Mustang StartUp

Orientation and Transition Programming

Mustang StartUp is a comprehensive virtual orientation experience designed to introduce new students to the SMU community and help them transition to the Hilltop. The experience involves a range of activities aimed at helping new students acclimate to campus life, register for courses, and complete required milestones. Below is a brief overview of the checklist of items.

It's important you have access to your SMU email and other platforms. You must activate your my.SMU account to complete your Mustang StartUp tasks. If you have not already, please:

Activate your my.SMU account online at smu.edu/activate and find answers to common my.SMU questions on the Office of Information Technology website.
Set up Duo Two-Factor Authentication- you will need this to access all of your SMU accounts. Make sure to use your own personal contact information for authentication!

Questions? Please contact the IT Help Desk at help@smu.edu or 214-768-4357.

Mustang StartUp CheckList

If you would like to check the status for all of your Mustang StartUp tasks, please click the button below.

Check Status

Pre-Enrollment Survey

We'd like to learn more about you as you start your journey here on campus. Your answers to the brief survey questions, which will be kept private, help us learn more about the students who will be coming to SMU in the Fall of 2024. They also help us make your transition to SMU as smooth as possible. Available April 15
Health History Form and Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

New students are required to submit the SMU Health History Form, which includes your Meningitis A vaccination documentation. Please review the health history form and vaccination requirements by clicking on the title of this section. Click the "Electronically Sign & Submit the Health History Form" button at the provided link to start the process.

Vaccination Waivers: NOTE - Please contact the Dr. Bob Smith Health Center at healthcenter@smu.edu for specific information regarding vaccination waiver requests.
Campus Life Online Orientation Modules

These interactive modules will introduce you to the SMU Academy, Spirit, People, Campus, and Community. All new students are required to complete these modules. Available May 8
Online Preventative Measure Courses

New students are required to complete a series of online preventative measure courses covering important topics such as alcohol use and sexual assault. Stay tuned for an email from Vector Solutions with a direct link to begin your modules.
The PACC: Pre-Advising Canvas Course

The PACC prepares you for your advising and registration experiences and walks you through important aspects of the SMU Common Curriculum. You must complete The PACC prior to setting up an advising appointment and registering for class. The PACC remains closed until all required forms are submitted and processed. Click the section header to view your status.

May 8 - PACC will open for Transfer students
June 10 - PACC will open for First-Year students and First-Year Transfer students
Advising and Course Enrollment

You will sign up for a virtual advising appointment with your Academic Advisor following completion of The PACC. Your Advisor will guide you through the enrollment process and help you plan for your SMU academic career!
Submit Photo for SMU ID Card

Every new Mustang needs an SMU ID Card. Students living on campus will not receive housing assignments if this step is not completed! This will become available one week after your deposit is paid. The deadline to submit is July 3.

Optional Tasks

Need help from a specific office?

We take a team approach to your success on the Hilltop. There are many campus partners contributing to helping you make a smooth transition to campus. Below you'll find a few campus partners with specialized information that can help set you up for success.

Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies

Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS) is the primary contact for all SMU students with disabilities. Students requesting services and accommodations through DASS must complete and submit an online Accommodation Request Form along with supporting documentation to determine eligibility for services.

Request Accommodations

Student Financial Services

The Financial Aid Office is committed to serving students by providing information to secure the necessary financial resources to meet their educational goals and financial obligations to the university. Our financial aid advisors offer personal attention to help explore a multitude of available scholarships, grants, loans, and payment plans.

Learn more about payment options and view payment due dates on the Office of the University Bursar's website.

Get more information from Financial Aid

International Student and Scholar Services

The International Student and Scholar Services team is excited to welcome you to SMU, Dallas and the United States.

Please review this page as it contains information on what you need to do before you arrive to campus and during your first week at SMU.

ISSS Information for New Students

Residence Life and Student Housing

Residence Life and Student Housing fosters the foundational SMU experience where every student belongs, learns, and connects through their residential community. We make campus home. SMU has designed the Residential Commons to integrate the academic, residential, and social experience and to create a sense of belonging.

Learn about the move-in experience

Mustang StartUp

Orientation and Transition Programming

It's important you have access to your SMU email and other platforms. You must activate your my.SMU account to complete your Mustang StartUp tasks. If you have not already, please:

Mustang StartUp CheckList

Pre-Enrollment Survey

Health History Form and Meningitis Vaccination Requirement

Campus Life Online Orientation Modules

Online Preventative Measure Courses

The PACC: Pre-Advising Canvas Course

Advising and Course Enrollment

Submit Photo for SMU ID Card

Optional Tasks

Release of Education Records to Authorized User

Red, Blue, and YOU! and Small Groups

Need help from a specific office?

Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies

Student Financial Services

International Student and Scholar Services

Residence Life and Student Housing

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