Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center and Academic Center for Excellence

Work with a Learning Specialist  to develop a personal time management system, test prep strategy, or to improve reading comprehension and speed. 

Take the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) test to gain a sense of your individual strengths and weaknesses in areas such as motivation, information processing, and test preparation. 

Obtain and learn to employ organizational tools such as the “Semester-at-a-Glance", the “Time Awareness” routine scheduling grid, the process of “Anticipating and Planning for Courses”, and how to make a “Finals Preparation” battle plan.

Or, just come in to talk with our counselors to discuss your personal and academic development.  To request an appointment, visit smu.edu/AcademicCounseling.

Full-time Faculty from the English and Discernment and Discourse programs are available for 30-minute tutorials in the Writing Center.  These professors will consult with students on essay assignments from any course, at any stage from developing an outline to reviewing a final draft.  Students may schedule appointments on-line through Canvas.

Students may also use drop-in Writing Center hours for questions that do not require a 30-minute consultation.

A Writing lab is available for students to work independently with a Writing Center faculty member available to answer questions.

ESL writers may take advantage of drop-in hours with an ESL specialist.

SMU students often find that they need focused attention on specific academic skills. Learning Strategies workshops offer this specialized support.  In one-hour sessions, students receive instruction in specific concepts and discover strategies for applying these principles to their own work. 

Whether you’re just beginning your university education or confronting the new challenges of an advanced curriculum, sessions on Time Management, Test Preparation, Note Taking, Anxiety Management, and more will help you make the grade.  Mastering these skills will make your academic experience more efficient and effective, and maximize the benefit of the university experience. 

No appointment necessary. Check here for a current schedule.

DASS is the primary contact for all SMU students with disabilities. This office assists students with disabilities to effectively utilize resources they may need and helps them work with professors and staff in obtaining appropriate and reasonable accommodations. DASS is dedicated to providing an equal opportunity to participate in the University's curriculum, programs, and activities.  Students with disabilities can also pursue services such as classroom accommodations and/or academic coaching (for LD/ADHD) through Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies, housed within the A-LEC.

The Student Athlete Academic Services team provides support to those gifted students who commit to representing our university in varsity athletics. SAAS team members provide academic counseling, support at orientation and enrollment, facilitate access to support resources, and consult with coaches, Faculty, advisors, and other university services to help student-athletes achieve academic success.