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 comprises different organizational units that each provide unique educational and support resources for students during their time at SMU.

Student Center and Activities

The mission of Student Center and Activities 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 Center and Activities supports more than 200 opportunities for SMU students through academic and professional associations, campus programming boards, community service coalitions, 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.

Additional information is available online. This includes a list of student organizations searchable by type or interest, membership requirements, contact information and event calendars. Student Center and Activities 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.

Leadership

Student Senate

Hughes-Trigg Student Center

www.smu.edu/htrigg

The Hughes-Trigg Student Center (HTSC) sits in the heart of SMU’s main campus creating community space for Mustangs to eat, socialize, plan organizational activities, study, and hang out. Recently renovated, HTSC features inviting communal spaces and design elements showcasing Mustang spirit and pride with modern conference and meeting rooms outfitted with user-friendly technology. The Student Center staff strives to provide a safe and community-focused environment to meet the diverse needs of all individuals. HTSC also offers inviting food options, a post office, ATM, Copy Central, Parking & ID Card Services, ablution rooms for our Muslim students’ prayer preparation, and office and meeting space for student organizations.

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 also provide 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. The governing bodies for these groups are the Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, 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 the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Orientation Programs

Through a three-step orientation, students connect to the SMU academy, spirit, people, campus, and community. This connection to SMU occurs through Mustang StartUp, Stampede, and First 5. Mustang StartUp takes place during the months leading up to a student’s first semester and includes completing online Campus Life modules, meeting virtually with an academic advisor prior to completing course registration, and connecting virtually with incoming students and student leaders. Stampede is an extended orientation experience including everything from Kick Off to Convocation occurring just prior to the start of classes. First 5 guides students through the first five weeks at SMU and helps ensure students make a smooth transition into life as a Mustang. Learn more at www.smu.edu/newstudent.

Mustang Band and Spirit Groups

The Division of Student Affairs houses the spirit and traditions of SMU including the Cheer Squad, Mustang Band, Peruna, and Pom Squad.

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, 2018 and 2021.

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.

Student Advocacy and Support

www.smu.edu/studentsupport

The Office of Student Advocacy and Support is dedicated to working collaboratively to assist students in navigating challenges that impede academic and personal success. We connect students to resources, advocate, and educate the greater SMU community to create a safe, caring, and enriching environment. Programs and initiatives within the office are designed to meet students where they are and promote knowledge of resources, holistic health, and self-advocacy.

Caring Community Connections. The Caring Community Connections (CCC) program is a resource for anyone in the SMU community to refer students who may be experiencing academic, personal, emotional, financial, or other challenges. Once a referral is received, students are contacted to discuss these concerns and strategize appropriate resolutions. These resolutions may include referrals to resources, assistance navigating university processes, or direct advocacy to address the concerns. Whether a student is concerned about a peer or themselves, the CCC program is available to assist.

The Shop. Student Advocacy and Support is proud to partner with SMU Libraries to host an on-campus food pantry, called The Shop, for students who may be experiencing food insecurity. The Shop is located in Fondren Library and provides access to perishable and non-perishable food, as well as basic essentials at no cost to students who are in need. To access The Shop, please visit the Fondren Library main desk.

Parent and Family Programs. The Office of the Student Experience supports a variety of initiatives that equip parents and families with resources on how to best support their students throughout their time at SMU. Our office supports the SMU Mothers’ and Dads’ clubs, welcomes and supports new students and families during orientation, and provides ongoing communication to keep families of all students informed and engaged. Learn more at www.smu.edu/parents.

The Office of Student Advocacy and Support also provides training, presentations, and consultation to the campus community regarding recognizing and responding to signs of distress. Faculty, staff, students, parents, and families are encouraged to reach out regarding resources available through the office.

Student Conduct and Community Standards

www.smu.edu/studentconduct

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, (www.smu.edu/studentconduct), promotes community, scholarship, and civility by holding students accountable to the Student Code of Conduct and the Honor Code. 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, including travel on University-sanctioned trips. Students traveling on University-sanctioned trips are representing Southern Methodist University and are expected to make responsible decisions regarding behavior so that they maintain appropriate standards of conduct at all times. 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.

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 and Perkins School of Theology are explained in their graduate catalogs.

Intellectual integrity and academic honesty are fundamental to the processes of learning and evaluation of academic performance; 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. 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 the 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.

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.

To ensure fairness and due process for all students in the conduct process, students are granted the right to request an appellate review from the University Conduct Council. The grounds for appeal are as follows:

1. Clearly erroneous findings of fact;
2. Significant procedural irregularities that denied the respondent a fair hearing;
3. Substantial new relevant evidence not available at the time of the hearing;
4. Sanction is unreasonably harsh.

For the most current information, refer to the online version of the SMU Student Handbook. It is every student’s responsibility to read and be fully aware of all campus rules and procedures.

Women and LGBT Center

www.smu.edu/womenandlgbtcenter

The Women and 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.

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, dental services, mental health services, and outreach programs designed to promote students’ health and wellbeing. The 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, women’s health, lab tests, vaccinations, allergy injections, and dermatology. The clinic maintains its own in-house medical laboratory, pharmacy, X-ray imaging and diagnostic equipment, 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). Students may also call the Health Center (214-768-2141) and select the option to speak either to a nurse or an on-call counselor.

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 for lab testing services, x-rays, immunizations, medical supplies, pharmacy and dermatology. Claims for services incurring a fee 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 health care in the U.S. 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 and waiver process is available online at smu.edu/healthinsurance. Domestic students taking between four and eight credit hours are eligible to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan on a voluntary basis. The University also makes an optional dental plan available to SMU students.

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. The pharmacy offers a full range of prescription and over-the-counter medications and stocks a small retail area with various everyday items like groceries, snacks, ready-to-eat food products, toiletries and soft drinks.

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. Students print out their list of appointments from the student portal as evidence of their appointment. 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 ascribes to the highest professional standards of care and privacy. All student-patient health service records are confidential. No information about a student may 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.

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 services fee. Students can seek support 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.

Dental Services. The Campus Smiles Dental Office, located on the first floor of the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, offers comprehensive dentistry. They accept most dental insurance plans. The office is 214-76TEETH (214-768-3384). 

Office of Wellbeing

The Office of Wellbeing aims to create a living and learning environment in which people can reach their full potential. Our approach is proactive, uses various strategies and focuses on the whole person. We do this through programs (workshops, classes, outreach events) and infusing wellbeing into the everyday operations of the University.

We believe in the power of peer-to-peer education. The Student Wellness Champions are a diverse, well-trained group of students who empower their peers to make informed decisions regarding their wellbeing. They facilitate dynamic, interactive wellbeing-focused outreach within the Residential Commons and the campus community. The Student Wellness Champions focus on all aspects of wellbeing including mental health, nutrition, relationship health, fitness, substance use education, among others.

Outreach to the campus community providing substance use education and programming is an integral piece of our work. We also support students who have met challenges with their substance use through counseling, education and various other supports. Additionally, we provide a space for students in Recovery to interact and find community in a college environment. 

Campus Recreation

The Department of Campus Recreation engages the SMU Community in physical wellbeing activities by providing premier facilities, programs, and services. Experience Campus Recreation in a variety of ways that fit your schedule and fitness goals.

Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports. The Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports is home to 170,000 square feet of recreational space that includes 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. The Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports serves SMU students, faculty, staff and the community.

Fitness. SMU Fitness offers group exercise classes and personal training sessions. Group X 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. Group X classes are free to all members while one-on-one and group personal training sessions include a fee.

Intramural Sports. Many opportunities for team and individual competition are available through intramural sports. The five major sports are flag football, sand volleyball, basketball, soccer, and wiffleball, in addition to many other sports. Additional leadership opportunities are available for those interested in officiating or supervising various activities.

Outdoor Adventures. SMU Outdoor Adventures (OA) 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 manages the SMU Climbing Center, the indoor climbing and bouldering facility and the Portable Challenge and Team Development course.

Sport Clubs. Sport Clubs 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, Esports, golf, ice hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse, polo, rugby, men’s and women’s soccer, tennis, men’s rowing, triathlon, ultimate Frisbee, men’s and women’s volleyball, powerlifting, and spikeball.

Campus Recreation hosts an app through the android and apple stores to offer our members a direct connection to registers for a program, learn facility hours, or find more information about what we offer. Our mobile site recsports.smu.edu provides a similar experience. Finally, you can learn more about all Campus Recreation offerings here: www.smu.edu/recsports.

Residence Life and Student Housing

www.smu.edu/housing

Mission: Residence Life and Student Housing fosters the foundational SMU experience where each student belongs, learns, and connects through their residential community. We make campus home.

Residence Life and Student Housing (RLSH) offers four primary types of campus housing options to SMU students: our signature Residential Commons, service house, fraternity housing, and upper division housing.

Living and Learning in the Residential Commons

At SMU, we are transforming the residential life model for students through our Residential Commons program, which integrates the academic, residential, and social experience. Living in one of the 11 on-campus Residential Commons during your first two years at SMU, you’ll find it’s easier to make friends and transition smoothly to university life in a supportive environment. Living and interacting with students from across the United States and the world enriches you and prepares you to be a world changer in today’s global society.

Community Expectations and Standards

SMU works collaboratively with students to create and maintain an atmosphere that promotes academic success, personal growth, and social awareness. Safety and security are shared responsibilities among residents and the University. Strong communities require participation and cooperation from every resident. As a member of your community, you assume responsibility for what you do, including showing courtesy to others and respect for property. Our policies and Community Standards, given to all residents at check-in, outline reasonable expectations for conduct. We trust that all residents will make choices that promote a strong community and uphold these standards. Those who do not will be held accountable for their actions.

Learning in Community

Student interactions and learning experiences outside of class are an important part of the whole college experience, to this end, each commons has a team of faculty and staff who work together to create a community with an academic focus and social opportunities. The team includes these members:

• Faculty in Residence: Each Residential Commons has a Faculty in Residence who is a well-established SMU professor who lives in his or her Residential Commons and serves as the academic leader in the community. FiRs help elevate the intellectual environment by hosting planned events and participating in impromptu discussions. A true member of the community, the FiR lives and works in his or her commons.
• Residential Community Director: The RCD is a full-time professional with a master’s degree who is experienced in residence hall living and student life issues. Your RCD is responsible for the overall management of a Residential Commons, including supervising the Resident Assistant Staff, coordinating programs, supervising student conduct and advising the Community Council.
• Resident Assistants: RAs are students who work to foster a sense of community. The RA on your floor is a valuable resource for help in problem solving, conflict mediation and your transition to the University. They coordinate social and educational programs, facilitate hall and campus involvement and assist with the overall management of the residence.

Leadership Opportunities

Each residential community has a Community Council to help coordinate activities. Most Community Councils have committees that work with the Faculty in Residence and Residential Community Director to help build a strong sense of belonging within the commons. By serving on a committee, you can help plan and enjoy a variety of group activities, such as the Res Commons Olympics, Commons dinners, and cultural events.

The Housing Unification Board (or HUB) is the governing body of all residential communities and is open to all students affiliated with a Residential Commons or upper division housing.

Each student living on campus will:

• Experience opportunities to explore their personal values, beliefs, and aspirations. (Global Citizenship - Personal Congruence)
• Appropriately advocate for themselves and others. (Social Responsibility - Amplified Capacity - Holistic Wellness)
• Develop cultural intelligence and an appreciation of diversity. (Global Citizenship - Amplified Capacity - Personal Congruence)
• Feel a sense of belonging to and support from their residential community. (Holistic Wellness - Social Responsibility - Personal Congruence)
• Positively contribute to and understand their impact on community. (Courageous Leadership - Global Citizenship - Social Responsibility - Amplified Capacity)
• Develop leadership through formal and informal roles. (Courageous Leadership - Personal Congruence)
• Engage with faculty outside of the classroom. (Holistic Wellness - Amplified Capacity)

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 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.

Career Counseling Appointments. The Career Center also provides opportunities for career 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.

Student Career Consultants. Student Career Consultants 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.

Hegi Career Leaders. Hegi Career Leaders is an advanced professional development program for students who are interested in getting a jump start on their career journey. Students in this program have career development requirements to fulfill each semester. Hegi Career Leaders also have access to exclusive networking opportunities, special workshops, and additional resources that are available only to this group. Accepted students have the opportunity to complete up to four years of the program, but the program is completed in one-year increments. Each year they complete will build on the previous ones, and focus on additional skills and career milestones. We recommend students begin their freshman year, so that they are as prepared as possible upon graduation! We work with students on topics such as choosing a major/minor, building their resume, researching industries and companies, writing cover letters, interviewing, networking, creating an elevator pitch, building their professional brand, job/internship searching, salary negotiation, graduate school applications, and more.

Board Fellows Program. Our SMU Board Fellows Program is a partnership between the Hegi Family Career Development Center and the Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement which places students as non-voting members on nonprofit boards. This career development and community engagement opportunity offers a unique experiential learning and career development opportunity, successfully promotes student learning and intercultural engagement, and allows students to grow their professional and leadership skills while learning in a positive environment with seasoned professionals and involved community members.

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:

• Lunch ‘n Learns: Meet an employer in an informal setting to learn about their career journey.
• Employer Site Visits: Shadow professionals and SMU alumni for the day and learn about their career path and what they do professionally through on-site corporate visits.
• 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 SMU students. 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

Southern Methodist University’s Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life seeks to create an inclusive community that celebrates intellectual curiosity about religion and spirituality, nourishes ethical decision-making, cultivates deep spiritual exploration and supports faithful living. We promote moral and ethical leadership development and offer pastoral care and formational education opportunities for students, faculty and staff across SMU’s religiously diverse community. Rooted in the Methodist tradition, the Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life enhances the educational mission of the university through programming and services that celebrate religion and spirituality and integrate the life of the mind and the life of the spirit.

Centered in the biblical command to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with the God, the Office of the Chaplain and Religious life provides avenues for students, faculty and staff to practice their religious tradition, deepen spiritual practices, and live out their faith as world changers. Regular worship, prayer, and Shabbat services, as well as thriving religious life organizations offer learning and communities of belonging. A full list of our diverse religious life organizations can be found on the religious life website.

Chaplains and OCRL programs offer students a community of belonging that nurtures spiritual and mental health and encourages students to grow in wisdom and knowledge to be faithful, ethical leaders in the world. Chaplains are available for personal conversation and spiritual direction with students, faculty, and staff by appointment. The Office of the Chaplain is located on the upper level of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center.

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 foster the foundational SMU experience where every student belongs, learns, and connects through their residential community. 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 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 do not have a housing requirement but may apply for housing on a space-available basis. For 2023-2024, 3rd and 4th year 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.

Upper Division Halls

Several residential facilities are designated for upper division students (juniors and seniors, and sophomores on a space-available basis). Martin Hall, Moore Hall and Thomas House feature apartment-style accommodations for upper division students. The Service House is a small, upper division hall with a thematic focus of community service.

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 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 residential communities.

Undergraduate students living in a residential commons or traditional residence hall 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 Martin, Moore, Thomas, and Service House are exempt from the meal plan requirement. 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.