Celebrating Commencement 2008

Dr. Allen Weinstein (right), the noted historian who oversees the nation's presidential libraries, will speak at SMU's 93rd Commencement ceremony at 9:30 a.m. May 17 in Moody Coliseum. The University expects to award nearly 2,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees in the University-wide ceremony.

The University Registrar’s Commencement 2008 site is packed with links for seniors and their families, including information on tickets, regalia, announcements, invitations, class rings, campus maps, transportation and local accommodations.

Some important dates at a glance:

• May 16: Baccalaureate
• May 16: Rotunda Recessional
• May 17: All-University Commencement and School Diploma Ceremonies

Read more about the 2008 Commencement speaker from SMU News.

SMU Honors Excellence at Spring Awards Ceremonies

SMU faculty, staff, administrators and students were recognized with teaching awards, service honors and the University's highest commendation, the "M" Award, at the 2008 Awards Extravaganza April 21. On the same day, the University honored its best students at the 2008 Honors Day Convocation. The address was delivered by Willard Spiegelman, Duwain E. Hughes Jr. Distinguished Professor of English in SMU's Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.

• See the Awards Extravaganza 2008 winners list.
• Find a list of Honors Convocation awards.
• View an Honors Day slide show.
• See a Minority Academic Awards slide show.
• More on the instructors who went the Extra Mile.

President Turner Announces Task Force Decisions

SMU President R. Gerald Turner has accepted 36 of the 38 recommendations recently made by the University's Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention on programs, policies and issues related to alcohol and drug use. Some recommendations have been accepted partially or with modifications, limitations or reservations; or will be considered with more study. Two recommendations have not been accepted.

• President Turner's decision
• Executive summary of the decision
• The Task Force's recommendations
• Dallas Morning News: "SMU takes 36 steps forward"

Family Weekend 2008: SMU Safari

For more than 30 years, SMU moms, dads, students and siblings have participated in the University's Family Weekend, celebrating longstanding traditions and launching new ones.

Set this fall for September 19-21, the weekend will include a luncheon co-sponsored by the Mothers' Club, barbecue co-sponsored by the Dads' Club, departmental open houses, student talent show and tailgating on the Boulevard before kickoff against TCU.

The Family Weekend registration book, containing a full schedule, will be mailed to parents in June. More information also will be posted on the Student Foundation Web site.

Studying economics in London, building an Internet music business in Dallas and working to restore a school in Nepal are just a few of the adventures SMU students are having worldwide. Follow Student Adventures as our correspondents meet challenges that go far beyond the classroom. Read more.

• Cox BBA students discuss their summer internships
• Hilltop Ambassadors blog about life at SMU

SMU welcomes new students and parents each summer with Academic Advising, Registration and Orientation (AARO for short) – an informative introduction to the University's wide array of programs and services for new and transfer students. The Office of New Student Programs has put together a brochure that includes activity schedules, travel and housing information and a welcome letter from Parent Liaison Deanie Kepler. Download a copy in PDF format for an advance look, and make plans to attend.

From the archives: The first year of college is over! It's time to celebrate the achievement – and to check out Deanie's advice on helping your scholar prepare for next year. Read more.

In the current job market, it’s important to negotiate for more than just salary. Troy Behrens advises students to negotiate their career development and growth, as well. Read more.

Registration is now open for the 2008 SMU-in-Taos Cultural Institute, scheduled for July 17-20 at SMU's Fort Burgwin campus in northern New Mexico. The weekend courses include history, anthropology, art and art history, botany, earth sciences, digital photography and mountain sports. For more information, contact Allison Curran, 8-8267 (8-TAOS). (Top right, Taos' Santuario de Chimayo.)

• May 16
  Baccalaureate
• May 17
  Commencement
• May 26
  University holiday – Memorial Day
• May 29-June 27
  First Summer Session
• June 30-August 19
  Academic Advising, Registration and Orientation (AARO)
• July 1-31
  Second Summer Session
• August 21-23
  Mustang Corral
• August 23
  Residence halls officially open
• August 24
  Opening Convocation
• August 25
  First day of classes for Fall 2008
• September 19-21
  Family Weekend
• November 8
  Homecoming Game

SMU subscribes to Student Health 101, offering tips on living healthier lifestyles through college and beyond. In addition, SH101 publishes an annual health guide for students and parents. Read and print them online at the following links:

• Student edition: May 2008
• Parents edition: May 2008
• General Health Guide

When parents stay connected, students achieve more. The SMU Mothers' and Dads' Clubs help their members provide key support for students – and for each other. Read more.

Every year, the SMU Parent Fund helps support all areas of University life – from student scholarships and faculty research to new technology. And every year, it’s the charge of the Parent Leadership Council, or PLC, to help grow the SMU Parent Fund. This year’s chairs are Lisa and Chuck Noski, parents of junior Michelle and residents of Palos Verdes Estates, California, who also served on the PLC last year.    

“The fund is a great way for every parent to be involved, and every gift makes a difference in the very year it’s given,” says Mrs. Noski, who adds that she’s looking forward this year to building a strong parent network in support of students’ education. Because tuition covers only 75 percent of the cost of educating each SMU student, the Parent Fund is key to closing that gap.

To learn more about the SMU Parent Fund, contact Christi Contreras, director of parent giving, at 214-768-4746, or e-mail cshelton@smu.edu.

Keep up with news regarding SMU and the George W. Bush presidential library complex at the University home page.