First-Year Accelerator Pathway

First-Year Accelerator

Launching in Summer 2026, the First-Year Accelerator Pathway is a new pathway designed to enhance the academic transition of students in their first year at SMU. This pathway will connect students with support services, strengthen executive functioning skills, and encourage exploration of majors and minors. This is an excellent opportunity to ensure student success at SMU. 

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.

Learn More

Academic and Career Services

During your first year on campus, you will have access to the following resources to ensure your success at SMU:

 

Reserved Course Seats

As an accelerator participant, you are guaranteed a seat in two courses that satisfy general education requirements for graduation: 

  • UNIV 1210: Academic Success and Personal Development
  • UNIV 1105: Ethics of Information in a Digital Society

These courses are designed to assist your transition to SMU and to fit in your unique degree program.

Visit the SMU Catalog

Subject-Specific Tutoring

You will have access to subject-specific tutoring and writing support at the University Tutoring Center in the Blanton Student Services Building.

Almost all tutoring at SMU works on a drop-in basis, and you should do some preparation before you drop in. Bring the course basics: your textbook, your class notes, and the specific assignment you're working on.  Have specific questions.

 

Visit the Tutoring Site

Invitation to Success Fest

You are invited to Success Fest on September 30, 2026 where you’ll explore majors and minors, meet with academic advisors, and review your degree plan.

By mapping out your plan early in your time at SMU, you can maximize your courses to fit your personal and professional goals. 

You will receive an invitation through SMU360, where you can find other events to enrich your experience on campus.

Learn more about SMU360

Academic and Career Programming

You will have access to specific academic and career events and programming that will be announced during the 2026-2027 Academic Year. 

Microsoft Outlook, the platform that hosts your SMU email, has tools to help keep you organized and aware of correspondence from our team, your professors, and events on campus. Visit the Office of Information Technology (OIT) Blog to learn how you can optimize your mailbox. 

Microsoft Outlook Tips

Academic Counseling and Workshops

You will have access to individualized academic counseling support and group learning strategies workshops at Academic Skill Development (ASD) in the Blanton Student Services Building.

ASD offers individualized academic counseling on various topics, with staff providing tailored academic support services to undergraduate students to help them optimize their learning potential.

Learn more about ASD

Student and Family Open House

The First Year Accelerator Pathway staff will host an open house for students and families during Family Weekend on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Parents and Families are one of the many communities available to support student success in all aspects of University life. Through the Division of Student Affairs, the SMU Mothers and Dads Club enriches this relationship. Learn more below.

Learn more about SMU Parent and Family Programs

FAQ about the First-Year Accelerator Pathway

The First Year Accelerator Pathway is for first-year undergraduate students who received an invitation in June and who are not a part of another pathway. 

Enroll during your group advising session in June or July 2026. Contact advising@smu.edu if you already attended group advising and would like to enroll. 

Subject specific drop-in tutoring is available year round. Writing help is available by appointment. More specific opportunities for students in the First Year Accelerator Pathway will be communicated via SMU email.

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. 
  • You can grant your parents and families access to your academic records here.  

Opportunities for Parents/Families: 

  • The SMU Parent and Family Experience Portal connects you with important information about SMU.
  • Parents and families can choose what information they are interested in and get questions answered by the Parent and Family Programs Office at parents@smu.edu.  
 

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.