Staff Opportunities and Events

Throughout the year, the SMU Division of Student Affairs provides staff with opportunities to come together, grow as professionals, and pitch in across campus. Read below to learn about opportunities to get involved all year round.

Division Updates

Division Committees

The Graduate Assistant (GA) Experience Committee seeks to support GAs within the Division of Student Affairs by:

  • Providing professional development, connection and learning as well as encouraging self-directed professional exploration
  • Providing enrichment opportunities that are optional yet meaningful
  • Supporting the Division and its departments

In addition to supporting GAs directly, the Committee also seeks to support and provide development opportunities for GA supervisors.

Chair

Dr. Kim Nelson Pryor Director for Student Affairs Assessment and Data Analytics, Student Affairs Administration

Members

Amanda Bobo Associate Director for Employer Relations, Hegi Family Career Development Center
Emma Bluestein Coordinator, Women and LGBT Center
Brooke Richardson Assistant Director for Parent and Family Programs, Office of Student Advocacy and Support
Luis Robles Residential Community Director - Upper-Division Housing, Residence Life and Student Housing
Evan Saperstein Associate Director for Career Development, Hegi Family Career Development Center
Jade Weaver Associate Director for Hunt Scholars Leadership Program, Hegi Family Career Development Center

The Hilltop Excellence Awards is SMU's most prestigious awards ceremony, annually recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of students, staff, and faculty at SMU. The awards program is produced by the Division of Student Affairs through the awards committee. Learn more about the Hilltop Excellence Awards at smu.edu/hilltopexcellence.

Co-Chairs

Renée Gibson Associate Director for Residence Life, Residence Life and Student Housing
Dr. Dawn F. Norris Chief of Staff, Division of Student Affairs

Members

Brandon Kitchin Social Change Coordinator, Social Change and Intercultural Engagement
Bonnie Pickett Program Specialist, Student Affairs Administration
Macon Stockholm Residential Community Director - Kathy Crow Commons, Residence Life and Student Housing
Jade Weaver Associate Director for Hunt Leadership Scholars Program, Hegi Family Career Development Center 

The Professional Excellence Committee was established to meet Goal Six of the Division Strategic Plan.

Co-Chairs

Amanda Bobo Associate Director for Employer Relations, Hegi Family Career Development Center
Nate Faust Director, Women and LGBT Center

Members

Bonnie Hainline Director, Campus Recreation
Adam Joiner Assistant Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life
Dr. Jennifer "JJ" Jones Executive Director for Student Development and Director of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement
Sean Murphy Director, Student Center and Activities
Roman Peterson Residence Community Director - Mary Hay, Peyton, Shuttles, Residence Life and Student Housing
Lauren Searway Assistant Director for Employer Relations, Hegi Family Career Development Center
David Sommers Assistant Director for Employer Relations, Hegi Family Career Development Center

The Social Committee plans gatherings for division staff to build community and enhance the work experience. 

Chair

Kaleb Loomis Assistant Chaplain, Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life
 

Members

Arthi Krishana, MD Associate Director of Medical Services, Physician
Brooke Richardson Assistant Director for Parent and Family Programs, Office of Student Advocacy and Support
Kim Nelson Pryor Director for Student Affairs Assessment and Data Analytics, Student Affairs Administration

Staff Advocacy Council

As an extension of the SMU Staff Association (SMUSA), the Staff Advocacy Council (SAC) seeks to facilitate dialogue regarding areas of common staff interest and concern, to provide insight on University initiatives, and to submit recommendations to administrators on behalf of the staff community. The representative for the Division of Student Affairs is Kaleb Loomis.

Have a question, comment, or suggestion for the SAC? You can email your representative directly (kloomis@smu.edu) or you may fill out the comment form found online at the link below. Each month, the SAC meets to address submissions from the form and individual representatives. Comments, questions, and recommendations are passed along to SMU administrators for review. 

SMUSA Suggestions Form

Professional Development Series

As stated in its 6th strategic goal, the Division aims to Advance professional excellence as an expectation and commitment when recruiting, retaining, and advancing talent. Learn more by contacting Professional Excellence Committee co-chairs Amanda Bobo (abobo@smu.edu) and Nate Faust (nfaust@smu.edu).

Meet Colleagues and Get Involved

 

  • End of Year Picnic

    After the completion of each spring semester, Student Affairs staff are invited to celebrate another great year with food, fun, and games. Details are communicated through the Snapshot and at Division meetings.

  • Conversations with Colleagues

    Division staff are periodically invited by the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. K.C. Mmeje, for informal conversation with colleagues and Dr. Mmeje. Invitations are by way of SMU email. Each staff member is typically invited to one meeting per academic year.

  • Volunteer Opportunities

    For those seeking more ad hoc opportunities to get involved, departments regularly solicit staff volunteers for various events (e.g., Stampede, Move-In, All-Majors Career Fair) in the Snapshot.

Funding

  • Innovation Grant

    Each year, Innovation Grants are allocated toward the support of new or significantly updated/improved programs or services within the Division that make a visible and measurable impact on students, faculty, staff, and/or the local community. Applications due each Spring. Learn more about the grant application and award process via announcements in the Snapshot.

    Examples of programs that have been previously funded through the Innovation Grant:
    Engage Dallas
    Career Closet
    Exercise is Medicine Fun Run
    InterSections
    R.I.T.U.A.L.
    Mustang PEP Talks

  • Professional Development Fund

    Each unit has dedicated funds earmarked for staff professional development opportunities. Approval for use of funds is at the discretion of the supervisor and follows the process determined by each unit. The funds may be used for activities and experiences to help you develop in your current role or resources and materials for educational purposes.

    Examples of use for professional development funds:
    Professional Conferences
    Online Educational Offerings
    Webinars
    Professional Memberships
    Books, Journals, or other materials and professional subscriptions