The ALEC would like to announce the recipients of the Ben Thomas Award for Excellence in Tutoring. This years recipients are Lauren Figura and Anh Khoa Nguyen. Congratulations for all your hard work this semester!
Category: Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center
The ALEC would like to congratulate 10 tutors that have gone through the extra hours of training to become CRLA certified tutors. CRLA is a program designed to ensure tutors have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support students. SMU has been a CRLA certified school since 2024 and is one of 300 schools in the US to have this international designation.
The tutors that have attained this certification are Abdullah Saifee, Anastasia Shyvilka, Aditi Brahmbhatt, Emmanuel Nworie, Pamela Gonzalez Barrios, Sofia Hueck, Avantika Chapagadikar, Jatin Yadav, Zaid Ghazi, and Faith Bellamy. We look forward to having these tutors use their acquired skills next semester!
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 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
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!
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 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.
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.
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
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.