About Us

Contact Us

John Martin

John Martin

Assistant Director for Orientation and Transitions

Phone: 214-768-4560
Email: orientation@smu.edu

Brooke Richardson

Brooke Richardson

Assistant Director for Parent and Family Programs

Phone: 214-768-4797
Email: parents@smu.edu

students outside of Texas Rangers stadium for a baseball game during Stampede 2023

Mission

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.
large group of students sitting outside in a circle talking

Purpose

The Office of Orientation and Transitions within the Dean of Students office at SMU exists to support new students and their families in their transition and integration into the college experience. This vision is completed through comprehensive programming that includes Mustang StartUp, Stampede, and Post-Orientation Programming.

Goals

All programming and initiatives that are conducted through the Office of Orientation and Transitions aim to satisfy the following goals:

  • Give clarity during the transition experience by providing an abundance of resources, information, and staff ready to support the needs of new students and families.
  • Help students progress to a state of academic and social readiness that positively impacts retention and student success.
  • Provide activities and opportunities that encourage student community and belonging, university pride and affiliation, learning and development, and a consciousness for diverse perspectives.