About Us

Contact Us

Email:
orientation@smu.edu
Phone:
214-768-4560
Address:
Hughes-Trigg Student Center
3140 Dyer Street, Suite 205
Dallas, TX 75205
Office Hours:

Monday-Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

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John Martin

John Martin

Assistant Director for Orientation and Transitions

Phone: 214-768-4692
Email: johnmartin@smu.edu

red mustang logo outlined in white on gray and white background

Alexis Stackhouse

Coordinator for Orientation and Transitions

Phone: 214-768-4560
Email: astackhouse@smu.edu

Bailey Chariker

Bailey Chariker

NODA Summer Intern

Phone: 214-768-4560
Email: bchariker@smu.edu

students outside of Texas Rangers stadium for a baseball game during Stampede 2023

Mission

The Office of Orientation and Transitions supports the passage of all new students into the university by providing experiences and resources that facilitate college readiness, social belonging, university pride, cultural understanding, and student success.
large group of students sitting outside in a circle talking

Purpose

The Office of Orientation and Transitions within the Dean of Students office at SMU exists to support new students and their families in their transition and integration into the college experience. This vision is completed through comprehensive programming that includes Mustang StartUp, Stampede, and Post-Orientation Programming.

Goals

All programming and initiatives that are conducted through the Office of Orientation and Transitions aim to satisfy the following goals:

  • Give clarity during the transition experience by providing an abundance of resources, information, and staff ready to support the needs of new students and families.
  • Help students progress to a state of academic and social readiness that positively impacts retention and student success.
  • Provide activities and opportunities that encourage student community and belonging, university pride and affiliation, learning and development, and a consciousness for diverse perspectives.