Tag: Academic Advising

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Professional Advising University Advising Center

Advising Communication Update for Simmons

Dear Simmons Faculty and Staff,

As we continue to enhance the undergraduate advising experience for our students, we would like to share important updates regarding advising procedures for current and new students in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development.

SMU in Four recently sent an advising update to all faculty and staff, stating that any student who declares a major before June 1, 2025 will continue to be advised under the current advising structure. Continuing students will receive communication in August regarding how to access advisor information through my.SMU. However, all Simmons majors who declare after June 1, 2025 will transition to professional advising through the University Advising Center (UAC).

Samia Siddiqui will become a full-time staff member of the UAC, with primary responsibilities in advising. Samia has played an integral role within Simmons, and her knowledge and expertise in the majors will be invaluable during this transition. The Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success is currently in the process of hiring a degree counselor to coordinate all Simmons records functions, including athletic certification, graduation certification, petitions, repeat rosters, and more.

Here is what you can expect from these changes:

  • Professional advisors will support students with:
    • Approving Abroad Proposed Plans of Study
    • Assist students with completing petitions
    • Awareness about departmental events
    • Declaring majors and minors
    • Fulfilling Common Curriculum requirements
    • Guiding students toward on-time (4 year) graduation
    • Semester and Intersessions scheduling (including support for double majors and major/minor combinations)
  • Faculty will continue to mentor students in:
    • Internship and experiential learning opportunities
    • Curriculum guidance and sequencing within majors and minors
    • Concentrations and specializations within academic programs
    • Career exploration and industry-specific advice

Together, faculty and advisors will form a co-curricular partnership to support student success throughout their academic journey on the Hilltop. Your role will remain integral to student success.

More information about this process will be shared soon. Departments will be meeting with advising staff over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition and continued support for our students.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to student success.

Samia Siddiqui

Director of Advising & Student Records

Dr. Francesca Go

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, ad interim

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Professional Advising University Advising Center

Professional advising in Dedman College

Dear Dedman Faculty and Staff,

As we continue to enhance the undergraduate advising experience for our students, we would like to share important updates regarding advising procedures for current and new students in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.

SMU in Four recently sent an advising update to all faculty and staff, indicating that any student who declares a major before June 1, 2025 will continue to be advised by their current faculty advisor in Dedman College. This aligns with our established advising structure. Continuing students will receive communication in August regarding how to access advisor information through my.SMU.

This semester, several Dedman College departments participated in a pilot program with the UAC to support a smooth transition to professional advising. These departments were Anthropology, Biology, Biophysical Science, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Health and Society, Mathematics, and Political Science. Students who declare these majors after June 1, 2025 will be advised by UAC professional advisors. We sincerely thank these departments for their leadership and collaboration during this important initiative.

Professional advising of other majors will be implemented in stages and will occur only after there has been a period of training and preparedness. Starting in Fall 2025, the next group of majors that will begin the process of adopting professional advising are listed below. They will receive communication in the coming months about advisor training in collaboration with the associated departments.

  • Earth Sciences
  • History
  • Human Rights
  • Markets and Culture
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

All remaining majors can expect communication regarding collaboration with UAC advisors beginning Fall 2025 or early Spring 2026 to begin the training process. As all programs adopt professional advising, they will be organized in a pod and supported by a team of 3–4 advisors. The purpose of this structure is to group similar majors based on student experiences. The pods will be structured as follows:

  • Business Adjacent: Advertising, Applied Physiology & Sport Management, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Economics, Journalism/Fashion Media, Markets & Culture, Sport Performance Leadership
  • Pre-Health & Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysical Science, Health and Society, Applied Physiology and Health Management
  • Statistics, Math, and Physical Science: Data Science, Creative Computing, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics
  • Social Science: Anthropology, Human Rights, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology
  • Humanities: English, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, World Languages and Literature

Note: International Studies and Public Policy will continue to manage their own advising for declared majors.

Dr. Kacy Hollenback (khollenback@smu.edu), Director of Undergraduate Studies in Anthropology and a Provost Fellow, is dedicating time to learn how you advise your students, understand your best practices, and hear about any concerns or issues. The role of DUS will continue to play a vital role in student success. Even with the shift to professional advising, faculty engagement with students remains essential. Faculty will continue to mentor students and identify meaningful touchpoints each semester to support students in a variety of ways, including internships, minors, research, career pathways, etc.

All current and new advisors will continue to have access to the Advising Canvas course, as well as the newly developed Advising Handbook, which will be available in Summer 2025. These resources will support ongoing efforts to guide students to degree completion and academic success.

The UAC is currently finalizing advisor assignments. Once complete, DUSs and department chairs will be notified.

Continued Support from Dedman College Academic Services

Dedman College Academic Services will maintain essential enrollment functions, manage academic records, and provide academic support for all declared Dedman College students. Monthly reports—including rosters of assigned students and their declared majors—will be distributed to all advisors, DUSs, and department chairs.

Thank you for your continued dedication and partnership as we work together to support the academic success of our students. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Dr. J.B. Georges

Director of Academic Services & CIQ Officer

Dr. Tom Carr

Associate Dean, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

 

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Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center

Transfer Student Appreciation Week Events Announced

Event flyer for Transfer Student Appreciation Week at SMU! The first event is attending a Basketball game and gathering in Section 112, on February 16th at 3pm for the Mustangs Vs. Clemson Women's Basketball game. The second event is a Mustang Transfer Org Meet & Greet, where students can speak with different clubs and organizations to build community and leadership skills. The third event is a Major and Minor Fair Luncheon in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center Ballrooms on February 18th. The final event is a Faculty Research Panel in Laura Lee Blanton Room 110 from 12-1pm, where students can learn how to get involved in Research at SMU.
SMU Loves transfers!

February brings many things, and among them is SMU’s Transfer Student Appreciation Week!  UAC Transfer Advisor Dee O’Banner is leading the charge this semester with multiple events designed to share some Hilltop appreciation, treats, and info with SMU’s transfer students! Students, staff, and faculty are all welcome to attend!

RSVP now on SMU360!

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Student Academic Engagement & Success

General Education offers faculty and staff spring trainings

The Office of General Education has multiple training sessions available to all faculty and staff this spring.

Register for any of these trainings on SMU360. By registering, you will receive reminder emails leading up to the event, a calendar invite, and any resources used or distributed during the training. All workshops will take place on the first floor of the Laura Lee Blanton building.

 

Trainings Offered:

Common Curriculum – Learn more about the general education and graduation requirements that make up the Common Curriculum. Ideal for new faculty and staff; refresher for current employees with academic advising functions.

Thursday, Jan. 30th 12:30-1:30PM

Wednesday, Feb. 26th 12-1PM (for advisors)

Thursday, Mar. 27th 12:30-1:30PM  

                                                                

Course and Experience Proposal – Learn more about the process and timeline of submitting a course or experience proposal for Common Curriculum tags. Course and experience proposal deadlines are available for spring 2025 on our website. Ideal for faculty interested in tagging existing or proposing new courses or staff who lead co-curricular experiences seeking to become a pre-approved activity.

Thursday, Feb. 6th  12:30-1:30PM

Wednesday, Mar. 12th 12-1PM

 

Departmental Responsibilities – Learn more about what is required of departments and organizations that have Common Curriculum-tagged courses and experiences. Ideal for department chairs, directors of undergraduate students, and employees with course scheduling functions.

Wednesday, April 9th 3:30-4:30PM

 

Looking to plan a training session for your department and/or organization? Complete and submit this form to schedule a personalized group training.

 

Any questions, comments, or concerns can be directed to gened@smu.edu. We look forward to supporting you this semester!

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Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center

University Advising Center welcomes new Coordinator

Photo of Anthony Cesario, the new University Advising Center Coordinator. Photo is in the University Advising Center with a Mustang Mascot character in the background as you enter the University Advising Center.
"Welcome Mustangs!"

The University Advising Center welcomes Anthony Cesario as the new office coordinator. Anthony joined the University Advising Center on November 11th during the peak of Spring 25 enrollment and has hit the ground running!

Born and raised in Coppell, Texas, Anthony graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in American Studies in December of 2023. Prior to joining SMU, he has held various customer service roles and was a summer camp counselor. Anthony enjoys listening to music, writing, exploring parks and nature trails, and binging Buffy the Vampire Slayer whenever possible. He is very excited to work in the realm of higher education.

Please join us in welcoming Anthony to the Hilltop and the UAC!

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Student Academic Engagement & Success University Advising Center

University Advising Center announces Staff Change

Headshot of Gerralynn Mckenna with the Southern Methodist University Campus as the out of focus background.

The University Advising Center is pleased to share that Gerralynn McKenna is continuing her work in our office as our newest Academic Advisor. She has gracefully stepped in to her new role and advising students for Fall 24 and beyond.

Before her new position, Gerralynn came to SMU in June of 2023 to serve as Coordinator for the UAC. Prior to her time at SMU,  she taught elementary special education for 4 years, and moved to Dallas from Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband. She continues to enjoy hiking, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and reading. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome to her new position!

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Academic Skill Development Office of General Education Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention

Summer Forge successfully ends their second year

Summer Forge, an academic support program at SMU, provides invited undergraduate students with financial, academic, and social support to accelerate their path to on-time graduation. This year’s cohort included 29 students, who completed courses during May Term and Summer Term to fulfill a major, minor or Common Curriculum requirement. This year’s cohort attempted over 167 credit hours during the summer, with 97% of the coursework being completed successfully. 

Summer Forge participants completed check-ins throughout the summer with Jay Guillory, Student Success & Retention, and Brittaney Wilson, Office of General Education.  Additionally, students received academic coaching in partnership with the Academic Skill Development team. Of the 29 students in the Summer 2024 cohort: 76% of students reported using the ALEC for tutoring, and 17% reported receiving support from the Writing Center. 

Here is what some students had to say about their time in the Summer Forge: 

“The Summer Forge Program allowed me to catch up on my courses without the financial worry. The program provided support to help students succeed in the accelerated course of their choice. “– Grace B. 

 

“Summer Forge is beneficial, as it provides students with an Academic Advisor/Counselor, access to various resources, and free treats along the way as they catch up with students.” – Muskaan B. 

 

“I was able to catch up on credits I lost over the past few semesters, which helped me deal with the stress of not graduating on time.” -Iyanna C. 

Summer Forge is a collaboration between the Office of Student Success and Retention, Office of Academic Skill Development, SMU in Four, Office of Student Financial Services, and Student Academic Success Programs. 

For more information, visit www.smu.edu/summerforge. 

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Student Success & Retention

Year-end review: Retention alert and advising note reporting system recap

confetti

With the Academic year ending, the Office of Student Success and Retention would like to focus on the effectiveness of our Retention Alert and Advising Note reporting system. We would like to thank every individual advisor or faculty member who used these tools to report any retention risk. 

 This academic year, with the valuable assistance of advisors across campus, 231 advising notes were submitted during the fall and spring semesters, in addition to 94 retention alerts. These submissions from our campus community have played a crucial role in identifying students who are considering transferring or taking a leave of absence from SMU.  

The Office of Student Success and Retention has utilized the information from both reporting systems to effectively intervene with at-risk students, demonstrating our collective efforts. SSR would like to express gratitude to the faculty and staff members who submitted advising notes and retention alerts this academic year. Through your partnership, SSR has been able to reach out to and assist students while providing them with support and connections to campus resources.  

If you would like to learn more about this tool and how the Office of Student Success and Retention utilizes it to aid with retention and intervention, please contact Jay Guillory. 

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

Expanded CLEP Testing now available at the University Testing Center

The University Testing Center is pleased to offer expanded CLEP (College Level Examination Program) testing beginning June 2024.

Testing is available by appointment to any SMU student or community member seeking academic credit. At SMU, course credit is awarded when a score of 60 points or above out of 80 possible points is achieved. Community members may also test at SMU and send scores to other colleges and universities for credit.

SMU gives credit for CLEP subject examinations based on the specified minimum scores below*.  American Government, Financial Accounting and History of the U.S. I and II are only available to incoming students under the 2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog and are not available to continuing students.

CLEP Exam

Score (out of 80)

Credit Hours

Course(s) Credited

Common Curriculum Requirements Satisfied
American Government

60

3

 Generic Credit – TBD Social & Behavioral Science (SBS)
American Literature

60

3

 ENGL 20XX None
English Literature

60

3

 ENGL 20YY None
Financial Accounting

60

3

 Generic Credit – TBD Quantitative Applications (QA)
History of the US I

60

3

 Generic Credit – TBD Historical Contexts (HC)
History of the US II

60

3

 Generic Credit – TBD Historical Contexts (HC)
Macroeconomics

60

3

 ECO 1312 Quantitative Applications (QA)
Microeconomics

60

3

 ECO 1311 Quantitative Applications (QA)

*The above credit table is subject to change and applies to the 2024 Undergraduate Catalog.

Sign-Up

  • All tests are administered on campus, in person.  Remote CLEP administrations are not conducted at the UTC.
  • Students must register and pay for a CLEP test on the College Board website, indicating SMU as the testing site and score recipient.
  • Testing seats are reserved using the UTC Portal.  The CLEP test administration fee charged by the testing center is waived for current SMU students, with a modest charge for community members.
  • Students must bring their College Board CLEP Registration Form and SMU ID card to their testing appointment at the UTC.

After Testing

When testing is complete, students will receive a preliminary score report from UTC staff.  Scores will also be available in the My CLEP Student Account portal on the CLEP website.  Final, official CLEP score reports will be sent directly from the College Board to the SMU Registrar, where course credit will be awarded with a qualifying score.

For more information, visit the University Testing Center or the College Board FAQs for CLEP.

Categories
SMU in Four University Advising Center

New videos on understanding the Degree Progress Report released

The Degree Progress Report (DPR) is arguably the most essential tool for preparing for an advising meeting. Although you might think you understand the DPR, it can be tricky to read for even the most experienced advisor.

The Advising Resources Canvas Course (permission required) has a section devoted to the DPR, and SMU’s wiki pages on the subject are helpful. But if you’d rather watch the movie than read the book, the Registrar and Office of Information Technology (OIT) partnered to produce new videos on understanding the DPR and DPR Summary.

These two short videos cover a lot of ground, so you will likely learn something new, no matter how much you already know. Using the DPR and DPR Summary in new ways could make advising easier and better.

Of course, the DPR should also be an essential tool for students to independently navigate their academic requirements. Encourage your students to prepare for your meeting by visiting their DPRs to find out what requirements remain unfulfilled. Since that’s no easy task, a video for students can be found on this Student Essentials Academic Progress webpage. 

Please contact Josh Beaty, SMU in Four Advising Pillar Chair, at jbeaty@smu.edu with questions. Special thanks to the Registrar and OIT teams for their efforts on these projects.