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University Advising Center

Classes start! Last day to edit schedule on August 26th!

Today, August 22nd, SMU students are welcomed to the first day of the Fall 2022 Semester. Throughout the week students are able to make changes to their classes and schedules by adding and swapping courses in my.SMU.

On Friday, August 26th, the ability to do so will pass! Students wishing to adjust their class schedule will only be able to drop courses moving past this date.

Be sure to be in contact with your Academic Advisor if you are thinking about adding, swapping, or dropping courses that make changes to your schedule. You can make appointments through booking.smu.edu, contact your advisor through email or phone, or make an appointment in person to visit them in their office.

The University Advising Center is located in Blanton 408 on the 4th Floor, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 12:00pm, and 1:00pm-5:00pm.

 

Categories
Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship

Big iDeas and Incubator@SMU Entrepreneurship Report 2021-22

Read the latest report on Entrepreneurship Programs from the Office of Engaged Learning. Click the images to view larger versions.

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First-Generation Initiative Mustang Scholars

Cesar Quezada joins SMU as the inaugural director of Mustang Scholars and the First-Generation Initiative

Student Academic Engagement & Success (SAES) is excited to announce Cesar Quezada as the inaugural director of Mustang Scholars and the First-Generation Initiative effective August 29.

Quezada brings his experience with first-generation students, cohort-based mentorship programs, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and undocumented students to the Hilltop. He is a first-generation college student and DACA recipient originally from Durango, Mexico who earned a degree in psychology from Texas A&M University-Commerce.  In his previous roles, he has been the associate director of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Division at Creighton University and assistant director for the Multicultural Center at the University of North Texas.

When asked about what he is most excited about, Quezada remarked “I am very excited to get to campus and begin working with everyone in order to start to impact students as soon as possible. The opportunity to get to work with Dr. Grabsch, the Mustang Scholars, and the large group of first-generation students is what has led me to take this opportunity.”

Quezada’s platform as a higher education professional gives him the advantage to incorporate both the student perspectives and needs into this overall work which includes teaching others what they can do in order to help and better serve first-generation student communities at their institutions. Since his undergraduate years, he has also been a part of various professional associations where he has presented at state and national conferences, among them the NatDC’s Diversity in Leadership Conference, NCORE, Excelencia in Education, and participating in Men of Color Consortiums hosted by Project Males out of the University of Texas at Austin. He also has received national recognition for his work from Excelencia in Education.

Please join us in welcoming Cesar Quezada to the SAES team!

 

Categories
University Testing Center

University Testing Center opens today, provides accommodated testing services to SMU community

The University Testing Center (UTC) opens today and begins to offer accommodated testing services to the SMU community.

Today begins a three-phased opening of the center. In phase one, most accommodated testing – for students with testing accommodations approved by Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS) – will be proctored by the center. Accommodated testing will be conducted by the UTC as a backup to instructors and academic departments. The test proctoring process and reservations of testing seats remain the same within DASS Link.

In spring 2023, phase two will pilot the expansion of services to student athletes during their sport’s competition season.

Depending on space usage and demand, the final phase will be to add placement testing and evaluation services. A handful of other campus test proctoring services will remain operational and resources to instructors. Learn more about the new testing center, eligibility for testing, policies, and booking processes at smu.edu/testing.

UTC Open House Reminder

On August 24, from 2-4pm, join us in the basement of Clements Hall (G15) to learn about the space, the services offered, and how we support you in providing a secure and reduced distraction environment for students.

Food will be served and information sessions and tours will be led by our Testing Manager and Coordinator every 20 minutes. We hope you’ll stop by and join us in welcoming this new department to campus.

Reach out to us via email at universitytestingcenter@smu.edu or by phone at 214-768-6064.

Categories
First-Generation Initiative

First-Generation Initiative to host Welcome (Back) Reception

First-Generation Initiative was established in 2019 to support first-generation college students on campus. The initiative will host its first-annual reception on August 25 in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center Varsity.

The Welcome (Back) Reception is for new and returning first-generation college students and supporting faculty/staff. Food and drinks will be provided while students are given opportunities to make connections and learn about resources.

Faculty, staff and first-generation students can RSVP via SMU Connect.

Categories
First-Generation Initiative

First-Generation Initiative publishes refreshed and expanded website

The First-Generation Initiative (FGI) published a refreshed website (smu.edu/firstgen) for the SMU community on August 13. Just in time for the new academic year, the refresh expanded web-based resources and new features including:

Faculty and staff are encoruaged to direct students to the first-generation initiative via smu.edu/firstgen. Feedback and recommendations of additional resources/scholarships are welcome; please email firstgen@smu.edu.

 

Categories
University Testing Center

University Testing Center to host open house August 24

You are cordially invited to celebrate the grand opening of SMU’s University Testing Center!

On August 24, from 2-4pm, join us in the basement of Clements Hall (G15) to learn about the space, the services offered, and how we support you in providing a secure and reduced distraction environment for students.

Food will be served and information sessions and tours will be led by our Testing Manager and Coordinator every 20 minutes. We hope you’ll stop by and join us in welcoming this new department to campus.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, you can find us online at smu.edu/testing. Reach out to us via email at universitytestingcenter@smu.edu or by phone at 214-768-6064.

Categories
University Honors Program

Meet the SMU student who is an international dinosaur origami champion

See original publication in The Dallas Morning News, published 7:00 AM on Jul 27, 2022.

Travis Nolan is a Dedman Scholar and in the University Honors Program. If you’ve seen little origami figures in the Scholars’ Den Conference Room, they’re one of Nolan’s creations.

Categories
Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship

Big iDeas and Incubator@SMU Entrepreneurship Report 2021-2022

Categories
University Testing Center

University Testing Center welcomes new Testing Coordinator

The University Testing Center welcomes Lauren Horton as the new Testing Coordinator.

As a Testing Coordinator, she will assist with: (1) preparing testing room, materials and equipment for test administrations according to individual requirements and accommodation guidelines, (2) proctoring online and conventional pen/paper tests, (3) co-supervise Testing Assistants, undergraduate and graduate student test proctors, (4) other UTC operational needs.

Lauren shared, “I have worked with SMU for many years in different facets, but my love for students and passion for teaching remains prevalent through it all. My favorite way to spend my days is by wandering the beautiful campus, exploring campus buildings, going to SMU games and events, and socializing with my fellow Mustangs on Dallas Hall Lawn. Pony Up, y’all!”

Please join us in welcoming Lauren to the UTC!