Tag: student success and retention

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Closing the Loop: How “Don’t Ghost SMU” is Helping Students Reconnect – Fall 2025 outreach summary.

The Office of Student Success and Retention (SSR) partnered with the SMU Office of Information Technology (OIT) to execute the Fall 2025 Don’t Ghost SMU campaign, targeting students who were not enrolled and not on an official leave of absence. A total of 137 “Ghosters” were identified. SSR conducted a two‑touch text outreach followed by phone call attempts to confirm student plans and assess their intent to enroll for Spring 2026.  The results of our outreach garnered 18 responses with the following results:

  • 3 students re‑enrolled for Spring 2026, including one student as a participant in the SSR Crossing the Finish Line initiative.
  • 1 student graduated in Fall 2025 after petitioning a Proficiency & Experience requirement to complete their academics.
  • 1 student confirmed they were completing a required internship for the Music Therapy BS degree and will graduate in Spring 2026.

Ten students contacted relayed they were not returning to SMU and were advised to complete the Formal Exit process; three students were contacted by SSR to receive information on returning to SMU and being successful at The Hilltop.

Don’t Ghost SMU is conducted prior to each upcoming semester for students who are not enrolled for one or more than one terms. The SSR team contacts identified students via email and text to inquire about their plans to return to SMU and to encourage them to re‑enroll. Students who choose to return receive individualized support throughout the re‑enrollment process. For additional information about Don’t Ghost SMU or other SSR student initiatives, please contact us at ssr@smu.edu.

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Retention Alerts: Reporting Concerns & Connecting Students to Support.

milticolored image with a the wording Retnetion Alert and Student Success and Retention.

Supporting the academic success and well-being of our undergraduate students is something we all share at SMU—and sometimes, the most helpful thing we can do is speak up when we notice a student may be struggling.

To strengthen support for undergraduate students, the Office of Student Success and Retention (SSR) offers the Retention Alert system: a simple way for faculty, staff, parents, and families to notify SSR when a student may be considering leaving SMU or facing challenges that could impact their success.

What is a Retention Alert?

A Retention Alert is a reporting tool that helps connect students with support early—before a concern becomes a retention risk. If you’ve noticed changes in attendance, engagement, academic performance, or overall well-being (or you’ve heard something that raises concern), submitting an alert gives our team a chance to step in, check in, and offer help.

How does it work?

The process is quick and straightforward. The Retention Alert form will ask you to:

  • select the reason for your concern, and
  • share any details that would help us understand what’s going on.

Once submitted, the SSR team reviews the information and makes a outreach effort to connect with the student. Our goal is to offer the right mix of academic and personal support, connect students to campus resources, and help them stay on track here at the Hilltop.

We’re in this together:

Submitting an alert doesn’t mean you’re passing the student off—it means you’re adding support. We encourage you to continue checking in and working with the student, even after you submit the form. When students feel cared for by multiple people across campus, it can make all the difference.

When in doubt, report:

If you’re not sure whether something rises to the level of a Retention Alert, we encourage you to err on the side of care. You can submit your concern through the Caring Community Connection (CCC) program or call 214-768-4564. It’s always better to flag something early so support can be offered.

If you have questions or would like to talk through a situation, please contact the Office of Student Success and Retention at ssr@smu.edu or 214-768-6824.

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Connect Beyond the Classroom This Spring 2026 – SMU Dining Flex Cards Available.

The Spring 2026 semester has officially kicked off, and the Office of Student Success and Retention (SSR) wants to share a quick reminder about an initiative designed to make early-semester connections easier: SMU Dining flex cards.

These flex cards give you a simple way to meet with a student outside of the classroom or office—over coffee, tea, lunch, or a snack at any SMU Dining location. Early in the semester is one of the best times for a quick check-in, and a relaxed conversation can make a real difference for students who may be adjusting, feeling uncertain, or simply benefiting from extra encouragement.

How to reserve and use a flex card
  1. Reserve your card by emailing ssr@smu.edu or calling 214-768-6824.
  2. Pick it up from the SSR office in Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 100 between 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday.
  3. Use the card to treat yourself and your student at any SMU Dining location.
  4. Return the flex card and your receipt to the SSR office within 24 hours of checkout.

If you have any questions—or want help thinking about which student might benefit from a coffee/lunch conversation—please reach out to us anytime at ssr@smu.edu.

Thank you for your efforts to help students stay engaged, supported, and on track at the Hilltop.

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Fueling Student Success Through Crossing the Finish Line

Student Success and Retention is dedicated to helping SMU undergraduates achieve success. The Office of Student Success and Retention (SSR) utilizes a mix of one‑on‑one student meetings, programs, outreach campaigns, and collaboration with campus partners to ensure students are supported from start to finish.

One of the ways SSR continues to make an impact is through the Crossing the Finish Line program. This initiative focuses on re‑engaging students and supporting them in completing their degrees within a four‑ to six‑year timeframe. The program is led by Shun Colter, Assistant Director of Student Success and Retention.

Working closely with faculty, advisors, and school records offices, SSR identifies students who have stopped out but have not yet graduated, as well as continuing students who may be unable to complete their degree without financial assistance. Academic records are reviewed to determine the feasibility of graduating within six years, and SSR connects with these students to guide them toward degree completion.

The Fall ’25 semester was nothing short of remarkable. Eleven students participated in the initiative, and five of them graduated during the December commencement ceremony. The remaining six students are on track to graduate in the Spring ’26 semester.

The success of this cohort is a powerful reminder of what can happen when students are met with timely support, genuine care, and a clear path forward. Crossing the Finish Line continues to show that even a single outreach, conversation, or resource can change the trajectory of a student’s academic journey. As more Mustangs return, re‑engage, and ultimately walk the stage at commencement, the impact of this initiative becomes even more evident.

Student Success and Retention remains committed to ensuring that every student who dreams of earning an SMU degree has the opportunity and support to achieve it. With programs like Crossing the Finish Line—and the dedicated leadership behind them—SMU students are not just reaching the finish line; they are crossing it with confidence, pride, and a renewed sense of possibility.

 

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Enhancing student success: A closer look at SMU’s retention alert system.

milticolored image with a the wording Retnetion Alert and Student Success and Retention.

Ensuring the academic success and well-being of undergraduate students is a priority for SMU, and the Office of Student Success and Retention is taking proactive steps to address potential challenges through its innovative Retention Alert system. Faculty, staff, parents, and families are encouraged to utilize this reporting tool to share information about students who may be considering leaving SMU.

What is a Retention Alert?

The Retention Alert system serves as a valuable tool to identify and support students who may be at risk. This reporting form allows faculty, staff, and concerned individuals to communicate their retention concerns about an SMU undergraduate student. By using this tool, reporting personnel can play a crucial role in initiating timely intervention to support students facing academic or personal challenges.

How does it work?

The process is simple and user-friendly. The Retention Alert reporting form prompts the individual reporting to identify the reason for the alert and provide some details to help the SSR team. This information is then utilized by the SSR team, who will make a deliberate effort to connect with the student. This goal is to offer academic personal support services that can contribute to the student’s overall success and retention here on the Hilltop.

Encouraging Collaboration:

One of the key strengths of the Retention Alert system is its emphasis on collaboration. Faculty, staff, and other stakeholders are encouraged to continue working closely with the identified students even after submitting the alert. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic support system for students, addressing both academic and personal challenges that may hinder their progress.

When in Doubt, Report:

If there’s uncertainty about whether a situation should be reported, individuals are encouraged to err on the side of caution and report their concerns to the Caring Community Connection (CCC) program or call 214-768-4564. This proactive approach ensures that no potential issues are overlooked and appropriate support can be provided.

If you have additional questions or concerns, Contact the Office of Student Success and Retention by emailing ssr@smu.edu or calling 214-768-6824.

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Reminder: Flex Cards Available to Faculty & Staff for Retention and Student Success

With the Fall ’25 semester buzzing along, the Office of Student Success and Retention is happy to remind our amazing staff and faculty about the SMU Dining flex cards. These cards are designed to enhance your engagement with students beyond the traditional classroom or office setting.

This initiative offers a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with students in a relaxed environment, foster meaningful relationships, and demonstrate your support, particularly for those who may need additional encouragement to stay on track or at SMU.

To get your hands on a flex card:

  1. Contact the Office of Student Success and Retention at ssr@smu.edu or 214-768-6824 to reserve your card.
  2. Pick up your card from the SSR office in Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 100 between 8:30 – 5 PM Monday – Friday.
  3. Treat yourself and your student to coffee, tea, lunch, or a snack at any SMU Dining location.
  4. Return the card along with your receipt within 24 hours of checkout to the SSR office.

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference! For any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact the Office of Student Success and Retention at ssr@smu.edu. Thank you for your commitment to supporting our students and helping them succeed.

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Enhancing student success: A closer look at SMU’s retention alert system

milticolored image with a the wording Retnetion Alert and Student Success and Retention.

Ensuring the academic success and well-being of undergraduate students is a priority for SMU, and the Office of Student Success and Retention is taking proactive steps to address potential challenges through its innovative Retention Alert system. Faculty, staff, parents, and families are encouraged to utilize this reporting tool to share information about students who may be considering leaving SMU.

What is a Retention Alert?

The Retention Alert system serves as a valuable tool to identify and support students who may be at risk. This reporting form allows faculty, staff, and concerned individuals to communicate their retention concerns about an SMU undergraduate student. By using this tool, reporting personnel can play a crucial role in initiating timely intervention to support students facing academic or personal challenges.

How does it work?

The process is simple and user-friendly. The Retention Alert reporting form prompts the individual reporting to identify the reason for the alert and provide some details to help the SSR team. This information is then utilized by the SSR team, who will make a deliberate effort to connect with the student. This goal is to offer academic personal support services that can contribute to the student’s overall success and retention here on the Hilltop.

Encouraging Collaboration:

One of the key strengths of the Retention Alert system is its emphasis on collaboration. Faculty, staff, and other stakeholders are encouraged to continue working closely with the identified students even after submitting the alert. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic support system for students, addressing both academic and personal challenges that may hinder their progress.

When in Doubt, Report:

If there’s uncertainty about whether a situation should be reported, individuals are encouraged to err on the side of caution and report their concerns to the Caring Community Connection (CCC) program or call 214-768-4564. This proactive approach ensures that no potential issues are overlooked and appropriate support can be provided.

If you have additional questions or concerns, Contact the Office of Student Success and Retention by emailing ssr@smu.edu or calling 214-768-6824.

Categories
Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Success & Retention

Reminder: Flex Cards Available to Faculty & Staff for Retention and Student Success

With the Fall ’25 semester buzzing along, the Office of Student Success and Retention is happy to remind our amazing staff and faculty about the SMU Dining flex cards. These cards are designed to enhance your engagement with students beyond the traditional classroom or office setting.

This initiative offers a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with students in a relaxed environment, foster meaningful relationships, and demonstrate your support, particularly for those who may need additional encouragement to stay on track or at SMU.

To get your hands on a flex card:

  1. Contact the Office of Student Success and Retention at ssr@smu.edu or 214-768-6824 to reserve your card.
  2. Pick up your card from the SSR office in Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 100 between 8:30 – 5 PM Monday – Friday.
  3. Treat yourself and your student to coffee, tea, lunch, or a snack at any SMU Dining location.
  4. Return the card along with your receipt within 24 hours of checkout to the SSR office.

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference! For any inquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact the Office of Student Success and Retention at ssr@smu.edu. Thank you for your commitment to supporting our students and helping them succeed.

Categories
Student Success & Retention

Office of Student Success and Retention Welcomes Dylynne Dodson as Student Success Professional!

Welcome image

Dylynne Dodson has been named the Student Success Professional in the Office of Student Success and Retention, effective September 8. Dylynne should be familiar to many on the Hilltop, having served as a Residential Community Director at SMU for three years. Dylynne has a master’s in education from Western Carolina University and received a BA in Writing from TCU.

Dylynne Dodson

As the Student Success Professional, Dylynne will help undergraduate students navigate campus resources and resolve issues as part of a coordinated effort to improve students’ experience and persist to graduation. She will provide mentorship and daily academic success coaching to students to support their academic pursuits. Dylynne will also assist with many efforts in partnership with student affairs, student financial services, academic affairs, and other campus areas.

With nearly ten years of working in university housing at the student, graduate, and professional levels, Dylynne has been passionate about building relationships from the very start. Being supported by RAs, professional housing staff, and professors during her own undergraduate career made all the difference, and she continually strives to provide similar level of care and support for students to help them thrive.

Dylynne’s firsthand knowledge of SMU students and the campus will allow her to support students and connect them to the wide variety of resources across the campus community. As a high achiever with high expectations of herself (much like SMU students), Dylynne looks forward to doing what she loves most: supporting students through the good and the bad and helping them develop into their favorite version of themselves.

Please join us in congratulating Dylynne Dodson (ddodson@smu.edu) on her new adventure at SMU!

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