Tag: SAES

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Office of General Education SMU in Four Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention University Advising Center

Forging Ahead: Summer Forge Launches Third Year of Student Success

  

Summer Forge has officially launched its third summer of support with a cohort of 30 undergraduate students. Designed to accelerate students’ paths to on-time graduation, Summer Forge offers financial, academic, and social resources to help participants thrive.   

This summer, invited students received funding for up to 11 semester credit hours across May, Summer I, and/or Summer II terms. To enhance accessibility, room and board were provided for non-local students. Collectively, the Summer 2025 cohort is attempting over 180 credit hours, with most students enrolling in an average of 6 hours that fulfill major, minor, or Common Curriculum requirements.   

Summer Forge is a collaboration between the Office of Student Success and Retention, SMU in Four, Student Financial Services, Student Advising, and Academic Skill Development that reflects the university’s commitment to improving retention and graduation rates. Program Co-Directors Brittaney Wilson, General Education and Academic Appeals Coordinator, and Lisa Miller, Director of the Office of Student Success and Retention, identified eligible students based on key academic criteria and their intent to enroll at SMU in Fall 2025.  

To foster community among participants, Summer Forge hosted a June Social at Another Round, where students connected over mini golf, pickleball, and more.  

Special thanks to Becca Umobong from Academic Skill Development for leading a powerful Academic Skills Workshop to help students build a foundation for summer academic success. In addition to the workshop, students are receiving one-on-one academic counseling sessions provided by Sarah Cartwright, Gracy Herrera, Chris Meyers, Makenzie Moriarty, and Rebecca Umobong. Students are also encouraged to visit the  Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (A-LEC) for tutoring across a wide range of course topics.  

A heartfelt thank you goes to the advisors who recommended students and supported outreach efforts—your partnership is invaluable to this program’s success. 

For questions or more information, please email summerforge@smu.edu 

  

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Academic Skill Development First-Generation Initiative Student Academic Engagement & Success

Chris Meyers, Director of the First-Generation Initiative, receives “M” Award

Congratulations to Chris Meyers, Director of the First-Generation Initiative, for receiving the “M” Award at the Hilltop Excellence Awards ceremony on Friday, April 25!

The ‘M’ Award is the highest recognition bestowed upon students, faculty, staff and administrators at SMU. A true servant leader, Chris has served the Hilltop by fostering partnerships, expanding programming, and increasing retention amongst first-generation students. He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that the First-Generation Initiative has the resources to meet our students’ needs. Chris has helped first-generation students overcome obstacles and find true success at SMU.

We are so proud of Chris and the work that he’s accomplished. Please join us in congratulating Chris!

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Student Academic Engagement & Success University Foundations

Course Spotlight: UNIV 3305 – Personal Responsibility and Community

Students and their professor standing around a large wooden desk for a group picture.
Students in the fall 2024 section of UNIV 3305 visiting the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

SMU’s University Foundations Program (UNIV) provides enriching coursework focused on students’ personal, academic and leadership development as they transition to the SMU community. UNIV coursework often satisfies Common Curriculum requirements and prepares students to fully engage in SMU’s intellectually rich community, all while building meaningful connections with faculty and classmates.

UNIV 3305 – Personal Responsibility and Community provides students with the opportunity to think critically about their values, beliefs and identities, and examine how these elements influence the ways in which they serve their communities. Through a semester-long community engagement project, reflective journaling, case studies, and cultural immersion experiences, the course prioritizes experiential learning and immerses students in both the course subject matter and the greater Dallas community. Through this engaging coursework, students satisfy three Common Curriculum Proficiencies and Experiences: community engagement, civic and individual ethics, and oral communication.

During the fall 2024 term, Dr. Abby Pruitt, teaching professor in University Foundations, and her UNIV 3305 students visited the George W. Bush Presidential Library, located on SMU’s campus, and in small groups explored the museum with the guiding concept of what makes a good society. Students sought terms such as justice, freedom, fairness and privacy, found examples of these terms represented in the library, and reflected on how those terms were portrayed. Students were able to apply class readings and discussions to the world beyond the classroom, which made the lessons, reflections and conclusions much more impactful.

UNIV courses are offered with a specific target audience of first-year and transfer students but are often open to all students interested in the course. Students find that UNIV coursework benefits their academic success and deepens their responsible engagement within the SMU and the greater Dallas metroplex communities. A complete list of UNIV courses can be found in the University course catalog and more information about the UNIV program can be found on their website.

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Student Academic Engagement & Success

Now accepting applications for the SAES Coordinator role!

SMU Student Academic Engagement & Success (SAES) is excited to share that we are seeking a new Coordinator to support division-wide functions and the University Foundations department!

SAES Coordinator: The Coordinator of SAES will help create efficiency and productivity in the functioning of the University Foundations (UNIV) department and the Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success (SAES). Reporting to the SAES Business Manager, this role will support standardization and documentation practices across the division, the Committee on Academic Petitions, and several administrative processes for UNIV. Applicants must possess strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify, analyze, and devise solutions.

Application Deadline: March 9

Hiring Point of Contact: Bailey Price (bcprice@smu.edu)

Know someone who may be interested? Click here to see the full job posting on the SMU HR website. If you have questions, feel free to reach out!

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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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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies First-Generation Initiative Hilltop Scholars Honors and Scholars Mentorship Mustang Scholars National Fellowships National Fellowships Office of Engaged Learning Office of General Education Pathways to Industry President’s Scholars Rotunda Scholars SMU in Four Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Advising Center University Foundations University Honors Program University Testing Center Writing Center

All SAES offices to close February 11 from 2 – 3:30 pm for division meeting

The Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success will gather for our semesterly division meeting on Tuesday, February 11.

To permit full participation by all division employees, we will temporarily close all offices from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

We will return to normal business operations thereafter. Thank you for your understanding and we apologize for any inconvenience in advance. If you have any questions, please email academicsuccess@smu.edu.

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Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies First-Generation Initiative Student Academic Engagement & Success

Academic Skill Development launches quick video series

Academic Skill Development has launched a rebranded Quick Video Series that includes new videos about note-taking, strategic studying for deep learning, test anxiety, textbook study reading, concentration, and finals preparation. Updated videos include those related to time management, test preparation, and more. Visit our study skills website to see both the videos and study tools. Students can pick up printed versions of the study tools in the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center, located on the second floor of the Loyd All Sports Center. Subscribe to the Academic Skill Development YouTube channel to view all videos.

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Fellowship Spotlights Honors and Scholars National Fellowships

Three SMU undergraduates receive the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad

U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship logo

Each year, the Gilman Scholarship provides awards of up to $5,000 to more than 3,000 students across the country, helping to increase access to international education.  SMU is proud to have three recipients from the fall application cycle.

Payton Deichler is majoring in Management while also studying Italian, Russian, and Spanish languages.  He will be participating in the SMU-in-Prague program this summer to continue building his Russian language skills.

Eduardo Perez is planning to major in International Studies and will spend the spring semester in Amman, Jordan with the School of International Training’s Geopolitics, International Relations, and the Future of the Middle East program.  Eduardo also received Gilman’s Critical Need Language Award to support his study of Arabic while abroad.

Victoria Valderrey is majoring in Management, International Studies, and World Languages: Spanish and French and travelled over Jan-Term as part of the new SMU-in-Paris: Perspectives on French Identity program.

The next application cycle for Gilman Scholarship will open in mid-January 2025.  The spring deadline is March 6, 2025.  Applicants are selected based on the impact of the proposed abroad program on their academic and professional career, their ability to make a meaningful impact on the host community, and their potential for academic success while on the program.  All Gilman Scholars receive Federal Pell Grant funding and half in Fall 2024 cycle’s national cohort identify as first-generation college students.

Students interested in applying for the award should contact Brandon Gray Miller, assistant dean for University Honors Program and Fellowships, to learn more.

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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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First-Generation Initiative Offices & Programs Student Academic Engagement & Success

SMU joins FirstGen Forward Network boosting support for first-gen students

SMU students at picnic table holding up blue tshirts that have first gen proud in red lettering on them along with the red peruna logo.
SMU students celebrating at First Gen Fest 2023.

The First-Generation Initiative (FGI) at SMU is excited to announce that the University has been accepted as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network. The FirstGen Forward Network is a program, created by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), that is “bringing together higher education leaders from around the country to share data, model innovations, and scale impact to first-generation student support.” By joining this network, SMU will be able to strengthen and enhance the value of resources that support first-generation students on campus.

SMU joined FirstGen Forward Network this summer as a Class of 2024 Network Member and commenced work at the virtual Kickoff Meeting held on June 6, 2024, that welcomed new institutions to the network. The University’s status as a Network Member is the first phase in the three-phased program. To join, SMU had to complete the Readiness and Progress Audit, an evaluation tool that collected institutional data regarding ways the University supports first-generation students, a key piece of the application process. Now accepted, SMU, championed by FGI, will form goals and strategies to complete all three program phases, ensuring that first-generation Mustangs receive the most effective support possible throughout their time on the Hilltop.

FirstGen Forward Network wordmark next to the SMU wordmark
FirstGen Forward Network X SMU

The first goal that FGI will focus on is enhancing first-generation student connections. Their strategy will address the goal in four areas:

  • Increase programmatic efforts and connection opportunities with peers, allies, faculty, campus partners, etc.
  • Increase attendance at FGI signature events.
  • Increase student contact with the FGI office through meetings with FGI staff.
  • Increase First-Generation Association student organization meetings and events.

Chris Meyers, director of the First-Generation Initiative at SMU mentioned that he was comforted by SMU’s acceptance into the FirstGen Forward Network because of the support FGI staff will receive from other professionals in similar positions across the country as they tackle these goals and scale support. “FGI has a lot of campus support at SMU, but this additional connection and resource will take us to the next level in the way we support our first-gen students,” said Meyers of SMU joining the network.

SMU faculty and staff can support the First-Generation Initiative with its goal to scale support for first-generation SMU students. Employees can become first-gen allies by filling out this survey on the FGI website. Keep an eye out for chances to participate in mentoring opportunities and join in the fun at FGI signature events.

The first FGI signature event, the annual “Welcome (Back) Reception,” was held on August 28, 2024, from 2 – 4 p.m. in the Varsity, Hughes-Trigg. This event invites supportive faculty and staff to enjoy refreshments with students as they make valuable connections with SMU employees, fellow students and campus resources.

Keep up with the work that SMU’s First-Generation Initiative is doing by following them on Instagram at @smu1stgen.

Questions? Reach out to 1stgen@smu.edu.