Guidance for New and Adjunct Faculty

We are glad you are part of the SMU faculty community! We welcome your contributions to the intellectual, interpersonal, and creative development of our undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. You can find information relevant to your role as a faculty member at the main faculty informational site. The information on this page is specifically tailored to questions that our new faculty might have.

The following checklist provides you with information about each of the steps required to get started:

• Step 1: Schedule an appointment to visit the Department of Human Resources:
• Schedule through this link OR
• Email smuhr@smu.edu
• I-9 form: This form is required. At the link, you can learn about which documents are acceptable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in an effort to help ensure the safety of our community, please schedule an appointment here to complete your I-9. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Human Resources at 214-768-3311.

• Step 2: Prepare these documents ahead of time to bring with you to your HR appointment:
  • All three required forms are available in the New Adjunct Faculty Employee Checklist
    • Form I-9 (see above)
    • Temporary Employee Statement
    • Authorization and Consent Form for Background Check

• Step 3: Your department contact will create a Payroll Authorization Form to HR for processing. This step will generate an SMU ID number for you. If you have any questions about where your application is in the process, contact your department contact person.

Once you have your SMU ID and password, you can access a wide range of resources. Please visit each of these sites for up-to-date information about the advantages of being a member of the SMU community.

• Activate your SMU account and create a password. For any questions, call 214-768-HELP (4357)
• Use your SMU email. SMU email is the required form of communication in your role as an instructor. You will need it to access a number of resources as well.
• Complete the required Harrassment and Discrimination Prevention Training. All new employees at SMU receive an email from our partner vendor just after the first day of employment. You will need approximately 1.5 hours to complete the training and have 90 days to complete.
• Get your SMU ID card. There is no charge for your initial ID card.
• Obtain a parking permit: You will find information ranging from ordering your parking permit to finding parking lot maps.
• Complete your direct deposit information. To ensure you are paid on time, be sure to complete your direct deposit information in my.smu.edu. 
• Learn about campus recreation services. As an SMU faculty member, you can purchase membership to access all recreation opportunities.

SMU has a strong infrastructure of supports for faculty. Our Center for Teaching Excellence hosts regular workshops, curates a rich set of pedagogical tips and webinars, and offers one-on-one consultations. Our Office of Information Technology has a team of Academic Technology Service Directors (ATSD’s) who serve as the primary partners for each School and College. They know our faculty on a first-name basis. Reach out to your ATSD for any questions that arise:

• Upload your syllabus to your Canvas course. Instructors in all SMU undergraduate courses are required to use the course management system (Canvas) for basic information, such as uploading the syllabus and communicating office hour information.
• Become familiar with our classroom technology options.
• Visit the library and learn about the wide variety of print and digital resources. Your SMU ID number and password provide access to our library resources, support staff, and interlibrary loan options.

For additional help, your best contact will be at the department level. You can find a list here of the department chairs to help you with additional guidance across several areas:

• Obtaining keys or card swipe access to classrooms.
• Gaining access to additional required training that might apply in your area.
• Understanding options for access to office space, photocopies, textbook adoptions, etc.
• Learning about opportunities to join in department meetings.
• Addressing questions about any university communications or policies.
• Seeking support on any issues (e.g., unexpected absences, student concerns, etc.).