Categories
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.

Categories
Office of General Education Student Academic Engagement & Success

Help Students Explore Pre-Approved Co-Curricular Opportunities to Fulfill Common Curriculum Proficiencies & Experiences

The Office of General Education is excited to share various co-curricular initiatives designed to help undergraduate students complete their Common Curriculum Proficiencies & Experiences outside the classroom. These programs provide unique opportunities for engagement, learning, and skill development. 

All students on the Common Curriculum must complete each of the graduation requirements, known as Proficiencies & Experiences, in addition to the General Education  Foundation and Breadth requirements. However, unlike Foundations and Breadth requirements, you have the option of using either coursework or activities to fulfill Proficiencies & Experiences. 

 Unconscious Bias Training for Human Diversity 

The Franklin Covey Unconscious Bias Training Course, based on The Leader’s Guide to Unconscious Bias, is designed for seniors who have not yet completed their Human Diversity Proficiency & Experience requirement. This online program comprises five asynchronous learning modules, each requiring 3-4 hours of engagement. Interested students can complete the Unconscious Bias Interest Form. 

Engage Dallas for Community Engagement and/or Civic and Individual Ethics 

Engage Dallas is a place-based community engagement initiative, that enables students to serve communities in South and West Dallas. Engage Dallas is housed within SMU’s Residential Commons, but is open to all students. This initiative provides an accessible way for undergraduates to fulfill their Community Engagement Proficiency & Experience and Civics & Individual Ethics Proficiency and Experience requirements, both of which are necessary for graduation.  

Engage Dallas is a free program that welcomes new participants at any time. Students can choose to serve in small groups or independently, depending on their availability. To learn more and get started, visit smu.edu/engagedallas or access the Engage Dallas course via Canvas.  

Common Curriculum Reading for Civic and Individual Ethics 

Open to all undergraduates, this program targets juniors and seniors needing their Civics & Individual Ethics Proficiency. Participants will join eight reading discussions on Artificial Unintelligence by Meredith Broussard, exploring AI’s ethical and social limits. Spring Sign-ups have closed, but will open for Fall 2025 later this semester.  

Additional Opportunities 

Beyond the initiatives mentioned above, the Office of General Education collaborates with various campus offices to market pre-approved activities and organizations that fulfill specific Proficiencies & Experiences. Students can visit the Proficiencies & Experiences page to review graduation requirements, learn more about pre-approved activities, or schedule a meeting with Brittaney Wilson for personalized guidance. 

 

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
Office of General Education Peer Academic Leaders Student Academic Engagement & Success

The Office of General Education is recruiting Peer Academic Leaders for the 2025-2026 academic year

The Office of General Education has begun recruiting Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) for the 2025-2026 academic year. The PALs are a diverse group of undergraduate students with a goal to help students better understand the Common Curriculum, utilize academic resources, connect with their community, and navigate academic challenges.

This is a paid student worker role, averaging 5-9 weekly work hours. Students can also earn their Community Engagement and Oral Communications Proficiency & Experience. Students hired for the position will also receive an $800 housing credit for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Students can apply for the PALs role through the Peer Leader Recruitment Qualtrics form. Staff and faculty can also nominate a student they think would be a good fit for the role.

Once a student applies, they will be contacted to schedule their first-round interview. From there, students will be invited for a final interview with the PALs supervisor, Melina Padron.

The deadline to nominate a Peer Leader will be February 10th. The Peer Leader application will close February 12th. Please contact Melina Padron, the PALs supervisor, at melinap@smu.edu with any questions or concerns.

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

Peer Academic Leaders and University Advising Center prepare for Success Fest

The Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) and University Advising Center (UAC) have started preparing for the Spring 2025 Success Fest, which will take place on February 26th from 11:30am-1:30pm in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center, Ballroom C. Success Fest is an event dedicated to the promotion and adoption of Degree Planner.

As stated on the university’s academic calendar, undergraduate students are required to update and complete their Degree Planner before the March 1st deadline.

Students can expect a To-Do message on their my.SMU Student Dashboard that will prompt them to complete their Degree Planner. Undeclared students will be asked to plan through the semester after their major declaration, and declared students will be asked to plan to the semester of their graduation.

Students will also receive a message through the Message Center with more information about the Degree Planner deadline, Success Fest, and upcoming Degree Planner workshops offered by the PALs and UAC.

Students, staff, and faculty can refer to the Office of General Education’s SMU 360 event page for details about the February Degree Planner workshops. Alternatively, staff and faculty can request a PALs Degree Planner workshop on a date and time that is more convenient. 

Students who show proof of a completed Degree Planner can enter Success Fest, however, students can also complete their Degree Planner on the day of the event. RSVPs to Success Fest are encouraged via SMU 360, but walk-ins are welcome.

Categories
News Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

Seeking SMU-entrepreneurs to sell or demo at the Big iDeas Marketplace

The Office of Engaged Learning invites all SMU-affiliated entrepreneurs to sell their products, demo their apps, share brochures, etc., at the Big iDeas Marketplace on Friday, February 14th, from 10am-1pm.

If you have a business, no matter the size, we encourage you to participate in the event. We are still accepting applications from SMU faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Fill out the application form to reserve a table.

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

Undergraduate Research Student Spotlight: Tran Lam

By Diana Bautista Hernandez, Student Media Assistant for OEL

Transportation inefficiencies have a major impact on both the environment and business profitability. Tran Lam, a senior Computer Science and Data Science major, is tackling these challenges as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. Under the mentorship of Dr. Eli Olinick in the Department of Operations Research and Engineering Management (OREM), Tran is working on mathematical modeling of network flow to develop faster, more scalable algorithms for solving large, complex routing problems in transportation. This is no simple task for a student. In an interview with Tran, she shares her experiences, challenges, and the goals she aspires to achieve through her work.

What inspired you to do research? 

Research offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper into topics that genuinely interest me, beyond just what’s covered in classes. Instead of passively absorbing information, I get to engage directly with complex problems and try out different approaches. It’s a more dynamic way of learning where I’m not confined to fixed curriculum but can ask my own questions and find my own answers. It allows me to ask questions, get direct feedback, and refine my thinking. This hands-on experience helps me build critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any career path I choose later.

What types of support do you receive from your mentors?

They offered new perspective on tackling the problem, suggesting different methods and approaches that I hadn’t considered before. For instance, they guided me on using specific optimization techniques and shared insights from their own experiences working on related problems in logistics. This helped me refine my algorithms and improve the efficiency of my solution. Overall, their feedback and expertise played a key role in shaping the direction of my research and pushing it to higher level.

What do you hope people take away from your research? 

Through my research, I hope to demonstrate a practical approach to optimizing the profitability of backhaul trips, which is a critical aspect of logistics that often gets overlooked (a “backhaul trip” refers to the return journey of a vehicle carrying goods or cargo after completing a delivery). My goal is to show that even small improvements in planning backhaul routes can lead to significant gains in efficiency and profit for logistics and delivery companies. On a larger scale, I hope this work encourages industry professionals and researchers to explore new and creative strategies for reducing empty travel time and making the most out of every trip. Ultimately, I want my research to serve as a stepping stone for future innovations in logistics optimization, helping companies reduce costs, increase sustainability, and improve overall service quality.

What advice would you give to students interested in research but feeling intimidated?

I’d say that feeling intimidated is completely normal, especially if it’s your first time considering research. The biggest thing I’ve learned is that research isn’t about knowing everything from the start; it’s about the willingness to learn, experiment and adapt. My advice would be to embrace curiosity. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, no matter how simple they may seem. It’s surprising how much you can learn just having open conversation about your ideas. Additionally, don’t be afraid to fail or make mistakes. I’ve learned that research is about finding what doesn’t work just as much as find what does. Even the setbacks are valuable because they help refine your approach.

For someone new to research, what’s the first step to take?

The first step is to find a topic that you’re genuinely curious about. Don’t worry if it’s not a groundbreaking idea right away, what matters is that it’s something you are excited to learn more about. Once you have a topic, start by doing some basic reading or literature review to understand what’s already been done in that area. This will help you identify gaps or question that you might want to explore further. Also, don’t be afraid to start small. Pick a specific problems or questions that you can tackle and build from there. The research process can seem daunting at first but taking that initial step with clear focus will give you a strong foundation on growing your skills and confidence.

Categories
Hilltop Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success

Get to Know the Hilltop Scholars Program

What Is the Hilltop Scholars Program?

The Hilltop Scholars Program (HSP) is an invitation-only first-year honors program that helps students transition to university life while setting the stage for their future success. What sets HSP apart is its holistic focus, which emphasizes leadership development, community engagement, and academics.

This program identifies students with academic promise and a strong desire to make a difference, offering them a framework to excel in and out of the classroom. HSP students often go on to become campus leaders, involved citizens, and high-achieving alumni.

Building Community

For first-year students, transitioning to university life can be a daunting process. The Hilltop Scholars Program recognizes this and intentionally fosters a strong sense of community among its participants. Through shared classes, group service projects, and social events, HSP students form lasting connections with their peers and mentors.

SAES faculty and staff can contribute to the success of HSP by creating spaces where students feel supported and encouraged. Whether it’s through advising, classroom interactions, or informal conversations, your engagement helps reinforce the program’s sense of belonging and collaboration.

Opportunities for Faculty and Staff

The success of the Hilltop Scholars Program is deeply tied to the involvement of SMU’s faculty and staff. Here are several ways you can contribute:

  • Teaching HSP Courses or Offering a Guest Lecture: Faculty have the opportunity to lead discussion-based courses that challenge students to think critically and explore interdisciplinary topics. These courses not only fulfill core requirements but also introduce students to the broader intellectual community at SMU.
  • Mentorship: Faculty and staff can serve as mentors, offering guidance and support as students navigate their first year. Your insight and encouragement can make a significant impact on their growth and confidence.
  • Service Collaboration: Staff members who oversee community engagement initiatives can partner with HSP to identify meaningful service opportunities and help students understand the impact of their contributions.
  • Leadership Development: Faculty and staff can provide workshops, lead discussions, or offer one-on-one coaching to help students refine their leadership skills.

 

What’s Next?

The Hilltop Scholars Program represents a vital part of SMU’s mission to cultivate leaders who make a difference. For SMU’s faculty and staff, supporting HSP is an opportunity to shape the next generation of leaders. By understanding the program and its goals, you can play a pivotal role in helping these students reach their full potential. Your involvement can help ensure the program continues to thrive and enrich the lives of first-year students.

Together, we can provide HSP students with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed—both at SMU and beyond.

Categories
News Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

Pathways to Business and Industry Spring 2025 Events

 

 

The Pathways to Business & Industry initiative offers a full slate of spring programs in collaboration with campus partners. These opportunities are designed for students interested in exploring business and industry careers while pursuing a major in another field. Students can register for events through SMU360.

Social & Networking Events
PBI Scholars Welcome Social
Enjoy free tacos, meet other students and faculty, and learn about resources available on campus.
– Thurs, Jan 30, 2-4 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den

TGIF Lunch in the Scholars Den with PBI
Come have lunch and meet other students and staff in the PBI program.
– Fri, Feb 21, 12-1 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den

Workshops, Trainings & Panels
Pathways to Careers in Management Science 
Learn what a B.S. in Management Science can do for your future from a panel of recent SMU alumni. Lunch provided. Co-hosted with Lyle School of Engineering.
– Wed, Feb 19, 12-1 PM, HTSC Chamber

Introduction to Business Research 
Learn to use Mergent Intellect, IBISWorld, and Factiva to investigate companies and the industries they operate in. Co-hosted with Duda Family Business Library.
– Tues, Feb 18, 11AM-12 PM, Fondren Library 110

Degree Planner Workshop
Get help using SMU Degree Planner from your Peer Academic Leader (PAL).
– Thu, Feb 27, 2-3 PM, Fondren Library 109

Stepping Blocks Workshops
Learn how to use the Stepping Blocks Digital Career Counselor as a tool to guide your career path forward.
– Tuesday, March 4, 12:30-2:30 PM, Online
– Tuesday, April 15, 12:30-1:30 PM, Online

Advising & Mentorship
PBI Coffee Chats
We’re here for you! Enjoy some coffee or tea and have a one-on-one chat with PBI staff.
– Schedule anytime by e-mailing pbi@smu.edu

PBI PAL Office Hours
Have questions? Want to learn more? Meet with your PBI Peer Academic Leader (PAL) Tiffany Nguyen.
– Mon, Feb 3, 1:30-3:30 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den
– Tues, Feb 4, 12:30-2:30 PM, Clements Hall Scholars Den
– More dates to come. Check schedule on SMU360.

PBI UAC Advising
Receive one-on-one advising with a PBI University Advising Center advisor.
– Workshop: Mon, Mar 10, 3-4 PM, Hughes-Trigg 227
– PBI Drop-in Advising: Mon, Mar 31, 2-4:30 PM, Blanton 408F
– PBI Drop-in Advising, Mon, April 7, Clements Hall Scholars Den
– PBI Drop-in Advising, Mon, April 9, Online

 

Categories
Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies First-Generation Initiative Student Academic Engagement & Success

Academic Skill Development launches quick video series

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.