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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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Office of General Education Student Success & Retention University Foundations

SMU awarded $10,000 Civic Pluralism in the Core Curriculum Grant from Interfaith America

SMU expands Common Curriculum offerings with new courses on civic pluralism 

Southern Methodist University is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $10,000 Civic Pluralism in the Core Curriculum Grant from Interfaith America for the 2025–2026 academic year. This grant will support the development of two new courses, Societies, Communities, & People and The Ethics of Service, which will be integrated into SMU’s Common Curriculum Civic and Individual Ethics (CIE) and Community Engagement (CE) proficiency and experience requirements for all undergraduate students. 

The grant, awarded to a collaborative team from the Office of General Education, the Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility, and the Department of University Foundations, underscores SMU’s ongoing commitment to cultivating leaders who engage with diversity, promote ethical reflection, and navigate societal challenges with empathy and insight. 

Societies, Communities, & People will explore the intersections of community, society, and ethical engagement, while The Ethics of Service will critically examine ethical dimensions of community engagement and service work via Engage Dallas. Both Department of University Foundations courses will equip students with the knowledge and skills to engage in meaningful dialogue across differences and contribute to civic life. 

The courses will also incorporate resources from Interfaith America’s Learning and Action Bridge (LAB), including the Pluralism Texts Bibliography and Story Circles Activity, ensuring that students engage with diverse perspectives through readings, reflection, and real-world applications. 

Faculty development and course design will begin in Spring 2025, with the courses launching by Spring 2026. This initiative aligns with SMU’s strategic goal of preparing ethical, globally minded leaders who can navigate an increasingly pluralistic world. 

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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 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

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.

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Reminder to faculty and staff – SMU Dining flex cards are available to support student success

As the Spring ’25 semester begins, the Office of Student Success and Retention is happy to remind our amazing staff and faculty about the SMU Dining flex cards. These cards are designed to enhance your engagement with students beyond the traditional classroom or office setting.

This initiative offers a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with students in a relaxed environment, foster meaningful relationships, and demonstrate your support, particularly for those who may need additional encouragement to stay on track or at SMU.

To get your hands on a flex card:

  1. Contact the Office of Student Success and Retention at ssr@smu.edu or 214-768-6824 to reserve your card.
  2. Pick up your card from the SSR office in Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 100 between 8:30 – 5 PM Monday – Friday.
  3. Treat yourself and your student to coffee, tea, lunch, or a snack at any SMU Dining location.
  4. Return the card along with your receipt within 24 hours of checkout to the SSR office.

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference! For any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact the Office of Student Success and Retention at ssr@smu.edu. Thank you for your commitment to supporting our students and helping them succeed.

Categories
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.

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Happening today! Join us for 2023 – 2024 Exit and Leave of Absence Survey Results presentation

The Exit and Leave of Absence Surveys are our student-oriented questionnaire that tracks external attrition, whether formal exit or for a Leave of Absence, and supports the SMU in identifying key drivers of student satisfaction, dissatisfaction, and attrition. Student Success and Retention facilitates the collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings to the campus community.

Lisa Miller, Director of Student Success and Retention, and Jay Guillory, Success Coach from the Office of Student Success and Retention, present results from the 2023 – 2024 exit and leave of absence survey results.

Monday, December 16th

10:00 – 11:00 AM

112 Junkins Building

If you haven’t RSVPs, that’s okay; walk-ins are welcome. Student Success and Retention can also provide analysis relevant to your division, area, or office. Learn more about this service offering.

Categories
Student Success & Retention

Join us for 2023 – 2024 Exit and Leave of Absence Survey Results presentation

The Exit and Leave of Absence Surveys are our student-oriented questionnaire that tracks external attrition, whether formal exit or for a Leave of Absence, and supports the SMU in identifying key drivers of student satisfaction, dissatisfaction, and attrition. Student Success and Retention facilitates the collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings to the campus community.

Lisa Miller, Director of Student Success and Retention, and Jay Guillory, Success Coach from the Office of Student Success and Retention, present results from the 2023 – 2024 exit and leave of absence survey results.

Monday, December 16th

10:00 – 11:00 AM

112 Junkins Building

RSVPs are encouraged; walk-ins are welcome. Student Success and Retention can also provide analysis relevant to your division, area, or office. Learn more about this service offering.