Category: Student Academic Engagement & Success

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

May Mustang Champions

As we conclude the 2024-2025 academic year, ADSA would like to highlight four SMU student-athletes who are excelling academically, athletically, and in the community.  

Kirin Chacchia (Track & Field) 

What a semester it’s been for Kirin, a sophomore from Frisco, Texas, majoring in Psychology. She had a strong Spring semester academically and athletically.  This semester, she broke the SMU School record in the 400M hurdles, not once, but twice. For the second year in a row, she qualified for the NCAA first round in the 400M hurdles!  She is also heavily involved in Life After Ball (LAB) programming. She truly embodies what it means to be a well-rounded student-athlete, excelling in every aspect of her collegiate journey. 

Ava Anderson (Women’s Swimming & Diving) 

Ava Anderson, a junior on the SMU Women’s Swim and Dive team, is making waves in her academic and professional journey. In May alone, Ava dedicated over 18 hours to volunteering at Stewpot and Hope Farm, demonstrating her commitment to serving the Dallas community. This summer, she is gaining invaluable experience in her field of Applied Physiology and Health Management through multiple internships. One at Palm Pediatrics, where she’ll shadow and learn about physical therapy firsthand, and the other at Santiso PT. Ava is also a part of the Turner Scholars Program.

Mitchell Holmes (Men’s Basketball) 

Mitchell is a rising sophomore on the Men’s Basketball Team from Fort Worth, Texas. Alana Owens, Senior Academic Counselor, noted, “he is not only a hard worker who consistently gets assignments done ahead of schedule, but also a fantastic teammate. Mitchell excels at both encouraging others and fostering accountability among his peers, both on and off the court.” His dedication to his Applied Sports Management studies and his team make him a valuable asset to the university community.  The ADSA is expecting big things from Mitchell in the future! 

Ben Longeway (Men’s Swimming & Diving) 

Meet Ben Longeway, a rising Sophomore on the SMU Men’s Swimming and Diving team. In the Spring, he accumulated more volunteer hours than any other male student-athlete based on athletic department tracking. He primarily volunteered at Feed My Starving Children in Dallas. He participated in additional service hours with his team. His commitment to giving back to others in the Dallas community is commendable. His Senior Academic Counselor in the ADSA, Katie Evans, states, “Ben demonstrates the qualities of a servant leader; he dedicates his spare time to help others and improve his community.”  Ben’s career aspiration is to become a physical therapist (PT) after his time on the Hilltop. 

These four student-athletes wrapped up their Spring 2025 semester on a high note.

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Office of General Education SMU in Four Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention University Advising Center

Forging Ahead: Summer Forge Launches Third Year of Student Success

  

Summer Forge has officially launched its third summer of support with a cohort of 30 undergraduate students. Designed to accelerate students’ paths to on-time graduation, Summer Forge offers financial, academic, and social resources to help participants thrive.   

This summer, invited students received funding for up to 11 semester credit hours across May, Summer I, and/or Summer II terms. To enhance accessibility, room and board were provided for non-local students. Collectively, the Summer 2025 cohort is attempting over 180 credit hours, with most students enrolling in an average of 6 hours that fulfill major, minor, or Common Curriculum requirements.   

Summer Forge is a collaboration between the Office of Student Success and Retention, SMU in Four, Student Financial Services, Student Advising, and Academic Skill Development that reflects the university’s commitment to improving retention and graduation rates. Program Co-Directors Brittaney Wilson, General Education and Academic Appeals Coordinator, and Lisa Miller, Director of the Office of Student Success and Retention, identified eligible students based on key academic criteria and their intent to enroll at SMU in Fall 2025.  

To foster community among participants, Summer Forge hosted a June Social at Another Round, where students connected over mini golf, pickleball, and more.  

Special thanks to Becca Umobong from Academic Skill Development for leading a powerful Academic Skills Workshop to help students build a foundation for summer academic success. In addition to the workshop, students are receiving one-on-one academic counseling sessions provided by Sarah Cartwright, Gracy Herrera, Chris Meyers, Makenzie Moriarty, and Rebecca Umobong. Students are also encouraged to visit the  Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (A-LEC) for tutoring across a wide range of course topics.  

A heartfelt thank you goes to the advisors who recommended students and supported outreach efforts—your partnership is invaluable to this program’s success. 

For questions or more information, please email summerforge@smu.edu 

  

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

Summer Hours at the University Testing Center

The academic year may be over, but we’re still here, weekdays from 8:00 to 4:00!

Student-athletes and students with DASS-approved accommodations can schedule tests for summer courses in the UTC Portal.  Or, if you’re interested in CLEP testing for select academic courses,  we can help with that, too.  Visit our website for more information or contact us at universitytestingcenter@smu.edu and we’ll be happy to assist.

 

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

ADSA Faculty Feedback Request Updates – Summer 2025 

Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) sincerely appreciates your ongoing partnership in supporting our Faculty Feedback Request process. Your feedback plays a vital role in helping student-athletes stay on track academically. We are grateful for your continued cooperation!

Summer 2025 Faculty Feedback Request Timeline 

Below is a timeline of  the Faculty Feedback Requests for student-athletes enrolled in summer courses: 

  • June 16: Feedback Request 1 opens 
  • June 20: Feedback Request 1 closes 
  • July 21: Feedback Request 2 opens 
  • August 1: Feedback Request 2 closes 

New! Single Sign-On (SSO) Enabled for Teamworks 

Teamworks now supports Single Sign-On (SSO), making it easier for faculty to access and complete grade checks. Please follow the steps below to complete your submission: 

How to Complete a Grade Check Using SSO 

  1. Open the Grade Check Email
    – Click “Complete Survey” or copy the provided link into your browser. 
  2. Sign in with Your SMU Account
    – Select “Sign in with Teamworks”
    – Then click “Sign in with organizational account”
    – Enter your institution’s subdomain: smu 
  3. Authenticate with SMU Credentials
    – Enter your SMU email and password
    – Complete any two-factor authentication if prompted 
  4. Complete the Grade Check
    – You will be redirected to your assigned grade check form
    – Provide grades or relevant academic feedback for each student
    – Review and click Submit Progress Report 

Teamworks Help Guide – How to Access and Complete a Grade Check 

Your input has a direct and meaningful impact on our student-athletes’ academic success. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Through this collaborative process, ADSA is committed to helping every student-athlete finish the semester strong. 

Faculty with current student-athletes enrolled in their courses will receive these feedback requests directly from ADSA@smu.edu. A sample of the email can be found below. 

Faculty Feedback

 

ADSA is grateful for the support and collaboration with OIT during this transition!

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Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center

Welcoming Brandi Primm as Our New SAES Degree Counselor

We are excited to announce that Brandi Primm transitioned to the Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success (SAES) as our new Degree Counselor on June 2.

Brandi brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student support. Most recently, Brandi has been serving as an Academic Advisor at SMU, and she brings more than two decades of experience as a counselor and educator in both K–12 and higher education settings. Her background includes extensive work with early college high school programs, student support services, and academic advising. Brandi holds a Master of Science in School Counseling from Texas A&M Commerce and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University.

In her new role, Brandi will serve as a key academic resource for both pre-major students and declared majors in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. She will be responsible for maintaining student academic records, assisting with degree certification, evaluating transfer work, and supporting students and advisors through the completion of general education requirements and timely graduation. The SAES Degree Counselor plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth and successful academic journey for our students, and we are thrilled to welcome Brandi into this important position.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Brandi Primm to her new role!

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Student Academic Engagement & Success

Office of General Education seeks faculty grader for Engage Dallas

Engage Dallas is seeking to hire one faculty grader to assume responsibility for managing weekly grading of the Engage Dallas Canvas Courses. Grading is estimated to take 2-3 hours weekly.

About Engage Dallas

Engage Dallas is a place-based community engagement initiative via SMU’s Residential Commons to address community needs focusing on South and West Dallas. The initiative is a long-term, university-wide commitment led by students to partner with local residents, organizations, and other leaders to positively impact the community. There is equal emphasis on campus and community impact stemming from the initiative.

Engage Dallas learning modules are facilitated via Canvas Learning Management System. All students are automatically enrolled in the Engage Dallas Canvas Course in order to complete the required modules for participating in service events. Students who intend to use Engage Dallas to earn the Community Engagement and/or the Civic and Individual Ethics Proficiency & Experience for the Common Curriculum will be enrolled in a 2nd Canvas Course to track their progress. Grading occurs in both courses.

The following strategic goals guide the work of the Engage Dallas initiative:

  1. Build capacity for social change in our local community
  2. Engage SMU students, staff, and faculty to serve, learn, and lead through the Residential Commons
  3. Advance the field of community engagement in higher education

Position Description

Engage Dallas grading centers the “4 Cs” learning outcomes originally developed by Mesa Community College. The four Cs include (1) communication, (2) civic engagement, (3) critical thinking, and (4) cultural and global engagement. Engage Dallas student reflections should address one of the four Cs.

  • Communication: Purposeful development, expression, or reception of a message through oral, written, or non-verbal means.
  • Civic Engagement: Encompasses actions to promote the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.
  • Critical Thinking: The mental process of effectively identifying, determining, gathering, evaluating, and utilizing resources to innovate and/or to accomplish a specific task.
  • Cultural and Global Engagement: Encompasses the awareness of cultural systems, events, and creations and an ability to apply this cultural and global awareness to human interaction and expression.

Modules that prompt student reflection include, but are not limited to:

  • Engage Dallas Groundworks pre-reflection
  • Engage Dallas post reflection
  • Systems of Oppression
  • Community Building & Community Impact
  • Active Listening & Active Citizenship

Note, some reflections are submitted in essay style, while others may be submitted in a creative format such as art reflections, interviews, or letters.

Major Position Responsibilities

  • Evaluate student learning by creating and applying course competencies and accurately evaluating student progress
  • Maintain accurate records of students’ academic standing; promptly input grades, attendance, and other information as required by administration
  • Respect the confidentiality of student information; refrain from discussing or releasing such information except within recognized limits
  • Evaluate students based solely on their academic performance and to respond promptly to student grade questions and/or appeals
  • Review and approve students CEPE requirements including but not limited to individual tracking forms and final reflection submissions
  • Suggest feedback periodically to co-initiative managers on opportunities to improve student learning
  • Highlight substantial student reflection to co-initiative managers
  • Send communication to students of final reflection submission dates for grading prior to end of the semester

Grading Schedule

  • 2-3 hours/weekly
  • A consistent day for grading should be selected—open to grader’s discretion

Position Requirements

  • Experience with student learning in the co-curricular (study abroad, internships, etc.)
  • Ability to grade online coursework 2-3 hours/week
  • Serve as the faculty grader from August 2025 – July 2026

Compensation Structure

Graders for Engage Dallas are paid a stipend of $3,500 divided into installments. The Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Education and Academic Success will not request or require a time sheet to document actual hours worked, but instead will take the weekly gradebook export as an indication of the work agreement.

It is the responsibility of the grader to notify the Co-Initiative Manager and Assistant Provost if the job responsibilities cannot be completed.

To apply, please send a letter of interest and your CV to Dr. Dustin Grabsch (dgrabsch@smu.edu) by 5pm on Monday, June 30, 2025. Interviews and selection will be completed by July 31, 2025, with a start date of August 1. 

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

Announcing April Mustang Champions: These Student-Athletes are no joke

Four Student-Athletes Mentioned

April brings four new student-athletes to celebrate their academic achievements this month! Our Mustang Champions are chosen by their dedication to academic excellence and athletics. Meet the April Mustang Champions: 

Hensley Humphries (Equestrian)

Hensley doesn’t just clear fences with grace and precision as a Jumping Seat competitor in Equestrian; this senior, originally from Austin, Texas, also leaps to remarkable heights in her academic pursuits. Setting a high bar for herself and her fellow student-athletes, she’s not only earned the BBA Scholar and Provost Scholar but also a member of the University Honors Program. She has consistently achieved the Honor Roll with High Distinction an impressive six times. Truly embodying the spirit of a Mustang Champion, Hensley has impressed her Senior Academic Counselor, Desmond Grayson, who is “extremely proud of her for maintaining a flawless 4.0 GPA throughout her first three years. She approaches every challenge with a meticulous plan, often having a plan A, plan B, and even a plan C! Hensley consistently gives her all, no matter the obstacles she faces.” She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the Cox School of Business, with an emphasis in Finance. 

Ofek Shimanov (Men’s Tennis) 

Ofek, a determined midyear international transfer and true freshman, has navigated his arrival at SMU and the United States with remarkable poise.  His transition has been multifaceted, learning and adapting to a new country and college life, but also diving straight into the Men’s Tennis season. Just two weeks into the academic term, Ofek journeyed to Lithuania to proudly represent Israel at the prestigious Davis Cup. ADSA Senior Director, Dr. Teiana Jones shared that Ofek, “demonstrated exceptional foresight, he proactively engaged with the ADSA to thoroughly understand academic expectations before his departure.” This included an intensive introduction to CANVAS and essential academic resources, equipping him to seamlessly continue his coursework while competing internationally. Throughout his time abroad, Ofek maintained consistent communication with his peers and the ADSA support team, readily addressing any questions or needs that arose. Ofek is off to a truly impressive start to his academic journey at SMU. Adding to his achievements, he recently delivered his very first speech in English – a significant milestone he tackled with immense effort and preparation, resulting in an outstanding performance. 

Sydney Japic (Women’s Soccer)

Sydney, a driven senior transfer, from Alabama has made a dynamic entrance on the Hilltop. She is striving for a degree in Economics with a minor in business and is on track to walk the stage in the Spring 2026. Sydney’s impressive work ethic has already paved the way to a coveted summer internship at Henry Schein, where she’ll gain experience in the world of medical device sales. Lexi Williams, her Academic Counselor, has noted “Sydney’s exceptional drive and her ability to leverage the wealth of resources available at SMU.” Learn more about Sydney here. 

Zion Nelson (Football)

Zion, a graduate offensive line transfer from Miami, has been intentional and motivated at SMU this Spring. He’s strategically tapping into the full arsenal of resources offered by the ADSA and LAB, demonstrating a deliberate approach to forging meaningful connections within both the SMU and the Dallas community. He was selected as a VIP Dinner nominee this month and attended the Career Interest Talk (CIT) with Don Goldstein in April. Even though this event was a casual gathering, Zion’s sharp professional attire spoke volumes about his inherent professionalism and intention. He is currently focused on earning his Master’s in Liberal Studies, and on track to celebrate his graduation in the Spring of 2026. 

These four Mustangs are no joke; they exemplify the drive, dedication, and boldness it takes to be a SMU Student-Athlete and compete at the highest level! 

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Student Academic Engagement & Success

Welcome Carla Ibarra, Our New SAES Coordinator!

Please join us in welcoming Carla Ibarra to the Student Academic Engagement and Success (SAES) team! Carla recently joined SMU as our new SAES Coordinator and will be supporting both the University Foundations department and the SAES Business Manager in this dual-role position.

Carla graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in December 2024 with a degree in Management and Marketing. She brings a strong foundation in organizational planning, a passion for supporting others, and an eagerness to grow in a dynamic, student-focused environment.

In her role, Carla will support University Foundations by coordinating and managing course schedules, supporting administrative processes, and serving as a point of contact for student questions. In addition, she’ll work closely with the SAES Business Manager on division-wide initiatives—ranging from annual process audits and documentation updates to cross-functional projects that promote collaboration and efficiency across our teams.

Carla shared, “I’m excited to join the SAES department because it’s a great opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. I’m looking forward to learning from such a dedicated team, contributing to meaningful work, and continuing to build my skills in a supportive environment. I am happy to be part of a community that supports students and each other. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”

Outside of work, Carla enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and going to concerts. We’re thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the impact she’ll make in her role. Welcome to the Hilltop, Carla!

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Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Office of General Education Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention University Testing Center

Undergraduate Education and Academic Success units closed Wednesday, May 21 for staff retreat

The Undergraduate Education and Academic Success area within the Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success will close on Wednesday, May 21, for a staff retreat.

We encourage our constituents to use our websites or office self-service portals during this time for answers to common questions and requests.

Units include:

We will reopen during standard operating hours on Thursday, May 22.

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

ELF Spotlight: Ellen Aughenbaugh

By Diana Bautista Hernandez, Student Media Assistant for OEL

Ellen Aughenbaugh ’26, a double major in Biological Sciences and Studio Art and 2025 Engaged Learning Fellow, showcased her project, Interlinked: Bridging Art and Science this semester at the Jordan Gallery in the Owens Art Center. Aughenbaugh’s vision was to bridge the field of art and science together in an exhibit collection of oil paintings and charcoal drawings. She invited the viewer to contemplate not just the art but the deeper connection that it shares with the world of science.

What is your project about?

Interlinked is an interdisciplinary artistic research project that bridges the fields of art and science. The project culminated in a gallery exhibition inviting viewers to contemplate the similarities between the two disciplines as they intertwine in their search for truth and beauty. I primarily created oil paintings and charcoal drawings, focusing on neuroscience-related themes.

What was one moment during this project that really stuck with you?

One moment that really stuck with me was the moment of the exhibition itself, when the private, often lonesome work of creating art suddenly became public. Seeing my pieces up on the wall, framed and lit, was an entirely different experience from seeing them scattered across the floor of my studio. It felt like they transformed in a way I hadn’t expected. What was even more striking was witnessing how different groups reacted: scientists, artists, interdisciplinary thinkers, and even people who didn’t consider themselves part of either world. Everyone brought their own questions and perspectives, and each related to my work in unique ways. I was surprised and moved by how many people, regardless of their background, wanted to know more about the scientific inspirations behind my work. It reminded me that curiosity is universal, and that art can be a bridge between fields that might seem separate at first glance.

In what ways did this experience help you grow or push you outside of your comfort zone?

One thing that really pushed me outside of my comfort zone during this project was figuring out how to make science feel personal and empathetic. As a portrait artist, I’m used to people immediately connecting with faces- there’s an instant emotional reaction. With Interlinked, I had to find a way to make cells, anatomical sketches, and synapses feel just as relatable and emotionally provocative. It challenged me to push my craft further, and to find humanity inside the structures and processes that make us who we are.