Following University policy, the UTC will be closed on Good Friday, April 7th. We will resume normal hours on Monday, April 10th.
Tag: first-gen
Materials required for classes are expensive. Many SMU first-generation students work multiple jobs to pay for class materials such as laptops, textbooks, and school supplies.
To support our students, the First-Generation Initiative (FGI) created a Book & Support Fund in the fall of 2022 to help first-year and transfer first-generation students obtain school supplies.
During 2022-2023, the FGI provided funds totaling $5,018 to 23 students for class materials. Students return materials to a lending library managed by FGI after the term. Therefore, other first-generation college students can use the resource in future semesters.
Help us expand this critical program, the Book & Support Fund, on March 7 via SMU Giving Day. This resource is invaluable to the FGI and our first-generation students. We look forward to raising funds to continue supporting student success on the Hilltop.
Following the undergraduate academic calendar, the University Testing Center (UTC) will be closed from March 13 through the 17th. The week after, March 20-24, will have adjusted hours from 8:30am to 4:00pm.
Reach out to universitytestingcenter@smu.edu or 214-768-6064 for any questions!
The University Testing Center welcomes to its team a new Testing Assistant: Yash Guptaa.
Yash will join returning Testing Assistant Matt Swigart in working alongside the Testing Manager and Coordinator to prepare testing rooms, materials, and equipment for test administrations according to individual requirements and accommodation guidelines. Testing Assistants will also proctor online and conventional pen/paper tests.
Yash says, “I enjoy working at the crossroads of travel and strategy. My interests include, but are not limited to, pen sketching, 8 ball, hiking, and stand-up comedy. I have experience as a business developer and budding entrepreneur. The previous few months at SMU have been nothing short of a delightful surprise in making valuable connections, and I eagerly await the next step in my path.”
We are glad to introduce you to the team as we jump into the new semester!
The University Testing Center (UTC) is back open for Spring 2023!
We will be hosting an open house from 2-4pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 in our office G15 in the basement of Clements Hall to welcome students and faculty back to campus. Catering will be provided as well as information regarding the policies and practices of the UTC.
Learn more about how the University Testing Center can support you and join us in celebrating the start of a new semester.
Happy 2023!
The University Testing Center’s hours of operation will change for final examinations to accommodate an increased need for testing services.
Our facility and office will be open from 7:30am-7:30pm, with testing hours of 8:00am-7:00pm. This schedule will begin December 8th and conclude December 14th, with our center only closed on Sunday, December 11th through this period.
In summary, testing hours will be expanded to 8:00am-7:00pm on weekdays with the addition of Saturday. The center will be open 7:30am-7:30pm during that same schedule. You can view these updates on our website, smu.edu/testing.
First-Generation Association (FGA) is a student organization for first-generation college students and supporters of first-generation college students. FGA is hosting a pre-professional series for students interested in the pre-med track.
Join them at 5pm on November 1 in Hughes-Trigg Student Center rm. 209 to learn about available resources for pre-med students!
FGA was established during the spring of 2020; Their mission statement is as follows:
First-Gen Association is an educational organization which exists to foster a community of people interested in all aspects of being a first-gen student, or connecting with students who qualify as such; promoting students, creating a community at SMU that welcomes students from different backgrounds, connecting and creating partnerships with other first-gen students in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Students can RSVP via Connect.smu.
Mark your calendars for First-Gen Fest, SMU’s celebration of National First-Gen Day! First-Generation Initiative will host its third-annual First-Gen Fest on November 8, on Dallas Hall Lawn.
First-Gen Fest is for first-generation students, faculty, staff, and supporters of first-generation students wanting to celebrate their special day with them. Food/drinks will be provided while students have the opportunity to connect with faculty/staff, students, organizations and campus resources!
Faculty, staff and students can RSVP via SMU Connect.
It’s National Suicide Prevention Week/Month, also known as Yellow September. The First-Generation Initiative would like to highlight campus and national mental health resources.
If you are looking for a sign, this is it. You matter. Your life matters. If you need support or someone you know needs support, resources are available.
- SMU Counseling Crisis Intervention: 214-768-2277, select Option 2
- Speak to an on-call counselor 24/7
- SMU Counseling Services Continued Care Support: 214-768-2277
- All SMU students are eligible to receive free services at the counseling center, regardless of insurance
National Resources:
- Suicide Crisis Center: 214-828-1000
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
- Ayuda en Español: (888) 628-9454
- Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255, press Option 1
- Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
- The Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer-support service for trans and questioning individuals in crisis. All operators are trans-identified.
- Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
- The only national 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ young people under 25
- TrevorText: Text START to 678678
- A free, confidential service in which LGBTQ young people can text a trained Trevor counselor for support and crisis intervention.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Crisis-intervention hotline that conducts conversations exclusively by text message 24 hours a day.
The First-Generation Initiative is excited to spotlight the AT&T Data Science Scholars program at an upcoming Lunch and Learn. The AT&T Data Science Scholars program is an eight-week program followed by an eight-week paid internship!
To learn more about this amazing opportunity, join the First-Generation Initiative for lunch and learn on September 21 at noon in Hughes-Trigg Student Center Chamber (lower level). All scholars and honors programs are welcome to join. RSVP on Connect.SMU to save your seat.
The program is actively recruiting students who are:
- Current juniors (graduating December 2023 or after)
- Seniors on accelerated pathways
- Graduating seniors who will be immediately entering a graduate program
- Current graduate students
Questions about the AT&T Data Science Scholars program can be directed to Terry Teague (tlteague@mail.smu.edu). Questions concerning the lunch and learn event can be directed to 1stgen@smu.edu.