SMU Dallas College Pathway

Dallas College Pathway

The SMU Dallas College Pathway Program supports college access, persistence, and student success through partnerships that expand educational opportunity for students from Dallas College.

Mustang Mentors

The First-Year Accelerator Pathway partners with Mustang Mentors, a peer-mentoring program designed to help first-year, second-year, and transfer students feel right at home. We match incoming Mustangs with upperclassmen peer mentors who share their academic interests, hobbies, and goals for the future.

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Academic Engagement and Success

As a Dallas College transfer student, you are automatically welcome into the SMU Dallas College Pathway Program, where you’ll have access to personalized success coaching, peer mentoring, campus resources and exclusive events designed to support your transition and success at SMU.

Events and Activities

Each month, students have access to exclusive events, activities, and workshops designed to support their academic, personal, and professional growth. Students are also encouraged to explore SMU 360, the University's engagement platform, to discover campus events, clubs, organizations, and leadership opportunities.
Explore SMU360

Success Coaching

Students are required to meet with a Success Coach at least once each academic semester. During these one-on-one meetings, students discuss academic and personal goals, explore campus resources, navigate their transition to SMU, identify career and major opportunities, and develop action plans to support their success.

Reverse Transfer

Reverse Transfer allows eligible students to transfer academic credits earned at SMU back to Dallas College to complete and receive their associate degree. Students interested in participating should meet with their Success Coach to review the process and discuss their options.

Transitioning to SMU

Stampede is SMU’s official new student orientation experience, designed to welcome all incoming Mustangs to the Hilltop. Through Stampede, students connect with classmates, learn about campus resources, and begin their journey as members of the SMU community.

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Transfer Pathways

 Texas Transfer Pathways provide a clear academic roadmap that maximizes the use of TCCNS courses to fulfill major requirements and SMU’s Common Curriculum, helping students transition efficiently and stay on track toward graduation.

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Tutoring and Writing Center

Need help with a class or writing assignment? The University Tutoring Center, located on the 4th Floor of the Laura Lee Blanton Building, offers free tutoring and writing support to help students build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and succeed at SMU.

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Common Questions

Each student will receive an initial email at the beginning of each semester with more details about how to schedule an appointment. 

No, there is no financial scholarship associated with this program. However, the program is designed to support your success by fostering a sense of belonging, promoting academic achievement, and connecting you with resources and opportunities that help you reach your academic and personal goals.

Your Success Coach and Academic Advisor work together to support your success, but they focus on different areas of your college experience.

Helpful Resources

Opportunities for Students: 

  • Consider Summer Start as an opportunity to earn credits prior to the fall 2026 term and contact intersessions@smu.edu with questions.  
  • Contact advising@smu.edu with questions related to the PACC or course enrollment. 
  • Contact manedesk@smu.edu for financial-aid questions.
  • Join SMU360 to get connected to clubs, organizations, and departments at SMU.
 

We are excited to help you thrive on the Hilltop.

The Division of Student Academic Engagement and Success (SAES) and our partners across campus look forward to welcoming you to SMU this Fall.