Category: Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

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

February Mustang Champions

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This February, we are back to highlight four student-athletes that embody the spirit of the Mustang, each setting a new standard for athletic and academic achievement. Meet Macey Hilton, Jack Forrest, Logan Parr, and Mackenzie Lee:

Macey Hilton (Track & Field, Cross Country): 

Macey Hilton, a junior from Auckland, New Zealand, is making a name for herself as a true standout at SMU. She is majoring in Applied Physiology and Sport Management; Macey isn’t just excelling in her academics—she’s also dominating on the track. This semester, Macey broke the SMU indoor mile record with an impressive time of 4:41.41. Her dedication and competitive drive are evident in everything she does, and it’s clear that she’s earned her spot among the program’s top athletes. 

Beyond her athletic achievements, Macey is thriving academically, and approaches her studies with the same focus and determination that she brings to the track. As her ADSA counselor, Katie Evans, observes, “What stands out about Macey is not just her achievements but the positive, motivating energy she brings to those around her. She’s the type of person who encourages her teammates to push harder, whether they’re on the track or in the classroom, and her infectious attitude creates an atmosphere where everyone wants to do their best. With her drive, academic focus, and unbeatable attitude, there’s no doubt she will keep inspiring everyone around her.” 

Jack Forrest (Men’s Swimming): 

Jack Forrest, a junior from Little Rock, Arkansas, is making waves both in the pool and the classroom. Specializing in butterfly and freestyle, he’s become a standout on the SMU swimming team, with some impressive records to show for it. But Jack isn’t just about swimming—he’s also juggling a double major in Finance and Data Science, all while being accepted into the highly competitive Alternative Asset Management Program (ALTS) at SMU. Even with the heavy workload, Jack handles it all with impressive grace and determination. 

What really stands out about Jack is his drive to keep pushing himself, whether it’s in his studies, his training, or even trying new things outside his comfort zone. This semester, he took things a step further by enrolling in a singing class! While he jokes that he’s the worst singer in the group, it’s clear that he’s all about growth. 

Jack is continuously earning recognition for his academic achievements. He’s made the SMU Honor Roll 5 consecutive semesters. He’s not just excelling in the pool or acing tough courses, he’s always looking for new ways to grow and challenge himself.  

 Logan Parr (Football):  

Offensive lineman Logan Parr, hailing from Helotes, Texas, joined the Mustangs from the University of Texas (Austin) in 2023. He quickly established himself as an academic powerhouse, earning All-ACC Academic Team honors and pursuing his second Master’s Degree in Sports Management. He obtained his first Masters from the Cox School of Business in Management Science. Logan exemplifies the spirit of taking advantage of the opportunities presented by SMU to cultivate personal and professional growth. He is a returning member of SAAC, and Marissa Watters states “he plays a key role in engaging his teammates, encouraging their involvement, and fostering a strong sense of community within the program. His leadership extends beyond campus, as he actively recruits teammates to participate in service initiatives, including Boulevard Ballers, a sports camp in partnership with Dallas Parks and Recreation. In addition to his work in athletics and service, Logan is a passionate advocate for mental health. Through collaboration with SMU’s counseling team, he has participated in educational videos aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging student-athletes to prioritize their well-being.”  

Mackenzie Lee (Women’s Golf): 

Mackenzie has really found her stride on the golf course and in the classroom this past year. As a junior, majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Business, she earned a perfect 4.0 GPA in the Fall.  She is witty and fun to be around, always making her teammates smile. Lee also was one of 72 women amateur golfers selected to compete in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur tournament in April. She looks forward to representing the United States in this prestigous tournament. She is passionate about serving others, and in her spare time, she volunteers at Stewpot. Lee is leading the New Era of SMU Women’s Golf and we are excited to watch them excel! 

The narratives of Macey Hilton, Jack Forrest, Logan Parr, and Mackenzie Lee stand as a testament to the holistic development that ADSA and SMU fosters. Each athlete, through their individual pursuits, has demonstrated that athletic excellence and academic rigor can coexist.  As these athletes continue to represent SMU, they serve as powerful examples of what it means to be a Mustang, inspiring their fellow mustangs to strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives.

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

No Testing at University Testing Center During Spring Break

The University Testing Center (UTC) will be closed during Spring Break, March 17th through the 21st, and will reopen at at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 24th.

For questions, please contact us at 214-768-6064 or at universitytestingcenter@smu.edu.

All the best for a wonderful break!

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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center First-Generation Initiative Honors and Scholars Mentorship Rotunda Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Advising Center Writing Center

SMU Featured in the FirstGen Forward Blog!

girls smiling holding first-gen t-shirt

FirstGen Forward is a nationally recognized program highlighting institutions committed to improving the experiences and outcomes of first-generation college students. This network provides collaboration, resource sharing, and innovation opportunities to better support first-generation students throughout their academic journeys.

This month, we are honored to be featured by FirstGen Forward, showcasing our work to foster belonging, provide mentorship, and advocate for first-generation students.

Check out our featured blog here: https://www.firstgenforward.org/blog/raising-the-first-gen-mark-at-smu

We’re proud to be part of this national movement and excited for the opportunities this will bring! Stay tuned for more updates on how we continue to uplift and empower first-gen students.

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Success Programs

46 Student-Athletes make the Fall Honor Roll

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The ADSA is enthused to celebrate the academic successes of 46 remarkable student-athletes, who made the Fall 2024 SMU Honor Roll! This is a true testament to their commitment, perseverance, and drive for success.

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 To make the Honor Roll the following must be met:

  • Appointment determined by percentile rank based on cumulative SMU GPA 
  • Must be degree seeking students; non-degree students are not eligible. 
  • Completion of at least 12 hours of courses with grades A through D- for the term (Engineering co-op students are eligible based on successfully completing the co-op program for the term.) (Courses that are excluded from the undergraduate program (i.e. 4+1 students) are included in determining honor roll eligibility.) 
  • No incomplete grades, in any prior coursework, at time selection process is run 
  • For students with majors in separate schools a percentile rank is determined separately for each school with the highest percentile rank applying. 
  • The Honor Roll is issued at the end of the Fall and Spring regular terms. The scholastic data for the Honor Roll is determined 3 weeks after the last day of final examinations for the term. Scholastic changes received after this cut-off are not included in the determination of the Honor Roll for the term. Scholastic data is based on enrollments through the end of the Honor Roll regular term and does not include any scholastic data for short terms that immediately follow the regular term. 

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Supporting these dual pursuits is our dedicated Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) program. Our department is designed to help student-athletes succeed and balance their academic and athletic pursuits. Our program combines tailored resources with a supportive environment. It’s not just about achieving grades—it’s about instilling values like discipline, resilience, and teamwork that extend far beyond the classroom or the field. To our student-athletes: congratulations on an exceptional semester! 

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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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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! 

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

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

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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! 

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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.

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

ADSA Announces Fall 2024 Academic Achievements

As the final grades for Fall 2024 are in, SMU has proven once again that excellence isn’t just confined to the playing field—it’s thriving in the classroom too. The results from the first semester in the ACC are nothing short of exceptional, and we couldn’t be prouder of the outstanding academic accomplishments of our student-athletes. 

From top team GPAs to individual academic triumphs, SMU has shown a strong commitment to achieving success in both athletics and academics. The dedication and hard work of our athletes, coaches, and staff members were on full display this semester, setting a new standard of excellence. 

Top Fall 2024 Team GPAs:  

Several teams have demonstrated remarkable academic success this past semester. Notably, the Women’s Cross-Country team led the pack with a stellar 3.836 term GPA (3.775 cumulative GPA), making them the highest-performing team overall. In the men’s teams, Men’s Tennis earned the highest term GPA of 3.562, paired with a 3.587 cumulative GPA, showcasing their ability to achieve excellence in all areas. 

Fall 2024 Academic Milestones: An Impressive Percentage of Student-Athletes Excel 

The numbers from Fall 2024 reflect a strong culture of academic achievement among SMU student-athletes. Some key highlights include: 

  • 164 students (36% of athletes) earned a perfect 4.00 term GPA. 
  • 216 students (48%) achieved a term GPA above 3.50. 
  • A total of 329 students (73%) finished the term with a GPA higher than 3.00. 

Even more impressive, 18 student-athletes (4%) maintained a 4.00 cumulative GPA over their collegiate career—a true testament to their consistency and hard work. 

Gratitude to the ADSA Staff and Cross-Campus Partnerships 

None of this would be possible without the exceptional support and guidance provided by the ADSA staff and their cross-campus partnerships. Their commitment to the academic success of our student-athletes is truly invaluable. The collaboration between academic and athletic departments ensures that our athletes are supported in every facet of their collegiate experience, and it is this dedication that continues to fuel our athletes’ success on and off the field. 

Looking Ahead 

As we celebrate these outstanding achievements, we look forward to the continued academic and athletic success of our student-athletes. The Fall 2024 semester has set a high bar for the future, and with the continued support of the ADSA staff, coaches, athletic administration, faculty, and all other members of the SMU campus community, we are confident that SMU Athletics will continue to excel both academically and athletically in the years to come. 

At SMU, we’re not just about winning games—we’re about building well-rounded individuals who excel in all aspects of life. We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication our athletes have shown, and we can’t wait to see what they will accomplish in the semesters ahead! 

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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies First-Generation Initiative Hilltop Scholars Honors and Scholars Mentorship Mustang Scholars National Fellowships National Fellowships Office of Engaged Learning Office of General Education Pathways to Industry President’s Scholars Rotunda Scholars SMU in Four Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Advising Center University Foundations University Honors Program University Testing Center Writing Center

All SAES offices to close February 11 from 2 – 3:30 pm for division meeting

The Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success will gather for our semesterly division meeting on Tuesday, February 11.

To permit full participation by all division employees, we will temporarily close all offices from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

We will return to normal business operations thereafter. Thank you for your understanding and we apologize for any inconvenience in advance. If you have any questions, please email academicsuccess@smu.edu.