Category: Offices & Programs

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

Meet the May Mustang Champions

MayMC

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: 

  • Strive for excellence: This could be through improvement in academics, athletics, or both. 
  • Live the S.P.I.R.I.T. of SMU Athletics: S.P.I.R.I.T. stands for the values that SMU athletics strive to uphold. S is for service (we are here for others), P is for Passion (we love what we do), I for Integrity (we do the right thing), R is for Respect (we follow the golden rule), I for Innovation (we seek a better way), and T for Teamwork (we are bound together).  
  • Champion student-athlete success initiatives:  Participation in programs or activities that support student-athlete well-being or academic achievement, like Life After Ball (LAB), SAAC, or BSAC. 

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! 

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Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center President’s Scholars Student Academic Success Programs Writing Center

Writing Center Lounge Adds Student Art

Our first rotating art pieces are up and running in the Writing Center.  Currently, we are displaying artwork by Nastya Shyvilka.  Not only a talented artist and President’s Scholar, Nastaya works in the A-LEC as a Russian and biology tutor.  We will have more pieces on display and a bio on Nastaya shortly.  Designed as a welcoming space for students seeking writing assistance from our faculty and staff, the Writing Center is also a lounge and we invite students to come, relax and work with other students on projects.

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Office of General Education SMU in Four Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention

Summer Forge returns for Summer 2024 with a 29-student cohort 

Following the successful completion of the inaugural Summer 2023 cohort, Summer Forge is back with a cohort of 29 students. Summer Forge provides invited undergraduate students with financial, academic, and social support to accelerate their path to on-time graduation.    

Invited students receive up to 8 paid semester credit hours over May, Summer, and/or August terms. To make the program more accessible, housing costs were included for non-local students. The Summer 2024 cohort consists of 29 students attempting over 167 credit hours during the summer terms. The average participant takes 6 hours to fulfill major, minor, or Common Curriculum requirements.  

Summer Forge is a collaboration between the Office of Student Success and Retention, SMU in Four, Office of Financial Aid, and Student Academic Success Programs. It reflects the university’s commitment to improving retention and graduation rates. Program Co-Directors Brittaney Wilson, General Education and Academic Appeals Coordinator, and Jay Guillory, Success Counselor in the Office of Student Success and Retention, initially identified the students based on various criteria, in addition to their commitment to complete classes in the Fall 2024 semester at SMU. They would like to thank the many advisors who recommended students and assisted with student outreach for their support.   

To kick off a successful Summer Term, Becca Umobong and Chris Meyers from Academic Skill Development led a Learning Strategies Workshop focused on: Time Management Resources and Improving Academic Success. In addition to the workshop, all students have individual academic counseling sessions. Students are also encouraged to visit the A-LEC for tutoring services across course content areas.  

Please contact Brittaney Wilson or Jay Guillory with any questions about the program.  

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

Lunch and Learn at the Summer Research Symposium

Flyer for Summer Research Symposium program (list is repeated in text)

The Office of Engaged Learning invites you to attend the Summer Research Symposium this June and July. The Symposium is a weekly speaker series highlighting research by SMU faculty and invited guests. These “lunch and learn” events are open to the community.

June 12: Dr. Beth Wheaton-Páramo, Economics

June 19: Dr. Peng Tao, Chemistry

June 26: Dr. Alexander Chase, Earth Sciences

July 10: Faculty Panel: How Do I Get a Grant?

July 17: Dr. Jeanna Wieselmann, Teaching and Learning

July 24: Faculty Panel: Resilience in Research

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Office of General Education Student Academic Engagement & Success

Save the date for #1Day4Dallas on October 12

Join the Office of General Education at Engage Dallas’ 4th annual fall day of service, #1Day4Dallas!The Residential Commons fall service day, known as #1Day4Dallas, is an annual tradition in which every Residential Commons participates in service around their community-identified need on the same day.

Each Residential Commons will have a goal of meeting the needed number of students to serve in the same geographic location at various non-profit organizations and community agencies (the same organizations the Residential Commons work with for monthly programs).

Save the date for Saturday, October 12, from 8 AM – 3 PM. Learn more at smu.edu/engagedallas.

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Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Student Academic Engagement & Success

A-LEC is Awarded International Certification from College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA)

confetti

 

Southern Methodist University is pleased to announce that the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (A-LEC) has been awarded certification as a Level I certified tutor training program by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).

For more than thirty years CRLA has been a leader in learning assistance, reading, and academic support programs with almost 1,300 members and over 2,000 certified training programs worldwide.

The A-LEC has worked hard to develop a tutor training program that meets CRLA’s rigorous standards and has successfully completed the International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) peer review process. Achieving certification means that the A-LEC has met CRLA’s high standards for tutor selection, training, direct service, and evaluation as an integral part of their overall tutoring program.

Please join us in congratulating the A-LEC on a job well done.

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

Welcome Jordon Smith, Our New Senior Academic Counselor!

J.Smith

We are thrilled to welcome Jordon Smith to the Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) team! Jordon joins us as a Senior Academic Counselor working with Football and Women’s Basketball, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for student-athlete success.

Jordon’s journey in academic support for athletes began in 2023 as an Academic Counselor at the University of Arizona. Prior to that, she served as Director of Football Academics at Abilene Christian University, demonstrating a strong commitment to the holistic development of football student-athletes.

Her dedication to the field extends further back, with experience as an Academic Graduate Assistant at the University of Arkansas. Jordon’s foundation for success was built on a strong academic background. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration from LSU, followed by a Master of Science in Athletic Leadership from Clemson University.

Jordon’s passion extends beyond the walls of ADSA. She actively participates in the National Association for Academic Advisors for Athletics (N4A) External Partnerships Working Group and holds memberships in several committees. This involvement demonstrates her dedication to professional development and collaboration in the field.

A Dallas native, Jordon is excited to be back in her home state, supporting student-athletes and their academic achievements. When she’s not championing student success, you might find her spending time with her beloved Doberman companions, Venus and Dirk.

Please join us in welcoming Jordon to the ADSA family! We are confident her experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm will be invaluable assets to our team and the student-athletes she supports.

 

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

2024 Summer Research with Engaged Learning

Student an professor in white lab coats looking at beaker

Summer undergraduate research is off and running with the Office of Engaged Learning!

37 SMU students will be participating in the fourth annual Summer Research Intensive, working alongside 25 faculty members in the Cox School of Business, Dedman College, Dedman School of Law, Lyle School of Engineering, and Simmons School of Education and Human Development. In the SRI, students will work on faculty research projects and attend professional development workshops throughout the summer. The program also creates a community and cohort experience for student researchers to interact and collaborate.

As part of the Summer Research Intensive, OEL sponsors the Summer Research Symposium, a weekly speaker series highlighting research and innovation by SMU faculty and invited guests. The symposium series will take place Wednesdays from 12-1pm in the Hughes-Trigg Chamber with lunch provided. These events are open to the public!

2024 Summer Research Symposium Speakers
6/12: Dr. Beth Wheaton-Páramo, Economics
6/19: Dr. Peng Tao, Chemistry
6/26: Dr. Alexander Chase, Earth Sciences
7/10: Faculty Panel: How do I get a Grant?
7/17: Dr. Jeanna Wieselmann, Teaching & Learning
7/24: Faculty panel: Resilience in Research

Starting June 3, OEL and the Department of Statistics and Data Science will host the third annual Data Science for Social Good Research Experience for Undergraduates. 12 undergraduate students from across the country will attend the 8-week program to learn how to use data science tools to find solutions to economic and environmental problems affecting the Dallas community. The students will work in teams under the guidance of SMU faculty mentors Dr. Cullum Clark (Bush Institute/Economics), Dr. Anthony Petrosino (Teaching & Learning), Dr. Beth Wheaton-Páramo (Economics), and Dr. Mary Spector (Law). Stay tuned for more about the participants and their projects.

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

More than Just Game Day; its Graduation Day

classof2024

SMU gathered to celebrate a remarkable group of Mustangs who have excelled not only on the field or court, but also in the classroom. These student-athletes have juggled rigorous training schedules with demanding academic pursuits, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in all areas of their lives. After hearing speeches from: Athletic Director Rick Hart, President Turner, Associate Provost Kunovich, and Raelyn Roberson (President of SAAC, and executive officer of BSAAC); we honored the 98 of student-athletes graduating this commencement year. 

SMU is renowned for its commitment to student-athlete success, and this graduating class is a testament to that. Many have achieved impressive academic feats while balancing the demands of their sports and dedicating free time to their professional or community development. Take, for example, Brooke Frazier’s internship with the Dallas Stars or Avery Bethel’s internship with Parklife. We are so proud of the accomplishments of our seniors!

The Biggest Game Day: Graduation  

As these graduating student-athletes step off the graduation stage and into the next chapter, they carry with them the invaluable lessons learned on the playing field and in the classroom.  Graduation is a public display of academic achievement, while the big game is a display of athletic prowess. Both are moments to showcase the culmination of years of hard work. Their experiences at SMU have instilled in them discipline, teamwork, and a thirst for knowledge – all qualities that will serve them well in their future endeavors. We hope that during their four years at SMU, we have prepared them for life’s challenges.  

The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) are incredibly proud of our graduating student-athletes. They are an inspiration to all Mustangs, a testament to the well-rounded education offered at the university, and a symbol of what hard work and dedication can achieve.

Congratulations, Class of 2024! 

*Students listed multiple times have earned more than one degree 

Name Sport Major Program 
Adley,Macey Noelle Rowing Marketing – BBA UGCOX
Allen,Kameron Football Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Allen,Louis Huntley Tennis M Management – MSMGT MGTM
Ambrose-Hylton,Keon Jeremiah Basket M Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Anderson,Lily E Equestrian Operations Research – MS EMISM
Baker,Emily Victoria Rowing Management – MSMGT MGTM
Bilafer,Lauren Ann Marie Rowing Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Bryant,Marcus Dennard Football Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Butler,Lance Austin Swimming M Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Chou,Megan Megumi Golf W Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Clark,Warren Callaway Tennis M General Business – BBA UGCOX
Coffey,Tyler L Swimming M Data Science – BS UGENG
Coffey,Tyler L Swimming M Management Science – BS UGENG
Colomer Vila,Jordina Soccer W Management – BBA UGCOX
Crowley,Jessamine White Cross C-W Philosophy – BA DCII
Crowley,Jessamine White Cross C-W Economics – BS DCII
Crowley,Jessamine White Cross C-W Statistical Science – BS DCII
Crowley,Jessamine White Track O-W Statistical Science – BS DCII
Cullen,Celia Olzem Volley Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Culver,John William Swimming M Economics – BA UGCOX
Culver,John William Swimming M Finance – BBA UGCOX
Dallmann,Jelldrik Soccer M Finance – MSF FINM
Davenport,Tess Elizabeth Golf W Management – MSMGT MGTM
DeLaGarza,Katherine Elizabeth Equestrian Accounting – BBA UGCOX
Dermott,Abigail Rose Soccer W Biochemistry – BS DCII
Dickinson,Isabella Marie Swimming W Finance – BBA UGCOX
Dobson,Olivia Faye Track I-W Psychology – BA UGSIM
Dobson,Olivia Faye Track I-W Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Doyle,Hadley Shaye Tennis W Management – MSMGT MGTM
Ensley,Anne C Rowing Markets & Culture – BA DCII
Ervin,Cameron Jonathan Football Computer Science – MS CSEM
Feehery,Colin Bridgewater Swimming M Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Gearin,Kaitlyn Ann Cross C-W Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Glover,Alexandria Jean Volley Management – MSMGT MGTM
Gudmundsdottir,Johanna Elin Swimming W Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Hargrove,Prather Anne Swimming W Psychology – BA DCII
Hargrove,Prather Anne Swimming W Educational Studies – BS DCII
Hart,Alexandra Grace Rowing Management – BBA UGCOX
Head,Chalyce Dianne Equestrian Psychology – BA DCII
Hemsley,Zairyn Delanne Volley Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Hickman,Branson Lee Football Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Hilts,Micah Nathaniel Football Management – MSMGT MGTM
Hoagland,Jack Walker Swimming M Finance – MSF FINM
Huth,Winslow E Tennis W Data Science – BS UGENG
Huth,Winslow E Tennis W Management Science – BS UGENG
Johnson,Taylor Tennis W Management – MSMGT MGTM
Jolly,Jasmine Simone Track I-W Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Jones,Angel Marie Volley Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Jones,Tamia A Basket W Economics w/ Fina Appl – BS DCII
Jordan,Katherine Hannah Swimming W Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Kearns,Nya Kenlee Equestrian Management – BBA UGCOX
Koulibaly,Jefferson Bakr Basket M Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Krall,Liam Eric Tennis M Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Lanier,Emory Jaali Basket M Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Lavine,Tyler Davies Football Liberal Studies – MLS MLS
Lavine,Tyler Davies Football Organizational Dynamics – CNC MLS
Lewis,Madeleine C Swimming W Biological Sciences – BS DCII
Madden,Taylor June Equestrian Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Manganello,Alyssandra Camille Rowing Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Mavor,Lana Sharon Tennis W Management – MSMGT MGTM
McCormick,Evan Scott Swimming M Finance – BBA UGCOX
Mierswa,Leoni Cross C-W Psychology – BS DCII
Montandon,Mackenzie Jordan Cross C-W Biological Sciences – BS DCII
Montandon,Mackenzie Jordan Track O-W Biological Sciences – BS DCII
Nielson,Caroline Nicole Equestrian Business Analytics – MSBA BUSNM
Nieves,Samantha Lynn Soccer W Accounting – BBA UGCOX
Ohlinger,Lauren Elizabeth Volley Management – MSMGT MGTM
Olajide,Oluwafunminiyi Inioluwa Track I-W Economics – BS DCII
Olajide,Oluwafunminiyi Inioluwa Track O-W Statistical Science – BS DCII
Olsen,Mia Diane Cross C-W Biochemistry – BS DCII
Olsen,Mia Diane Cross C-W Health and Society – BS DCII
Olson,Madeline Layne Golf W Bus Analytics Spply Ch – BBA UGCOX
Padilla,Alexander Michael Football Liberal Studies – MLS MLS
Padilla,Alexander Michael Football Organizational Dynamics – CNC MLS
Parkinson,Maxine Mio Swimming W Biological Sciences – BS DCII
Parnell,Cole Anderson Swimming M Civil Engineering – BSCE UGENG
Parr,Logan Riley Becht Football Management – MSMGT MGTM
Perdue,Dalton Edward Football Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Roberson,Raelyn Track I-W Biological Sciences – BA UGSIM
Roberson,Raelyn Track I-W Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Schifano,John Football Economics – BA DCII
Sillman,Kyle Joshua Tennis M Finance – MSF FINM
Smith,Marcus Harrison Football Creative Computing – BA UGART
Smith,Tyreek S. Basket M Humanities – CNC MLS
Smith,Tyreek S. Basket M Liberal Studies – MLS MLS
Soderquist,Macie Lawren Equestrian General Business – BBA UGCOX
Sparks,Benjamin Adams Football Economics – BA DCII
Stambo,Nicole Taylor Swimming W Management – MSMGT MGTM
Szeryk,Eleanor Eileen Golf W Political Science – BA DCII
Valenzuela,Alexis Marc Alberto Golf M Political Science – BA DCII
Vandenbussche,Indra Swimming W Mechanical Engineering – BSME UGENG
VanderHagen,Mya Rose Swimming W Biochemistry – BS DCII
Vivier,Nicole Jade Golf W Computer Science – BS UGENG
Watson,Jenna Nicole Swimming W Spanish – BA UGCOX
Watson,Jenna Nicole Swimming W Finance – BBA UGCOX
Williams,Whitney Leeann Track I-W Psychology – BA UGSIM
Williams,Whitney Leeann Track I-W Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Williamson,Samuell Stephen Basket M Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Wood,Sarah Joan Rowing Biological Sciences – BS DCII
Yang,Alex Yu-Chen Tennis M Finance – MSF FINM
Yao,Kaichun Football Finance – BBA UGCOX
Young,Jackson Dallas Basket M Applied Phys & Sport Mgmt – BS UGSIM
Zimmerman,Taylor Anne Equestrian Management – MSMGT MGTM
Zisette,John Tennis M Finance – BBA UGCOX
Categories
Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center University Testing Center

Expanded CLEP Testing now available at the University Testing Center

The University Testing Center is pleased to offer expanded CLEP (College Level Examination Program) testing beginning June 2024.

Testing is available by appointment to any SMU student or community member seeking academic credit. At SMU, course credit is awarded when a score of 60 points or above out of 80 possible points is achieved. Community members may also test at SMU and send scores to other colleges and universities for credit.

SMU gives credit for CLEP subject examinations based on the specified minimum scores below*.  American Government, Financial Accounting and History of the U.S. I and II are only available to incoming students under the 2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog and are not available to continuing students.

CLEP Exam

Score (out of 80)

Credit Hours

Course(s) Credited

Common Curriculum Requirements Satisfied
American Government

60

3

 Generic Credit – TBD Social & Behavioral Science (SBS)
American Literature

60

3

 ENGL 20XX None
English Literature

60

3

 ENGL 20YY None
Financial Accounting

60

3

 Generic Credit – TBD Quantitative Applications (QA)
History of the US I

60

3

 Generic Credit – TBD Historical Contexts (HC)
History of the US II

60

3

 Generic Credit – TBD Historical Contexts (HC)
Macroeconomics

60

3

 ECO 1312 Quantitative Applications (QA)
Microeconomics

60

3

 ECO 1311 Quantitative Applications (QA)

*The above credit table is subject to change and applies to the 2024 Undergraduate Catalog.

Sign-Up

  • All tests are administered on campus, in person.  Remote CLEP administrations are not conducted at the UTC.
  • Students must register and pay for a CLEP test on the College Board website, indicating SMU as the testing site and score recipient.
  • Testing seats are reserved using the UTC Portal.  The CLEP test administration fee charged by the testing center is waived for current SMU students, with a modest charge for community members.
  • Students must bring their College Board CLEP Registration Form and SMU ID card to their testing appointment at the UTC.

After Testing

When testing is complete, students will receive a preliminary score report from UTC staff.  Scores will also be available in the My CLEP Student Account portal on the CLEP website.  Final, official CLEP score reports will be sent directly from the College Board to the SMU Registrar, where course credit will be awarded with a qualifying score.

For more information, visit the University Testing Center or the College Board FAQs for CLEP.