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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Devleopment 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.

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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.
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Honors and Scholars National Fellowships University Honors Program

University Honors Program announces staffing changes

Starting this semester, Dr. Brandon Gray Miller will serve as the Director of the University Honors Program and continues to oversee the Office of National Undergraduate Fellowships in his role as Assistant Dean for University Honors Program and Fellowships. Undergraduate students seeking to learn more about the University Honors Program or awards for international study, research, travel, and other professional development opportunities should schedule a meeting with him.

Mrs. Dorie Beitchman joined the UHP as the Assistant Director in October. She works with the Honors Student Advisory Council to plan UHP events and meets with UHP students to ensure they are completing their UHP requirements. Please direct student questions about requirements, UHP course petitions and Culminating Project petitions to her. She is available for office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which students can schedule via booking.smu.

Dr. David Doyle will continue to serve as the Dean of Honors and Scholars Programs and office in the Scholars’ Den.

The University Honors Program prepares undergraduate students for their future by emphasizing a broad-based education in the humanities and sciences, and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity through dedicated Honors coursework, events, and independent research opportunities. The UHP is supported by expert faculty, advisors, and a community of like-minded students who are committed to exploring diverse academic interests.  Current students eager to learn more should contact a member of the UHP staff about how to apply.

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Honors and Scholars National Fellowships UHP Spotlight University Honors Program

SMU Junior Wins Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

Article reprinted from SMU news. Original can be found here.

DALLAS (SMU) – SMU junior biochemistry major Shriya Siddhartha’s white lab coat glows with spots of hot pink and orange fluorescent dye, evidence of her research on a new fluorescent tool biologists can use to study lung cancer cells.  Siddhartha has worked in chemistry professor Alex Lippert’s lab since the beginning of her first year at SMU, volunteers in other professors’ labs to learn new techniques and has collaborated with researchers in New York.

She is one of six students selected nationwide to receive the 2024 Goldwater U Award, one of the most prestigious national science awards presented to undergraduate students pursuing a medical research career. Winners are selected for the caliber of their research and aspirations for a future research career.

The scholarship, which honors former Sen. Barry Goldwater, encourages outstanding students to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics and provides up to $7,500 toward tuition, fees, books and room and board.

Siddhartha has known she wanted to be a scientist since she was in fourth grade and later chose to attend SMU because of its undergraduate research opportunities. Her inspiration comes from her paternal grandparents, who were scientists, and particularly her paternal grandmother, who was accepted to a prestigious medical school in India but forbidden to attend by her parents, who considered a female doctor less marriageable.

“I’d like to carry on my grandmother’s plan,” Siddhartha said.

She is well on her way.

After exploring the work of various SMU researchers on the University web site, Shriya contacted Professor Lippert the summer before she came to SMU, expressing particular interest in his work with chemiluminescence molecules.

“It is very rare for a student to start in the laboratory so early and excel right at the start, which speaks to Shriya’s remarkable aptitude to perform high quality research,” Lippert said.

In addition to her work with Professor Lippert, she co-authored a manuscript with a separate collaboration with researchers at Georgetown University, conducted a research internship at UT Southwestern and is learning molecular biology techniques for cloning, protein expression and purification, said Brian Zoltowski, professor of chemistry and Shriya’s organic chemistry professor.

Shriya Siddhartha is a South Indian woman with dark brown hair cut to her shoulders. She wears a navy blue blazer and a yellow blouse. She stands on the Dallas Hall Lawn with Dallas Hall as the backdrop.
Shriya Siddhartha is one of six students selected nationwide to receive the 2024 Goldwater U Award, one of the most prestigious national science awards presented to undergraduate students pursuing a medical research career. Photo by Hillsman S. Jackson, SMU

Siddhartha is carefully planning her steps to reach her long-term goal, to become an ophthalmology surgeon, optic nerve researcher and medical school professor, at least ten years of additional education after graduating from SMU. In the meantime, she is an active undergraduate  member of several campus honors groups – a Dedman Scholar, a Hamilton Research Scholar, a Tower Scholar and a Richter Scholar. She’s also vice president of the SMU Asian Council and a volunteer with Mustang Heroes, a campus community service organization. She is determined to promote the importance of health equity throughout her career.

This busy student relaxes with music. She performs classical South Indian music with her sister and mentors younger musicians. Siddhartha also plays the guitar with a rock band made up of high school friends. The band, “Vacuum,” is releasing a new song later this summer.

 

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Honors and Scholars Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research President’s Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success University Honors Program

Research & Innovation Week, April 1-5

Research & Innovation Week is happening next week! As part of RIW, The Office of Engaged Learning is excited to showcase the outstanding research and projects being done by SMU undergraduates across campus.

The Undergraduate Poster Session will take place Tuesday, April 2, 2-5 p.m. in the Moody Hall Atrium.  Prizes are awarded for the Top 3 posters overall, and the best poster in each school will be recognized. You can also vote for your favorite poster during the session for the Fan Favorite award. We hope you will come by to check out their posters, hear their presentations, and support these exceptional Mustangs!

The week is filled with panels, workshops and more. Visit the Research & Innovation Week website for event details and registration links.

  • Monday, April 1: Kick-off Event and Centers & Institutes Panel, 8am-12 PM
  • Tuesday, April 2: Undergraduate Poster Session, 2-5 PM
  • Wednesday, April 3: Graduate Poster Sessions, Dedman College graduate programs at 9 AM-12 PM, All other graduate programs and postdoctoral scholars at 2-5 PM
  • Thursday, April 4: Lunch & Learn: Navigating through the Research Labyrinth, 11:30AM-12:30PM
  • Thursday, April 4: Keynote Talk: Keivan Stassun, Director of the Frist Center for Autism & Innovation and Stevenson Professor of Physics & Astronomy at Vanderbilt University, 5 PM
  • Friday, April 5: SMU Faculty Innovation Day, 8 AM – 3:45 PM
  • Friday, April 5: MFA Qualifying Exhibition: “To Feel, To Mend, To Be”, 2-5PM in the Pollock Gallery

 

Categories
Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success University Honors Program

Interview with Paige Edwards, Engaged Learning Fellow

One year ago, Paige Edwards, a student studying Film and Human Rights, was able to travel to Hawai’i because of a scholarship awarded by the Human Rights and Honors Program where students learned about social justice issues. Paige connected to one of the bus drivers, Leina Fisher on this trip. Fisher is a Native Hawaiian woman working in the hospitality industry but who dreamed of starting her own business. Paige and her fellow students decided to help her out to make Makali’i – Fisher’s educational tour business catering to people interested in Hawaiians culture and history. This experience inspired her project Re-Imagine Paradise: The Impacts of the Illegal Annexation of Hawai’i and Tourism on Native Hawaiians. The project focuses on “how tourism is a consequence and a complicity of colonial and illegal annexation of Hawai’i.” 

A significant aspect of this project was that Paige had to collaborate with other students and professors. Last summer, Paige was in McNair Scholars Program SRI course which provided her with a good foundation to write research papers. Paige also leaned on other research students by running ideas by them to help improve her paper and she often contacted her faculty mentor Brad Klein when needing help. 

This project is not only a passion for Paige now but impacts her long-term goals of going to law school where she wants to focus on serving underrepresented communities. Her “interests in human rights and law have not only shaped [her] research, but also the kind of work [she] likes to produce.” For right now though, Paige is producing a documentary film called Kanaka Driven Tours which “focuses on the impacts of tourism on Native Hawaiians and will educate viewers on ethical traveling.” Make sure to keep an eye out for it to learn more about the tourism industry in Hawai’i and how there is so much more to it than what meets the eye! 

Categories
Academic Center for Excellence Academic Devleopment 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.

 

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Office of General Education SMU in Four Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs University Advising Center University Honors Program

Undergraduate students incentivized to complete Degree Planner

Yesterday, SMU in Four sent email communications to undergraduate students on the Common Curriculum regarding Degree Planner from smuinfour@smu.edu. Student communications were staggered – with tailored communications being sent to declared major students and pre-major students.  

Copies of the communication is below. 

January 18, 2023 

Dear Students – 

Use the new Degree Planner tool, located on your my.SMU Student Dashboard, to plan your path to graduation! This new tool will help you plan not only your upcoming semester, but all courses you will take throughout your college career.    

All undergraduate students on the Common Curriculum (CC) are required to complete Degree Planner by 03/20/2023. [Declared Majors] As a declared major you will complete your degree plan for all declared degree programs and CC requirements prior to Fall 2023 enrollment to avoid enrollment delays. [Pre-Majors] As a pre-major you will complete your degree plan for all CC requirements (Foundations, Breadths, Proficiencies & Experiences) prior to Fall 2023 enrollment to avoid enrollment delays.  

Complete it early for a chance to win some fantastic prizes! The sooner you complete your degree plan, the more raffles you are entered into. Raffle prizes include $25-50 Starbucks, Amazon, Uber, and Visa gift cards. You can also win SMU swag such as baseball caps, sweatshirts, hoodies, and more! Students who complete Degree Planner by 11:59pm on:  

  • January 27 (Friday) will be entered in three raffles.  
  • February 10 (Friday) will be entered in two raffles.  
  • March 10 (Friday) will be entered in one raffle.  

Visit smu.edu/degreeplanner for help getting started or watch the student dashboard video below

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Faculty and staff communications regarding Degree Planner were sent on Friday, January 13th. As promised, Records Offices and advisors will receive email templates to use to encourage student completion in the following weeks. 

Faculty and staff advisors who have the most students complete Degree Planner by the priority deadline of March 20, 2023 will win a $100 Amazon gift card. 

Any questions, comments, and/or concerns can be directed to SMU in Four. 

Categories
President’s Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success University Honors Program

Dr. Angela Jeon-Huh joins SMU as Assistant Dean for Scholars Programs

Dr. Angela Jeon-Huh joins Southern Methodist University (SMU) on December 5th as the Assistant Dean for Scholars Programs within the Office of the Provost. As the Assistant Dean for Scholars Programs, Dr. Jeon-Huh will work closely with campus colleagues to support the academic and personal success of the Hunt Scholars and President’s Scholars programs at SMU.

Before joining SMU, Dr. Jeon-Huh served as the Director of Global Programs at Pennsylvania State University. In this role, she oversaw the operations and services of the Office of Global Programs. These services and programs encompassed international agreements, study abroad programs, international students’ compliance policies, faculty-embedded programs, and curriculum development. In addition to her role as the Director of Global Programs, Dr. Jeon-Huh also served as a faculty for the following interdisciplinary courses: Global Studies and American Government.

Dr. Jeon-Huh has extensive experience in the work of Student Affairs. She served for five years as Drexel University’s Assistant Dean of Students (serving approximately 26,000 students) and Director of International Students and Scholars Services (serving around 5,000 students, faculty, and staff). In this role, she managed student crises cases, Student Conduct appeals, as well as supporting the development of academic success strategic planning for all undergraduate students. She also served as the principal designated school official for Drexel University’s foreign national employees and international students.

Dr. Jeon-Huh is an active member and a presenter for the Association of International Educators, NAFSA, Academic Impression, AI, and The Global Community for Academic Advising, NACADA. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Politics and a Master’s degree in Leadership Development at the Pennsylvania State University, and completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management at Drexel University. Her dissertation focused on undergraduate international student onboarding, specifically ways to improve the cultural and academic adjustment period.