Category: University Advising Center

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Office of General Education Peer Academic Leaders Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center

Peer Academic Leaders and University Advising Center wrap up Success Fest

Students will receive a flyer with Degree Planner requirements and deadlines

The Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) and the University Advising Center (UAC) concluded Success Fest on September 26th. Success Fest is an event dedicated to the adoption and use of Degree Planner among undergraduate students.

In the weeks leading up to Success Fest, the UAC hosted 3 Degree Planner workshops with a total of 27 attendees. The PALs hosted 4 Degree Planner workshops with a total of 55 attendees. The PALs also offered 1-1 appointments in Blanton Suite 338, and helped 60 students complete their Degree Planner.

These efforts proved successful as there was a significant increase in the use of Degree Planner from September 13th until September 26th. Some data points include:

  • 1,321 pre-major students completing their Degree Planner leading up to major declaration
  • 1,263 declared students completing their Degree Planner leading up to graduation
  • 2,584 total students utilizing Degree Planner

The PALs and UAC will host Success Fest again in Spring 2025 on February 27th, encouraging students to complete and update their Degree Planner before the March 1st deadline.

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Honors and Scholars Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention University Advising Center

The Rose Bowl Game Keith Jackson Postgraduate Scholarship

k. Jackson

An exciting scholarship opportunity from the Rose Bowl for all undergraduate students attending ACC schools. Introducing The Rose Bowl Game Keith Jackson Postgraduate Scholarship!

This scholarship provides a $10k scholarship toward a postgraduate degree to one undergraduate student from a FBS school. The scholarship also includes a Rose Bowl Game experience. This year’s scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are in their final year of course study (with an intended graduation date on or before June 2025). The application and additional information on the qualifying criteria can be found online at www.rosebowlgame.com/scholarship/. The application period closes on October 25, 2024. 

Eligibility Requirements:  

  • Students from universities that are a part of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) are eligible for the scholarship. These students must be in their final year of course study and have consistently demonstrated exceptional achievement in academics and civic service throughout their collegiate career. Specifically, a nominee must: 
  • Honorably represent an institution that is eligible to play in the 2025 CFP Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game, exhibiting excellence in academics and civic service while displaying strong character and leadership skills. 
  • Plan to enroll in graduate or professional school within eighteen (18) months of graduation. 
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of the application. 
  • Express an interest to pursue a career in the sports industry, specific to journalism, media relations, event operations, team operations, or marketing. 
  • Have an expected graduation from an undergraduate program in December 2024 or will graduate by June of 2025.

Any questions? Email the Selection Committee – Keith Jackson Postgraduate Scholarship scholarship@rosebowlgame.org. 

 

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Office of General Education Peer Academic Leaders University Advising Center

Join the Office of General Education and the University Advising Center at Success Fest

The Office of General Education and the University Advising Center (UAC) will be hosting their semesterly event, Success Fest, on September 26th from 11:30am-1:30pm in Laura Lee Blanton rooms 108/110.

Success Fest is an event dedicated to promoting usage and adoption of Degree Planner among undergraduate students. The event was first held in Spring 2024, and resulted in 1,938 students using Degree Planner over a month long period.

Students can enter Success Fest by showing proof of a completed Degree Planner or by completing Degree Planner on the spot during the event. The event will have games, raffles, a crafting station, and free food. RSVP’s are encouraged via SMU 360, but walk-ins are welcome.

The deadlines to complete Degree Planner are now on the SMU academic calendar, with an October 1st deadline for the fall semester and March 1st deadline for the spring semester.

Advisors from the UAC and the Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) will be hosting Degree Planner workshops in the coming weeks before the October 1st deadline. Students can also book a 1-1 appointment with a PAL in Blanton suite 338.

Staff and faculty are also welcome to stop by Success Fest, and are encouraged to promote the event to undergraduate students.

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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies First-Generation Initiative Offices & Programs Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Advising Center University Foundations University Testing Center Writing Center

Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center services offered remotely on Friday, September 6

Due to the Friday, September 6th football game in Ford Stadium, the Loyd Center will require early security checks and lockdown. Therefore, all services offered in the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (A-LEC) will be offered as virtual options only. All staff will be remote that day. Tutoring is canceled for the day, but all other services will operate as scheduled. Please check with the individual staff member for the specific modality (ZOOM or TEAMS). Services include the Writing Center, DASS services, and academic counseling. Pony Up and beat BYU!

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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) 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

You’re invited to DASSapalooza on Thursday, August 29

The Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS) Office is inviting all DASS students, new and returning, to visit our office on the first Thursday afternoon of classes.

We’ll have great food, presentations on different topics like the benefits of coaching, a student’s perspective from our Graduate Assistant, answers to questions about how to share accommodation letters with faculty, and a demonstration for returning students on how to submit their Semester Requests.

Faculty and staff are also invited to see our physical space, ask questions about implementing accommodations, and just grab a bite to eat. All DASS staff will be available.

In addition, we need help naming our new DASS mascot. Add your suggestion on the voting board for the otter on our new “Accessibility For All” stickers.

Come see us and say hello!

Location: Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (A-LEC) Room 202R, which is located on the 2nd floor of the Loyd All-Sports Center

Call us with any questions: 214-768-1470Cartoon otter, the mascot of DASS

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center University Testing Center

Expanded Testing Services and Updated Policies at the University Testing Center

SMU students take tests in the University Testing Center, January 24, 2023 in Clements Hall on the SMU Campus.

As we embark on our third year of operation, the UTC has news to share related to our phased opening, new policies and recertification.

Phased Opening Recap

Year three at the UTC means “phase three” of our opening that launched in August 2022.  During phase one, the center began providing accommodated testing services previously proctored by Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS). During phase two in Fall 2023, the UTC expanded testing services to student-athletes during their sport’s competition season and migrated to a new test scheduling and test management software, branded as the UTC Portal.

This summer, the UTC expanded its credit-by-exam program with new CLEP tests (College Level Examination Program) available to 2024-2025 enrollees for credit in select SMU courses.  We also partnered with Academic Advising in the delivery of non-credit placement tests in Canvas for enrollment in Chemistry, Math and Second Language courses.

This fall, our phase three services will include limited makeup testing for SMU students; revenue-based testing for non-SMU distance learners attending other institutions, professionals seeking certification and licensure; and new credit by exam testing for other institutions.

New UTC Portal Deadlines for Students and Faculty

The UTC has updated policies for student and instructor users of the UTC Portal for test registration and test submission.

Professor exam submissions must be created at least 5 business days before the testing window.  Test documents do not have to be uploaded when creating submissions but must be received at least 2 business days before the testing window.

Student test registrations must be done at least 3 business days before the testing window. Students cannot register for testing at the UTC until exam submissions are posted in the portal.  For this reason, we encourage professors to create submissions for the entire semester upon finalization of their course syllabus.  Test documents do not have to be uploaded for students to register.

User videos and step-by-step instructions for using the UTC Portal are available for both students and professors on the UTC website.  UTC staff members are available for one-on-one consultations by appointment virtually or in person during UTC operating hours, 8:00 – 4:00 p.m. weekdays.

Testing Center Recertification by the National College Testing Association (NCTA)

Finally, the UTC will apply for a 5-year recertification by the NCTA in recognition of adherence to the organization’s professional standards for exam integrity.  The UTC, due for recertification in March 2025, is one of only three institutions in the D/FW metroplex currently certified by the NCTA.

If you have questions or concerns, we are here to help.  Please email us at universitytestingcenter@smu.edu.

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Academic Devleopment 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.

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University Advising Center University Testing Center

New SMU Placement Tests requirement for Calculus and Chemistry

SMU students take tests in the University Testing Center, January 24, 2023 in Clements Hall on the SMU Campus.

At SMU, a few courses require placement tests for students to enroll. Placement testing determines a student’s current level of skills and knowledge, ensuring that they have the best chance for success.

On May 1, enrollment in MATH 1309, MATH 1337, and CHEM 1303 requires either:

  • a passing score on a placement test (see below);
  • or the corresponding pre-requisite course:
    • MATH 1303 or 1304 for MATH 1309 and 1337.
    • CHEM 1302 for CHEM 1303.

Students with previous credit in MATH 1309, MATH 1337, or CHEM 1303 (whether AP, transfer, or SMU) will be able to enroll in these courses without taking the placement test. Although effective on May 1st, this requirement only applies to Fall 2024, not Summer 2024 classes.

Students who pass the placement exam will be put into a my.SMU Student Group that allows them to enroll.

  • Students with a score of 20 or above (out of 35) on the MATH 1309 placement test will be put into “MTH 2 – Enrollment in MATH 1309.” They can only enroll in MATH 1309.
  • Students with a score of 20 or above (out of 35) on the MATH 1337 placement test will be put into “MTH 1 – Enrollment in MATH 1337 & 1309.” These students can enroll in either MATH 1337 or 1309.
  • Students with a score of 18 or above (out of 30) on the Chemistry placement test will be put into CHM1 – “Enrollment in CHEM 1303.”

These tests can be found within a Placement Test Canvas Course; students can enroll themselves in this course, but they should start with the University Testing Center’s website (smu.edu/placementtests) for the link and further information. This new course will also host the language placement exams, so continuing students no longer need to contact the World Languages and Literatures department before taking the exam.

Students are given a maximum of two attempts on each exam. If they encounter technical difficulties, they should contact the University Testing Center (universitytestingcenter@smu.edu).

Students are told within the Canvas course that these permissions to enroll will be granted within 24 hours of finishing the test, although they can see their scores immediately.

Pre-majors with questions about their test or placement can contact the University Advising Center (advising@smu.edu); declared majors can reach out to the University Testing Center (universitytestingcenter@smu.edu).

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SMU in Four University Advising Center

New videos on understanding the Degree Progress Report released

The Degree Progress Report (DPR) is arguably the most essential tool for preparing for an advising meeting. Although you might think you understand the DPR, it can be tricky to read for even the most experienced advisor.

The Advising Resources Canvas Course (permission required) has a section devoted to the DPR, and SMU’s wiki pages on the subject are helpful. But if you’d rather watch the movie than read the book, the Registrar and Office of Information Technology (OIT) partnered to produce new videos on understanding the DPR and DPR Summary.

These two short videos cover a lot of ground, so you will likely learn something new, no matter how much you already know. Using the DPR and DPR Summary in new ways could make advising easier and better.

Of course, the DPR should also be an essential tool for students to independently navigate their academic requirements. Encourage your students to prepare for your meeting by visiting their DPRs to find out what requirements remain unfulfilled. Since that’s no easy task, a video for students can be found on this Student Essentials Academic Progress webpage. 

Please contact Josh Beaty, SMU in Four Advising Pillar Chair, at jbeaty@smu.edu with questions. Special thanks to the Registrar and OIT teams for their efforts on these projects.

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Office of General Education Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center

Upcoming Office of General Education workshops for faculty and staff

Office of General Education logo

The Office of General Education is continuing to offer various workshops for faculty and staff this spring semester.

The upcoming workshops for March include:

  • Faculty and Staff Common Curriculum Workshop
    • Tuesday, March 19th, 12PM-1PM in HT 219
    • Learn more about the Common Curriculum! This workshop will go into depth about how students are able to complete Foundation, Breadth, and Proficiency & Experience requirements.
    • Register for the workshop on SMU360 here
  • Faculty and Staff Course Proposal Workshop
    • Friday, March 22nd, 11:30AM-12:30PM in HT 219
    • Learn more about how to submit a Common Curriculum course or experience proposal. Questions will be answered about what documentation is needed, annual responsibilities to maintain the CC tag, and more.
    • Register for the workshop on SMU360 here
  • Departmental Responsibilities Workshop
    • Thursday, March 28th, 3PM-4PM in Blanton 110
    • Learn more about departmental responsibilities for submitting, maintaining, and removing Common Curriculum component tags.
    • Register for the workshop on SMU360 here

For more details about these upcoming workshops, please contact Dallas Forbes within the Office of General Education.