The Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) have completed their Fall 2025 training and are ready to support SMU undergraduate students this academic year.
From August 15–19, the PALs joined the Engage Dallas Student Directors and Spiritual Life Mentors for the annual Peer Leader off-site retreat. This experience gave them the opportunity to sharpen leadership skills, strengthen collaboration, and build connections across campus programs. PALs also completed specialized training with Residence Life and Student Housing (August 18–19) and will be welcoming new Mustangs over Welcome Weekend as Stampede Guides.
The PALs are coming off a record-breaking year, hosting events that engaged over 2,000 students in 2024–2025. Combined with other Office of General Education (OGE) programs, PALs helped OGE achieve the highest undergraduate student attendance in the Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success and the second-highest across the entire campus in SMU360 over the same period. This momentum sets the stage for even greater impact in the academic year ahead.
PAL programming kicks off in September, with events and office hours designed to connect students to academic resources and success strategies. Beginning the week of August 25, students can drop by for PALs office hours in Laura Lee Blanton, Suite 338, or schedule 1:1 meetings. These 1:1 meetings are especially helpful in preparing for the October 1 Degree Planner deadline.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to partner with PALs as a resource for supporting students’ academic journeys. Whether it’s attending programs, referring students for peer support, or amplifying PAL initiatives, your collaboration makes a difference.
Stay connected with PALs on SMU 360, email them at peeracademicleaders@smu.edu, or follow along on Instagram @pals_smu.
Together, let’s make 2025–2026 another record-breaking year for student success!