Module 1: About SMU

The Mission of SMU

SMU will create, expand, and impart knowledge through teaching, research, and service, shaping world changers who contribute to their communities and excel in their professions in a global society.

Among its faculty, students, and staff, the University will cultivate principled thought, develop intellectual skills, and promote an environment emphasizing individual dignity and worth.

SMU affirms its historical commitment to academic freedom and open inquiry, to moral and ethical values, and to its United Methodist heritage.

SMU's Code of Ethics

SMU creates and shares knowledge and prepares citizens for a global society. The University is entrusted with the freedom and opportunity to fulfill these purposes by a public that values our creativity and needs our leadership. Our vision of the future draws on the legacy of those whose learning, faith, and moral commitments shaped the institution we now share. Whatever our individual roles at SMU, we owe it to the public, to our common heritage, and to one another to uphold certain basic values. These include:

Pursuit of Truth: We seek knowledge and understanding through open, energetic inquiry and creative freedom. We support one another with hard questions and sincere encouragement. Because we seek truth, we encourage free expression of ideas, accept challenges to our assumptions, and treat those whom we question as colleagues sharing a common purpose.

Integrity in Work: In teaching and learning, research, administration, and all aspects of university life, we strive for the highest standards of excellence. We represent what we have done honestly, and we acknowledge the ideas, effort, and resources that others have contributed to our achievements.

Respect for Persons: We honor the dedication of faculty, staff, and students to their work at SMU. We evaluate them and their work fairly. We seek diversity, which enhances our search for truth and enriches our experiences in learning, work, and life together. We extend hospitality to visitors, guests, and participants in programs at SMU. We maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of others. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, or intimidation, and we reject behavior that is degrading to ourselves or those around us.

Responsible use of Resources: We direct funds and services to their intended purposes. We do not make personal use of University assets, nor do we permit misappropriation of those assets to go unchallenged. We use resources efficiently, conserving financial assets, physical resources, and the built and natural environment for future generations.

Accountability: We take personal responsibility for respecting these values. We keep accurate and complete reports of the work we have done and the funds we have handled. We disclose potential conflicts of interest and reject inappropriate influences on our choices. We endeavor to make decisions that meet public and professional standards of honesty, competence, and fairness.

To implement the principles in this Code of Ethics, SMU has developed policies, disciplinary procedures, and sanctions related to academic honesty, non-discrimination, use of University funds and resources, faculty, staff, and student conduct, and other aspects of our life and work together. Upholding the basic values we share includes knowing and following the applicable policies and incorporating the spirit of these values, as well as the requirements of law and policy, into all of our decisions and actions as members of the University community.

SMU's leadership and administration strives to fulfill the strategic vision for the University. Each employee contributes to SMU's success. Learn more about your new role and the department you will belong to at SMU by exploring your division's website and its leadership.

Administration

• R. Gerald Turner, President
• Steven C. Currall, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
  
• Brad E. Cheves, Vice President of Development and External Affairs
• Kenechukwu (K.C.) Mmeje, Vice President of Student Affairs
• Christine C. Regis, Vice President of Business and Finance
• Harold W. Stanley, Vice President of Executive Affairs
• Paul Ward, Vice President of Legal Affairs & Governmental Relations and General Counsel & Secretary
• Rakesh Dahiya, Treasurer and Chief Investment Officer
• Rick Hart, Director of Athletics

Deans

• Marc P. Christensen, Dean of Lyle School of Engineering
• Jennifer Collins, Dean of Dedman School of Law
• Thomas DiPiero, Dean of Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences
• Craig C. Hill, Dean of Perkins School of Theology
• Sam Holland, Dean of Meadows School of the Arts
• Holly Jeffcoat, Dean of SMU Libraries
• Stephanie L. Knight, Dean of Simmons School of Education and Human Development
• Matthew B. Myers, Dean of Cox School of Business
• James E. Quick, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies

Get ready to find your way around SMU's campus. 

Directions to SMU and even to your specific campus office building can be accessed in the links below. Print or save a map so you are ready to go on your first day.

SMU students, faculty, staff and programs earn recognition for their research, creative activity and service to the community. Explore these stories to discover recent new and noteworthy events.

Connect with SMU

Connect with SMU through our official University Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts and the accounts listed below. Click here for directory of all SMU's social media accounts. Join the conversation!

In the next module, you will discover the many programs and benefits SMU offers as part of your Total Compensation Package. Click on the next module button below to get begin!