Tag: ADSA

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Celebrating Our October ADSA Peer Tutors: Brody Krolczyk and Kyla Gijan

We are proud to recognize and celebrate two outstanding ADSA peer tutors who have gone above and beyond in supporting the academic success of our student-athletes this October: Brody Krolczyk and Kyla Gijan.

These dedicated individuals consistently go the extra mile for their students, bringing a powerful mix of knowledge, curiosity, and commitment to every session. Their dedication to their role has made a lasting impact on the student-athletes they support, empowering them to succeed both in the classroom and in their athletic pursuits.

ADSA deeply appreciates our peer tutors, recognizing their vital role helps classmates succeed and strengthens their own professional skills in communication and leadership.

Peer Tutor Academic Achievements

  • Brody Krolczyk is pursuing a double major in Biological Sciences B.S. and Health and Society B.S.
  • Kyla Gijan is pursuing a Biological Sciences B.A. with a minor in Religious Studies.

Commitment to Service and Leadership

Brody’s and Kyla’s ability to balance their own academic responsibilities while providing high-quality tutoring is truly admirable. This excellence is visible in their individual commitment:

  • Brody has been consistent in his communication with both his students and our staff. Even with a busy student schedule and many academic demands, the quality of his sessions never wavers. This level of consistency ensures his students always benefit.
  • Kyla has shown impressive professionalism and continued genuine interest in her students and their needs. Student feedback consistently notes her ability to make them feel comfortable and welcome, which creates a truly supportive learning environment.

Whether it is additional study sessions, exhibiting team travel flexibility, or simply being a consistent source of encouragement, both Brody and Kyla embody the spirit of service and leadership.

Please join us in recognizing Brody and Kyla for their exceptional commitment this month.

On behalf of the ADSA, we extend a sincere THANK YOU for your exceptional work.

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

ADSA Faculty Feedback Request Fall 2025 Reminder – Round 2

Thank you for completing Feedback Request Round 1! This post serves as a reminder that Feedback Request Round 2 begins November 10th.

ADSA sincerely appreciates your valuable participation and prompt response to the first Faculty Feedback Request round. Your input provided vital, timely support for our student-athletes’ academic success. We are grateful for your continued partnership.

Upcoming Key Date: Feedback Request 2
This is a reminder that the second and final Faculty Feedback Request for the Fall 2025 term will begin soon.

Feedback Request 2: will include all student-athletes.

November 10: Feedback Request 2 opens
November 21: Feedback Request 2 closes
Please note: Faculty with current student-athletes enrolled in their courses will receive this request directly from ADSA@smu.edu on November 10.

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:

STEP 1:

STEP 2:

Single Sign-On (SSO) for Teamworks Access
To ensure a smooth submission process, please recall that Teamworks now supports Single Sign-On (SSO), making grade checks easier to complete.

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
For any assistance accessing or completing the report, please refer to the Teamworks help resources:

https://help.teamworks.com/academics/s/article/log-in-to-teamworks-academics#campus

https://help.teamworks.com/academics/s/article/Access-and-Complete-a-Progress-Report

Your commitment has a direct and meaningful impact. ADSA looks forward to collaborating with you again as we help 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.

Categories
Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Celebrating Our September ADSA Peer Tutors: Gracie Mbilo and Sam Alagood

Celebrating Our September ADSA Peer Tutors: Gracie Mbilo and Sam Alagood

We are proud to recognize and celebrate two outstanding ADSA peer tutors who truly went above and beyond in supporting our student-athletes this September: Gracie Mbilo and Sam Alagood.

These dedicated individuals have consistently demonstrated excellence, patience, and a true passion for helping others. Their commitment to academic integrity and mentorship has made a lasting impact on the student-athletes they support, empowering them to succeed both in the classroom and in their athletic pursuits.

ADSA deeply appreciates our peer tutors, recognizing their vital role helps classmates succeed and strengthens their own professional skills in communication and leadership.

Peer Tutor Academic Achievements

  • Gracie Mbilo is a Junior double majoring in Accounting and Chinese B.A. with a specialization in Japanese.
  • Sam Alagood is a Senior anticipated to graduate in Fall 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Performance Leadership from the Simmons School.

Commitment to Service and Leadership

Gracie and Sam’s ability to balance their own academic responsibilities while providing high-quality tutoring is truly admirable. His patience has paid off by modeling calmness and commitment and encouraging his students to adopt the same approach. Whether it is additional study sessions, exhibiting team travel flexibility, or simply being a consistent source of encouragement, both Gracie and Sam embody the spirit of service and leadership.

On behalf of the ADSA, Thank you for your exceptional work.

You are making a difference!

Let us all take a moment to show our appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Announcing September Mustang Champions: Excellence Defined

At SMU, we recognize that earning the title of student-athlete is not simply a milestone reached upon arrival it is the result of years of hard work, discipline, and unwavering commitment long before stepping onto our campus. What truly sets our Mustang Champions apart is their dedication to maintaining an exceptional balance between academic achievement and athletic excellence, while also making meaningful contributions through service to their community and teams. Each month, we celebrate students who not only excel in their sport and studies but also demonstrate a steadfast commitment to supporting others and giving back. Our September Mustang Champions exemplify this balance, embodying the drive, focus, and proactive spirit that define a Mustang student-athlete.

We proudly celebrate these four students who truly embody that balance and dedication this month:

Sakari Wilkinson (Equestrian)

Sakari, an Equestrian Western competitor and first-semester freshman from Amber, Oklahoma, is currently pursuing a Pre-Health academic plan. Sakari’s champion mindset has been acknowledged by Senior Academic Counselor Desmond Grayson. She has demonstrated exceptional proactive behavior by immediately seeking out resources, attending sessions early, and directly engaging with her professors for extra support and credit. Her genuine desire to excel and improve reflects a strong commitment to being a better student.

PJ Williams (Football)

PJ, a determined senior offensive lineman from Dickinson, Texas, is currently focused on earning his degree in Sport Performance Leadership. He was selected for the prestigious Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List and voted offensive team captain by his teammates. This notable commitment has been highlighted and acknowledged by Senior Academic Counselor Desmond Grayson. PJ has shown exceptional focus this semester, consistently turning in assignments and serving as a positive mentor who encourages freshmen.

Ava Ha (Rowing)

Ava, a junior rowing student-athlete from San Carlos, California, excels in a rigorous academic path by successfully managing a demanding double major in Economics with Financial Applications and Public Policy, along with a minor in political science. Her high level of dedication is evident in her academic rigor and commitment to both her sport and her studies. This exceptional commitment is acknowledged by ADSA.

Nico Sobenes (Men’s Swimming and Dive)

Nico, a junior Men’s Swimming competitor specializing in the Butterfly event from Dallas, Texas, successfully balances his training with a challenging major focused on pre-law. He is currently pursuing an Economics degree with a Law and Legal Reasoning Minor. His commitment to excellence in both the pool and the classroom demonstrates outstanding drive and organizational skill. His consistent hard work is acknowledged by ADSA.

These four Mustangs exemplify the drive, dedication, and boldness it takes to be a Southern Methodist University student-athlete and compete at the highest level!

ADSA congratulates the September Mustang Champions!

 

Categories
Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

ADSA Faculty Feedback Request – Fall 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. 

Fall 2025 Faculty Feedback Request Timeline 

We will send two Faculty Feedback Requests for student-athletes enrolled in Fall 2025 courses on the following dates: 

Feedback Request 1: will only include a small population of student-athletes. 

  • September 29: Feedback Request 1 opens 
  • October 10: Feedback Request 1 closes 

Feedback Request 2: will include all student-athletes. 

  • November 10: Feedback Request 2 opens 
  • November 21: 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: 

STEP 1:                                               

STEP 2:

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 

https://help.teamworks.com/academics/s/article/log-in-to-teamworks-academics#campus  

https://help.teamworks.com/academics/s/article/Access-and-Complete-a-Progress-Report  

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. 

 

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

Welcome John Easton

Headshot of John Easton
John Easton

Please join us in welcoming John Easton to the Student Academic Engagement and Success (SAES) team! John has joined as the inaugural assistant provost for Student Academic Engagement and Success. In this role, he will lead cross-campus collaborations to improve undergraduate academic success for first-year and transfer students, support the launch of professional advising at SMU, develop additional opportunities for summer academic bridge and academic recovery courses and provide operational oversight of Academic Development of Student Athletics (ADSA).

John is bringing with him nearly 25 years of experience at SMU. He currently serves as associate chair, chief undergraduate advisor and program director of the Master of Science in environmental engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Lyle School of Engineering. Additionally, he is a clinical professor, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Environmental Engineering. John received his Ph.D. in environmental health engineering, along with an M.S. in civil engineering, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He holds a B.A. in biology from the University of Kansas.

In his new role, John says he is looking forward to “working with all of the great people! The SAES team, administration, faculty colleagues, and (of course) students and student-athletes! Student engagement and success is “my jam,” and I’m thrilled to be working to support those programs and projects.” Of the students, he mentioned that “it’s a privilege to work alongside such driven, smart, and dedicated young people. They’re going out to change the world!”

John is super engaged at SMU along with his family. His wife also teaches in the Lyle School and his son has two SMU degrees and was a member of the Men’s Swimming and Diving team. Since all of the kids have left the nest, John and his wife are rediscovering their love of travel, reading, puzzles and games. And they are staying in touch with our kids by playing a weekly Dungeons and Dragons campaign, which he says has been great fun.

Welcome to SAES, John! We are excited to have you on board.

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

Leading by Example: ADSA’s Dr. Teiana Jones Selected for Inaugural Women Leaders in Sport Accelerator Summit

In the world of collegiate athletics, the pursuit of excellence extends beyond the field and the classroom it includes the professional staff dedicated to supporting students. Embodying this commitment, Dr. Teiana Jones, Senior Director and leader of the Academic Development for Student-Athletes (ADSA), a unit reporting under the Office of the Provost, was recently selected to participate in the prestigious, inaugural Women Leaders in Sport Accelerator Summit.

Dr. Jones brings a rare and powerful perspective to her role, built upon more than 15 years of professional experience operating uniquely within both Intercollegiate Athletic Administration and Academic Affairs Administration. Her career has been dedicated to bridging these two critical sectors, making her a distinctive leader in the landscape of higher education and athletics. This dual expertise was a key factor in her selection for the Accelerator Summit, an elevated leadership experience designed for senior-level administrators poised to take the next step in their executive careers.

Supported by industry giants such as the Dallas Cowboys, Learfield, and the NCAA, the intensive program selects participants based on their proven leadership and managerial experience. Dr. Jones was selected as a member of the inaugural cohort for this national program, an honor reserved for the most promising executive talent in the sports industry.

“It was a tremendous honor to be selected for the inaugural cohort of the Accelerator Summit and to represent our university among such accomplished peers,” said Dr. Jones. “To be in a room with women leaders from every sector of the sports industry was incredibly powerful. My goal is always to bring the very best strategies back to our team and the student-athletes we serve. This experience provided new tools and perspectives on executive leadership that will directly enhance our mission of fostering student-athlete academic success and holistic development.”

Following her successful participation, Dr. Jones was invited to join the exclusive Women Leaders in Sport Executive Level Circle, ensuring she will remain at the forefront of industry trends. The national recognition continued as Dr. Jones was also recently informed that she is a recipient of the prestigious Women Leaders Brenda Weare Scholarship.

This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to leaders who demonstrate exceptional promise and will support their attendance at the 2025 Women Leaders in Sports National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Through these back-to-back honors, Dr. Jones is committed to leveraging these elite programs and opportunities to continue enhancing her leadership skills, bringing cutting-edge strategies back to benefit the ADSA department and the student-athletes it serves.

 

 

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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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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! 

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

September Mustang Champions

Sept MC

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!