Campus Connections

SL Coordinator

  • WRTR offers a distinct sections of 1311, 1312, and 1313 for ELLs.  The classes have the same academic rigor and fulfill the same requirements as other sections but are taught by instructors with a background in multilingual writers.  The ESL Coordinator, Emily Sharma, Ed.D. is the contact point for questions about first-year writing. 

IEP Director

  • The Intensive English Program offers a variety of resources to support SMU students who are studying in a second/additional language.  These include non-credit supplemental language courses, as well as a Conversation Buddy program for extra practice and social integration. Director Martha Kwon, Ph.D., is the point of contact for faculty and students interested in the program.

ESL Tutoring at the Writing Center

  • All undergraduate students have access to appointments at the Writing Center via a tile on their Canvas dashboard.  While they can utilize any appointment slot they wish, students for whom English is not their first/only language may especially benefit from choosing one of the “ESL Only” time slots on the calendar.  Those slots are covered by WRTR ESL faculty members.

Fondren Library

  • SMU’s experienced team of librarians stands ready to help faculty members support their ESL students.  In addition to a regular series of workshops for both general and international/ESL audiences, faculty members can request specific topics or needs to be addressed in workshops or in-class sessions with librarians. 

Senior Instructional Designer

  • SMU’s Center for Teaching Excellence is available to help faculty members with course design and deployment. This includes any special considerations for ELLs.  The Senior Instructional Designer, Addy Tolliver, Ed.D., works closely with the WRTR ESL team and is able to help you make your course and teaching materials accessible to all students, regardless of their language background. 

Pre-Major Advising

  • International pre-major students are assigned to a designated advisor in the University Advising Center.  Dania Ortiz helps this student population navigate their unique academic needs, such as visa requirements and the ESL track of WRTR.  She has unique insights into her advisees academic needs and welcomes faculty enquiries. 

Peer Academic Leaders (PALs)

  • •These student leaders reside in each of the residence halls to help students with basic curriculum questions and enrollment.  Encourage your students to reach out to this friendly team.