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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

8 STUDENT-ATHLETES HONORED DURING SMU HONORS CONVOCATION

On Friday, April 19, 2024, SMU honored their ungraduate students in the annual Honors Convocation Ceremony. This year’s ceremony marked the 27th celebration of SMU’s outstanding students whose intelligence, dedication, and hard work contribute greatly to the life of the University. Out of 538 SMU Students honored at this event, 8 student-athletes were selected for various awards this year. To view the full list of Award Recipients, click here .

Soderquist Macie Soderquist is a Senior on the Equestrian team and received the University Honors Program Award. Macie is majoring in General Business and has a GPA of 3.861. Learn more about the UHP here.

Dermott

Abigail (Abby) Dermott of the SMU Women’s Soccer Team, earned the Outstanding Graduating Senior in Biochemistry award. As a senior, she participated in the University Honors Program and is studying in the Natural Sciences Program. She is majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Ethics and Neuroscience with a cumulative GPA of 3.991.  

Isabella Dickinson is a Senior on our Women’s Swim & Dive team. Originally from California, she was recognized for her work in the University Honors Program for her business courses. Isabella is majoring in Finance with a specialization in Real Estate. Additionally, she has a minor in History with an impressive overall GPA of 3.94. 

Maddy Lewis, also a senior on our Women’s Swim and Dive team, obtained this accolade from the University Honors Program. She is majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Art with a 3.571 GPA. 

Maxine Parkinson, of SMU’S Women’s Swim & Dive team, earned two various awards from the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. First, she was acknowledged for Outstanding Senior Student, and also awarded the Hamilton Undergraduate Research Scholar. Learn more about the requirements of these candidates here. She is majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Computer Science and Neuroscience. She has a cumulative GPA of 3.931 

J.Crowley Jessamine Crowley is a Senior distance runner on the Track & Field, Cross Country team.  She is triple majoring in Economics, Philosophy and Statistical Sciences with an overall 3.839 GPA. She received the Phi Beta Kappa award from Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.  

Kailyn Gearin, a senior from Oregon, who is on the SMU Track & Field, Cross Country team (TFCC) brought home two awards last Friday. The first award, Applied Physiology and Health Management Departmental Distinction Award from the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development, and the second from the University Honors Program. Gearin is majoring in Applied Physiology and Sport Management (Health Management) and minoring in Biological Sciences with a GPA of 3.639.

Mia Olsen, a Track & Field, Cross Country senior, who is double majoring in Biochemistry and Health and Society; with a minor in Biomedical Anthropology and Psychology. Her cumulative GPA is 4.0 and she was recognized for 2 separate awards: Phi Beta Kappa and the Outstanding Senior Student in Health and Society from the Anthropology Department. 

Congratulations to these 8 student-athletes who are well on their way to becoming World Shapers!

Watch the full ceremony video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUK-zfxAH9U 

 

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

Mustang Champions Announced for March 2024

SMU Athletics and the Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) have selected four Mustang Champions for the month of March! Let’s meet the four SMU Mustangs that are reaching for new heights personally and academically during this semester:

Leif Bouwman (Men’s Swim & Dive)

  • Leif isn’t just keeping his head above water in the pool – he’s also conquering the demanding world of Mechanical Engineering (Premedical/Biomedical Specialization). Despite the challenging coursework, Leif boasts a near-perfect 3.981 GPA this Spring and exemplifies dedication and perseverance.

Raelyn Roberson (Track & Field/ Cross Country)

  • Raelyn isn’t just double-majoring in Applied Physiology and Health Management (APHM) and Biological Sciences – as a senior, she’s mastered the art of being a student-athlete. Driven, resilient, and a true leader on and off the track, Raelyn embodies what it means to excel in academics and athletics. As president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), she’s a champion for her fellow athletes, using her voice to make a positive impact across the entire campus. Want to learn more about the amazing work SAAC does? Check them out here! SMU SAAC

Kobe Wilson – (Football)

  • Kobe Wilson isn’t just a standout on the field – he’s a champion for his fellow student-athletes and the Dallas community. Over the past few months, Kobe has become an active member for the Black Student-Athlete Advisory Council (BSAAC). He’s not just attending meetings, he’s actively spreading the word about BSAAC’s mission and inspiring others to join.  He’s a dedicated volunteer, actively participating in DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) events and making a positive difference in Dallas. Kobe is also taking full advantage of the Life After Ball (LAB) program, networking with professionals and applying for internships. Talk about a World Shaper in action!

Jenna Watson – (Women’s Swim & Dive)

  • This semester, Jenna Watson has immersed herself in the SMU Community head first! Not only did she jump in to help lead the March SAAC meeting when Raelyn was away, but she also spearheaded the preparation for the crucial SAAC/Strategy Meeting on March 25th. Jenna shouldered a huge chunk of the project, making sure all the presentation materials were polished and ready to go by deadline. This Mustang Champion clearly isn’t afraid to take charge and make a difference!

Come back next month for another update of Mustang Champions of the Month!

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

Highlighting our February Mustang Champions

Our second round of Mustang Champions has been announced for the Spring semester! Mustang Champions are nominated each month, by ADSA and athletics staff, for recognizing athletes that are working to perform at their highest level! Whether by improving their academic or athletic performance, embodying the S.P.I.R.I.T of SMU athletics, or student-athlete success initiatives.

Sarah Kelly (Women’s Rowing) exemplifies dedication and perseverance. Despite facing challenges, Sarah has remained focused throughout the spring semester, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to success in her academics. Her hard work is evident in her strong academic performance and grades.

Ja’Heim Hudson (Men’s Basketball) embodies a well-rounded student-athlete. Ja’Heim dedicates extra time to academics, attending study hall and diligently completing work with his counselor, even while traveling for games. His commitment shines not only in the classroom but also on the court.

Bryce McMorris (Football) has emerged as a true leader. Bryce actively participates in both the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Black Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (BSAAC). He collaborated to establish a student-athlete STEM group-fostering academic engagement in science, technology, engineering, and math. Furthermore, Bryce advocates for fellow athletes by discussing student-athlete employment opportunities and their potential benefits and drawbacks. His consistent leadership extends to bi-monthly senior staff meetings, where he represents SAAC effectively.

Layla Garcia-Moreno (Women’s Soccer) exemplifies a strong work ethic. Despite only speaking English for two years, Layla actively participates in all Life After Ball (LAB) resources this semester. She is diligently working on her resume in pursuit of an internship, demonstrating a proactive approach to her future and excellent use of her resources.

Congratulations once again to Sarah, Ja’Heim, Bryce, and Layla for being recognized as our February Mustang Champions! These student-athletes are just a few examples of the many Mustangs who are excelling both on and off the field. Remember, there’s always someone to cheer for at SMU!

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Honors and Scholars Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs University Testing Center

New room numbers at the University Testing Center

As part of the renovation of the Scholars’ Den in Clements Hall, room numbers for the University Testing Center (UTC) have changed.

Visitors will still access the UTC at the west end of the Clements Hall basement in suite G15, most directly using the side entrance facing Dallas Hall. Students and professors are to check in at the testing office (now renumbered to room G28) for test administrations and completed test pickup. Students will continue to be assigned to testing labs identified as “Peruna,” “Hilltop,” and “Varsity.”

Room number identification will be updated on the UTC website, the UTC portal for test registration, and in information handouts for both students and professors.

Please contact the UTC at 214-768-6064 or universitytestingcenter@smu.edu with any questions you may have.

 

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Student Academic Engagement & Success University Testing Center

No testing at the University Testing Center during Spring Break

The University Testing Center (UTC) will be closed for testing during Spring Break, March 11th – 15th.  The testing office will be open during standard operating hours, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Testing is suspended due to computer installation and scheduled upgrades in the center.

Testing will resume on Monday, March 18th.

For questions, please contact us at 214-768-6064 or at universitytestingcenter@smu.edu.

All the best for a wonderful break!

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

47 SMU Student-Athletes Make Honor Roll in Fall 2023 Semester

We are honored to highlight our Fall 2023 student-athletes that have shown their dedication and hard-work in the classroom. In total, 47 student-athletes made one of three categories of the honor roll: Honor Roll, Honor Roll- Distinction, and Honor Roll-High Distinction. 

11 Student-athletes made the Honor Roll in the Fall 2023 semester. To achieve this honor at SMU, the student needs to be in the top 15% of the school record. 

Name (Last, First) Sport Distinction 
Righellis, Ned Football Honor Roll, Honor
Chou, Megan Women’s Golf Honor Roll, Honor
Taylor, Alex Rowing Honor Roll, Honor
Berkovitz, Niv Men’s Soccer Honor Roll, Honor
Rudden, Mackenzie Women’s Soccer Honor Roll, Honor
Corbeau, Angus Men’s Swimming Honor Roll, Honor
Culver, John Men’s Swimming Honor Roll, Honor
Dickinson, Isabella Women’s Swimming Honor Roll, Honor
Parkinson, Maxine Women’s Swimming Honor Roll, Honor
Priest, Lauren Women’s Swimming Honor Roll, Honor
McPhaul, Camryn Track & Field, Cross Country Honor Roll, Honor

21 Student-Athletes made the Honor Roll with Distinction. To achieve this status, the student-athlete needs to be in the top 10% of the school record.

Name (Last, First) Sport Distinction 
Doles, Evie Equestrian Honor Roll- Distinction
Douglas, Grayson Equestrian Honor Roll- Distinction
Iwasaki, Augusta Equestrian Honor Roll- Distinction
Holleron, Case Football Honor Roll- Distinction
Vivier, Nicole Women’s Golf Honor Roll- Distinction
Fina, Anna Rowing Honor Roll- Distinction
Kercher, Saylor Rowing Honor Roll- Distinction
Knudson, Grace Rowing Honor Roll- Distinction
Lewis, Ellie Rowing Honor Roll- Distinction
New, Annabelle Rowing Honor Roll- Distinction
Schwenn, Haley Rowing Honor Roll- Distinction
Guerra Echeverria, Marcelo Men’s Soccer Honor Roll- Distinction
Halscheid, Hayden Women’s Soccer Honor Roll- Distinction
Yumul, Maura Women’s Soccer Honor Roll- Distinction
Bouwman, Leif Men’s Swimming Honor Roll- Distinction
Fields, Wyatt Men’s Swimming Honor Roll- Distinction
Forrest, Jack Men’s Swimming Honor Roll- Distinction
Ruan, Tiffanie Women’s Swimming Honor Roll- Distinction
Grammas, Ellie Track & Field, Cross Country Honor Roll- Distinction
Tissier, Flora Track & Field, Cross Country Honor Roll- Distinction
Lamirand, Jentry Volleyball Honor Roll- Distinction

The third and final category is Honor Roll with High Distinction; which means that the student-athlete’s listed below are in the 5% of the school record.

Name (Last, First) Sport Distinction 
Young, Jackson Men’s Basketball Honor Roll, High Distinction
Hoch, Hannah Equestrian Honor Roll, High Distinction
Fiser, Charlie Equestrian Honor Roll, High Distinction
Schumacher, Markus Football Honor Roll, High Distinction
Stuelpe, Sydney Football Honor Roll, High Distinction
Annen, Peyton Rowing Honor Roll, High Distinction
Burr, Isabella Women’s Soccer Honor Roll, High Distinction
Dermott, Abigail Women’s Soccer Honor Roll, High Distinction
Binder, Benjamin Men’s Swimming Honor Roll, High Distinction
DeJean, William Men’s Swimming Honor Roll, High Distinction
Olsen, Mia Track & Field, Cross Country Honor Roll, High Distinction
McGinley, Caroline Women’s Tennis Honor Roll, High Distinction
Cullen, Celia Volleyball Honor Roll, High Distinction
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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Student Academic Engagement & Success University Testing Center

University Testing Center now accommodates Respondus LockDown Browser for Canvas assessments

The University Testing Center (UTC) is excited to announce a new proctoring software that allows Canvas tests to be administered with the Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB).

The new software, NetSupport School, replaces a previous program, iTalc, that could not facilitate real-time surveillance of students taking Canvas tests with the Respondus LockDown Browser on UTC computers.

With NetSupport Schoolprofessors will no longer have to create non-LDB versions of Canvas tests administered at the UTC — classroom test versions with LDB can now be used without issue.  And, on test day, students will not have to search for a “UTC version” of a Canvas test different from what is given in the classroom.

With its expanded features, NetSupport School streamlines the student and faculty testing experience while enhancing the UTC’s commitment to test integrity and security.

Various academic departments and professors utilizing the testing center suggested this feature and service enhancement, and we are excited to offer this new ability.

For more information, please contact the UTC at 214-768-6064 or universitytestingcenter@smu.edu.

 

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

January Mustang Champions Announced

Champions of the month is a new initiative by SMU Athletics to recognize the achievements of various SMU student-athletes. Every month, 2 female and 2 male student- athletes will be nominated and selected for their embodiment of excellence in one or more of the following areas: Academic Achievement, Athletic Success, and Student-Athletes Success Initiatives. The goal of this is to honor and recognize the effort of our student-athletes to achieve their personal best in these areas; on and off the competition field. For the month of January, the four athletes selected are: Key’Shawn Smith, Chantae Embry, Martin Dominguez, and Gabby Ayiteyflo!

 Key’Shawn Smith (Football):
Key transferred to SMU in the Spring of 2023 and he has consistently worked hard athletically and academically. Over the last year, Key has made huge strides both on and off the field and his positive outlook impacts all those around him. Key took a January term class that took up his entire winter break; during this time, he stayed on task, communicated when he needed support, and took pride in getting a grade reflective of his hard work and dedication.

Chantae Embry (Women’s Basketball):
Chantae has been a steady presence at Black Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (BSAAC) and has even gotten involved in some SAAC meetings/opportunities as well. She has gone out of her way to seek out community engagement and career development opportunities; as well as sharing/motivating her teammates to attend and get involved too!

Martin Dominguez (Men’s Soccer):
Martin is someone who from day one has been a welcoming and warm personality. He takes the time to support other teammates, classmates, and even staff. He has been training relentlessly to prepare for the Goalkeeper competition that will be underway this season. He was a part of the Unity Video Campaign and has continuously searched for a way he could give back, especially to the South Dallas Community he came from. Lastly, he has been doing all of this while balancing school and work; all while having a smile on his face!

Gabriella Ayiteyflo (Track & Field) :
Gabby transferred to SMU in the Fall 2023 semester as a junior. She has persevered during her time as a Mustang, during this difficult transition. Gabby has demonstrated dedication all with a positive attitude, even when things don’t go her way. She has been able to find her stride this semester, and works extremely hard in both her academic and athletic commitments!

PONY UP!

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Office of Engaged Learning Office of General Education Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs University Advising Center University Testing Center

Spring updates from the University Testing Center

Welcome back to campus! It’s hard to believe that the University Testing Center (UTC) has completed its first operation phase since opening in August 2022.  We look forward to continuing our specialized testing services for Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS) students needing accommodated testing and our student-athletes needing early or make-up testing due to travel during the competitive season.  Beginning this summer, we’ll expand our services to include standard academic make-up testing, fee-based testing for non-SMU students in the local community, and credit-by-exam testing (CLEP) for some SMU courses.

Testing at the UTC is done by appointment weekdays between 8:30 and 3:30 p.m. with extended hours during final exams.  Appointments must be made at least 48 business hours before classroom testing dates using the UTC Portal at www.smu.edu/utcportal.

The UTC Portal’s updated exam submission process allows professors to determine when eligible students can test at the UTC, automatically upload tests by course name and section number, and retrieve completed tests with proctoring documentation. Stop by the UTC in the basement of Clements Hall to tour the facility, meet the staff, and have a one-on-one consultation to make the testing experience easier for you and your students!

Scantron Exam processing at the University Testing Center ends May 10th

The University Testing Center (UTC) scanning and reporting service for exam Scantrons will end after AY 2023-24.  A few faculty members use the service as the migration to Canvas continues, as directed by the Office of the Provost.  This, along with increasing maintenance costs and staffing needs for new testing services at the UTC, was a deciding factor in ending the service.  Official announcements will be sent periodically to faculty users through various channels so they may prepare for alternatives.

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Academic Center for Excellence Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs

ADSA & SASP Hosting a Staff & Faculty Breakfast on January 11th

Student Academic Engagement and Success (SAES) is hosting two upcoming tours of the Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) and Student Academic Success Programs (SASP).  Tours will take place at 9 AM and 9:30 AM at the ADSA & SASP offices located in Loyd All-Sports Center. ADSA is located on the 3rd floor, in suite 316. SASP is located on the second floor, in suite 201.  This opportunity is an invitation to all SMU faculty and staff to tour our academic centers and learn more about the support services offered to students! Breakfast and drinks will be available.