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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 Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Student Academic Engagement & Success University Testing Center

No Testing at University Testing Center During Spring Break

The University Testing Center (UTC) will be closed during Spring Break, March 17th through the 21st, and will reopen at at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 24th.

For questions, please contact us at 214-768-6064 or at universitytestingcenter@smu.edu.

All the best for a wonderful break!

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Student Academic Engagement & Success University Testing Center

University Testing Center Acquires Recertification from National College Testing Association

The University Testing Center (UTC) is excited to announce its recognition as a recertified testing center by the National College Testing Association (NCTA), valid through March 2030.  The center received original certification in 2020 and is one amongst a growing number in the United States and around the world to have completed the process.  The recertification will be in place for five years and can be renewed by demonstrating continued compliance to national standards.

SMU’s UTC is the only certified center in Dallas, and one of three in the greater D/FW area, recognized for dedication to test integrity and adherence to NCTA’s best practices in test administration.

The certification is a rigorous, one-year accreditation process granted to those centers whose test administration policies are compliant with testing industry standards developed by the NCTA. Centers are evaluated using criteria from the NCTA’s Professional Standards and Guidelines that focus on the evaluation of the test facility, test integrity methods, test security, confidentiality practices, staff training, and public relations.

The distinction is not only important for the SMU community, but also to others as UTC expands its service offerings that include professional testing for certification and licensure, proctoring for distance learners attending other universities, credit-by-exam, placement testing, and school admission exams.

The National College Testing Association is a non-profit organization of testing professionals working in post-secondary institutions, in companies with test-related products and services, and in other professional testing venues. NCTA was organized in 2000 and currently has more than 2,200 testing professionals from 650 colleges and universities as well as 50 test companies and organizations offering test-related products and services.

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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 Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Student Academic Engagement & Success University Testing Center

Limited Testing at University Testing Center on Tuesday, February 11th

 

The University Testing Center will end testing at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11th so that UTC staff may attend a Student Academic Engagement and Success division meeting.

We will reopen with standard operating hours on Wednesday, February 12th at 8:00 a.m.

Please visit the UTC website or email universitytestingcenter@smu.edu for questions and requests.

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Student Academic Engagement & Success University Testing Center

Happy Holidays from the University Testing Center

The University Testing Center will be closed for winter break beginning Monday, December 18th and will reopen on Monday, January 13th.

Best wishes for an enjoyable and restful break, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!

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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.

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Student Academic Engagement & Success University Testing Center

University Testing Center Closed on Wednesday, November 27th

As classes will not be in session on Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, the University Testing Center will also be closed.  The center will reopen on Monday, December 2nd.

Our best wishes to the entire Mustang family for a wonderful holiday, and we give thanks for your support!

 

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Student Academic Engagement & Success University Testing Center

Expanded Testing Hours for Final Exams at the University Testing Center

It’s hard to believe this semester is coming to an end!  Final exams are  around the corner and the UTC will extend its hours to accommodate the schedule.

Testing hours will be 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. beginning Thursday, December 12th through Wednesday, December 18th, including Saturday, December 14th.  The testing office will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. each day.

There will be no testing during Reading Days (Tuesday, December 10th and Wednesday, December 11th).

DASS students and student-athletes should schedule their testing appointments as soon as possible in the UTC Portal, as space is limited.

Best of luck on your finals, Mustangs, and congratulations to our December graduates!