Welcome to Southern Methodist University! We are thrilled that your student has chosen SMU, and we welcome parents, siblings, grandparents and other relatives and friends to the SMU family.

This is an exciting time for new college students, but it can also be challenging as they make the transition. Here’s a checklist of things to do and discuss this summer before your student heads out.

JULY

At SMU we call orientation “AARO,” Academic Advising, Registration and Orientation, where students are excited about registering, but often anxious about making friends, choosing classes, living in a residence hall, and making the “right” choices. The information will come fast and furious. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend AARO with their student. The more you know about the resources available at SMU, the more you can help us help your student. At AARO your student also will receive a copy of this year’s Common Reading, The Devil’s Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea, which will be discussed in small groups before Rotunda Passage and in Rhetoric classes.

REMINDER: Students and parents should bring their Owner’s Manual to AARO.

Now is the time to begin discussing finances, behavioral issues related to drugs and alcohol, academic expectations, class attendance and campus resources. Open and honest conversations will better equip your student to meet the challenges ahead. (AARO will provide you with a myriad of talking points to get the conversations flowing.)
Speaking as a Boomer parent, take my advice and avoid the “These are the best years of your life…” speech. SPECIAL NOTE: You may have forgotten the mistakes you made and the disappointments and insecurities that are a normal part of growing up. Your student will experience many good times and successes, but he or she also may make bad decisions and feel lonely or confused. Your student needs your support through highs and lows.
If your student hasn’t already signed up for Mustang Corral (August 21-23), encourage him or her to do so. Remind your student to take the required online AlcoholEdu and Academic Honesty tutorials. Both are there for a reason!

AUGUST

Encourage your student to contact his or her roommate when assignments are received in early August so they can discuss their room (refrigerators, study habits, stereo systems, televisions, etc.), which will fast become their home away from home.
Research shows that students who get involved in at least one student organization during the first six weeks of class do better academically than students who do not get involved. Discuss which activities your student might be interested in … trust me, it works!
Be prepared for Move-In Saturday, August 23. Dallas is hot in August. There will be a Mustang Cookout that evening for everyone on campus.
Encourage your student to attend Rotunda Passage and Opening Convocation on August 24. This is the beginning of their college career.
Students with cars must abide by SMU’s parking regulations – tickets can add up quickly! Having a car carries certain responsibilities.
Talk to your student about safety on campus and within the city of Dallas. Be sure your student knows the importance of locking cars and rooms, walking with friends or using Giddy-Up after dark and staying aware of campus alerts.

Question for Deanie? Ask Deanie at gkepler@smu.edu or 214-768-4797.