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Student Academic Engagement & Success University Testing Center

Testing returns to normal operations on 11/6

As of 5:00p.m. on Tuesday, November 5, testing has returned to normal operations following a two-day power outage in Clements Hall.

Test takers with scheduled testing appointments should plan to test at the University Testing Center. They are also encouraged to confirm testing appointment dates and times in the UTC Portal.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the University Testing Center staff at universitytestingcenter@smu.edu.

 

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success University Testing Center

Testing rescheduled on 11/4 and 11/5 due to Clements Hall electrical outage

On Monday, November 4, the university received notice from the Office of Facilities Planning & Management that Clements Hall experienced a power outage. Facilities updated the campus community at 6:41am on November 5 that the building will remain closed today.

All testing appointments on Monday, November 4, and Tuesday, November 5, have been rescheduled due to the Clements Hall electrical outage. Test takers and instructors were notified via their university email addresses and provided with individualized instructions from the University Testing Center staff.

Decisions related to November 6 testing appointments will be made by 4pm on November 5. Please check back for updates.

Classes scheduled in Clements Hall have also been relocated.

Please check the University Testing Center website for up-to-date information regarding testing operations as more information becomes available.

Categories
Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Student Academic Engagement & Success

Upcoming Business & Entrepreneurship Roundtables

The Office of Engaged Learning has two virtual events this month that will provide insights from experienced professionals and peers into the world of business and industry. The events are open to all faculty, staff and students at SMU. Please join us and encourage students you know who may be interested in attending!

Big iDeas is hosting a roundtable discussion “Developing Grit: The Key to Entrepreneurial Success” on November 12 from 4:30-5:30pm. In this session, we’ll dive into how resilience, perseverance, and a strong mindset can make all the difference in achieving your business goals. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your venture, this discussion is packed with insights to help you thrive in the face of challenges. Speakers are Garrett Boone (co-founder of The Container Store), Michael Kelly (Chief Strategy Officer at Mozee), and Bhavna Kumar (Head of Startup Accelerator at the Spears Institute of Entrepreneurial Leadership at SMU).

Pathways to Business and Industry is hosting a Current Students and Alumni Panel on November 20 from 4:30-5:30pm. Students can hear from peers and alumni about their experiences exploring corporate and industry opportunitites. This is a great opportunity to ask questions or gain practical advice and inspiration to shape your professional journey.

Register on SMU 360 for the Zoom links:

 

 

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Join the Addressing Equity: Transfer Student Success and Retention DCII Research Cluster as we read Discredited

Join the Addressing Equity: Transfer Student Success and Retention Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute (DCII) Research Cluster as we read Discredited.

This research cluster addresses equity issues to support transfer student success and retention at SMU. Its focused research and collaborative approach on the Hilltop make these efforts significant.

Join us for our book club preceding the SMU Transfer Summit scheduled for February 14, 2025. In Discredited, education scholars Lauren Schudde and Huriya Jabbar illuminate the successes and failures of the systems that support student transfer among postsecondary institutions. Summarizing the key challenges of various transfer pathways, Schudde and Jabbar show how the current decentralized, bureaucracy-ridden, and often confusing process undermines equity and access in higher education.

To sign up, email Kate Bell-Miller (kebell@smu.edu) and Dustin Grabsch (dgrabsch@smu.edu) and pick up your book from the Transfer & Veteran’s Center located in Laura Lee Blanton Student Services Building, Suite 100, on or before November 22.

Upon sign-up, you will receive Outlook calendar invites to the three book club meetings outlined in the flyer above. We look forward to learning with you this year.

 

Categories
Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

September Mustang Champions

Our 4 Mustang Champions for September highlight two upperclassmen and two freshman that embody the SMU Student-athlete experience and strive to be World Changers.

Mayu Inokawa

Mayu is a midfielder on our Women’s Soccer team and is no stranger to adversity. Originally from Japan, her journey as an SMU transfer student-athlete started with her acclimating to the Hilltop after spending time in the Midwest. Now as a senior, she has dealt with adversity this Fall soccer season but has not let it bring her down; she still persists through every day with a positive attitude and smile on her face. She has been just as supportive of her teammates during this season. She is extremely dedicated and hardworking student who takes advantages of the resources and opportunities provided in the ADSA and LAB events.  She is a role model to all student-athletes, but especially her teammates!

 Brandon Booker 

Brandon, a freshman linebacker, has had a strong start to his academic pursuits at SMU! He has come into his first semester as natural leader. No only does he consistently show up early but he also encourages his teammates to always put their best academic foot forward. ADSA appreciates that he advocated for himself during his first semester regarding his academic goals, needs, and desires. We are excited to see his growth continue! 

Sage Sungail

Sage is a junior on the Men’s Swimming and Diving team. He specializes in the freestyle and holds the conference record in 2024 for the 400 Free relay.  Katie Evans, his ADSA academic counselor, had this to say about Sage, I’m incredibly proud of him for his dedication to both academics and athletics. As a Finance major, he’s challenging himself with a rigorous course load while also excelling on the swim team. His hard work in the classroom and in the pool is a testament to his commitment and drive. It’s inspiring to see him excel in both areas, and I’m excited to watch him continue to succeed.”  

Emma Mehner

Meet Emma Mehner! She is a freshman rower who joined the Hilltop from Dresden, Germany in Fall 2024! She joined SMU to become a better coxswain, a type of rowing positon in which sits at the stern and steers the boat (learn more about coxswain here). Emma is already making strides towards success during her first semester. She started getting involved with the Life After Ball program, in her first few weeks here and has enjoyed the possibilities/opportunities it can provide. She plans on majoring in Business Management or Sports Management. It is great to see Emma’s dedication to her academic and personal development! 

It’s easy to see why our Mustangs shine so bright when we have these four student-athletes leading the charge!

Categories
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

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.

Categories
Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

An Unforgettable, Transformative Experience for Your Students in Taos

This summer, students have a unique opportunity to join a 4-week program in Taos—unlike any experience in Dallas or during regular terms. Set in Northern New Mexico, this program blends immersive field trips with hands-on learning, allowing students to explore the rich culture, history, and landscapes of Taos while advancing their academic goals. The program runs from May 16 – June 17, 2025.

A key highlight is the exceptional faculty, whose courses are designed specifically for this setting. Small classes foster in-depth discussions with faculty and guest lecturers, creating a dynamic learning environment. Students will also benefit from a close-knit living-learning community, forming lasting friendships and connecting with dedicated mentors.

The program includes a reflective research paper and a two-day cultural excursion to Santa Fe, offering deeper insight into the region. This intensive experience allows students to:

  • Complete two, 3-credit hour courses and complete multiple Common Curriculum (CC) tags in just 4 weeks.
  • Earn 2 honors credits if part of the University Honor Programs
  • Complete a research project that enhances grad school applications and job prospects.
  • Apply financial aid scholarships on a pro-rated basis
  • Receive funding support through Engaged Learning, Richter, and Friends of Taos.

Encourage your students to take advantage of this transformative Taos experience. With world-class faculty, an immersive curriculum, and a unique setting, it’s a rare opportunity to grow academically, personally, and professionally.

Apply Today: Visit smu.edu/taos to secure a spot, scholarships, and one-way transportation.

Deadlines:

  • Priority: January 31
  • Final: March 7
  • For More Information:

     

    Categories
    Mentorship Office of Engaged Learning Student Academic Engagement & Success

    Celebrating the Inaugural Mustang Mentors Cohort Lunch

    The Mustang Mentors peer-mentoring program, through the Office of Engaged Learning, had its first-ever cohort lunch, bringing together new mentors and mentees from across campus. The lunch served as an opportunity for mentors and mentees to build relationships with their peers in the program.

    The inaugural cohort currently has 41 match pairs that represent a diverse range of academic disciplines, career interests, and involvements in extracurricular activities. The mentors, comprised of upperclassmen students who have been successful on the Hilltop, meet with their mentees at least once a month for goal setting in their collegiate career and to further peer-to-peer connection.

    The Mustang Mentors Program is an essential, university wide retention tool for students at SMU who do not belong to an academic community or a larger group of affiliation. You can be a part of this campus wide effort as a faculty/staff member by nominating a student to serve as a mentor or be a mentee with this form. 

    More updates to come as the Mustang Mentors program progresses, showcasing the stories of mentors and mentees who are making connections at SMU.

    Categories
    Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

    Keyana Smith Promoted to Director of ADSA & Eligibility

    Dr. Teiana Jones, Senior Director of ADSA and Assistant Athletic Director of Academics, has promoted Keyana Smith, M.S., to Director of ADSA & Eligibility in October 2024. Smith joined the Hilltop in August 2023 as the Associate Director and lead Academic Counselor of Football. Since then, she has positively impacted the student-athletes and individuals she works closely with.  

     Keyana’s background has prepared her for this new role with 16 years of experience in academics; as she previously held titles such as the Assistant Director of Athletics Academic Services at the University of Mississippi. While there, she was responsible for the academic success of the Women’s Basketball and Football teams. She has a proven track record of providing individualized support and guidance to student-athletes, helping them balance their athletic commitments with their academic goals. 

     As a member of the ADSA leadership team, she is excited to further the ADSA’s mission in her elevated position. Keyana will continue to lead and supervise the academic support for Football as well as provide operational and key support in the unit. 

     Smith states “one focus will be improving processes to more efficiently serve our student-athletes. I am excited to further grow our campus partnerships and see continued success with increasing Academic Progress Rates (APR), Graduation Success Rate (GSR), and overall student-athlete success at SMU”. 

    Join us in congratulating Keyana on this significant milestone in her career!  

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

    OEL welcomes new Engaged Learning Fellows

    This fall, the Office of Engaged Learning awarded 13 students the Engaged Learning Fellowship (ELF). Each student received up to $2,500 to support their capstone projects. Please join us in congratulating these recipients!

    Hala Arnouk ’25
    Public Response to Authoritarian Regimes in the Middle East
    Mentor: Hiroki Takeuchi (Political Science)

    Aguer Atem ’25
    Turning Pages: Examining the Influence of International Aid on Educational Migration from South Sudan to Kenya
    Mentor: Jill Kelly (History)

    Na’Ni Caliste ’25
    Undergraduate College Student Acceptance Rate of Bisexuality in Their Own and Other’s Romantic Relationships
    Mentor: Dustin Grabsch (Assistant Provost)

    Andrew Castles ’25
    X Marks the Spot
    Mentor: Devon Smith (Film)

    Anna Foweather ’26
    The Effect of Academic Lesson Structure on Learning Outcomes for High School Students
    Mentor: Sarah Kucker (Psychology)

    Meredith Hughes ’25
    Undergraduate Students Perspectives on Anti-Obesity Medications: Awareness, Perception, and Attitudes
    Mentor: Austin Baldwin (Psychology)

    Katy Merchant ’25
    A bigger picture of early childhood media exposure: Examining the association between media content and temperament in young children across diverse SES and family structure
    Mentor: Sarah Kucker (Psychology)

    Jordan Naivar ’26
    Take a Break from Social Media PSA Campaign
    Mentor: Mark Allen (Advertising)

    Swarangi Potdar ’25
    what remains… [art exhibition]
    Mentor: Ian Grieve (Art)

    Mireya Sanchez ’25
    Wounds Beyond the Battlefield: The Link Between Sexual Assault and Army Stability
    Mentor: Clark Fernando (Sociology)

    Vivian Thai ’25
    Paths to Parenthood: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Narratives from Quy Nhon, Vietnam
    Mentor: Elizabeth Berk (Sociology)

    Mahima Quazi ’25
    Urban Growth and Its Impact on Surface Temperatures: A Case Study of Dallas
    Mentor: Xiao Yang (Earth Sciences)

    Maddie Wathanacharoen ’25
    How Does the Involvement in Dance Classes Influence Self-Confidence of 2nd Grade Students, and in turn, How Does Increased Confidence Impact Their Academic Achievement on Math and Reading Tests?
    Mentor: Sarah Kucker (Psychology)