Student Success and Retention is dedicated to helping SMU undergraduates achieve success. The Office of Student Success and Retention (SSR) utilizes a mix of one‑on‑one student meetings, programs, outreach campaigns, and collaboration with campus partners to ensure students are supported from start to finish.
One of the ways SSR continues to make an impact is through the Crossing the Finish Line program. This initiative focuses on re‑engaging students and supporting them in completing their degrees within a four‑ to six‑year timeframe. The program is led by Shun Colter, Assistant Director of Student Success and Retention.
Working closely with faculty, advisors, and school records offices, SSR identifies students who have stopped out but have not yet graduated, as well as continuing students who may be unable to complete their degree without financial assistance. Academic records are reviewed to determine the feasibility of graduating within six years, and SSR connects with these students to guide them toward degree completion.
The Fall ’25 semester was nothing short of remarkable. Eleven students participated in the initiative, and five of them graduated during the December commencement ceremony. The remaining six students are on track to graduate in the Spring ’26 semester.
The success of this cohort is a powerful reminder of what can happen when students are met with timely support, genuine care, and a clear path forward. Crossing the Finish Line continues to show that even a single outreach, conversation, or resource can change the trajectory of a student’s academic journey. As more Mustangs return, re‑engage, and ultimately walk the stage at commencement, the impact of this initiative becomes even more evident.
Student Success and Retention remains committed to ensuring that every student who dreams of earning an SMU degree has the opportunity and support to achieve it. With programs like Crossing the Finish Line—and the dedicated leadership behind them—SMU students are not just reaching the finish line; they are crossing it with confidence, pride, and a renewed sense of possibility.