Cockrell-McIntosh Commons
Hospitality | Advocacy | Integrity | Balance | Community Pride | Sense of Belonging
Keeping It Classy Since 1964
"Cockrell-McIntosh has truly become my home away from home! I met my first college friends in CM and the bonds we made in our building have lasted through all four years at SMU. Transitioning into college as an out-of-state student was a challenge, but having the strong sense of community that was supported by CM eliminated that completely. I’m so proud to call Cockrell home!"
Catherine Ramsey
What you can expect
The Cockrell Classic
The Cockrell Classic is CM's signature event. Once a year, we gather to celebrate the cooler weather. We're always looking for new ways to engage with residents and our theme evolves to suit resident interests. One thing is for sure: sweet treats, fun games, and good music creates a cozy and fun environment for CM residents to wrap up the semester!
McQuad Block Party
During the spring semester, we partner with McElvaney and Morrison-McGinnis to hold a block party. Our retro night theme was a blast from the past for students. Students were able to enjoy Son of a Butcher sliders and sides, arcade games, and a silent disco!
Serve where you live: Engage Dallas
Engage Dallas is a place-based community engagement initiative via SMU’s Residential Commons to address community needs focusing on South and West Dallas. The initiative is a long-term, university-wide commitment led by students to partner with local residents, organizations, and other leaders to positively impact the community. There is equal emphasis on campus and community impact stemming from the initiative.
In Cockrell-McIntosh Commons, we focus on College Access & Preparation as a community need in Dallas. Cockrell-McIntosh students address this by collaborating on service events and activities with local partners, Crowned Scholars, LNESC, and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, to directly help those most in need. Our students who serve gain a broader understanding of current social problems, build community with both the city and their peers, and can earn their Community Engagement and Civics & Individual Ethics proficiencies required for graduation. Engage Dallas cultivates unique and enriching experiences for SMU students to explore and serve Dallas!
Questions? Email your Cockrell-McIntosh Engage Dallas Student Director, Mackenzie Thierry at kthierry@smu.edu.
Get a sense of the community
Get a feel for all that Cockrell-McIntosh Commons has to offer by scrolling through the photo gallery or viewing the video. If you prefer, check it out for yourself by visiting campus, or take an online 360°room tour.
We've got a lot to offer
Amenities
Fully furnished rooms- Furniture (per resident): desk, chair, bed, & dresser
- Wired and wireless internet
- Free on-site washer/dryers
- ADA-compliant rooms available
- Electricity, water, sewer, &recycling/trash service included
- Movable furniture
- Study rooms and spaces
- Community microwaves
- Walk or bike to class
- Nearby parking available on campus
- Easy access to dining and fitness activities in the Dedman Recreation Center
- 24-hour study rooms and spaces
- Faculty-in-Residence
- Peer Academic Leaders (PALs), Honors Mentors, and Student Wellness Champions
- Educational experiences
- In-Commons classroom
- Professional, on-site maintenance
- 24-hour, on-call staff
- Card-controlled building and room access
- Security escorts available
- Roommate matching available
- Adjacent bicycle racks
Sample floor plans
Please note, there are multiple configurations for room types. The below is an example floor plan.
Double room with suite-style bath
Room and furniture dimensions
Square footage ranges- 130 - 240 sq.ft.
- Desk: Two Styles
- Style 1: Dimensions: 42" x 30.5" x 24"
- Style 2: Dimensions: 48 3/8" x 30.5" 24" (ADA accommodation size)
- Dresser: 29.75" x 30.5" x 24", three drawers
- Bed: 80" L x 36" W (XL Length Twin)
- Window: 38.5" x 60"
About our namesakes
Cockrell Hall was named after Judge Joseph Elmore Cockrell (1859–1927). He was the former chair of the SMU Board of Trustees and was instrumental in the establishment of the Dedman School of Law at SMU. As the former president of the Dallas Bar Association, Joseph Cockrell began discussions with SMU administrators regarding the law school in 1919. In fall 1925, classes began at the School of Law with Joseph Cockrell as the interim dean.
McIntosh Hall was named after John Strayer “Dutch” McIntosh (1879–1945). Known as the “handsomest man on campus,” John was a professor of classical languages and head of the Latin and Greek Department from 1915 to 1945. He often played tennis with his students. He was chairman of the Faculty Athletic Committee and served as president of the Southwest Conference. John also led the graduation ceremonies as the University marshal from the first convocation in 1915 until he died in 1945.
Building Facts
| Community abbreviations | CM |
| Building capacity | 209 |
| Year built | 1964 |
| Residential area | Central |
| Physical address | 5904 Bishop Boulevard |
| Room types | Singles and doubles |
| Gender | Co-ed by gender by room |
Live, learn, achieve—together
Get to know the faculty, staff, and student leaders of Cockrell-McIntosh Commons.
Dr. Maria del Pilar Melgarejo
Faculty-in-Residence
Maria del Pilar Melgarejo is passionate about creating heartfelt connections. She firmly believes there is no limit if the heart is at the center of whatever you are dreaming. Born and raised in her beloved country Colombia, she holds a Ph.D. in literature from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.A. in philosophy and a B.A. in social communication and journalism. She worked as a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee for seven years, and arrived at SMU in 2013. Dr. Melgarejo and her husband, Dr. Ruben Sanchez–Godoy, teach Latin American literature and culture as well as Spanish in the Department of World Languages and Literatures. She is honored to be part of the Residential Commons and share her passions with students. She believes that sharing with others is food for the soul. Learn more about Dr. Maria del Pilar Melgarejo and her family.
Dylynne Dodson (she/her/hers)
Residential Community Director
Dylynne Dodson is originally from Loganville, GA. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Writing from Texas Christian University and worked with the TCU chapter of the College Advising Corps before earning her Master's degree in Higher Education Student Affairs from Western Carolina University. Dylynne enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, and traveling. Dylynne's favorite part about working in residence life is building one-on-one relationships with students and making the community feel like a home away from home.