Right to Know

Southern Methodist University is pleased to provide information regarding academic programs, enrollment, financial aid, Campus Security, athletics, and services for individuals with disabilities. The information is conveniently accessible on the Internet at www.smu.edu/srk. You also may obtain printed versions of this detailed information by contacting the appropriate point of contact.

Disclosure of this information is pursuant to requirements of the Higher Education Act and the Campus Security Act.

Academic Programs

Educational Programs, Instructional Facilities, and Faculty are listed in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs.

Names of associations, agencies, or governmental bodies that accredit, approve, or license the institution and its programs and the procedures by which documents describing that activity may be reviewed.

Enrollment

Graduation rates The completion or graduation rate of the institution's first-time, certificate- or degree-seeking, full-time undergraduate students.

Privacy of Student Education Records The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) governs Southern Methodist University's maintenance and disclosure of a student's education records. FERPA provides students the right to inspect and review their education records and to seek amendment of those records that they believe to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of their privacy rights. Further, FERPA prevents SMU from disclosing personally identifiable information about a student to outside third parties, except under specific circumstances outlined in SMU's Policy Manual.

Withdrawal Requirements and procedures for officially withdrawing from the institution.

For More Information about Southern Methodist University explore the U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator page.

Financial Aid

Financial assistance is available to students enrolled in the institution.

Costs of attending the institution, including tuition and fees charged to full-time and part-time students, estimates of costs for necessary books and supplies, estimates of typical charges for room and board, estimates of transportation costs for students, and any additional cost of a program in which a student is enrolled.

Student Employment - The Federal Work Study Program is a financial need-based work opportunity for eligible students. Students who are awarded the grant can apply for on or off-campus work study jobs, and earn the Federal Work Study award as hourly wages. Eligibility is based on financial need, determined by the Financial Aid Office each year a student has submitted a FASFA.

Terms and conditions under which students receiving William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan assistance may obtain deferral of the repayment of the principal and/or interest of the loan for:

  • service under the Peace Corps Act;

  • service under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973; or

  • comparable service as a volunteer for a tax-exempt organization of demonstrated effectiveness in the field of community service.

The requirements for return of Title IV grant or loan assistance should an awarded student withdrawal from enrollment.

Enrollment status of students participating in SMU study-abroad programs, for the purpose of applying for federal financial aid.

Student Financials

Students with Disabilities

A description of services for individuals with disabilities can be found at Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS).

Athletics

Athletic program participation rates and financial aid support.

Graduation Success Rate Report of student athletes.

Athletic program operating expenses and revenues.

Coaching staffs.

Equity in Athletics Data Report

Campus Police

Southern Methodist University's Annual Security Report includes policies and statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by SMU, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

Student Appeals and Complaints

Student with complaints and/or grievances must first seek to resolve them with Southern Methodist University through its processes described below. In all instances and with all offices and representatives of the University, all complaints are handled impartially and in a timely manner by professionals in the subject area of the complaint. No adverse action will be taken against anyone filing a formal complaint or grievance with Southern Methodist University.
Southern Methodist University operates with integrity in all issues and is dedicated to preserving the rights of all members of the University community. Categories for which students may wish to reach out for advice and assistance and/or to submit an appeal or register a complaint are as follows: academics, code of conduct, discrimination, financial issues, honor code and privacy issues. An overview of the roles, responsibilities and procedures for complainants and the University is outlined in each of the areas below.

State-Specific Information for Appeals and Complaints

  • Texas. For complaints regarding programs in Texas, students should contact the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Office of General Counsel, PO Box 12788, Austin TX 78711-2788; email: studentcomplaints@thecb.state.tx.us. Additional information about the Texas student complaints process may be found at www.thecb.state.tx.us (“College Readiness and Success” link).
  • New Mexico. For complaints regarding programs in New Mexico, students should contact the New Mexico Higher Education Department, 2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4, Santa Fe NM 87505-2100; telephone 505-476-8400. Additional information about the New Mexico student complaints process may be found online at www.hed.state.nm.us or by contacting private.schools@state.nm.us.