The University Testing Center will end testing at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17th so that UTC staff may attend a Student Academic Engagement and Success division meeting.
We will reopen with standard operating hours on Wednesday, September 18th at 8:00 a.m.
Please visit the UTC website or email universitytestingcenter@smu.edu for questions and requests.
Empowering Student-Athletes Through Literacy and Beyond
Our team of 3 highly skilled reading and writing interventionists works collaboratively with our staff to enhance the academic success of our athletes, specifically in the areas of reading and writing.
Focus Areas:
Introducing Lexi Williams & Stan Kellen
Lexi and Stan join Samantha LoCoco, to round out our team of Academic Interventionists. Lexi Williams joins us from Georgia Tech where she previously worked as an Academic Advisor working with Women’s Basketball, Softball and Women’s Tennis. Prior to that, she completed a post-graduate internship at Florida State University. Lexi received her B.S. in Sport Marketing from Grace College while also serving as a member on the Track and Field team. She completed her M.S. in Sport Management at Liberty University. She is a native of Roanoke, Virginia. She enjoys attending sporting events and going to coffee shops in her spare time.
Stan Kellen joined the SMU staff as a Literacy Specialist in August of 2024. Prior to working at SMU, Stan spent two years at the University of South Carolina serving as a Learning Specialist. Before South Carolina, he spent three years at Texas A&M University working part-time as an Intern, Mentor, and Assistant Learning Specialist.
A native of College Station, TX, Stan received his B.S. and M.S. in Sport Management from Texas A&M University. Stan enjoys being outdoors, concerts, video games, and attending sporting events.
Welcome to the Hilltop!
The Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS) Office is inviting all DASS students, new and returning, to visit our office on the first Thursday afternoon of classes.
We’ll have great food, presentations on different topics like the benefits of coaching, a student’s perspective from our Graduate Assistant, answers to questions about how to share accommodation letters with faculty, and a demonstration for returning students on how to submit their Semester Requests.
Faculty and staff are also invited to see our physical space, ask questions about implementing accommodations, and just grab a bite to eat. All DASS staff will be available.
In addition, we need help naming our new DASS mascot. Add your suggestion on the voting board for the otter on our new “Accessibility For All” stickers.
Come see us and say hello!
Location: Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (A-LEC) Room 202R, which is located on the 2nd floor of the Loyd All-Sports Center
Call us with any questions: 214-768-1470
As we embark on our third year of operation, the UTC has news to share related to our phased opening, new policies and recertification.
Year three at the UTC means “phase three” of our opening that launched in August 2022. During phase one, the center began providing accommodated testing services previously proctored by Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS). During phase two in Fall 2023, the UTC expanded testing services to student-athletes during their sport’s competition season and migrated to a new test scheduling and test management software, branded as the UTC Portal.
This summer, the UTC expanded its credit-by-exam program with new CLEP tests (College Level Examination Program) available to 2024-2025 enrollees for credit in select SMU courses. We also partnered with Academic Advising in the delivery of non-credit placement tests in Canvas for enrollment in Chemistry, Math and Second Language courses.
This fall, our phase three services will include limited makeup testing for SMU students; revenue-based testing for non-SMU distance learners attending other institutions, professionals seeking certification and licensure; and new credit by exam testing for other institutions.
The UTC has updated policies for student and instructor users of the UTC Portal for test registration and test submission.
Professor exam submissions must be created at least 5 business days before the testing window. Test documents do not have to be uploaded when creating submissions but must be received at least 2 business days before the testing window.
Student test registrations must be done at least 3 business days before the testing window. Students cannot register for testing at the UTC until exam submissions are posted in the portal. For this reason, we encourage professors to create submissions for the entire semester upon finalization of their course syllabus. Test documents do not have to be uploaded for students to register.
User videos and step-by-step instructions for using the UTC Portal are available for both students and professors on the UTC website. UTC staff members are available for one-on-one consultations by appointment virtually or in person during UTC operating hours, 8:00 – 4:00 p.m. weekdays.
Finally, the UTC will apply for a 5-year recertification by the NCTA in recognition of adherence to the organization’s professional standards for exam integrity. The UTC, due for recertification in March 2025, is one of only three institutions in the D/FW metroplex currently certified by the NCTA.
If you have questions or concerns, we are here to help. Please email us at universitytestingcenter@smu.edu.
While most students were soaking up the sun this summer, our dedicated SMU student-athletes were hard at work, balancing academics with athletic pursuits. Their unwavering commitment to excellence is truly inspiring.
We’re thrilled to highlight the extraordinary achievements of four exceptional individuals who have made significant strides this summer.
Fashion Forward and Focused: Jaclynn Fowler
Jaclynn Fowler, a rising star in our fashion media program from California, has consistently impressed us with her talent and vision. Her ability to blend creativity with a deep understanding of industry trends is truly inspiring. In the past academic year, she has found her fashion courses have only strengthen her passion for fashion media. Jaclynn’s athletic achievements from 2024 include: all-conference honors in team diving and the 3-meter. She is expected to graduate in Spring 2025.
Balancing Act Extraordinaire: Jaelyn “Smoke” Davis-Robinson
Juggling rigorous football camp and two summer language classes and a dance class; is no easy feat, but Jaelyn “Smoke” Davis-Robinson has done it with style and grace. His dedication to both academics and athletics is a testament to his humble, hardworking character. He was in the ADSA study hall everyday this summer, ensuring that he was able to get his Spanish homework completed before his football commitment.
Overcoming Challenges with Strength: Sandra Magolico
Sandra Magolico, a senior forward from Arizona State, has faced her fair share of challenges as an international student this summer. Despite these setbacks, she has persevered and excelled in her three summer classes. Her determination and commitment to her education are truly admirable.
Leading the Way: Chance Johnson
Born in Mustang, Oklahoma, Chance was fated to be a Mustang. As a junior goalkeeper, he leads his teammates on and off the field. He has been vocal about his involvement in the BSAC social, and has been instrumental in fostering a positive team culture. Chance is majoring in a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Financial Applications and a minor in Sports Management. He is on track to graduate in Fall 2025.
These students are shining examples of what it means to be a Mustang. Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance inspire us all. We’re excited to see what they will accomplish in the upcoming academic year!
Let’s congratulate these amazing students in the comments below!
Another exciting month of celebrating our Mustang Champions! This month we are highlighting four Mustangs who continue to work hard in the summer months while preparing for the upcoming 2024-2025 competition season and academic year. We are happy to highlight the student-athletes that embody the S.P.I.R.I.T of what it takes to be successful on and off the field.
Chance Puryear (MBB)
Romello (Mello) Brinson (FB)
TK Pitts (WBB)
Aubrey Brown (WSOC)
Let’s Hear it for the Black Women in Sports Who Make the ADSA Shine!
This past Sunday, July 7th, was National Black Women in Sports Day, and the Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate the incredible Black women who power our department and the entire sports industry.
We’re especially grateful for the dedication and expertise of our very own Black women on staff:
Their passion for student-athlete success is truly inspiring, and they each play a vital role in shaping the future of SMU athletics.
The Future is Bright!
National Black Women in Sports Day isn’t just about looking back; it’s a celebration of the incredible potential that lies ahead. Black women are changing the game in sports, and we at ADSA are excited to see what the future holds!
Join ADSA in Celebrating!
Let’s keep the momentum going! Here’s how you can be a part of the movement:
By celebrating Black women and advocating for their continued success, we can create a future where sports are truly inclusive and everyone can thrive.
Do you have a passion for helping others meet their academic goals? Do you have professional aspirations to be an educator? Are you trying to get experience for a future graduate teaching position (TA)?
If you said yes to any of the above questions, then the Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) wants YOU! The ADSA directly reports to the office of the Provost and is seeking enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutors to join our team. The main purpose of our tutors is to help student-athletes better understand specific course content through 1:1 or small group sessions. This is a paid opportunity to get valuable teaching experience working with peers, in a fast-paced D1 athletic environment. Our tutors play a vital role in supporting student-athletes by providing subject-specific tutoring in a variety of undergraduate courses.
Why Tutor with ADSA?
What We’re Looking For:
We are currently recruiting tutors for all subjects in the Fall but especially for APSM, MATH, STAT, HIST subjects.
If you’re interested in applying:
Contact the ADSA Tutor Coordinator, Valerie Vining at 214-768-4857 or vvining@smu.edu for more information or apply directly at this link: https://smu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1FWagowDsD5hQz3
Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the SMU community and make a positive impact on student-athletes!
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is proud of its student-athletes who consistently demonstrate excellence in both academics and athletics. We understand the unique challenges they face in balancing a demanding sports schedule with rigorous coursework. Our Mustangs arise to the exceed these standards every semester!
The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) program is a cornerstone of SMU’s commitment to student-athlete success. ADSA provides a comprehensive support system that includes:
Academic Achievement and Recognition
The dedication of our student-athletes and the effectiveness of ADSA’s support are evident in SMU’s recent academic achievements:
Spring 2024 Academic Highlights:
SMU’s student-athletes are true champions, excelling both on the field and in the classroom. They are well-positioned to achieve their athletic and academic goals heading into the ACC on July 1, 2024. Pony Up!
Southern Methodist University recognizes 4 outstanding student-athletes every month through the Mustang Champions program. Nominations come from both ADSA (Academic Development of Student-Athletes) and athletics staff. These awards celebrate student- athletes who:
Let’s meet the 4 student-athletes that were selected in May:
Emily Odwin (Women’s Golf):
Emily is a sophomore transfer student-athlete from Barbados that joined the Mustangs in January 2024. Not only did she excel in the classroom, impressing her professors with her stellar academic performance, but she also played a pivotal role in leading the SMU women’s golf team to back-to-back AAC Championships. She became the first golfer from her nation to win an American Collegiate Conference Championship. This accomplishment wasn’t her only first; Emily also holds the distinction of being the first Barbadian woman to ever compete in NCAA Division-1 golf. Her impact on the SMU team was undeniable. Throughout the season, Emily participated in all seven tournaments, showcasing her talent and contributing to a remarkable run that saw the Mustangs claim victory in four of those events. Individually, Emily’s consistency was on display as she secured four top-10 finishes. Emily’s impressive debut season at SMU was further celebrated when she was awarded the prestigious “Newcomer of the Year” honor by SMU Athletics.
Camryn McPhaul (Track & Field):
Camryn, a junior Track and Field student-athlete is known for her leadership qualities. She is an active participant in SMU’s Black Student-Athlete Committee (BSAC) and she took the initiative to attend the Black Student-Athlete Summit in California this year. A significant event that empowers Black student-athletes to excel academically, professionally, and personally. As an engineering major, her passion for the field shines brightly. This summer, she landed an internship at Parkhub, a software company based in Dallas. This is a fantastic opportunity that allows her to gain valuable experience in the engineering industry. Camryn’s leadership doesn’t stop there. Recognizing the need for support and resources for student-athletes interested in STEM fields, she has become a pioneer in establishing a STEM group specifically for SMU student-athletes. This initiative will undoubtedly pave the way for future generations of athletes to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Alex Yang (Men’s Golf):
Alex Yang, a driven MBA student at SMU’s Cox School of Business, landed a coveted spot at Morrison Seger Venture Capital Partners, putting his networking skills and the opportunities provided by Life After Ball (LAB) to the test. Alex exemplifies the ideal LAB student, actively seeking out ways to connect and grow professionally. His proactive approach has landed him a prime internship at a well-respected venture capital firm. This internship provides Alex with invaluable exposure to the exciting world of start-up funding and investment.
Niv Berkovitz (Men’s Soccer):
Niv Berkovitz comes to the Hilltop from Israel, where he was a member of the U17 and U18 national team and participated in the Israeli cup. Niv is a sophomore currently studying finance at SMU and finished his Spring semester with a 4.0. Niv “is one of the most hard working and dedicated students I know. He never backs down from a challenge and always finds a way to make it work. He is humble, determined, and kind-hearted!” said Kelsey Smith, his academic counselor. We are excited to see what he can accomplish during his time at SMU!
We’ve honored some incredible Mustang Champions this May! Be sure to tune in next month to meet four new student-athletes who are pushing their limits in the gym and the classroom, to become World Changers!