Student Life and Housing

The Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs (www.smu.edu/studentaffairs) creates and supports a robust student experience and forges strategic partnerships to best serve the entire SMU community. As educators and scholar-practitioners, we create purposeful learning and leadership opportunities for students to clarify and develop their knowledge, values, skills, and identities – challenging each to become a world changer. The Division of Student Affairs is comprised of five different organizational units that each provide unique educational and supportive resources for students during their time at SMU: Student Wellbeing and Support, Student Engagement and Success, Residence Life and Student Housing, Religious Life, and the Hegi Family Career Development Center.

Student Wellbeing and Support

Health Services

www.smu.edu/healthcenter

The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center provides SMU students with campus access to quality, comprehensive and student-centered medical care, mental health services, and outreach programs designed to promote their health and wellbeing. The new 33,000 square foot state-of-the-art clinic facility is centrally located on campus at 6211 Bishop Boulevard. The Health Center is certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) for meeting rigorous nationally recognized standards and committing to delivering the highest quality of care.

Medical Services. The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center provides a wide range of health services allowing students to receive primary care on campus. Services available include the treatment of acute illnesses, care of injuries, minor medical procedures, physical exams, STD testing, vaccinations, allergy injections, and limited specialty services. Additional ancillary services include a clinical laboratory, an on-site pharmacy, X-ray imaging and diagnostic services, and a part-time sports medicine clinic. For appointments and health information, students may call 214-768-2141 or visit www.smu.edu/healthcenter.

Acute/After Hours Care. Students should call 911 for immediate response to life-threatening injuries or illnesses. For other urgent concerns after clinic hours, students should seek a local hospital or urgent care center. A listing of several hospital emergency rooms and after-hours urgent care facilities is provided for general reference on the Health Center website (www.smu.edu/healthcenter).

Costs. The Health Services Fee, which is included in general student fees, covers routine medical visits and counseling appointments at the Health Center. Charges are assessed separately for lab services, x-rays, immunizations, medical supplies, pharmacy and specialty care. Claims are filed for students participating in the SMU Student Health Insurance Plan. Students with other insurance plans may request an itemized receipt in order to submit a claim for insurance reimbursement. The Pharmacy files claims for most insurance plans.

Mandatory Health Insurance Policy. SMU students are required to maintain insurance coverage as a condition of their enrollment. The University offers the SMU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), which is administered by the Health Center’s Student Insurance Office. The plan provides coverage at a reasonable cost for most on- and off-campus health care. Information is available at www.smu.edu/healthinsurance.
Domestic students taking nine or more credit hours and international students taking one credit hour or more are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) each semester unless they expressly waive coverage in their my.SMU account. Information about the waiver deadline is available online at smu.edu/healthinsurance. Domestic students taking between one and eight credit hours are eligible to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan on a voluntary basis.

Pharmacy. A full service pharmacy is conveniently located in the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center to meet students’ prescription needs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The pharmacy is in network with most insurance plans. Prescriptions and refills may be transmitted directly to the pharmacy from the student’s physician.

Immunizations. All students (undergraduate, graduate, part-time and full-time, to include international and IEP/ESL students) are required to have an SMU medical history form on file in the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center before registration. (Health history forms are available on the Health Center’s website at www.smu.edu/healthcenter).All students must also submit - to the Health Center - immunization records that provide proof of two doses of the vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella. These MMR immunizations must be documented by a physician, public health record, military health record or school health record. Students will not be allowed to register without immunization compliance.

Texas state law requires all new students entering an institution of higher education under the age of 22 to provide proof of immunization for bacterial meningitis. The meningitis vaccine or a booster dose must have been received during the five-year period prior to enrollment and not less than ten days before the start of classes. Students seeking exemption from this requirement due to health risk or conscience, including religious belief, should see the second page of the SMU medical history health form. More information is found under Final Matriculation to the University in the Admission to the University section of this catalog.

All required immunizations may be obtained at the Health Center.

Class Absence Due to Illness. The Health Center does not issue excuses from classes for illness. Please refer to the Health Center website (www.smu.edu/healthcenter) for the Class Excuse Policy.

Confidentiality and Privacy. Confidentiality and privacy of student health information is of paramount importance at the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center. The Health Center follows all applicable state and federal laws related to the disclosure of medical and mental health information, and applies to the highest professional standards of care and privacy. All student-patient health service records are confidential. No information about a student can be released to any third party without the student’s written permission.

Release of Medical Information. Patient health information and medical records are released only with a written release by the student. Students may sign a release allowing the Health Center to provide specific medical information with their parents, significant others or health care representatives.

Health Education and Promotion. The Health Center’s Office for Community Health and Promotion serves as a resource to enhance the well-being of SMU students in support of their learning and success. Health information is presented though engaging programs and services to help students make informed and healthy choices. The Health Center works with students to promote activities that create a healthy environment for the SMU community.

Counseling Services. The Health Center provides crisis intervention, individual and group therapy, psychiatric evaluation and counseling referrals for SMU students. Use of all services is voluntary and strictly confidential. There is no charge to students who have paid the University health fee. Students can seek confidential help for concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationships, career/life planning, sexual identity, eating/body image and sexual assault/sexual harassment. Alcohol and drug prevention is a free and confidential source of help and information to the SMU community, covering issues related to substance abuse and addiction. Any laboratory tests or pharmaceuticals ordered will be charged to the student. For more information regarding scheduling appointments, students should call 214-768-2277 or visit www.smu.edu/counseling.

Testing Services. Testing Services offers fee-based testing to the Dallas-area community. These services include on-campus administration of national testing programs such as the LSAT, MPRE, GRE and others. Other testing offered includes credit by exam (CLEP), and correspondence examinations for local distance learners enrolled in other universities. For additional information, students should visit www.smu.edu/testingprogram or call the center at 214-768-2269.

Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports

www.smu.edu/recsports

The Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports provides aerobic studios, an indoor running track, basketball courts, volleyball courts (indoor and outdoor), racquetball courts, a climbing wall, a bouldering wall, a 25-yard recreational pool with five lanes, 15,000 square feet of fitness and weight equipment and a Starbucks in the lobby area. These facilities are open to SMU students, faculty, staff and paying members.

Facilities/Operations. The center is a 170,000 square foot facility designed for recreational sports, wellness, programs and the traditions and spirit of SMU.

Aquatics. SMU Aquatics features a five-lane, indoor recreational pool and an out-door, zero-depth entry fountain pool known as “The Falls.” Students have opportunities to participate year-round in recreational swimming, sunbathing and water sports such as water basketball, volleyball and polo. Classes offered include water fitness, adult and child swimming lessons, children’s group lessons, and American Red Cross lifeguard training.

Programs. A variety of services and programs are available, including club sports, fitness classes, intramural sports and the Outdoor Adventure program.

Club Sports. Club sports offer an opportunity for students interested in concentrated training and participation in a sport. These recognized student organizations offer competition with other university/college club teams in baseball, cycling, ice hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse, polo, rugby, men’s and women’s soccer, triathlon, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, wakeboarding and water polo.

Fitness. SMU Fitness offers group exercise classes and personal training sessions. Group X exercise classes are offered throughout the day to accommodate a variety of schedules. Different types of cardio, strength and flexibility classes are available. Experienced and knowledgeable personal trainers offer sessions to train members of the University community, either one-on-one or in groups, to meet their personal fitness goals. All SMU Fitness programs have a fee for participation.

Intramural Sports. Many opportunities for team and individual competition are available through intramural sports such as golf, racquetball, tennis, and dodgeball. The five major sports are flag football, volleyball, basketball, soccer and softball. Leagues provide year-round opportunities to participate in a wide variety of sports and activities. Additional leadership opportunities are available for those interested in officiating or supervising various activities.

Outdoor Adventure. SMU Outdoor Adventures is the campus source for outdoor recreation and adventure, offering fun and challenging recreational adventure activities, community-building programs, and student leadership and personal growth opportunities. Students can sign up for SMU OA trips offering traditional and non-traditional outdoor adventure pursuits such as backpacking, rock climbing, caving and canoeing. SMU OA also manages the SMU Climbing Center, the indoor climbing and bouldering facility and the Portable Challenge and Team Development course.

Spirit/Traditions. The Recreational Sports Department houses the spirit and traditions of SMU including the Cheer Squad, Mustang Band, Peruna, Pom Squad and the Rotunda Yearbook.

Mustang Band. Founded in 1917, the Mustang Band was named the “Best College Marching Band” in Texas in Kirk Dooley’s Book of Texas Bests. Long known as “the hub of SMU spirit,” the band represents the University at football and basketball games, produces the Pigskin Revue during Homecoming and performs at special University- and community-related events. Membership is open to all SMU students by audition, regardless of major and scholarships based on need and ability are available.

Rotunda Yearbook. For over 100 years, the Rotunda Yearbook has chronicled the history of Southern Methodist University. Named in December 1915 after the architecture of Dallas Hall, the Executive Council of the Student Association voted for the annual’s name after seven different students suggested it. From its beautiful art to captivating themes, the Rotunda has evolved with the times, earning national awards and recognition from the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) and Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA).

Spirit Squads. Members are full-time students who dedicate their time, energy and athleticism to support Mustang Athletics.

The Cheerleading Squad is a highly competitive team consisting of 20 to 30 young men and women. Twenty of the team’s members compete at NCA College Nationals held in Daytona Beach, Florida where the squad placed first in 2016, 2017 and once again in 2018.

The Pom Squad is well known for their energetic performances and their ability to entertain a crowd. The dancing style of the team includes jazz, pom and hip-hop. 

Peruna IX (2011-PRESENT) is the beloved mascot of the university and is accompanied by Peruna handlers that lead him across the field during football games. The Human Peruna Mascot is the costumed hero that represents SMU, and is a traditional accessory to Peruna IX.

Academic Integrity and Code of Conduct

The Honor Code of Southern Methodist University

Intellectual integrity and academic honesty are fundamental to the processes of learning and of evaluating academic performance, and maintaining them is the responsibility of all members of an educational institution. The inculcation of personal standards of honesty and integrity is a goal of education in all the disciplines of the University.

The faculty has the responsibility of encouraging and maintaining an atmosphere of academic honesty by being certain that students are aware of the value of it, understand the regulations defining it and know the penalties for departing from it. The faculty should, as far as is reasonably possible, assist students in avoiding the temptation to cheat. Faculty members must be aware that permitting dishonesty is not open to personal choice. A professor or instructor who is unwilling to act upon offenses is an accessory with the student offender in deteriorating the integrity of the University.

Students must share the responsibility for creating and maintaining an atmosphere of honesty and integrity. Students should be aware that personal experience in completing assigned work is essential to learning. Permitting others to prepare their work, using published or unpublished summaries as a substitute for studying required material, or giving or receiving unauthorized assistance in the preparation of work to be submitted are directly contrary to the honest process of learning. Students who are aware that others in a course are cheating or otherwise acting dishonestly have the responsibility to inform the professor and/or bring an accusation to the Honor Council.

Students and faculty members must share the knowledge that any dishonest practices permitted will make it more difficult for the honest students to be evaluated and graded fairly and will damage the integrity of the whole University. Students should recognize that their own interests and their integrity as individuals would suffer if they condone dishonesty in others.

The Honor System

All SMU undergraduate students and graduate students with the exception of those enrolled in the Schools of Law, Theology, Business, or Education are subject to the Honor Code and as such are required to demonstrate an understanding of and to uphold the Honor Code. Honor codes for graduate students enrolled in the Cox School of Business, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Simmons School of Education and Human Development are explained in their graduate catalogs.

In support of the Honor Code, the Honor Council has the responsibility to maintain and promote academic integrity. The Honor Council is composed of a minimum of 27 members selected through an application and interview process organized by the Honor Council Executive Board.

Academic dishonesty includes plagiarism, cheating, academic sabotage, facilitating academic dishonesty and fabrication. Plagiarism is prohibited in all papers, projects, take-home exams or any other assignments in which the student submits another’s work as being his or her own. Cheating is defined as intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise. Academic sabotage is defined as intentionally taking any action that negatively affects the academic work of another student. Facilitating academic dishonesty is defined as intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to violate any provision of the Honor Code. Fabrication is defined as intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise.

Suspected cases of academic dishonesty may be handled administratively by the appropriate faculty member in whose class the alleged infraction occurred or referred to the Honor Council for resolution. Suspected violations reported to the Honor Council by a student or by an instructor will be investigated and, if the evidence warrants, a hearing will be held by a board composed of a quorum of four members of the Honor Council.

Any appeal of an action taken by the Honor Council shall be submitted to the University Conduct Council in writing no later than four calendar days (excluding school holidays) after notification of the Honor Council’s decision.

Code of Conduct

The following are University procedures and standards with which every student must become familiar. The University considers matriculation at SMU an implicit covenant and a declaration of acceptance on the part of the student of all University regulations. The Student Conduct & Community Standards Office, website www.smu.edu/studentconduct, promotes community, scholarship and civility by holding students accountable to the Student Code of Conduct and the Honor Code.

Standards of conduct are established through faculty, student and administrative efforts and are under continuous evaluation by the entire University community in order to assure reasonable and fair limits. At SMU, the student is assumed to have a high degree of loyalty and responsibility to the University and its well-being, as well as to himself or herself in personal, social and intellectual pursuits; the student’s behavior both on and off campus is evidence of this.

Students at SMU will discover that they are encouraged to exercise a great amount of personal freedom as well as accompanying responsibilities. Through their personal capacities for intelligent thought and action, mature students understand that there are situations in which certain behavior must be modified for the benefit of others. The University stands firm in its commitments to the rights and freedoms of students, expecting in return the same respect and concern.

Due respect for the entire University community, faculty, staff and one’s fellow students is always expected. The University expects all students to be responsible citizens and to abide by all federal, state and local laws. The University Code of Conduct applies to students both on and off campus. It is the University’s expectation that students will avoid behaviors such as, but not limited to, the misuse of drugs and alcohol, dishonesty, gambling, hazing, or behavior that endangers or threatens to endanger the health and safety of any person.

Students are required to identify themselves when asked by a properly identified faculty or staff member, or by another student serving as a University staff member. Persons who are not members of the University community and without business on campus may be asked to leave.

Conduct Review Process

Clear disciplinary procedures are an important part of the mission of SMU as an educational institution. The intent of the system of due process at SMU is to be educational and not merely punitive for students. The goal continues to be to produce quality citizens. The purpose of the conduct review process is to encourage personal responsibility.

Depending on the degree of misconduct, a student may be subject to sanctions ranging from an informal warning to expulsion from the University. In addition, a student may be assigned educational sanctions designed to promote personal growth and development. Should a student be asked to leave the University, he or she should do so in an expeditious and peaceful manner. The student should remain off campus until he or she receives written permission from the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards to return to campus. In the event of such separation, a student is still responsible for University financial obligations.

To ensure fairness and due process for all students in the conduct process, the student is granted an impartial hearing and the right to appeal to the University Conduct Council. A student who is appealing a sanction may remain in school until the decision and penalty are reviewed, unless otherwise determined by the Dean of Students, the Vice President for Student Affairs, or their designee. All actions related to the conduct review process are subject to presidential review.

Having voluntarily enrolled as students at Southern Methodist University and assumed a place in the University community, all students are presumed to be knowledgeable of, and have agreed to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the SMU Student Handbook, which is available online at www.smu.edu/StudentAffairs/StudentLife/StudentHandbook.

Student Engagement and Success

Department of Student Development

Office of the Student Experience

The Office of the Student Experience designs a comprehensive student experience supporting students and their families from orientation to graduation. Using a leadership framework, all students are guided through collegiate transitions. With recognition of the unique needs of veterans, graduate, transfer, and international students, the office advocates for and provides support to these special populations. 

Orientation
Through orientation, students connect to the SMU academy, spirit, people, campus, and community. Academic Advising, Registration & Orientation (AARO) is required for all incoming undergraduate students and is open to parents and families. AARO sessions take place in June, July, August, and January. During AARO, students meet one-on-one with an academic adviser, register for classes, and learn about life as a Mustang. Stampede, an extended orientation experience including everything from Move-In to Convocation, takes place each August and is open to all new Mustangs.

Leadership
The leadership programs available to students include the Emerging Leaders First-Year Leadership Development Program, the Crain Leadership Summit, and the Lonestar LeaderShape Institute. The Office of the Student Experience also supports student leadership development through the Caswell Leadership Program, for a group of selected students to develop projects focused on organizational leadership, faith-based leadership, community-based leadership, environmental leadership, fraternity and sorority leadership or culturally competent leadership.

Parent and Family Programs
Parents and families are supported through the Office of the Student Experience with a focus on assisting families to assist their students. Our office supports the SMU Mothers’ and Dads’ clubs, welcomes and supports new students and families during orientation, and supports family weekend.

Special Population Support
The Office of the Student Experience is committed to supporting all SMU students in their transitions into and through SMU. Additional support is coordinated for special student populations who may have unique factors that impact their transitions including Veteran, Transfer, International, and Graduate students.

Women & LGBT Center

www.smu.edu/womenandlgbtcenter

The Women & LGBT Center works to increase awareness and understanding of gender, sexuality, and women’s issues on campus through social, cultural and academic programming and outreach. We provide empowering spaces for students to develop as leaders through purposeful learning, educational, and advocacy opportunities. We also advise, support, and develop student organizations focused on gender, sexuality, and women’s issues. Some of the organizations we advise include the Feminist Equality Movement, Women in Science and Engineering, and Spectrum: the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally organization. Also housed in the center is the SMU Women’s Symposium (www.smu.edu/womsym), which is part of the Education of Women for Social and Political Leadership series, established in 1966.

Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement

The Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement exists to connect students with opportunities to engage with and learn from the SMU campus, Dallas community, and beyond. The office prioritizes advocacy and awareness through immersive community engagement experiences and social justice education. There are two major functional areas of the office: community engagement and intercultural engagement. 

The community engagement side of the office has signature service programs including The Big Event, Mustang Heroes, and Alternative Breaks—which provide students the opportunity to participate in immersive service experiences in Dallas and throughout the United States. The office also provides consulting services to individuals, classes, and offices to help connect them to meaningful and educational community engagement opportunities.

In addition, the office sponsors intercultural engagement and social justice education programs to provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experiences that enhance student perspectives, and offers various leadership opportunities through culturally based student organizations, student coordinator positions, and the CONNECT Mentoring Program.

For more information about our programs, please visit www.smu.edu/socialchange.

Department of Student Involvement

connect.smu.edu

The mission of Student Involvement is to foster experiences and create spaces encouraging students to discover their interests and find a sense of belonging through involvement. Research shows that students who get involved, regardless of the type of activity, tend to be more successful during their college experience. Student Involvement supports more than 200 opportunities for SMU students through academic and professional associations, campus programming boards, community service coalitions, fraternities and sororities, governing boards, honor societies, multicultural organizations, political clubs, club sports, religious organizations, and special interest groups. Professional staff are available to answer student’s questions about getting involved and student organization operations.

The Student Involvement Office is located on the third floor of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center, Suite 314. Campus activities and organizations are an integral part of the developmental experience for students and a long-standing SMU tradition. Participation can help students develop leadership skills and provide inter-personal, social and cultural experiences.

Additional information is available online, including organization interests or type, membership requirements, contact information and event calendars. Student Involvement can also assist students in forming a new organization. To learn more visit connect.smu.edu.

Eligibility Requirements. Students who hold office in a student organization or represent the University as a member of a sponsored campus group (Mustang Band, Alternative Breaks, etc.) must be matriculated in a University degree-granting program, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and may not be on academic probation.

Student Government

Through SMU’s system of representative governance, students participate with faculty and administration in the University’s decision-making process. The primary voice of students in this process is the student-elected Student Senate comprised of senators, committee chairs, general members, and student body officers.

Fraternity and Sorority Life

www.smu.edu/fsl

Fraternities and sororities exist to develop an individual’s potential through leadership opportunities and group effort. These groups are a social network for students at SMU. Fraternities and sororities were among the first organizations at SMU and are one of SMU’s longest standing traditions. There are 14 national fraternities and 12 national sororities on campus. The governing bodies for these groups are the Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Panhellenic Council. Students must meet the requirements as indicated in the SMU Student Handbook (Policies Pertaining to Social Fraternities and Sororities, section 1.02(b), and/or other council and fraternity and sorority life requirements) to be eligible to join a fraternity or sorority. More details on fraternity and sorority programming and recruitment are available from Student Involvement.

Hughes-Trigg Student Center

www.smu.edu/htrigg

The Hughes-Trigg Student Center supports the University’s mission by serving as the hub of student life and activities. The Student Center enhances the student experience by providing services, conveniences, amenities, and resources to facilitate programming. The Student Involvement staff strives to provide a safe and community-focused environment to meet the diverse needs of all individuals. Our space offerings include a 6,400 square-foot ballroom, a tiered, amphitheater-style forum classroom, a 470-person capacity auditorium, a convenience store, a food court with a multifunction dining space, a post office, office and meeting space for student organizations, several lounging and quiet areas for studying, and six meeting rooms.

Residence Life and Student Housing

www.smu.edu/housing

The Department of Residence Life and Student Housing supports the goals of the University by creating residential communities that empower residents to value learning, citizenship and leadership in comfortable, well-maintained facilities. The department is responsible for the campus residential community, including all Residential Commons, Upper Division Housing, SMU-owned apartments, and SMU-owned Greek chapter houses.

Hegi Family Career Development Center

www.smu.edu/career

The Hegi Family Career Development Center at SMU is dedicated to serving the needs of SMU students and alumni and assisting employers in reaching qualified candidates from SMU. The Career Development Center staff guides and encourages students and alumni in the development of skills necessary for lifelong career management and offers opportunities for employers to recruit students through campus events and online resources. At Hegi, the staff cares about helping students develop into well-rounded individuals, and is dedicated to values of consistency, authenticity and commitment to excellence.

Career Express Drop-in Hours. The Career Center offers 15-minute drop-in sessions on a first-come, first-served, basis. In these sessions, students can discuss career options or get help editing a resume. Additional information is available on our website at www.smu.edu/career.

Counseling Appointments. The Career Center also provides opportunities for counseling appointments with a staff member. These longer sessions can help students navigate more complex issues, including major exploration, career exploration, professional skill building, and more.

Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors are highly trained student leaders who help fellow students navigate the career development process, including assisting with drop-ins, editing cover letters and resumes, and representing Hegi at campus events.

Career Development Ambassadors. CDA is a student organization designed to provide career development opportunities on the SMU Campus. CDAs organize events for the SMU community, which inspire engagement in the career development process, develop students’ career tools, and provide networking opportunities.

Experiential Learning. Want to learn more about an industry, company or specific job? Experiential learning is the best way to do so. Below are some easy ways to get connected:

• Coffee Chats/Lunch ‘n Learns: Meet an employer in an informal setting to learn about their career journey.
• Mentors: Connect and develop a relationship with an industry professional that is in a career you are interested in.
• Employer Site Visits/Externships: Shadow professionals and SMU alumni for the day and learn about their career path and what they do on a daily basis. Mustang and SMU Connection programs partner with top regional employers and alumni providing student exposure to today’s competitive and ever-changing job market.
• Informational Interviews: Have a conversation with an alum and/or employer to build your network and learn about their education and career path.

Employer Events. Our Office cultivates meaningful relationships with organizations and employers who are invested in networking with dynamic, talented and skilled students across SMU’s liberal and communication arts communities. Throughout the year, the Career Center hosts 2-4 Career and Internship Fairs, along with a host of Employer Industry Panels, Company Information Sessions and Industry Training and Development Workshops. These events offer students an opportunity to work with employers and alumni and to learn the skills necessary to be successful in the workplace.

Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life

www.smu.edu/chaplain

The Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life offers resources of pastoral care and theological reflection that nurture spiritual and vocational development as well as the moral and ethical vision and character of students, faculty and staff. Dr. Stephen W. Rankin is the chaplain and minister to the University community. Chaplain Rankin leads and preaches at weekly chapel service, an ecumenically Christian, all-University service of worship, each Wednesday during the term. Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in this service through music, scripture readings or other expressions of worship. Other services, including the University Service of Memory, Ash Wednesday Service and memorial services as needed, are also planned and implemented by the Office of the Chaplain.

Presently, there are more than 28 religious life organizations. Alongside the Christian groups aligned with denominations, local Dallas-area congregations or national parachurch ministries, SMU also has an active Hillel chapter for Jewish students, a bustling Muslim Student Association and other faith groups of various traditions. A large number of undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as many of SMU’s faculty, staff and administrators, participate in these religious communities.

Additionally, the Office of the Chaplain partners with faculty members across campus to direct the Faith and Learning Scholars, a cohort of students who want the experience of integrating their faith with their academic pursuits. Participants can qualify for the community engagement proficiency. Similarly, the Civil Rights Pilgrimage, founded in 2004, is an eight-day spring break journey through the South whereby students encounter shrines of freedom and meet heroes of the civil rights movement. This collaboration with Dedman College offers students a transformative opportunity while earning academic credit.

Chaplains are available for personal counseling and spiritual direction with students, faculty and staff during office hours. The Office of the Chaplain is located in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center, Suite 316. Nearby are two rooms for prayer, one designated for Muslim community members and the other for all others.

Residence Accommodations

The University prides itself on offering a full living and learning experience for its resident students. The mission of the Department of Residence Life and Student Housing is to advance the goals and objectives of the University by creating residential communities that empower residents to value learning, citizenship and leadership. To this end, RLSH seeks opportunities to promote an intellectual culture in SMU’s residential communities that complements an already flourishing campus social culture. RLSH is responsible for residence halls, 11 Residential Commons and 10 SMU-owned Greek chapter houses. This responsibility includes making sure that facilities are well maintained and that students have opportunities to grow personally and excel academically.

Housing Policy for All Students

All incoming first-year undergraduate students are required to live on campus during their first two years at SMU. Exceptions may be granted on the basis of a financial, medical or personal hardship at the discretion of the dean of RLSH to those students from Dallas/Fort Worth who live with a parent or legal guardian in the primary residence of the parent or guardian. For housing purposes, the two years means the first two years of college. Incoming transfer students who are over the age of 16 and under the age of 20 are required to live on-campus for their first year at SMU. For 2018-2019, upperclass and graduate students are not required to live on campus but may apply on a space-available basis.

Applications for Residence

Applications for on-campus housing for new undergraduate students are accepted after a student has been admitted to the University and paid the University deposit to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. After the deposit has been processed, new students receive an email with instructions for completing the online application and housing license agreement. The University deposit includes the matriculation fee, orientation fee and advance housing deposit. These fees are nonrefundable. Notification of assignment will be made by RLSH. The housing license agreement is for the full academic year (fall and spring terms). Room charges for the fall term will be billed and are payable in advance of the term for students who register before August 1, and room charges for the spring term will be billed and are payable in advance of that term for students who register before December 1. Students who register after these dates must pay at the time of registration. Room charges for the full academic year will be due and payable should a student move out at any time during the school year. Accommodations for shorter periods are available only by special arrangement with RLSH before acceptance of the housing license agreement. It is important that applicants become familiar with the license agreement, as it is a legally binding document.

Residence Halls and Apartments

Residential Commons at SMU

Most undergraduate residence halls at SMU are designated as Residential Commons. Entering students are assigned to a Residential Commons in a distributed manner so that each Commons is representational of the incoming class. Incoming students live in their RC for their first two years at SMU. All rooms are furnished with extra-long twin size beds, dressers, desks, chairs, and closets or wardrobes for clothes. Each student is expected to furnish a pillow, bed linens, bed covers, bed-spread, towels, mattress pad and study lamp.

Upperclass and Graduate Student Halls

Several residential facilities are designated for upperclass students (juniors and seniors, and sophomores on a space-available basis) and graduate students. Moore Hall and Daniel Two feature apartment-style accommodations for upperclass students. The Service House is a small, upperclass hall with a thematic focus of community service run in conjunction with the SMU Office of Community Engagement and Leadership. Martin Hall, an efficiency apartment hall, houses a combination of graduate students and senior undergraduate students.

Special Housing Needs

Students having special housing needs because of a disability should contact the SMU Office of Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies in order to establish eligibility for accommodations. When applying for housing, students should also submit information to RLSH regarding a request for accommodations. DASS and RLSH will work together with the student on their specific situation to make necessary accommodations.

General Housing Information

In the Residential Commons, each room is equipped with in-room cable television service and Ethernet and wireless connections to the University’s digital network and online systems. All residential facilities are air-conditioned, and rooms have individual climate control. Washing machines and dryers are located in all residence halls and adjacent to Daniel Two.

Undergraduate students living in traditional residence halls are required to purchase a meal plan offered by SMU Dining Services. Like the housing license agreement, the meal plan obligation is for the entire academic year and is billed and paid for on a term basis. Students living in Moore, Martin, Daniel Two, Multicultural Greek House and Service House are exempt from the meal plan requirement. With the exception of Daniel Two, Moore and Martin halls, special accommodations for winter break housing must be arranged with RLSH prior to the beginning of the break. For more information, students should visit www.smu.edu/housing or contact the Department of Residence Life and Student Housing, Southern Methodist University, PO Box 750215, Dallas TX 75275-0215; phone 214-768-2407; fax 214-768-4005; housing@smu.edu.