First Year
(0-29 Hours)
Welcome! We are so excited for our newest Mustangs to join us on the Hilltop, and want to make this an easy transition for you. Here is some information we found for any questions you may have.
First Year
Need help? Visit the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center (ALEC) to gain tools and resources to help you with any academic struggles that you may be facing. Free tutoring services, learning skills course, and SMU's Writing Center are just some of the academic resources that are offered.
Writing a research paper? Head to any of SMU's libraries to meet with your librarian for any assistance you may need.
Meet with your professor or TA during student office hours to ask questions and attain any clarification on content.
Utilize your Canvas to navigate through courses and keep up with instructors efficiently.
Evaluate your interests and career goals. Visit SMU's Hegi Family Career Development Center and take advantage of their services in career counseling and assessment.
Explore SMU's Majors and Minors to find the perfect degree(s) for you.
Meet with your academic advisor for information about potential degree paths and what classes you will need to take. Book now!
Take courses in different departments to explore a variety of areas of study. If you're interested in multiple areas, consider a double major or adding a minor.
We are here to help! Reach out to your personal academic advisory to gain advice and insight into courses that will best fit your needs.
Like planning things out? Utilize the Degree Planner tool in your my.smu Student Dashboard to help create a personalized degree plan to help you on your SMU journey.
Have you checked out SMU’s personal requirements? SMU believes in the importance of providing their students with an educational foundation, resources to grow, and opportunities to thrive in any environment. This is why SMU has created the unique Common Curriculum (CC) framework that all students must complete.
Always check your SMU Canvas. Checking your calendar, grades, professor updates, and any other information you may need for a course can all be found in your personal SMU Canvas.
Self evaluation. A simple tool that can help indicate your success within a course is simply evaluating your personal studying habits. Taking a step back and looking at how you are dealing with your work load is a great way to detect your academic strengths and weaknesses.
Have you been going to office hours? Meeting with professors and TA’s is a great way to get on top of any academic questions or concerns you may have.
Simple. Connect with other SMU students or form a study group.
Check out SMU’s various common study spaces. Either in your residential commons, Fondren library, or even in front of Dallas Hall, there are so many study environments around campus to meet with fellow Mustangs!
Attend Workshops. ALEC center provides SMU students with various workshop experiences that help with particular concepts or academic strategies. These workshops are a great way to meet other students who relate with specific academic needs as well.
Let's walk through the application process. SMU wants to make this process as easy for you as we can, so we have provided easy access to all information you need when it comes to the admissions process including dates and deadlines. Apply Now!
What if I'm an international transfer? It’s no wonder that mustangs from 90 countries around the world are happy to call SMU their home! There are many opportunities for involvement for any international transfers at the International Center, along with assisting with any potential immigration help. Check out more information about international transfers here!
Want to see if your credits transfer? Great! Find more information here and answers to any questions you may have.
Discover various transfer scholarships that SMU offers and see if you are eligible!
Check out SMU Student Affairs to explore your interests, make friends, build skills, and discover over 200 student clubs and organizations just waiting for someone like you!
Looking for fun? Whether it’s an art exhibit, sport’s event, concert or cultural events There is always something fun going on at SMU! Visit Connect SMU to find upcoming events to join the fun!
Spiritual Life. Looking to pursue a spiritual life? Look into SMU’s campus ministries page.
Campus recreationand sports. Have a blast and stay in shape at the same time! SMU offers a variety of club sport team and a top notch Recreational Center with tons of fun activities including classes, pools, and a climbing wall!
Discover unique opportunities at Connect.smu!With the variety of creative and different minds, there is always something to look forward to at SMU. Connect.smu is an amazing way to find and attend events, browse and join organizations, and showcase your own involvement.
Check out the following program and services: Honors Programs, Hegi Career Leaders, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Emerging Leaders Program, and Spiritual Life are just a hand-full of programs SMU offers.
Need help with financial aid? Contact SMU's Financial Aid office to gain information and assistance on any questions you may have. A financial aid advisor is assigned to all students and offers aid in the form of academic scholarships, grants, loans, and work study awards.
If you are in need of academic accommodations, visit SMU's Disability Accommodation and Success Strategy office to receive information on disability related services and determinations for requests.
Have you experienced discrimination or harassment? Contact SMU's office of Institutional Access and Equity, who are here to help.
Sexual assault. Visit SMU Health Center for immediate assistance and further information
Having an Emergency? Please call 214-768-3333 for SMU police. If a non emergency please call 214-768-3388.
Visit the Dedman Center to experience an easy, fun way to stay active within the community.
Fuel up at both Lee Dining Hall and Arnold Dinning Commons, where you will find healthy and nutritional options for your dietary needs.
Take care of yourself at SMU health Center where you will receive everything you need to take care of your own personal health. Provide consultations with physicians, sports medicine, women's health, dermatology, counseling, dental, and a pharmacy for your prescription needs.