Tag: student success

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News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning – Research

OEL Welcomes New Engaged Learning Fellows

Fall 2025 Engaged Learning Fellows

Congratulations to the the newest Engaged Learning Fellowship recipients for Fall 2025:

William Bagwell
Advertising Campaign for Howdy Homemade Ice Cream
Mentor: Mark Allen (Advertising)

Bernadette Cruz
Advertising Campaign for Howdy Homemade Ice Cream
Mentor: Mark Allen (Advertising)

Noelle Carpenter
Language development is “child’s play”: The importance of dyadic interaction and symbolic play for language
Mentor: Sarah Kucker (Psychology)

Zander Crowns
Myopia
Mentor: Jennifer Prediger (Film and Media Arts)

Jazmin Darjean
Reflections and Realities: The Cross-Border Experience of Mexican and Mexican American Communities
Mentor: Leticia McDoniel (World Languages)

Roberto Diaz
Religious Service Attendance and Trauma Symptoms among Adolescents who have Been Sexually Abused
Mentor: Jouriles Ernest (Psychology)

Nha-Y Duong
SMU Guildhall – Meadows Music Composition Recording Sessions Year
Mentor: Robert Frank (Music Composition)

Trinity Gabreylski
The Therapy and Medicalization of Native-Hispanic Healing Practices
Mentor: Jill DeTemple (Religious Studies)

Caleb Garcia
Demographics and Social Media: An Examination of SMU Students
Mentor: James Wilson (Political Science)

Sophia Graham
Chinese Food Traditions and the People who Make Them
Mentor: Melissa Chessher (Journalism)

Angel Granados
Living Between Hope and Uncertainty: An Ethnographic Exploration of Health Literacy, Risk, and Engagement in Organ Transplantation Among Latinos in Texas
Mentor: Elizabeth Berk (Anthropology)

Allison Hart
Return To Understory
Mentor: Kerry Maguire (Art)

Benjamin Hummel
Instrument development for measuring magnetic field effects on magnet sensitive proteins
Mentor: Brian Zolwtowsk (Chemistry)

Anekah Kelley
AI-Driven Chatbot to Navigate Cognitive Care Plan for Patients with AD/ADRD and Caregivers
Mentor: Xiao Luo (Computer Science)

Alina Munoz
Cognition, Chronic Disease, and the Cost of Inequity: Neuroinflammatory Links in Older Hispanic Adults with Diabetes and Asthma
Mentor: Thomas Ritz (Psychology)

Zariyah Perry
The Little Girl in the White Dress
Mentor: Mark Kerins (Film and Media Arts)

Adelaide Robinson
Music and Language: Exploring How and Why Music Exposure Impacts Development
Mentor: Sarah Kucker (Psychology)

Rachel Rodgers
Halloween Blood Drive Campaign for Carter BloodCare
Mentor: Mark Allen (Advertising)

Andrea Salmanca
Munecas de Papel
Mentor: Jennifer Prediger

 

Categories
Academic Skill Development First-Generation Initiative Student Academic Engagement & Success Turner Scholars

The First Generation Initiative hosts First-Gen Celebration Week: Rooted in Community

First-Gen celebration week includes several events November 9-13. Register on SMU360.

Join the First-Generation Initiative as we celebrate the strength, resilience, and connection of first-generation students, alumni, faculty and staff. This year’s theme — Rooted in Community — honors the deep roots that ground us and the growing branches that connect us. Through workshops, networking, storytelling, and celebration, we’ll uplift the shared experiences that make SMU’s first-gen community thrive.

We hope you can join us by attending one or more of the following events:

  • Planting Our Roots: Celebrating Community – Join us on Sunday, November 9 from 5-7 p.m. for food, music, and a fun activity planting succulents outside in the McElvaney Quad!
  • Growing our Roots: First-Gen Alumni Panel & Networking Event – Hear from SMU first-gen alumni who have built meaningful careers while staying rooted in their values, passions, and purpose on Monday, November 10 from 5-7 p.m. in Blanton 108/110/112.
  • Rooted in True Self: Identity Method Workshop – Come hear Chris Meyers share a unique and fresh perspective on topics of worldview, identity, and the power of belief on Tuesday, November 11 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center Chamber.
  • Turner Scholars x FGI Evolve Speaker Series – Co-hosted with Turner Scholars, hear from First-Gen alumni Cynthia Gudiel on Tuesday, November 11 from 5-7 p.m. in Moody Auditorium. Her belief that “higher education can be a path to social mobility” motivates her work and will undoubtedly shine through during her lecture.
  • Library Game Night: Branch Out & Grow Your Game (students only) – Spend a fun evening playing board games with student group, Board Together, and learn a new hobby on Tuesday, November 11 from 7-9 p.m. near the Starbucks in Fondren Library.
  • Celebrating Our Roots: First-Gen Fest – Come celebrate all that makes our First-Gen community strong on Wednesday, November 12 from 12-2 p.m. in Hughes-Trigg Student Center second floor! Enjoy a free t-shirt, food, and music.
  • Stay Rooted: FGA General Body Meeting (students only) – Join the First-Generation Association (FGA) student body meeting to learn more about the FGA student group on Thursday, November 13 from 5-6 p.m. in Hughes Trigg Student Center 226.

We’re looking forward to celebrating our First-Gen students!

First-Gen celebration week includes several events November 9-13. Register on SMU360.

Categories
News Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Student Academic Engagement & Success

Congratulations to the winners of the Big iDeas Business Plan Competition

Group photo of the winners of the Big iDeas Business Plan Competition Fall 2025

The Office of Engaged Learning held its annual Big iDeas Business Plan Competition on October 3 where 11 teams pitched their business venture to a panel of expert judges. Congratulations to the winners of the Fall 2025 competition:

Travis Pryor, Focus Path

Wade Hunter, Sandra

Cameron Flores, MiraMira Education

Keeley Pierzchalski, Past Forward

Inzwi Zunga, Khaya

Daniel Kauffman and William Wright, Impact Threads

Angel Guerrero, Humaximus

Thank you to all of the students, staff, faculty, and family who attended. A special thanks to our judges Jessica Burnham (Program Director, Master of Arts in Design and Innovation), Dr. Emily Choi (Director, Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship), Bhavna Kuma (Head of Accelerator Programs, SPEARS Institute), and Dr. Seth Osborn (Director, Deason Innovation Gym).

Categories
Academic Center for Excellence Academic Skill Development Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center First-Generation Initiative Rotunda Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention Tutoring University Advising Center Writing Center

First-Generation Initiative featured in SMU News

graduate standing in front of mustang sign

Navigating college as a first-generation student takes determination, perseverance, and resilience. For Alexa Saucedo, that journey at SMU was filled with challenges, but also growth, connection, and success.

Through the support of the First-Generation Initiative and her own perseverance, Alexa adapted and learned how to navigate an unfamiliar world while creating new opportunities for herself. Her story shows the power of community and the impact of support and resources that are dedicated to first-gen success.

Read more about Alexa’s journey and how SMU supports trailblazers like her: https://www.smu.edu/news/latest/first-gen-student-initiative

Categories
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.

Categories
Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Office of General Education Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention University Testing Center

Undergraduate Education and Academic Success publishes 2024-2025 Annual Report: On the Move!

Undergraduate Education and Academic Success is an area within the Office of the Provost’s Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success, which oversees a wide range of academic support and engagement offices, including:

The annual report showcases how UEAS is “On the Move!” with bold, integrated, and optimistic progress. A copy of the annual report is now available for download. Take a look at how our movement is impacting SMU.

Questions, comments, and feedback can be directed to Dr. Dustin Grabsch (dgrabsch@smu.edu).

Categories
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!

Categories
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.

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Happening today! Join us for 2023 – 2024 Exit and Leave of Absence Survey Results presentation

SMU students enjoy carnival style games on day three of Perunapalooza, Wednesday, September 9, 2020 on the Main Quadrangle of the SMU Campus.

The Exit and Leave of Absence Surveys are our student-oriented questionnaire that tracks external attrition, whether formal exit or for a Leave of Absence, and supports the SMU in identifying key drivers of student satisfaction, dissatisfaction, and attrition. Student Success and Retention facilitates the collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings to the campus community.

Lisa Miller, Director of Student Success and Retention, and Jay Guillory, Success Coach from the Office of Student Success and Retention, present results from the 2023 – 2024 exit and leave of absence survey results.

Monday, December 16th

10:00 – 11:00 AM

112 Junkins Building

If you haven’t RSVPs, that’s okay; walk-ins are welcome. Student Success and Retention can also provide analysis relevant to your division, area, or office. Learn more about this service offering.

Categories
Student Success & Retention

Join us for 2023 – 2024 Exit and Leave of Absence Survey Results presentation

SMU students enjoy carnival style games on day three of Perunapalooza, Wednesday, September 9, 2020 on the Main Quadrangle of the SMU Campus.

The Exit and Leave of Absence Surveys are our student-oriented questionnaire that tracks external attrition, whether formal exit or for a Leave of Absence, and supports the SMU in identifying key drivers of student satisfaction, dissatisfaction, and attrition. Student Success and Retention facilitates the collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings to the campus community.

Lisa Miller, Director of Student Success and Retention, and Jay Guillory, Success Coach from the Office of Student Success and Retention, present results from the 2023 – 2024 exit and leave of absence survey results.

Monday, December 16th

10:00 – 11:00 AM

112 Junkins Building

RSVPs are encouraged; walk-ins are welcome. Student Success and Retention can also provide analysis relevant to your division, area, or office. Learn more about this service offering.