Category: Student Academic Engagement & Success

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Student Academic Engagement & Success

Welcome Dr. Whitney Jones, Assistant Provost for Student Advising and Academic Success Programs

Student Academic Engagement and Success is thrilled to welcome Dr. Whitney Jones, Assistant Provost for Student Advising and Academic Success Programs! She will begin her new role on Monday, August 19.

Dr. Jones is joining SAES from Baylor University, where she is currently the Senior Director for the Center for Academic Success and Engagement. In this role, she oversees a comprehensive range of student success initiatives, including tutoring services and support for special populations such as veterans, military dependents, transfer students, low-income students, and first-generation college students. She also assists students on academic probation and provides strategic oversight to institutional retention and graduation goals. Additionally, Dr. Jones aids students in developing the executive functioning skills necessary for collegiate success.

Prior to her current position, Dr. Jones led orientation and extended orientation programs, as well as Parent and Family Programs, at both Baylor University and the University of Arkansas. Her extensive experience in higher education administration is rooted in her academic background and passion to see all students succeed. Originally from Arkansas, she graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arkansas, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Tarleton State University.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Jones enjoys spending time with her energetic and curious son, watching college football, and actively serving her community.

We look forward to welcoming Dr. Jones to campus in August.

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Hilltop Scholars Honors and Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success

Logan Swafford joins Honors & Scholars

Logan Swafford (they/them) is pictured with a grey short sleeve shirt, round glasses, and a short haircut. They have a colorful tattoo of a woman's face with tear drops falling from her eyes and surrounding her face in traditional tattoo style. Beside them is a black and white Great Dane dog.
Logan (left) and Thunderstorm (right)

Logan Swafford (They/Them) is the coordinator for both the Hilltop Scholars Program and Honors & Scholars. Originally from San Antonio, Logan moved up to Denton to attend the University of North Texas as a first-generation student where they received a bachelor’s in both Communication Studies and History, with a minor in LGBTQ & Women Studies. While there Logan became a member of the service-focused fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, where they completed over 200 volunteer hours and servant leadership became their guiding philosophy and frame for their personal and professional path. After graduating in 2020, Logan continued to hold a variety of positions within the non-profit and education world, often focusing on their passion of community engagement and leadership development.

Outside of the office, Logan enjoys spending time playing a variety of video games, reading/listening to fiction books, and playing with their 3 dogs (Charles the Corgi, Nirvana the GSD, Thunderstorm the Great Dane) and Wednesday the tortoiseshell cat.

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

ADSA Hiring Academic Tutors for 2024-2025 Academic Year

tutoring
Tess Balentine Tutoring Student-Athletes this summer

Do you have a passion for helping others meet their academic goals?  Do you have professional aspirations to be an educator?  Are you trying to get experience for a future graduate teaching position (TA)? 

If you said yes to any of the above questions, then the Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) wants YOU! The ADSA directly reports to the office of the Provost and is seeking enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutors to join our team. The main purpose of our tutors is to help student-athletes better understand specific course content through 1:1 or small group sessions.  This is a paid opportunity to get valuable teaching experience working with peers, in a fast-paced D1 athletic environment. Our tutors play a vital role in supporting student-athletes by providing subject-specific tutoring in a variety of undergraduate courses.  

 Why Tutor with ADSA? 

  • Make a Difference: You’ll have a direct impact on the academic success of SMU’s student-athletes, helping them excel in the classroom; clearing up concepts, and answering questions. An opportunity to give back to the University!
  • Flexible Schedule: Tutoring sessions are offered throughout the week (Monday through Friday), and you can choose the hours that work best for you, accommodating your class schedule and other commitments. 
  • Positive Work Environment: Join a team dedicated to student success in a supportive and collaborative environment.

What We’re Looking For: 

  • Strong academic background (minimum of B+ in relevant coursework) 
  • Minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
  • Ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner 
  • Passion for helping others learn 
  • Able to be professional and maintain confidentiality  
  • Current enrolled SMU undergraduates, graduates, TA’s, or Faculty are all encouraged to apply. Pay is based on experience.

We are currently recruiting tutors for all subjects in the Fall but especially for APSM, MATH, STAT, HIST subjects.

If you’re interested in applying: 

Contact the ADSA Tutor Coordinator, Valerie Vining at 214-768-4857 or vvining@smu.edu for more information or apply directly at this link: https://smu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1FWagowDsD5hQz3 

 Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the SMU community and make a positive impact on student-athletes! 

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Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Office of Engaged Learning – Research Student Academic Engagement & Success

Mid-Summer Highlights from the Office of Engaged Learning

Students presenting presentation to audience in classroom
Student team presenting to judges at the 2024 Data Science Happiness Hackathon

As Summer 2024 unfolds, the Office of Engaged Learning is driving forward multiple programs and initiatives that support undergraduate research, foster student connections, and nurture academic growth. Here are some key highlights:

The OEL and Dedman College Department of Statistics and Data Science hosted their second annual summer Data Science Hackathon on June 28 and 29. This event brought together undergraduates from the “Data Science for Social Good” NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates and Summer Research Intensive as well as graduate students from the Masters of Science in Data Science program. Working in teams over a 24-hour period, 18 students tackled complex datasets to extract valuable insights around the theme of “happiness”. Special thanks go to Dr. Jon Carman (Office of the Chaplain), Dr. Adam Scott Neal (Office of Engaged Learning) and Dr. Monnie McGee (Dedman College Department of Statistics and Data Science) for their expertise.  Additional thanks to Dr. Eric Godat (Office of Information and Technology) and Duwani Gonzalez and Kevin Wang (PhD Candidates at SMU) for their coaching support and Kelly Chandrapal (OEL) for organizing the event.  Finally, another special thanks go to Dr. Stephen Robertson (Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute) and Dr. Dustin Grabsch (Office of General Education), and Dr. Lynne Stokes (Professor Emeritus, Dedman College Department for Statistics and Data Science) for judging the competition.

Students in the Summer Research Intensive are hard at work on projects for their faculty mentors. Each week they also attending professional development workshops that focus on research related skill sets with Dr. Adam Scott Neal (OEL). In these highly interactive workshops, students are developing their communication skills by learning about storytelling, presentation structure and aesthetics, elevator pitches, and networking. The SRI program will culminate in a Three Minute “Thesis” competition on July 25, 2-5pm in the Hughes-Trigg Chamber.  All are invited to attend!

The SMU Pathways to Business and Industry (PBI) initiative, under the leadership of Alisha Bailey (OEL), has been working closely with university service partners and academic departments over the summer to launch new programs and events for the upcoming fall and spring semesters. PBI students can anticipate engaging workshops focused on certifications in business, finance, and Microsoft Office. Additionally, they will have access to professional development workshops hosted by the UAC, Hegi Family Career Center, and Office of Engaged Learning. Stay tuned for the “Introduction to PBI Red, Blue, and YOU!” podcast episode later in July.

The Mustang Mentors Peer-Mentoring Program is preparing to welcome a full cohort of mentors and mentees this fall. The Mustang Mentors Core Team, headed by Olivia Prioleau (OEL), has been strategic and resourceful in recruiting students over the summer. The core team’s spheres of influence include First-Generation Initiatives, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Student Success and Inclusive Excellence, the University Advising Center and Transfer Office, the Office of Engaged Learning, and Residential Life and Housing.

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

Undergraduate Education and Academic Success publishes annual report

Undergraduate Education and Academic Success is an area within the Office of the Provost’s Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success, which oversees a wide range of academic support and engagement office units.

Our 2023 – 2024 offices and initiatives included:

 

A copy of the annual report is now available for download.

Questions, comments, and feedback can be directed to Dr. Dustin Grabsch (dgrabsch@smu.edu).

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Student Academic Engagement & Success

Help SMU Students Dress for Success with Donations to Career Closet!

The Hegi Family Career Development Center, Cox School of Business, and the Student Affairs Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement is thrilled to announce the upcoming Career Closet event to help serve SMU students as they prepare to enter the workforce! The Career Closet aims to provide SMU students with new and gently used professional attire for interviews, internships, and the workplace. They are actively seeking clothing donations that are in excellent condition, whether they are brand new or gently used. Now is the perfect time to dive into that belated-spring cleaning you may have put off and declutter your closet! Items Needed: • Suits • Professional Jackets & Blazers • Dress pants & slacks • Button-down shirts • Polos • Skirts & Dresses • Blouses • Ties Items Not to Bring: • Pajamas • Denim • Athleisure wear • Undergarments Drop Off Location Hours: 10:00am – 3:00pm, Monday – Friday Hegi Family Career Development Center Hughes Trigg Student Center Suite 126 3140 Dyer Street, Dallas, TX Items can be mailed to: Amanda Bobo Career Closet C/O Hegi Family Career Development Center 3140 Dyer Street #256 Dallas, TX 75205 Questions can be directed to Amanda Bobo, Associate Director for Employer Relations in the Hegi Family Career Development Center at abobo@smu.edu.

The Hegi Family Career Development Center, Cox School of Business, and the Student Affairs Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement are thrilled to announce the upcoming Career Closet event to help serve SMU students as they prepare to enter the workforce! The Career Closet aims to provide SMU students with new and gently used professional attire for interviews, internships, and the workplace.

They are actively seeking clothing donations that are in excellent condition, whether they are brand new or gently used. Now is the perfect time to dive into that belated-spring cleaning you may have put off and declutter your closet!

For more information and specific details, please refer to the flyer below. Questions can be directed to Amanda Bobo, Associate Director for Employer Relations in the Hegi Family Career Development Center at abobo@smu.edu.

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Office of General Education Student Academic Engagement & Success

The Office of General Education begins recruiting students for the Common Curriculum Reading

The Office of General Education has begun recruiting undergraduate students for this Fall’s Common Curriculum Reading – a revised version of the Common Reading.

The Common Curriculum Reading is open to all SMU undergraduate students, but will target juniors and seniors who have not completed their Civics & Individual Ethics Proficiency and Experience. Students who opt-in to the program will engage in 8 reading group meetings and discussions with their peers and program facilitators. The facilitators represent various areas across campus, including:

The book selection for Fall 2024 is “Artificial Unintelligence” by Meredith Broussard. Broussard discusses the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern society, and the public’s belief that AI can solve all the world’s problems. However, Broussard argues that there are social and ethical issues that AI can’t resolve.

Staff and faculty are encouraged to promote the program to their undergraduate students. Students who are interested in this co-curricular activity should complete the Qualtrics sign-up survey.

The Office of General Education is excited about this unique reading experience, and looks forward to the program’s first meeting on September 10th, 2024.

 

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

ADSA Accentuates Academic Achievements of 2023-2024

cheerpom

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is proud of its student-athletes who consistently demonstrate excellence in both academics and athletics. We understand the unique challenges they face in balancing a demanding sports schedule with rigorous coursework. Our Mustangs arise to the exceed these standards every semester!

The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) program is a cornerstone of SMU’s commitment to student-athlete success. ADSA provides a comprehensive support system that includes: 

  • Academic Counseling: ADSA advisors help student-athletes make informed decisions about their academic pursuits, from choosing a major to planning their course schedules. They also ensure athletes maintain NCAA eligibility requirements. 
  • Learning Skills Specialists: These specialists identify areas where student-athletes can improve, such as writing skills or time management. They offer personalized strategies and support to enhance academic performance. 
  • Tutoring and Class Checking: ADSA connects student-athletes with qualified tutors for a wide range of subjects for undergraduate students. If interested in becoming a tutor for the ADSA, submit an application here. Additionally, class checking services ensure attendance in class. 

Academic Achievement and Recognition 

The dedication of our student-athletes and the effectiveness of ADSA’s support are evident in SMU’s recent academic achievements: 

  • Public Recognition from the NCAA: Four SMU programs – men’s golf, women’s golf, rowing, and women’s soccer – received a perfect Academic Progress Rate (APR) score of 1,000, earning prestigious Public Recognition from the NCAA. View the APR results of the 2023 year. 
  • Surpassing Departmental and National Goals: Fourteen out of fifteen Mustang programs exceeded the departmental goal of a 975 APR score over four years. Additionally, thirteen programs scored equal to or higher than the national average in their respective sports. 

Spring 2024 Academic Highlights: 

  • Spring 2024 Athletic Department GPA:  3.25 
  • 72% of student-athletes received a 3.0 GPA in the Spring 2024 semester
  •  70% of student-athletes received a cumulative GPA above a 3.0
  • Top Single term Team GPAs: 
    • Women’s Cross Country: 3.728 
    • Men’s Tennis: 3.548 
  • Top Cumulative Team GPAs: 
    • Women’s Cross Country: 3.744 
    • Men’s Tennis: 3.629 
    • 55 Student-Athletes earned a perfect 4.00 GPA 

SMU’s student-athletes are true champions, excelling both on the field and in the classroom. They are well-positioned to achieve their athletic and academic goals heading into the ACC on July 1, 2024. Pony Up!  

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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 Monday, July 1 for staff retreat

The Undergraduate Education and Academic Success area within the Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success will close on Monday, July 1, 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 Tuesday, July 2.

Categories
Office of General Education Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Crossing the Finish Line cohort continues to thrive in Spring 2024

classof2024

The Office of Student Success and Retention (SSR) is committed to providing support and resources to help students overcome challenges and achieve their goals on the Hilltop.  

Crossing the Finish Line is a program that assists SMU students with completing their degrees. The Office of Student Success and Retention works collaboratively with University Decision Support, academic advisors, and School Records Offices to identify undergraduate students who have left SMU and were close to graduation based on credit hours but did not attend another university. The purpose of Crossing the Finish Line is to use re-engagement efforts to support those students in graduating within the four to six-year timeframe. 

SSR invited a select number of students to participate in the Spring 2024 cohort, and 4 out of 15 invited students decided to return to SMU, or students currently attending SMU utilized this initiative to complete their degree.  

Dr. Sheri Kunovich, Associate Provost for Student Academic Engagement and Success, Dr. Dustin Grabsch, Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Education and Academic Success, and Shun Colter, Assistant Director of SSR worked together to identify eligible students who meet the requirements for Crossing the Finish Line. This criteria includes a GPA of 1.8 or above, in good standing with the University, and residing in the Dallas area. 

Crossing the Finish Line, is one of the Student Success initiatives led by SSR, such as Summer Forge, that support and empower students to succeed from their first day through graduation.  

Please contact Shun Colter for more information about Crossing the Finish Line.