The Connect Mentorship Program (known by students as Connect) is a year-long mentorship program aimed at retaining students of color at SMU. There are two parts to the program: the Connect Institute and Peer Mentorship. Connect helps incoming students of color become effective, successful, and engaged members of SMU through peer mentoring. Mentors help incoming students develop personally and academically by introducing them to a variety of resources, learning opportunities, and co-curricular experiences offered on campus.
Successful. Engaged. Leaders.
Connect Mentorship Program
Apply to the Connect Mentorship Program!
If you would like to learn more about Connect, please contact our office.
The Connect Mentorship Program offers several opportunities over the span of 6 days.
Residential Commons Early Move-in and Connect Check-in: Friday, August 11
Residence Life and Student Housing will provide full move-in details as the date approaches.
Family Reception: Saturday, August 12
At this optional event, families will have an opportunity to meet with key SMU staff and learn more about the Connect Mentorship Program. More details to come as the date approaches.
Connect Institute: Sunday, August 13 - Wednesday, August 16
During the Institute, you will learn about SMU resources and programs. You will also meet with your mentor one on one.
The Connect Institute is an extended orientation to SMU. During the Institute, you will interact with other new students, as well as returning students serving as mentors. You will learn about campus resources that will help you to succeed. The Connect Institute will feature leadership development and goal-setting workshops, dinners, and receptions with SMU faculty, staff, and alumni. Students who participate in the Connect Institute have the opportunity to move in early to campus.
Incoming students are matched over the summer with an upper-level student. You will hear from your mentor before arriving on campus. Mentors will be a resource and guide during your first year at SMU.
Fall Admits (August 2023): Click on the application located above.
Spring Admits (January 2024): Applications will open in October for students admitted for Spring 2024.
There are a number of reasons to be part of the Connect Mentorship Program. Here are a few:
- Early move-in to Residential Commons (if applicable)
- Peer mentoring by an upper-level SMU Student
- Leadership development opportunities
- Cohort experience with other incoming students
- Access to key SMU resources and services
- Develop relationships with upper-level students
As Connect is a year-long program, we ask our students to stay engaged with the program throughout their first year at SMU. Here is what you can expect as a result of participating in Connect:
- Attend the Connect Institute
- Attend Cohort Engagement Programs
- Meet with your Connect mentor
- Establish goals and assess the progress of goals
- Utilize the Social Change and Intercultural Engagement (SCIE) office and other department resources as necessary
Any current undergraduate SMU student can apply to become a mentor for the upcoming year. Applications will open during the Spring semester.
For more information, reach out to scie@smu.edu
For more information, email scie@smu.edu or call 214-768-4580.