is dedicated to collaborating with faculty to ensure the success of student-athletes. Twice each semester, ADSA solicits feedback from instructors to align with key academic milestones such as Early Progress Reports (EPRs), Mid-Term Progress Reports (MPRs), and the final withdrawal deadline. The software platform utilized by ADSA for this feedback collection is called Teamworks. 

What’s New: 

Enhanced Security: Faculty members will now receive a secure one-time password when accessing grade check surveys through email prompts. 

Authorized Access: This additional security measure ensures that only authorized faculty members can access and submit feedback. 

How It Works for Faculty: 

Access the Survey: When you receive a grade check email prompt, click the “Complete the Survey” button or copy and paste the provided link into your internet browser. 

Request Access Code: You’ll be prompted to enter your faculty email address to receive a secure access code. 

Retrieve Access Code: Check your inbox for an email containing your one-time password. 

Authenticate: Enter this code on the verification page to securely access your course(s) grade check survey. 

Spring 2025 Timeline for Feedback: 

Faculty Feedback Request #1 (Smaller Student-Athlete Population): 

  • February 17: Teamworks communication #1 for the first reporting period 
  • March 3: Teamworks first reporting period closes 

Faculty Feedback Request #2 (All Student-Athletes): 

  • April 7: Teamworks communication #1 for the second reporting period 
  • April 21: Teamworks second reporting period closes 

Please note: This authentication process is a temporary measure for Spring 2025 only. ADSA is working with campus OIT to implement Single Sign-On (SSO) for Teamworks access this summer. We understand this adds an extra step, but it is necessary to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the feedback process while we transition to SSO. 

For detailed guidance and visual demonstrations of this update, please consult our faculty member grade check help center guide: 

https://help.teamworks.com/academics/s/article/Access-and-Complete-a-Grade-Check 

For sport-specific contact information, please visit our website.

Categories
Office of General Education

Approved meeting minutes from the Council on General Education on January 31, 2025

The Council on General Education met on January, 31, 2025. The meeting minutes for December 6, 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 January 31, 2025, Council on General Education meeting.
  2. Approval of Minutes for December 6, 2024, Council on General Education meeting.
  3. AMAE 3387 Final Vote (Peter)
  4. Review Fall 2024 Critical Reasoning Drop and DFW Data (Peter/Dustin)
  5. Subcommittee Review and Meeting Structure (Peter)
    1. Proposal Deadline
    2. Administrative Review
    3. Friday Subcommittee Meeting Time
    4. Box Organization
    5. Lead Responsibilities
      1. Meeting Scheduling – as necessary
      2. Facilitate Meeting
      3. Communicate Vote Decision
    6. Vote due by Wednesday EOD
  6. SMU in Four CIE Course Proposals (Dustin)
  7. CC Assessment Non-compliance List (Peter)
  8. CC Assessment Feedback and Communication (Peter)
  9. Refreshed CC Faculty Webpage (Dustin)
    1. Request for review and feedback
  10. University Curriculum Decommissioning (Dustin)
    1. Website
    2. Petitions
  11. Spring Meeting Schedule Reminder
    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)

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

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success University Foundations
Event flyer featuring headshot of Dr. Wendy Suzuki, with long black hair, black glasses, and wearing a light blue top. Text on flyer: [SMU logo] Unlocking the Power of your Brain: The Science of Exercise, Focus, and Mental Health. Dr. Wendy Suzuki. Tuesday, Feb 25 at 5 p.m. Oren Family Auditorium. For more information on this speaker please visit simonspeakers.com

We invite you to join us Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 5 p.m. in the Oren Family Auditorium for an engaging talk with Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a world-renowned neuroscientist and expert on brain plasticity, as she shares how movement and mindfulness can enhance focus, learning, and mental well-being.

Dr. Suzuki is the Dean of the College of Arts and Science at NYU and a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology. Her TED Talk on the brain-changing benefits of exercise has over 65 million views, and her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and The Washington Post.

Registration is encouraged on SMU360. Please sign up and encourage your students and colleagues to do the same.

This event is open to faculty, staff, and students, and we encourage you to attend and share this opportunity with your students. Dr. Suzuki’s insights on brain health and performance are directly relevant to academic success and well-being.

We appreciate your help in spreading the word and hope to see you there!

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Honors and Scholars News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Big iDeas Business Plan Competition

The Office of Engaged Learning held its annual Big iDeas Business Plan Competition on Friday, February 14 where 11 student teams pitched their business plan to a panel of expert judges in 4 minutes.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 competition:

Justus Woods, Abbie Ellermeier, and Josh Baier, TimioNews

Jude Lugo, LectureLogger

Wade Hunter, Sandra

Amar Khoja, Jonathan Zanzuri, Dorm Room Cleans, Inc.

Benjamin Omoregbe, InternSurf

Special thanks to our judges Carson Gibbons (Founder of DallasMeetup), Jenica Oliver (CMO of Blueprint Marketing Group), Michael Kelly (Chief Strategy Office at Mozee), and Dr. Sara Rana (VC & Investor Relations, Capital Factory).

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Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center

Transfer Student Appreciation Week Events Announced

Event flyer for Transfer Student Appreciation Week at SMU! The first event is attending a Basketball game and gathering in Section 112, on February 16th at 3pm for the Mustangs Vs. Clemson Women's Basketball game. The second event is a Mustang Transfer Org Meet & Greet, where students can speak with different clubs and organizations to build community and leadership skills. The third event is a Major and Minor Fair Luncheon in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center Ballrooms on February 18th. The final event is a Faculty Research Panel in Laura Lee Blanton Room 110 from 12-1pm, where students can learn how to get involved in Research at SMU.
SMU Loves transfers!

February brings many things, and among them is SMU’s Transfer Student Appreciation Week!  UAC Transfer Advisor Dee O’Banner is leading the charge this semester with multiple events designed to share some Hilltop appreciation, treats, and info with SMU’s transfer students! Students, staff, and faculty are all welcome to attend!

RSVP now on SMU360!