Tag: orientation

Categories
Office of Engaged Learning Pathways to Industry Student Academic Engagement & Success

Kick Off the Semester with the Mustang Mindset: January Stampede at SMU

SMU Balloons on Dallas Lawn

January Stampede Kicks Off the Semester

January Stampede is here, and it’s our collective opportunity to help students launch the new term with clarity, confidence, and connection. As faculty and staff, you play a crucial role in reinforcing the messages, resources, and habits that support student success throughout the semester. Below are the key Academic Transitions experiences we hope you’ll share with your students and incorporate into your early-term conversations.

Mustang Mindset for Incoming Transfer Students

Mustang Mindset features three breakout sessions focused on academic support services, High Impact Practices (HIPs), and Financial Aid services, along with two engaging panel discussions. These sessions give students a chance to reflect on goals, build healthy habits, and gain confidence for the months ahead. Please encourage transfer students you work with to attend on January 16, 2026, from 10:35 a.m. to 12:50 p.m in the Hughes Trigg Student Center.

 Red, Blue, and You Podcast on the Hilltop
The Red, Blue, and YOU! podcast series returns with episodes highlighting PBI Initiative, World Languages, and the Academic Calendar and many more. This is an excellent tool for staff and faculty to share with students who benefit from hearing real campus stories, insights, and tips directly from peers and SMU leaders.

Family Fest: Connecting Families to SMU
Family Fest invites parents and families to explore campus resources—from undergraduate research to libraries, study abroad, and entrepreneurship—and learn how to support student success. It’s a welcoming celebration of the Mustang community for the whole family.

Join the Fun!
Don’t miss Academic Transitions on January 16, 2026, in Hughes-Trigg Student Center! Attend Mustang Mindset sessions, hear inspiring stories on the Red, Blue, and You! podcast, and connect with the Mustang community to start the semester strong.

If you have questions about the Academic Transitions portion of January Stampede, please contact the Office of Engaged Learning at engagedlearning@smu.edu.

For more information about the 2026 January Stampede Schedule click here.

Categories
News Office of Engaged Learning

Celebrating Academic Connections at Stampede

The Hilltop was buzzing with energy and excitement as SMU welcomed its newest Mustangs during Stampede and Academic Affairs proudly played a key role in shaping a warm, informative, and engaging introduction to life at SMU. 

On Friday, we kicked off with Mustang Mindset, an inspiring session led by Dr. Whitney Jones and Dr. Jennifer Ebinger. Together, they helped incoming students begin their academic journey by diving into what it means to be an intellectually curious and growth-oriented Mustang. Through this interactive and empowering presentation, students were encouraged to envision their potential and embrace the opportunities that await them at SMU. 

Adding to the warm welcome was a special message from Executive Vice President and Provost Rachel Mersey. Her remarks reminded students that they are now part of a community that is deeply committed to their academic success, personal development, and sense of belonging. Her message set a positive tone and reinforced the university’s dedication to each student’s journey. 

Students eating lunch at Commuter and Transfer Lunch event

Later in the day, the Commuter and Transfer Student Luncheon brought together around 300 students, faculty, and staff in both Hughes Trigg Student Center Ballroom and Cox School of Business EY Gallery for a relaxed, informal networking event hosted in a welcoming setting, this luncheon created space for meaningful conversations and introductions. Students had the chance to engage directly with representatives from various academic departments and student service units including the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (ALEC), Hegi Career Center, and programs like Business Journalism, History, Management Science, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs (CCPA), and Chemistry. 

This casual yet impactful event gave commuter and transfer students a valuable opportunity to explore majors, learn about support resources, and connect with the campus community in an approachable way. Many left with new insights, helpful contacts, and a greater sense of confidence in navigating their path forward at SMU. 

From the dynamic kickoff sessions to the inclusive networking luncheon, Academic Affairs was thrilled to be part of such a vibrant start to the semester. Here’s to a successful year ahead as our students dive into their studies, explore their passions, and discover what it truly means to be a Mustang!