Category: Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Announcing October Mustang Champions: Excellence in Action 

Written by ADSA Graduate Assistant Academic Mentor Greg Prieto

At SMU, excellence is more than a goal; it is a standard. The Mustang Champions award celebrates student-athletes who achieve greatness in competition and in the classroom. These individuals demonstrate discipline, leadership, and integrity, reflecting the championship culture that defines the Hilltop. Recognizing their accomplishments honors not only athletic achievement but also academic perseverance and personal growth. 

 Jimena Leal (Women’s Swim and Dive)

Jimena, a senior swimmer from Bogotá, Colombia, is making an impact both in and out of the pool. Specializing in backstroke and individual medley, she has been a standout competitor this fall, claiming multiple event wins and solidifying her reputation as a force for the Mustangs. In the classroom, she excels in her Sports Performance Leadership major and is on track for her best term yet. Senior Academic Counselor Katie Evans praised her achievements, noting, “Her dedication and performance reflect the kind of excellence SMU is proud to champion.” 

 Alexander Kilgore (Football)

Alex, a senior linebacker from Katy, Texas, is pursuing a Sport Management major while preparing for graduate school. On the field, he delivered a season-high eleven tackles against Clemson. His academic and athletic performance has been acknowledged by ADSA Director Keyana Smith, who shared, “Alex is the definition of a student-athlete. He is responsible, cares about his academics, communicates effectively, and works hard to excel in every aspect. I am extremely proud of Alex.” 

 Jermaine O’Neal Jr. (Men’s Basketball)

Jermaine, a first-year forward from Southlake, Texas, is off to an impressive start in the classroom while managing a six-course schedule. A highly regarded recruit, he continues to bring that same level of excellence to the court, aligning with the strong start he and the Men’s Basketball team have demonstrated this season. Senior Academic Counselor Alana Owens praised his early success, noting, “Jermaine goes above and beyond both academically and athletically. He works ahead in the classroom and is proactive. He exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated student-athlete.” 

 Renee Fink (Track/Cross Country)

Renee, a recent transfer to SMU, is already making a significant impact both on the track and in the classroom. As a multis athlete and student in the Master of Management program, she has demonstrated exceptional focus and determination from day one. Renee has fully embraced SMU’s Life After Ball programming, taking initiative to prepare for success beyond athletics. Senior Academic Counselor Katie Evans highlighted her achievements, noting, “Her progress reflects her dedication, adaptability, and drive. She is truly a standout in every way.” 

These four Mustangs exemplify resilience, leadership, and Mustang pride. ADSA proudly celebrates our October Mustang Champions!

 

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Celebrating Our October ADSA Peer Tutors: Brody Krolczyk and Kyla Gijan

We are proud to recognize and celebrate two outstanding ADSA peer tutors who have gone above and beyond in supporting the academic success of our student-athletes this October: Brody Krolczyk and Kyla Gijan.

These dedicated individuals consistently go the extra mile for their students, bringing a powerful mix of knowledge, curiosity, and commitment to every session. Their dedication to their role has made a lasting impact on the student-athletes they support, empowering them to succeed both in the classroom and in their athletic pursuits.

ADSA deeply appreciates our peer tutors, recognizing their vital role helps classmates succeed and strengthens their own professional skills in communication and leadership.

Peer Tutor Academic Achievements

  • Brody Krolczyk is pursuing a double major in Biological Sciences B.S. and Health and Society B.S.
  • Kyla Gijan is pursuing a Biological Sciences B.A. with a minor in Religious Studies.

Commitment to Service and Leadership

Brody’s and Kyla’s ability to balance their own academic responsibilities while providing high-quality tutoring is truly admirable. This excellence is visible in their individual commitment:

  • Brody has been consistent in his communication with both his students and our staff. Even with a busy student schedule and many academic demands, the quality of his sessions never wavers. This level of consistency ensures his students always benefit.
  • Kyla has shown impressive professionalism and continued genuine interest in her students and their needs. Student feedback consistently notes her ability to make them feel comfortable and welcome, which creates a truly supportive learning environment.

Whether it is additional study sessions, exhibiting team travel flexibility, or simply being a consistent source of encouragement, both Brody and Kyla embody the spirit of service and leadership.

Please join us in recognizing Brody and Kyla for their exceptional commitment this month.

On behalf of the ADSA, we extend a sincere THANK YOU for your exceptional work.

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

ADSA Faculty Feedback Request Fall 2025 Reminder – Round 2

Thank you for completing Feedback Request Round 1! This post serves as a reminder that Feedback Request Round 2 begins November 10th.

ADSA sincerely appreciates your valuable participation and prompt response to the first Faculty Feedback Request round. Your input provided vital, timely support for our student-athletes’ academic success. We are grateful for your continued partnership.

Upcoming Key Date: Feedback Request 2
This is a reminder that the second and final Faculty Feedback Request for the Fall 2025 term will begin soon.

Feedback Request 2: will include all student-athletes.

November 10: Feedback Request 2 opens
November 21: Feedback Request 2 closes
Please note: Faculty with current student-athletes enrolled in their courses will receive this request directly from ADSA@smu.edu on November 10.

Single Sign-On (SSO) Enabled for Teamworks

Teamworks now supports Single Sign-On (SSO), making it easier for faculty to access and complete grade checks. Please follow the steps below to complete your submission:

STEP 1:

STEP 2:

Single Sign-On (SSO) for Teamworks Access
To ensure a smooth submission process, please recall that Teamworks now supports Single Sign-On (SSO), making grade checks easier to complete.

How to Complete a Grade Check Using SSO

1. Open the Grade Check Email

·Click “Complete Survey” or copy the provided link into your browser.

2. Sign in with Your SMU Account

·Select “Sign in with Teamworks”

·Then click “Sign in with organizational account”

·Enter your institution’s subdomain: smu

3. Authenticate with SMU Credentials

·Enter your SMU email and password

·Complete any two-factor authentication if prompted.

4. Complete the Grade Check

·You will be redirected to your assigned grade check form.

·Provide grades or relevant academic feedback for each student.

·Review and click Submit Progress Report.

Teamworks Help Guide
For any assistance accessing or completing the report, please refer to the Teamworks help resources:

https://help.teamworks.com/academics/s/article/log-in-to-teamworks-academics#campus

https://help.teamworks.com/academics/s/article/Access-and-Complete-a-Progress-Report

Your commitment has a direct and meaningful impact. ADSA looks forward to collaborating with you again as we help every student-athlete finish the semester strong.

Faculty with current student-athletes enrolled in their courses will receive these feedback requests directly from ADSA@smu.edu. A sample of the email can be found below.

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Celebrating Our September ADSA Peer Tutors: Gracie Mbilo and Sam Alagood

Celebrating Our September ADSA Peer Tutors: Gracie Mbilo and Sam Alagood

We are proud to recognize and celebrate two outstanding ADSA peer tutors who truly went above and beyond in supporting our student-athletes this September: Gracie Mbilo and Sam Alagood.

These dedicated individuals have consistently demonstrated excellence, patience, and a true passion for helping others. Their commitment to academic integrity and mentorship has made a lasting impact on the student-athletes they support, empowering them to succeed both in the classroom and in their athletic pursuits.

ADSA deeply appreciates our peer tutors, recognizing their vital role helps classmates succeed and strengthens their own professional skills in communication and leadership.

Peer Tutor Academic Achievements

  • Gracie Mbilo is a Junior double majoring in Accounting and Chinese B.A. with a specialization in Japanese.
  • Sam Alagood is a Senior anticipated to graduate in Fall 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Performance Leadership from the Simmons School.

Commitment to Service and Leadership

Gracie and Sam’s ability to balance their own academic responsibilities while providing high-quality tutoring is truly admirable. His patience has paid off by modeling calmness and commitment and encouraging his students to adopt the same approach. Whether it is additional study sessions, exhibiting team travel flexibility, or simply being a consistent source of encouragement, both Gracie and Sam embody the spirit of service and leadership.

On behalf of the ADSA, Thank you for your exceptional work.

You are making a difference!

Let us all take a moment to show our appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Announcing September Mustang Champions: Excellence Defined

At SMU, we recognize that earning the title of student-athlete is not simply a milestone reached upon arrival it is the result of years of hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment long before stepping onto our campus. What truly sets our Mustang Champions apart is their dedication to maintaining an exceptional balance between academic achievement and athletic excellence, while also making meaningful contributions through service to their community and teams. Each month, we celebrate students who not only excel in their sport and studies but also demonstrate a steadfast commitment to supporting others and giving back. Our September Mustang Champions exemplify this balance, embodying the drive, focus, and proactive spirit that define a Mustang student-athlete.

We proudly celebrate these four students who truly embody that balance and dedication this month:

Sakari Wilkinson (Equestrian)

Sakari, an Equestrian Western competitor and first-semester freshman from Amber, Oklahoma, is currently pursuing a Pre-Health academic plan. Sakari’s champion mindset has been acknowledged by Senior Academic Counselor Desmond Grayson. She has demonstrated exceptional proactive behavior by immediately seeking out resources, attending sessions early, and directly engaging with her professors for extra support and credit. Her genuine desire to excel and improve reflects a strong commitment to being a better student.

PJ Williams (Football)

PJ, a determined senior offensive lineman from Dickinson, Texas, is currently focused on earning his degree in Sport Performance Leadership. He was selected for the prestigious Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List and voted offensive team captain by his teammates. This notable commitment has been highlighted and acknowledged by Senior Academic Counselor Desmond Grayson. PJ has shown exceptional focus this semester, consistently turning in assignments and serving as a positive mentor who encourages freshmen.

Ava Ha (Rowing)

Ava, a junior rowing student-athlete from San Carlos, California, excels in a rigorous academic path by successfully managing a demanding double major in Economics with Financial Applications and Public Policy, along with a minor in political science. Her high level of dedication is evident in her academic rigor and commitment to both her sport and her studies. This exceptional commitment is acknowledged by ADSA.

Nico Sobenes (Men’s Swimming and Dive)

Nico, a junior Men’s Swimming competitor specializing in the Butterfly event from Dallas, Texas, successfully balances his training with a challenging major focused on pre-law. He is currently pursuing an Economics degree with a Law and Legal Reasoning Minor. His commitment to excellence in both the pool and the classroom demonstrates outstanding drive and organizational skill. His consistent hard work is acknowledged by ADSA.

These four Mustangs exemplify the drive, dedication, and boldness it takes to be a Southern Methodist University student-athlete and compete at the highest level!

ADSA congratulates the September Mustang Champions!

 

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

ADSA Faculty Feedback Request – Fall 2025

Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) sincerely appreciates your ongoing partnership in supporting our Faculty Feedback Request process. Your feedback plays a vital role in helping student-athletes stay on track academically. We are grateful for your continued cooperation. 

Fall 2025 Faculty Feedback Request Timeline 

We will send two Faculty Feedback Requests for student-athletes enrolled in Fall 2025 courses on the following dates: 

Feedback Request 1: will only include a small population of student-athletes. 

  • September 29: Feedback Request 1 opens 
  • October 10: Feedback Request 1 closes 

Feedback Request 2: will include all student-athletes. 

  • November 10: Feedback Request 2 opens 
  • November 21: Feedback Request 2 closes 

New! Single Sign-On (SSO) Enabled for Teamworks 

Teamworks now supports Single Sign-On (SSO), making it easier for faculty to access and complete grade checks. Please follow the steps below to complete your submission: 

STEP 1:                                               

STEP 2:

How to Complete a Grade Check Using SSO 

  1. Open the Grade Check Email
    – Click “Complete Survey” or copy the provided link into your browser. 
  2. Sign in with Your SMU Account
    – Select “Sign in with Teamworks”
    – Then click “Sign in with organizational account”
    – Enter your institution’s subdomain: smu 
  3. Authenticate with SMU Credentials
    – Enter your SMU email and password
    – Complete any two-factor authentication if prompted 
  4. Complete the Grade Check
    – You will be redirected to your assigned grade check form
    – Provide grades or relevant academic feedback for each student
    – Review and click Submit Progress Report 

Teamworks Help Guide – How to Access and Complete a Grade Check 

https://help.teamworks.com/academics/s/article/log-in-to-teamworks-academics#campus  

https://help.teamworks.com/academics/s/article/Access-and-Complete-a-Progress-Report  

Your input has a direct and meaningful impact on our student-athletes’ academic success. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Through this collaborative process, ADSA is committed to helping every student-athlete finish the semester strong. 

Faculty with current student-athletes enrolled in their courses will receive these feedback requests directly from ADSA@smu.edu. A sample of the email can be found below. 

 

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Office of General Education SMU in Four Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention University Advising Center University Testing Center

Community and Support: DASS Launches a Peer Mentor Program

Portrait of Lindsay Templeton, DASS Peer Mentor

Starting at a new university can be exciting and overwhelming. To help ease that transition, Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS) is developing a Peer Mentor Program. This pilot initiative pairs new DASS students with fellow Mustangs with disabilities who understand both the opportunities and challenges of life at SMU.

DASS peer mentors provide personal, academic, and social guidance. They help new students navigate campus, balance the demands of college life, stay motivated, and problem-solve challenges. Mentors also connect students to key campus resources, share strategies for navigating SMU systems (including DASS!), and, perhaps most importantly, help build a strong sense of campus community and support.

As our Lead Peer Mentor Lindsay Templeton explains:

“College is tough, particularly when you’re not a traditional student. I think the things that help you succeed most are learning how to advocate for yourself and building a support network. When I started at SMU, all the different demands and expectations felt heavy and isolating. It took me time to learn how to speak up for myself and find people who made everything feel a little easier. My hope is that I can help other students get over those hurdles more quickly than I did and for them to know they have someone cheering them on.”

If you or a student you know would like more information or, better yet, to join the DASS Peer Mentor Program pilot as a mentor or a mentee, please contact David Tylicki at dtylicki@smu.edu.

Together, we can help every Mustang start strong!

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

Upgrades underway in University Testing Center’s Varsity Testing Lab

The University Testing Center (UTC) has initiated a series of thoughtful improvements to its Varsity testing lab to enhance functionality and comfort for students and test-takers. The first phase of the project involves a revised seating layout that enables greater capacity and efficiency in the space for paper-based testing.

To ensure a secure testing environment, the lab is continuously monitored by 12 overhead cameras that capture full views of 13 workstations, as well as audio surveillance.

Additionally, the UTC plans to schedule the Varsity lab with new paint and carpeting, and to upgrade the student waiting area with improved furniture and natural greenery to create a more welcoming atmosphere, pending budget approval.

The ongoing improvements reflect UTC’s commitment to providing test takers with a secure, efficient, and comfortable testing experience. These efforts were identified and prioritized based on the UTC’s test-taker and instructor feedback survey results from the previous academic year.

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Student Academic Engagement & Success Tutoring Writing Center

ALEC Congratulates Tutors on the Honor Rolls

The ALEC is very proud to acknowledge 9 tutors who made the various honor rolls for Spring 2025.

5 tutors made the Honor Roll with High Distinction. Those tutors are Anna Lena Adams, Julianne Flynn, Abigail Schade, Anastasiya Shyvilka, and Mediha Siddiqui. 2 tutors made the Honor Roll with Distinction. They are Lily Fee and Mallory Lorant. We also had 2 tutors make the Honor Roll. They are Anh Khoa Nguyen and Aaron Santa Cruz.

We are so proud of all our tutors!

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Student Academic Engagement & Success Tutoring

A-LEC Alumni Receives Honor

Bibek Karki, a former A-LEC tutor has been announced as one of Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine’s “40 Under 40”.

Bibek graduated in 2011 (BS) and 2013 (MS) in Engineering. As a Lyle engineering student, Bibek learned many leadership skills through his time as a tutor, mentor, and ambassador for prospective students.

We are very proud of our alumni, like Bibek, that demonstrates SMU’s incredible ability to attract the best.