Mustang StartUp

Your Journey to the Hilltop Starts Here.

Welcome to Mustang StartUp, SMU’s virtual orientation designed to help new students feel at home on the Hilltop. This checklist guides students through important steps from understanding campus resources to registering for classes and completing required tasks. Use the checklist below to begin building your Mustang story.

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:

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

 

  1. 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. They also help us make your transition to SMU as smooth as possible.

    Available November 7

  2. Submit Immunizations and Complete Health Center Requirements

    New students are required to submit the following:
    1. Meningitis A vaccine administered within the past 5 years. Texas State Law requires a meningitis vaccine for new students under the age of 22. Proof of vaccination (or booster shot within the last 5 years) must be submitted to the Health Center prior to registering for classes.
    2. Two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination.
    3. TB Screening and if indicated, a TB test.

    Students should submit their documentation in the student health portal (linked on the Health Center website).
    Students should contact healthcenter@smu.edu with their name and SMU ID number with any questions.

  3. 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 December 15

  4. 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.

    Available December 1

  5. Campus Life Modules – Virtual Orientation

    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 December 1

  6. 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.

    Available December 1

  7. 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!

  8. Submit a Statement of Good Standing Form (Transfer Students Only)

    Submit a Statement of Good Standing Form for each college/university you have previously attended after high school graduation. This document must be completed by the Dean of Students or another college official with access to disciplinary and academic records. Please use a separate form for each institution.

    Note:
    Entering Spring semester transfer students may start but cannot complete the PACC until both Meningitis and Good Standing forms are finished
    Entering Fall semester transfer students cannot begin the PACC until both Meningitis and Good Standing forms are finished

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