Orientation and Transitions

The Office of Orientation and Transitions supports the passage of all new students into the university by providing experiences and resources that facilitate college readiness, social belonging, university pride, cultural understanding, and student success.

 

students in Moody Coliseum during Stampede summer 2023 having fun with hands in the air

Orientation and Transitions Programming

Orientation and Transitions at SMU is a multi-step process. Through Mustang StartUp, Stampede, and Post-Orientation Programming, our mission is to prepare students for life at SMU!

SMU family standing outside holding Pony Up hand sign in front of Welcome Home banner with red, blue, and white balloon towers

Parents and Families

We are excited to introduce you and your student to the academics, campus life, resources, and traditions SMU has to offer. New students will be asked to complete orientation, and we invite you to participate in your own orientation programming.

students walking outside on grass laughing and talking

Student Opportunities

Are you a current student interested in welcoming new Mustangs to the Hilltop? We’d love for you to join our team!

Orientation Dates and Deadlines

  • April 1

    Roommate Requests open on Housing Portal

  • August 21 or 22

    Move-in (dependent on assigned move-in time from Residence Life and Student Housing)

  • May 8

    Campus Life Modules open for all students and the Pre-Advising Canvas Course (PACC) opens for Transfer students

  • May 10

    Priority deadline for students seeking housing. Complete the application in the housing portal.

  • End of May

    Move-in information life on housing portal

  • June 1

    Roommate request deadline

  • June 10

    The Pre-Advising Canvas Course (PACC) opens for First-Year students and First-Year Transfer students

  • July 3

    Photo ID submission deadline

  • July 19

    Housing assignments released

  • August 1

    Deadline for Mustang StartUp completion

  • August 23-25

    Stampede student-only events