Categories
Fellowship Spotlights Honors and Scholars Mustang Scholars National Fellowships National Fellowships Student Academic Engagement & Success UHP Spotlight University Honors Program

Global Outlook: My French Internship Journey

This is the second of three posts written by Maria Murad, a senior majoring in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Creative Computing, and French, about her study abroad experience.

Picture yourself entering a world where artifacts tell stories, history comes to life, and you get to be the bridge connecting different cultures through art. I applied to work at a local museum called “Espace Culturel Departemental 21, bis Mirabeau,” for a change. I had not originally wanted to gain experience in museum work, but once I learned about the history of Aix-en-Provence, I became intrigued by its artistic past. After an interview, I was offered a role to be their Cross-Cultural Liaison Intern for the summer.

Originally a private mansion, the building was renovated and transformed by the Département des Bouches-du-Rhône into a cultural venue to highlight the artistic and historical heritage of the area. The museum is a treasure chest of historical items and tales that bring the past to life, providing tourists with an exclusive look into the history of the region.

My role as a Cross-Cultural Liaison was both rewarding and challenging. Along with making display materials for visitors from all over the world, my duties included giving guided tours in both English and French, providing cultural insights, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. One of the most memorable experiences I experienced was when I gave my first tour to a group of American students visiting Aix; their curiosity and excitement were contagious. It made me so happy to watch their interest grow as I shared stories on the history of the museum, and its diverse set of artists alongside their modern pieces.

My experience has increased my awareness of the subtle cultural differences that make Aix special and has also improved my public speaking skills. Working in a completely integrated French environment was a thrill. It helped me see beyond the region’s rich history and culture. Aix-en-Provence is not merely a historic city; it’s a wonderland full of vibrant art that reminds us of the enduring beauty of cultural heritage!

I learned a great deal and developed a lot of skills from my internship. My confidence grew as I became more comfortable speaking in front of audiences and navigating cross-cultural interactions. I also gained a deeper understanding of the field, learning about cultural preservation, museum operations, and the importance of spreading history to a global audience.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson I learned was in my personal growth. It might seem cliche to admit, but I genuinely feel as though I gained a new sense of awareness. Whether it was navigating the streets of Aix-en-Provence or adapting to the nuances of French workplace culture, every challenge pushed me out of my comfort zone. This experience taught me how to be resilient and embrace new opportunities with an open mind. Living and working in a foreign country was not just about gaining professional skills; it was also about learning more about who I was and how the world worked. The environment in France was truly a breath of fresh air, offering a unique mix of history and natural beauty that refreshed the way I left.

My internship was made possible in large part by the Gilman Scholarship. It gave me the financial resources to participate in SMU’s study abroad program in France, the only program I was interested in that offered an internship. I could not have taken advantage of this incredible opportunity without this support.

The scholarship not only covered my program costs but also allowed me to focus on my internship without financial constraints. When I think back on my experience, I also see that the Gilman Scholarship provided a door to a world of opportunities rather than merely providing financial support. It made it possible for me to develop both personally and professionally, experience a different culture, and gain valuable work experience. Internships are an incredible way to gain hands-on experience, and doing it abroad especially made it memorable. It deepened my understanding of a field that I had no exposure to but ended up learning so much from. Needless to say, the Gilman Scholarship made this goal of mine a reality!

Categories
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.

Categories
Fellowship Spotlights Honors and Scholars Mustang Scholars National Fellowships University Honors Program

Global Outlook: Maria Murad in Aix-en-Provence

Welcome to Global Outlook, a new series dedicated to sharing the experiences of SMU Honors & Scholars students around the world.

This is the first of three posts written by Maria Murad, a senior majoring in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Creative Computing, and French.

I’m Maria Murad, and as both a proud Mustang Scholar and a Gilman Scholarship recipient, I’m thrilled to kick off this journey by sharing my adventures in Aix-en-Provence through the SMU-in-France program.

My experience in Aix-en-Provence last summer was nothing short of transformative. Stepping into this city felt as though I was walking straight into a living postcard. The old-world charm blends in seamlessly with the vibrancy of the modern world, creating a timeless and fresh atmosphere. The narrow, cobblestone streets and the bustling cafés showed me the true warmth and hospitality one feels strolling along the city. Aix is a city with a unique charm that speaks to you subtly but profoundly and provides a feeling of peace that’s hard to describe in words.

One of the first things that stood out to me was the slower pace of life. Whether you’re leisurely sipping coffee at a local café or taking in the sights and sounds of the daily markets, people here genuinely take the time to savor the simple pleasures in life. This calm rhythm was such a welcome change from the fast-paced life I was used to back at home, and it was precisely what I didn’t realize I needed. I learned so much about myself over the six weeks I spent in France. I found room to grow, build my confidence, and find inner peace. I left the city a changed person, full of a revitalized sense of self and a deeper understanding of the outside and inner worlds. Aix-en-Provence turned into something more than just a place where I could study; it became a healing sanctuary where I could breathe, reflect, and connect with myself.

Aix-en-Provence is also a place where history truly comes to life. From the stunning architecture, such as the famous Cours Mirabeau and Saint-Saveur Cathedral, to the traces of its past scattered throughout, the city is a true tribute to its rich heritage. Beyond the locations, what caught my attention was the strong sense of community in the streets. The year-round celebrations and the traditional Provençal cuisine are only two examples of how the locals take incredible pride in their heritage. Although the city has a deeply rooted connection to its past, it is beautifully balanced with its exciting present. Aix’s warmth and openness give the impression that history is not only preserved but also actively lived here every day.

To anyone thinking about studying abroad in France, or in general, here are two tips I wish I knew before traveling:

  1. Embrace the culture wholeheartedly: Try new foods, learn a few phrases to help connect with locals, and take part in regional traditions. Even if it feels uncomfortable at first, embrace new experiences with an open mind and heart. I spoke fluent French but still felt a little disconnected due to the strong local ties and identities. By getting involved in neighborhood events, going to the same cafés, and having conversations with locals, I slowly found my footing.
  2. Prepare thoroughly: Do your homework and become familiar with the city’s traditions, lifestyle, and history. Being well-prepared will help ease the transition and make the process less overwhelming. And, above all, stay curious – there are always new opportunities to develop and learn everywhere you look.
Categories
Honors and Scholars Mustang Scholars President’s Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success

Maria Izaguirre, Program Specialist for Scholars Programs

Maria Izaguirre joined the Honors and Scholars team as the Program Specialist for Scholars Programs on October 13th.

As a Program Specialist, Maria will be supporting the President’s Scholars Program and the Mustang Scholars Program.

Maria Izaguirre, a Dallas Native, earned bachelor’s degrees in Human Rights, Psychology, and Sociology from SMU. Before joining the team as a Program Specialist for Scholars Programs, Maria was the Postbaccalaureate Fellow for the SMU Human Rights Program. Maria is currently a candidate for a Master of Science in Counseling at SMU.

When not working or studying, Maria enjoys taking long walks at White Rock Lake with her dogs, spending time with her cat, attending concerts, and trying new coffee shops.

Categories
First-Generation Initiative Mustang Scholars Office of General Education Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention University Testing Center

Undergraduate Education and Academic Success publishes 2022-2023 annual report

Undergraduate Education and Academic Success is a branch within the Office of the Provost’s Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success which oversees a wide range of academic support and engagement offices and initiatives.

Our 2022 – 2023 offices and initiatives included:

A copy of the annual report is included below and is available for download.

Questions, comments, and feedback can be directed to Dr. Dustin Grabsch (dgrabsch@smu.edu).

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

SEAS units begin migration to new SMU-branded web pages

In partnership with the Office of Information Technology, Student Academic Engagement and Success (SAES) began migrating unit websites to the new SMU-banded web pages.

As part of the brand migration, the SAES Marketing, Communication, and Digital Technology committee worked with unit webmasters to assist with a site content refresh (e.g., text, pictures, layouts). The committee recommended reorganizing navigation and pages based on Google Analytics data of high-traffic pages. As part of the process, broken links, spelling, SEO optimization, SMU web governance, and site navigation are also being addressed. Finally, professional headshots and employee biographies will be added over the summer.

Beginning with the SAES main navigation in late May, all units will be migrated over the course of the summer and early fall terms.

Last week, the following unit websites were completed:

Scheduled to migrate on or around the dates listed below will be:

  • June 23:
    • University Testing Center
    • University Advising Center
  • July 21:
    • Academic Development of Student-Athletes
    • Office of Student Success and Retention
  • August 11:
    • Student Academic Success Programs
    • Office of Undergraduate National Fellowships
  • September 1:
    • University Honors Program
    • First-Generation Initiative
    • Scholars’ Den
  • September 22:
    • President’s Scholars
    • Rotunda Scholars
    • Mustang Scholars
    • Hilltop Scholars

Please pardon our dust during this transition. If you discover broken links or issues, please direct them to academicsuccess@smu.edu to be routed appropriately. The next communication on the webpage migration will be once all SAES units have been completed.

Categories
Academic Center for Excellence Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center First-Generation Initiative Hilltop Scholars Mustang Scholars National Fellowships Office of General Education President’s Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs University Advising Center University Honors Program

Writing Center is open Summer 2023

SMU’s Writing Center in the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (A-LEC) is open this summer from June 1 – July 31!  Appointment times are:   

  • Mon – Thurs 2:30-5 (in person at the A-LEC)
  • Tues & Thurs 4-6:30 (ZOOM)
  • Fri 2:30-4:30 (in person at the A-LEC);  Sun 5-8 (ZOOM)     

Book an appointment with a Writing Center Faculty Member in Canvas.

 

Categories
Mustang Scholars

Meet the Class of 2026 Mustang Scholars

The Mustang Scholars Program welcomes the Class of 2026 cohort of Mustang Scholars! The Mustang Scholar Program places an SMU education within your reach by combining it with other awards to guarantee that SMU tuition and fees are met. Once admitted, Mustang Scholars have an intimate (about 10) cohort (aka. small group). Students have a semi-structured program throughout their four years on the Hilltop.

The Class of 2026 cohort is comprised of:

Christopher Degrate ’26 is from Dallas, TX, and a graduate of Justin F. Kimball High School. He plans to major in Computer Science and Business, and minor in Biology and African-American Studies.

Elizabeth Larez-Diaz ’26 is from Lancaster, TX, and a graduate of Lancaster High School. She plans to major in Computer Science and minor in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science.

Jessica Long ’26 is from Grand Prairie, TX, and a graduate of Grand Prairie High School. She plans to major in Film and Media  Studies and minor in Business Management.

Maria Murad ’26 is from Amman, Jordan and a graduate of Bryan Adams High School. She plans to major in Creative Computing and minor in French.

Diya Patel ’26 is from Mesquite, TX, and a graduate of North Mesquite High School. She plans to major in Biochemistry and is on the pre-med track.

Paul Rowe ’26 is from Irving, TX and is a graduate of MacArthur High School. He plans to major in Biochemistry, minor in Spanish and History, and is on the pre-med track.

Ephraim Sun ’26 is from Dallas, TX and is a graduate of School of Science and Engineering at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. He plans to major in Computer Science and Finance.

SMU student, Jorge, headshotJorge Vazquez ’26 is from Dallas, TX, and is a graduate of School of Science and Engineering at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. He plans to major in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Computer Science.

Learn more about the Mustang Scholars Program and how to apply at smu.edu/mustangscholars.

Categories
First-Generation Initiative Hilltop Scholars Mustang Scholars Rotunda Scholars University Honors Program

AT&T Data Science Scholars lunch and learn on September 21

The First-Generation Initiative is excited to spotlight the AT&T Data Science Scholars program at an upcoming Lunch and Learn. The AT&T Data Science Scholars program is an eight-week program followed by an eight-week paid internship!

To learn more about this amazing opportunity, join the First-Generation Initiative for lunch and learn on September 21 at noon in Hughes-Trigg Student Center Chamber (lower level). All scholars and honors programs are welcome to join. RSVP on Connect.SMU to save your seat.

The program is actively recruiting students who are:

  • Current juniors (graduating December 2023 or after)
  • Seniors on accelerated pathways
  • Graduating seniors who will be immediately entering a graduate program
  • Current graduate students

Questions about the AT&T Data Science Scholars program can be directed to Terry Teague (tlteague@mail.smu.edu). Questions concerning the lunch and learn event can be directed to 1stgen@smu.edu.

Categories
Mustang Scholars President’s Scholars University Honors Program

Now accepting applications for the Assistant Dean for Scholars Programs

SMU is excited to share an open position, the Assistant Dean for Scholars Programs, is live on the SMU Staff Career Portal. Please consider, share with your offices, and post within your professional networks.  

About the Position: The Assistant Dean for Scholars Programs (HR Title Associate Director 2) is responsible for the operations, strategy, and recruitment for two of SMU’s central Scholars programs: the President’s Scholars Program and the Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt Leadership Scholars Programs.  The Assistant Dean manages these two distinctive programs in their entirety—from the scholars’ point of application to the University, through graduation, and into the alumni experience.  Working closely with scholars from both programs, the Assistant Dean will plan, orchestrate and supervise ongoing programming as well as the limited teaching of courses integrated into the experience.  With a focus on leadership, the Hunt Leadership Scholars Program involves shaping the scholars into engaged leaders, while the President’s Scholars Program has its strongest focus on creativity, innovation, and academic pursuits.  In addition, this position will collaborate closely with faculty mentors assigned to the programs, as well as other key campus offices that support leadership development, new student transitions, retention and the academic excellence goals as stated in the SMU in Four.  The tracking of student involvement, academic progress, and providing support, when necessary, will be of central importance.  The Assistant Dean will also supervise the Director of the Mustang Scholars Program and First Gen Initiatives.  Candidates must have a master’s degree but a terminal degree is preferred.  The candidate must be very detail oriented, and have a passion for working with students, fostering intellectual discourse, and becoming fully engaged in the larger SMU community. 

Deadline to Apply: October 1, 2022. Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 15, 2022. 

A collaborative search committee comprised of SAES members, student affairs, admissions, and faculty advisors will be formed in the coming weeks to review applications, conduct virtual and in-person campus interviews, and make a recommendation for hire. We are targeting a November 1 start date. 

Please contact Dean David D. Doyle if you have any questions.