FAQs: General Information
Click on a question to jump to the answer:

• What is SMU's connection with the United Methodist Church?
• Are religion courses required? Is chapel attendance mandatory?
• How large is the campus?
• How safe is the campus?
• Are first-year students allowed to have cars?
• How do I receive a certificate of enrollment to respond to requests, for example, from my insurance carrier, a scholarship donor, or a lender?
• Does SMU have campus security?

What is SMU's connection with the United Methodist Church?
SMU was founded in 1911 by what is now known as the United Methodist Church. Today, SMU is owned by the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. The ties with the church are strong. SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching. Enrollment is religiously diverse. Courses in religion are offered but not required. Management is vested in a Board of Trustees comprising civic, business, educational, and religious leaders who represent various faiths and geographic areas.

Top

Are religion courses required? Is chapel attendance mandatory?
No, religious studies are not required. A chapel service is offered in Perkins Chapel every Sunday, but attendance is voluntary.

Top

How large is the campus?
There are 75 buildings on 175 acres. You can walk from one end of the campus to the other in less than 15 minutes.

Top

How safe is the campus?

SMU is located in the city of University Park in a largely residential neighborhood of single-family homes and parks. For crime statistics and more information, visit smu.edu/pd.

Top

Are first-year students allowed to have cars?
Yes, although all necessary services are within walking distance. Additionally, a good bus/light rail system exists in Dallas, and students ride free using their SMU student IDs. Many first-year students find that they do not need a car. The cost for a full-year parking permit is $200. For more information on having vehicles on campus, visit smu.edu/pd/paring/parkingrules.asp.

Top

How do I receive a certificate of enrollment to respond to requests, for example, from my insurance carrier, a scholarship donor or a lender?
Contact the Division of Enrollment Services-Registrar. Submit a written request by mail to PO Box 750181, Dallas TX 75275-0181, or fax to: Attention Transcript/Certification Services. Requests may be faxed to 214-768-2507.

Top

Does SMU have campus security?
Campus security is handled by the SMU Police Department, which can be reached on campus by calling 911. SMU Police is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by state-certified law enforcement officers. Support also is provided by police and fire departments for the city of Dallas and the city of University Park. For more information, visit smu.edu/pd.

Top