Month: March 2025

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Office of General Education

Approved meeting minutes from the Council on General Education on March 14, 2025

Conference room

The Council on General Education met on March 14, 2025. The meeting minutes for February 28, 2025, 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 March 14, 2025, Council on General Education meeting.
  2. Approval of Minutes for February 28, 2025, Council on General Education meeting.
  3. CC HD graduation requirement Task Force
    1. Overview
      1. 3 Meetings
      2. Volunteers
  4. TCCNS Working Group
    1. Volunteers
  5. General Education Office Updates (Dustin)
    1. Faculty Website Feedback Request
    2. SMU in Four CIE Course Development Update
    3. Shared Responsibility of CE Fulfillment Discussions
    4. Catalog Updates
    5. Place-Based Community Engagement Symposium

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

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

Undergraduate Research Poster Session during Research and Innovation Week

SMU’s Research and Innovation Week 2025 will take place Monday, March 31-Friday, April 4. The week includes a series of presentations, panels and poster sessions showcasing student and faculty contributions.

The Undergraduate Research Poster Session will take place Tuesday, April 1, from 2-5 p.m. in the Moody Hall Atrium. Prizes are awarded for the Top 3 posters overall. We hope you will stop by to support the undergraduate researchers presenting!

2025 Undergraduate Poster Session Presenters

For additional information and full list of events, visit the Research and Innovation Week site. The SMU community and the public are invited to attend all events.

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Student Academic Engagement & Success

Vote for TIMIO: ACC InVenture People’s Choice Award

SMU Alumnus Joshua Baier (’24) and his team, Justus Woods and Abbie Ellermeier, are set to take the stage at the ACC InVenture Prize Competition on Wednesday, April 2nd.

To vote for TIMIO for the People’s Choice Award, text “SMU” to 415-965-7445. The voting will open at 12:01am on Monday, March 31st and will close approximately at 6:45PM CST on Wednesday, April 2nd.

The competition will begin at 6:00pm CST on Wednesday, April 2nd. To watch the competition live, use this link.

Download TIMIO today from the app store or as a Chrome extension!

 

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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies First-Generation Initiative Office of General Education Peer Academic Leaders Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Testing Center Writing Center

Leveraging Neurodivergence: A conversation with Dr. Quill Kukla

Dr. Quill Kukla smiling, seated on a large disco ball in front of colored streamers.

Earlier this month as part of SMU’s Maguire Lecture in Ethics series, Dr. Quill Kukla, a professor of philosophy and disability studies at Georgetown University, spoke on “Healthism, Neurodiversity, and Respectability Politics.” Max Ashby, the Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS) Graduate Assistant, had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Kukla about their lecture’s specific relevance to SMU students and faculty. In Max’s words, “We discussed how Dr. Kukla’s own Autism diagnosis connects them to this topic, the support of parents/guardians and the University, the strengths of neurodivergent students, and tangible advice.”

To parents/guardians: When neurotype – the unique way a person’s brain works – is viewed as a health issue, you may see your neurodivergent children through a lens of vulnerability and dependence. As much as possible, keep your vision for your child’s future aligned with their strengths and interests, even if that conflicts with your initial plans.

To faculty: Start with three questions: What can everyone bring to the table and contribute? How can I facilitate a space of equal access instead of only accommodation? On whom were my classroom policies such as late work, deadlines, participation and presentations normed (e.g., only neurotypical, able-bodied students)?

To students: Your neurotype offers unique strengths in addition to limitations. For strengths – hyperfocusing on special interests encourages deep, sustained exploration of a topic leading to original insights and expertise. Your difference in information processing and predisposition for pattern recognition can lead to creative problem-solving and breakthroughs in research and creative fields. For limitations – advocate for yourself and understand your needs without viewing them through a lens of illness or deficiency. Your need for support is not a reflection of “brokenness” but rather a natural part of human diversity.

Categories
Office of General Education Student Success & Retention University Foundations

SMU awarded $10,000 Civic Pluralism in the Core Curriculum Grant from Interfaith America

SMU expands Common Curriculum offerings with new courses on civic pluralism 

Southern Methodist University is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $10,000 Civic Pluralism in the Core Curriculum Grant from Interfaith America for the 2025–2026 academic year. This grant will support the development of two new courses, Societies, Communities, & People and The Ethics of Service, which will be integrated into SMU’s Common Curriculum Civic and Individual Ethics (CIE) and Community Engagement (CE) proficiency and experience requirements for all undergraduate students. 

The grant, awarded to a collaborative team from the Office of General Education, the Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility, and the Department of University Foundations, underscores SMU’s ongoing commitment to cultivating leaders who engage with diversity, promote ethical reflection, and navigate societal challenges with empathy and insight. 

Societies, Communities, & People will explore the intersections of community, society, and ethical engagement, while The Ethics of Service will critically examine ethical dimensions of community engagement and service work via Engage Dallas. Both Department of University Foundations courses will equip students with the knowledge and skills to engage in meaningful dialogue across differences and contribute to civic life. 

The courses will also incorporate resources from Interfaith America’s Learning and Action Bridge (LAB), including the Pluralism Texts Bibliography and Story Circles Activity, ensuring that students engage with diverse perspectives through readings, reflection, and real-world applications. 

Faculty development and course design will begin in Spring 2025, with the courses launching by Spring 2026. This initiative aligns with SMU’s strategic goal of preparing ethical, globally minded leaders who can navigate an increasingly pluralistic world. 

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

We are excited to announce the launch of SMU’s Global Career Accelerator

Student working with employer

Beginning in Summer 2025, SMU will offer undergraduate students the opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop in-demand skills, and enhance their intercultural competency through the Global Career Accelerator, a virtual internship program placing students on international teams to work on client-driven projects. 

Through this program, students will:  

  • Collaborate with peers from over 50 countries in an internship-style experience. 
  • Bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application through innovative capstone projects. 
  • Work on projects for top global companies like Intel, The Grammys, and Amazon. 
  • Earn 3 internship credits while developing critical industry skills. 
  • Engage in Global LiveLabs and interactive coursework designed to enhance intercultural communication and professional development. 

The program is open to all SMU students, with no prerequisites required. The flexible format ensures Mustangs can gain internship experience and enhance their career readiness while balancing academic and personal commitments.  

To learn more about the Global Career Accelerator program through Podium Education and its benefits, visit careeraccelerator.smu.edu.  

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

Pathways to Business and Industry: Drop-in Advising for Students

The University Advising Center (UAC) has been an active partner with Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) throughout the academic year, offering valuable support through UAC Workshops and upcoming drop-in advising sessions to help students navigate their academic journey and career paths. These sessions provide students with personalized guidance to enhance their academic and professional development. 

Here’s the schedule for the upcoming advising sessions: 

  • March 31: 2-4:30 PM, Blanton 408F 
  • April 7: 2-4:30 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den (Snacks provided) 
  • April 9: 2-4:30 PM, Virtual via Zoom 

During the advising session, advisors will show students how to easily navigate the Shopping Cart and Schedule of Classes by adding their desired courses to the cart, reviewing course details, and then registering once their schedule is finalized. 

Whether students are seeking advice on course selection or career planning, these sessions offer a valuable opportunity to connect with an expert advisor who is here to support your success. 

PBI will be hosting a recruitment table in the UAC, with the following dates and times: 

  • April 8, 10:00 to 11:30 AM, Blanton 408A 
  • April 9, 10:00 to 11:30 AM, Blanton 408A 
  • April 10, 10:00 to 11:30 AM, Blanton 408A 

This will be a chance for undergraduate students to learn more about the PBI initiative and sign up. 

If you have students that are interested in finding out more about PBI, feel free to reach out to pbi@smu.edu. Undergraduate students can easily register for any of the drop-in advising sessions via SMU 360. 

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

ADSA Staff Promotions

promotions

The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) would like to highlight the hard work of our employees and the work that they do daily to positively impact the student- athlete’s lives that they work with. We are thrilled to highlight three staff promotions and announce a new Academic Counselor. ADSA and the student-athletes appreciate all of their contributions!

Lexi Williams – Academic Counselor 

Lexi Williams, recently transitioned from a Literacy Specialist to Academic Counselor. She continues to expand her impact in ADSA. Lexi came to the Hilltop in Summer 2024 from Georgia Tech, where she was an Athletic Academic Advisor for various teams including Women’s basketball, Women’s tennis, and Softball. Lexi embraces the opportunity to work with different teams and individuals. For Lexi, the most rewarding part of her role is witnessing the development and personal growth of the student-athletes she supports. Her adaptability and genuine care make her a tremendous asset to our team and we are excited to watch her grow! 

Leeann Oland – Office Manager 

For 14 remarkable years, Leeann Oland has been a cornerstone of the ADSA department. In her elevated position, Leeann will continue to oversee several programs, student workers, while elevating her operational and fiscal responsibilities. She approaches her role with a warm smile, greeting every student-athlete with enthusiasm and a commitment to building meaningful relationships. Leeann is an invaluable part of our ADSA and SMU community. We celebrate her incredible tenure and consistency she brings to the ADSA every single day.  

Desmond Grayson – Senior Academic Counselor 

Desmond first joined SMU in 2023, as an Academic Counselor working with Football and Equestrian. In 2025, he was promoted to Senior Academic Counselor, serving the same teams. In this elevated position, Desmond is also taking on additional ADSA specific programming oversight.  His commitment to fostering academic and personal growth ensures that every student-athlete he works with feels supported along their journey at SMU. Desmond’s work embodies the spirit of teamwork and excellence. 

Kelsey Smith – Senior Academic Counselor 

Kelsey recently promoted from Academic Counselor to Senior Academic Counselor in January. She has quickly embraced her new role as with enthusiasm and a drive to connect with her new teams. Previously, she worked with Men’s & Women’s Soccer, and Rowing. As a Senior Counselor, she will work with Football, Men’s Tennis, Men’s Golf, and oversee other internal ADSA programming. She had this to say about the future, “I’m really looking forward to getting to know even more student-athletes and getting to support them through their academic career at SMU. It’s been so fun attending practices and games to learn more about my new teams and their culture”. 

Congratulations to Lexi, Leeann, Desmond, and Kelsey! 

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success University Foundations

Course Spotlight: UNIV 3305 – Personal Responsibility and Community

Students and their professor standing around a large wooden desk for a group picture.
Students in the fall 2024 section of UNIV 3305 visiting the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

SMU’s University Foundations Program (UNIV) provides enriching coursework focused on students’ personal, academic and leadership development as they transition to the SMU community. UNIV coursework often satisfies Common Curriculum requirements and prepares students to fully engage in SMU’s intellectually rich community, all while building meaningful connections with faculty and classmates.

UNIV 3305 – Personal Responsibility and Community provides students with the opportunity to think critically about their values, beliefs and identities, and examine how these elements influence the ways in which they serve their communities. Through a semester-long community engagement project, reflective journaling, case studies, and cultural immersion experiences, the course prioritizes experiential learning and immerses students in both the course subject matter and the greater Dallas community. Through this engaging coursework, students satisfy three Common Curriculum Proficiencies and Experiences: community engagement, civic and individual ethics, and oral communication.

During the fall 2024 term, Dr. Abby Pruitt, teaching professor in University Foundations, and her UNIV 3305 students visited the George W. Bush Presidential Library, located on SMU’s campus, and in small groups explored the museum with the guiding concept of what makes a good society. Students sought terms such as justice, freedom, fairness and privacy, found examples of these terms represented in the library, and reflected on how those terms were portrayed. Students were able to apply class readings and discussions to the world beyond the classroom, which made the lessons, reflections and conclusions much more impactful.

UNIV courses are offered with a specific target audience of first-year and transfer students but are often open to all students interested in the course. Students find that UNIV coursework benefits their academic success and deepens their responsible engagement within the SMU and the greater Dallas metroplex communities. A complete list of UNIV courses can be found in the University course catalog and more information about the UNIV program can be found on their website.

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

Spring’s Success Fest and Degree Planner completion campaign come to a close

Two students looking at laptop computers

The Office of General Education and the University Advising Center (UAC) have completed their Spring 2025 campaign for Degree Planner completion and Success Fest. Both offices collaborated on Success Fest, an event dedicated to promoting and adopting Degree Planner among undergraduate students.

The Spring 2025 Success Fest occurred on February 26th in Hughes-Trigg Ballroom C. Students were encouraged to complete their Degree Planner before this date to gain entrance into Success Fest, however, students were also able to complete their Degree Planner on the day of the event. In total, 69 students attended the Spring 2025 Success Fest.

Leading up to the event, on February 3rd, 2025, all undergraduate students received a To-Do message on their my.SMU Student Dashboard that prompted them to complete their Degree Planner by the university deadline of March 1st. Email communications also went out to students, encouraging them to seek help from their Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) or academic advisors to assist them in completing their Degree Planner. These efforts included and resulted in:

  • Four Degree Planner Workshops hosted by the PALs
  • Six Degree Planner Workshops hosted by the UAC
  • 32 appointments scheduled with the PALs

By March 1st, there were 2,497 students that completed their Degree Planner.

A new aspect to the initiative this year was a second promotional campaign that was run from March 3rd – 10th to target students who did not complete their Degree Planner by the spring academic calendar deadline. These efforts included and resulted in:

  • A second To-Do message was posted on students’ my.SMU Student Dashboards who had not completed their Degree Planner
  • Two additional Degree Planner Workshops hosted by the UAC
  • 20 additional appointments scheduled with PALs

In total, the utilization initiative resulted in 3,100 total undergraduate students completing their Degree Planner.

Students who completed their plans, were surveyed about their Degree Planner user experience while students who did not complete a plan were asked about potential barriers. These responses will be analyzed to make improvements to future marketing campaigns and vendor improvement requests.

Success Fest and the Degree Planner completion campaign will return in the Fall 2025 semester, but students can still complete their Degree Planner by utilizing OIT’s Degree Planner website or scheduling an appointment with their PAL.