Category: Student Academic Success Programs

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Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Student Academic Engagement & Success

Former Tutor Pens Article

MaryLena Bleile, a former ALEC tutor, has written an article demonstrating why the famous probability puzzle, the Monty Hall problem, is not just a game, but has a practical application when it comes to selecting a medication for conditions like ADHD. She used the paradox of choosing doors in a popular game show with changing medications, giving the reasons why a doctor may want to alter a medication. We at the ALEC are proud of our former tutor!

The article provides a fascinating look at probability and statistics and medications. The article, Not just a game: The Monty Hall paradox and medicine, can be found in Significance, Volume 22, Issue 3, May 2025, Pages 24–25, https://doi.org/10.1093/jrssig/qmaf025.

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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 Office of General Education Offices & Programs Peer Academic Leaders SMU in Four Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Advising Center University Foundations University Testing Center Writing Center

SMU Launches MeSpace: A Sensory-Friendly Workspace for All

Alexa Taylor, Director of DASS, smiling and sitting in the MeSpace study unit

Alexa Taylor, Director of Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS), invites you to experience MeSpace, an adaptable study space thoughtfully designed to support focus, sensory needs, and overall student well-being:

“In response to growing demands for inclusive and flexible campus environments, SMU, through a collaboration with the DASS office, Hughes-Trigg Student Center, and SMU Libraries, is testing out MeSpace, a plug-and-play, sensory-friendly study space – just in time for Autism Acceptance Month.

Designed for both Neurodiverse and Neurotypical students, MeSpace offers a space to enhance focus, reduce distractions, and manage sensory exposure, creating an ideal environment for studying and collaboration.

We invite SMU students, faculty, staff and guests to experience this innovative, sensory-friendly space at two convenient locations on campus:

  • Hamon Arts Library, First Floor
  • Hughes-Trigg Student Center, First and Second Floor

The exhibit will be open for 6 weeks, now through the end of the spring term, providing an opportunity to experience the future of sensory-friendly strategies on campus.

On April 16, we will be hosting a Pop-Up Demo from 1-2 p.m., and immediately following the Pop-Up, we encourage all interested stakeholders to attend a roundtable discussion in the H-T Chamber from 2-3 p.m. We welcome your feedback to help us explore future collaborations with MeSpace.”

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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies First-Generation Initiative Office of General Education Peer Academic Leaders Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Testing Center Writing Center

Leveraging Neurodivergence: A conversation with Dr. Quill Kukla

Dr. Quill Kukla smiling, seated on a large disco ball in front of colored streamers.

Earlier this month as part of SMU’s Maguire Lecture in Ethics series, Dr. Quill Kukla, a professor of philosophy and disability studies at Georgetown University, spoke on “Healthism, Neurodiversity, and Respectability Politics.” Max Ashby, the Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS) Graduate Assistant, had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Kukla about their lecture’s specific relevance to SMU students and faculty. In Max’s words, “We discussed how Dr. Kukla’s own Autism diagnosis connects them to this topic, the support of parents/guardians and the University, the strengths of neurodivergent students, and tangible advice.”

To parents/guardians: When neurotype – the unique way a person’s brain works – is viewed as a health issue, you may see your neurodivergent children through a lens of vulnerability and dependence. As much as possible, keep your vision for your child’s future aligned with their strengths and interests, even if that conflicts with your initial plans.

To faculty: Start with three questions: What can everyone bring to the table and contribute? How can I facilitate a space of equal access instead of only accommodation? On whom were my classroom policies such as late work, deadlines, participation and presentations normed (e.g., only neurotypical, able-bodied students)?

To students: Your neurotype offers unique strengths in addition to limitations. For strengths – hyperfocusing on special interests encourages deep, sustained exploration of a topic leading to original insights and expertise. Your difference in information processing and predisposition for pattern recognition can lead to creative problem-solving and breakthroughs in research and creative fields. For limitations – advocate for yourself and understand your needs without viewing them through a lens of illness or deficiency. Your need for support is not a reflection of “brokenness” but rather a natural part of human diversity.

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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center First-Generation Initiative Honors and Scholars Mentorship Rotunda Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Advising Center Writing Center

SMU Featured in the FirstGen Forward Blog!

girls smiling holding first-gen t-shirt

FirstGen Forward is a nationally recognized program highlighting institutions committed to improving the experiences and outcomes of first-generation college students. This network provides collaboration, resource sharing, and innovation opportunities to better support first-generation students throughout their academic journeys.

This month, we are honored to be featured by FirstGen Forward, showcasing our work to foster belonging, provide mentorship, and advocate for first-generation students.

Check out our featured blog here: https://www.firstgenforward.org/blog/raising-the-first-gen-mark-at-smu

We’re proud to be part of this national movement and excited for the opportunities this will bring! Stay tuned for more updates on how we continue to uplift and empower first-gen students.

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

46 Student-Athletes make the Fall Honor Roll

46SAFALL24

The ADSA is enthused to celebrate the academic successes of 46 remarkable student-athletes, who made the Fall 2024 SMU Honor Roll! This is a true testament to their commitment, perseverance, and drive for success.

HRFall24

 

 To make the Honor Roll the following must be met:

  • Appointment determined by percentile rank based on cumulative SMU GPA 
  • Must be degree seeking students; non-degree students are not eligible. 
  • Completion of at least 12 hours of courses with grades A through D- for the term (Engineering co-op students are eligible based on successfully completing the co-op program for the term.) (Courses that are excluded from the undergraduate program (i.e. 4+1 students) are included in determining honor roll eligibility.) 
  • No incomplete grades, in any prior coursework, at time selection process is run 
  • For students with majors in separate schools a percentile rank is determined separately for each school with the highest percentile rank applying. 
  • The Honor Roll is issued at the end of the Fall and Spring regular terms. The scholastic data for the Honor Roll is determined 3 weeks after the last day of final examinations for the term. Scholastic changes received after this cut-off are not included in the determination of the Honor Roll for the term. Scholastic data is based on enrollments through the end of the Honor Roll regular term and does not include any scholastic data for short terms that immediately follow the regular term. 

FallHR

 

Supporting these dual pursuits is our dedicated Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) program. Our department is designed to help student-athletes succeed and balance their academic and athletic pursuits. Our program combines tailored resources with a supportive environment. It’s not just about achieving grades—it’s about instilling values like discipline, resilience, and teamwork that extend far beyond the classroom or the field. To our student-athletes: congratulations on an exceptional semester! 

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Mentorship Office of General Education Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Foundations Writing Center

15 Students Return from Leave, 12 Readmitted for Spring 2025 semester

Group of students

The Return from Leave of Absence (RLOA) initiative, launched by the Office of Student Success on October 23, 2024, aimed to welcome back Mustangs on leave last term and inform them about Spring semester enrollment updates.

Shun Colter, Assistant Director, and Saahil Mathews, Program Coordinator from the Office of Student Success and Retention co-directed this initiative.

The total number of students that originally indicated a return for Spring ‘25 was 38 undergraduate students. Currently, there are 15 students enrolled for the Spring ‘25 semester. 6 students extended their leave of absence to return at a later semester.

A total of 15 former students were readmitted (RADM), with 12 of them enrolling for the Spring ’25 semester.

To start off the campaign, emails were sent in October, introducing Shun Colter, Assistant Director, and providing information about helpful resources at SMU. This information was sent to the students personal and SMU email addresses. Second, postcards were designed and sent to the students’ mailing and home addresses.

The final outreach was conducted in January ’25, reminding students that their home at the Hilltop misses them. The communication also provided information for their School of Record and Academic Advisor/Degree Counselor to address any enrollment questions.

If you have any questions or want to know more details about the RLOA campaign, you can email us at ssr@smu.edu.

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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.

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Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies First-Generation Initiative Student Academic Engagement & Success

Academic Skill Development launches quick video series

Academic Skill Development has launched a rebranded Quick Video Series that includes new videos about note-taking, strategic studying for deep learning, test anxiety, textbook study reading, concentration, and finals preparation. Updated videos include those related to time management, test preparation, and more. Visit our study skills website to see both the videos and study tools. Students can pick up printed versions of the study tools in the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center, located on the second floor of the Loyd All Sports Center. Subscribe to the Academic Skill Development YouTube channel to view all videos.

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Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center First-Generation Initiative Honors and Scholars Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center

The First-Generation Initiative celebrates First-Gen December Graduates

As we move into the spring semester at Southern Methodist University, we want to take a moment to celebrate a significant achievement from the fall. We proudly recognized 25 first-generation students who graduated this winter. Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance has led them to this incredible milestone, and we couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments.

Being a first-generation student comes with unique challenges. These students have had to navigate their paths with determination and grit. Their graduation is not only a personal achievement but also a powerful testament to their resilience and commitment to their goals.

The image above shows just a few of our first-gen graduates that came by our office one last time to celebrate their success. We presented each student with a first-gen stole, a meaningful symbol of their journey and achievements. Additionally, we gifted each student an SMU alumni mug and personalized letters from our first-gen allies. These heartfelt messages offered words of encouragement and pride, reminding our graduates that they are part of a strong and supportive community.

These graduates are trailblazers, paving the way for future first-gen students. Their success stories inspire others to pursue higher education and demonstrate that, with perseverance and support, they too can achieve their dreams. As we continue into the spring semester, we are excited to support our current and future first-gen students. We look forward to celebrating more successes and milestones as they work toward their goals.

We invite the entire SMU community to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our winter graduates. Their journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and the strength of our first-gen community. Congratulations to all, and here’s to a successful and inspiring spring semester!

To honor their achievements, we have included a list of our First-Gen winter graduates below. Each name represents a story of perseverance, dedication, and success. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing their continued impact in the world.

Allison Martinez Andrea Fuentes Sevilla Ashanti Galbreath
Connor Chisick Hana De Silva Jack Carroll
Jakub Jan Kaczynski Jamaya Parker Jameelah Ali
Joshua Lill Keilah Eletu Maddy Penwell
Marci Toscano Maria Cruz Marina Ljubicic
Monet Munoz Onyx Rodriguez Pablo Arroliga Mejia
Princess Igwe-Icho Sabrina Almazan Sara Banda
Scarlett Pencak Tenielle O’Brien  Zach Wallace
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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies First-Generation Initiative Offices & Programs SMU in Four Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Advising Center University Foundations University Testing Center Writing Center

Update to Student Academic Success Programs websites

Two SMU students working at a laptop

Student Academic Success Programs websites will move to new website addresses on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. These include the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center, Tutoring, the Writing Center, Academic Skills Development, and Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies. Student Academic Engagement and Success webmasters will work to ensure uninterrupted access to the information you need from our sites. If you find any problems, please email Lydia Allen at lrallen@smu.edu. Note that the University will be closed Monday, December 23, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025.