Student Affairs
The vice president for Student Affairs oversees programs, services and activities
for students that complement their academic pursuits and promote student development,
success and co-curricular learning. The Division of Student Affairs includes
the departments of Student Programs and Development, Residence Life and Student
Housing (RLSH), the Memorial Health Center and Counseling Center (CAPS),
the Hegi Family Career Development Center, the Dedman Center for Lifetime
Sports, the Office of the Chaplain, and the Dean of Student Life.
The mission of the Division of Student Affairs
(www.smu.edu/studentaffairs/) is to develop, with others in the University, opportunities for students to become
productive citizens through the creation of challenging environments that contribute
to students’ intellectual, spiritual, physical, social, cultural, moral and emotional
growth, and, in so doing, engage them with the widest range of persons within the
University and beyond. Throughout the Division of Student Affairs, students will
encounter caring professionals who are trained and skilled in their own specialties
and are professional educators dedicated to assisting students in developing their
full potential. The focus of Student Affairs is one of education and guidance, not
merely problem-solving. The role of the staff is, along with the faculty, to assist
the student in reaching true maturity and to prepare the student to take a useful
place in society.
Concern for and realization of the full development of each student in and out
of the classroom constitutes one of the major goals of the University. Consequently,
SMU’s Student Affairs programs are designed to support and supplement SMU’s
formal academic work. Many departments exist to provide services for the benefit
and convenience of SMU students. The Division of Student Affairs encompasses a
broad range of programs and services dealing with housing and residential matters,
physical and mental wellness, personal and career counseling and testing, recreational
sports and intramurals, religious affairs, multicultural student programs, as well as
student conduct and community standard matters, new student orientation, leadership
programs, volunteer opportunities and women’s programs.
Student Life
Student Life departments educate students and the SMU community by providing
purposeful opportunities for learning, personal growth, clarifying values and
developing skills that promote responsible citizenship. The Office of the Dean of
Student Life (www.smu.edu/studentlife), located in Hughes-Trigg Student Center,
is a resource for students to consult when they want general information and
assistance or simply do not know where to ask a question. The dean serves as a
primary liaison for students and parents who have concerns about any aspect of
their SMU experience.
Academic Integrity and Code of Conduct
The Honor Code of Southern Methodist University
Intellectual integrity and academic honesty are fundamental to the processes of
learning and of evaluating academic performance, and maintaining them is the
responsibility of all members of an educational institution. The inculcation of
personal standards of honesty and integrity is a goal of education in all the disciplines
of the University.
The faculty has the responsibility of encouraging and maintaining an atmosphere
of academic honesty by being certain that students are aware of the value of it,
that they understand the regulations defining it, and that they know the penalties
for departing from it. The faculty should, as far as is reasonably possible, assist students in avoiding the temptation to cheat. Faculty members must be aware that
permitting dishonesty is not open to personal choice. A professor or instructor who
is unwilling to act upon offenses is an accessory with the student offender in
deteriorating the integrity of the University.
Students must share the responsibility for creating and maintaining an atmosphere
of honesty and integrity. Students should be aware that personal experience in
completing assigned work is essential to learning. Permitting others to prepare
their work, using published or unpublished summaries as a substitute for studying
required material, or giving or receiving unauthorized assistance in the preparation
of work to be submitted are directly contrary to the honest process of learning.
Students who are aware that others in a course are cheating or otherwise acting
dishonestly have the responsibility to inform the professor and/or bring an accusation
to the Honor Council.
Students and faculty members must share the knowledge that any dishonest
practices permitted will make it more difficult for the honest students to be evaluated
and graded fairly and will damage the integrity of the whole University.
Students should recognize that both their own interest, and their integrity as individuals,
will suffer if they condone dishonesty in others.
The Honor System
All undergraduate students at SMU are subject to the jurisdiction of the Honor
Code and as such will be required to sign a pledge to uphold the Honor Code (www.
smu.edu/studentlife/). The Honor Council is composed of a minimum of 27 members
selected through an application and interview process organized by the Honor
Council Executive Board. Five faculty members will be nominated by the Faculty
Senate. The council’s responsibility is to maintain and promote academic
honesty.
Academic dishonesty includes plagiarism, cheating, academic sabotage, facilitating
academic dishonesty and fabrication. Plagiarism is prohibited in all papers,
projects, take-home exams or any other assignments in which the student submits
another’s work as being his or her own. Cheating is defined as intentionally using
or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any
academic exercise. Academic sabotage is defined as intentionally taking any action
that negatively affects the academic work of another student. Facilitating academic
dishonesty is defined as intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help
another to violate any provision of the Honor Code. Fabrication is defined as
intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation
in an academic exercise.
Suspected cases of academic dishonesty may be handled administratively by
the appropriate faculty member in whose class the alleged infraction occurred or
referred to the Honor Council for resolution. Suspected violations reported to the
Honor Council by a student or by an instructor will be investigated and, if the
evidence warrants, a hearing will be held by a board composed of a quorum of
four members of the Honor Council.
Any appeal of an action taken by the Honor Council shall be submitted to the
University Conduct Council in writing no later than four calendar days (excluding
school holidays) after notification of the Honor Council’s decision.
Code of Conduct
The following are University procedures and standards with which every student
must become familiar. The University considers matriculation at SMU an implicit
covenant and a declaration of acceptance on the part of the student of all University regulations. Student Conduct and Community Standards Office
(www.smu.edu/
studentconduct), part of the Office of the Dean of Student Life, assists students
in their personal development by providing a fair conduct process that issues
consistent sanctions for behavior that is incongruent with the University’s expectations
for students.
Conduct. Standards of conduct are established through faculty, student and
administrative efforts and are under continuous evaluation by the entire University
community in order to assure reasonable and fair limits. At SMU, the student is
assumed to have a high degree of loyalty and responsibility to the University and
its well-being, as well as to himself or herself in personal, social and intellectual
pursuits; the student’s behavior both on and off campus is evidence of this.
Students at SMU will discover that they are encouraged to exercise a great
amount of personal freedom as well as accompanying responsibilities. Through
their personal capacities for intelligent thought and action, mature students understand
that there are situations in which certain behavior must be modified for the
benefit of others. The University stands firm in its commitments to the rights and
freedoms of students, expecting in return the same respect and concern.
The University expects all students to be responsible citizens and to abide by
all federal, state and local laws. Personal irresponsibility – including, but not limited
to, that evidenced by dishonesty, gambling, hazing, irresponsible conduct and the
misuse of drugs and alcohol – renders a student subject to disciplinary action.
Although most specific regulations pertain to a student’s behavior while on campus,
a lack of personal responsibility and integrity is always considered grounds for
discipline no matter where it occurs. Due respect for the entire University community,
faculty, staff and one’s fellow students is always expected.
Students are required to identify themselves when asked by a properly identified
faculty or staff member, or by another student serving as a University staff member.
Persons who are not members of the University community and without business
on campus may be asked to leave.
Disciplinary Action. Clear disciplinary procedures are an important part of the
mission of SMU as an educational institution. The intent of the system of due
process at SMU is to be educational and not merely punitive for students. The goal
continues to be to produce quality citizens. It is pertinent to the purpose of discipline
to remember that self-discipline is part of the entire educational process,
whereby the student becomes more fully aware of the importance of responsibility
for oneself and others. Anytime a student displays irresponsible behavior, that
student will be subject to discipline.
Depending on the degree of misconduct, a student may be subject to sanctions
ranging from a conduct reprimand to expulsion from the University. Should a student
be asked to leave the University, he or she should do so in an expeditious and peaceful
manner. The student should remain off campus until he or she receives written permission
from the Dean of Student Life Office to return to campus. In the event of
such separation, a student is still responsible for University financial obligations.
The University believes in student representation on all disciplinary bodies. To
ensure fairness and due process for all students in the conduct process, the student
is granted an impartial hearing and the right to appeal to the University Conduct
Council. A student who is appealing a sanction may remain in school until the
decision and penalty are reviewed, unless considered harmful to the University,
to any individual or to himself or herself. All actions by the Council are subject
to presidential review.
Having voluntarily enrolled as students at Southern Methodist University and
assumed a place in the University community, all students are presumed to be
knowledgeable of, and have agreed to abide by, the rules and regulations set forth
in the Student Code of Conduct, as outlined in the SMU Student Handbook. This
book is available from the Dean of Student Life Office, third floor, Hughes-Trigg
Student Center, or online at
www.smu.edu/studentlife.
Loss of Personal Property. The University is not responsible for the loss of
personal property belonging to students in any building or on any grounds owned
by the University, whether the loss results from theft, fire or unknown cause.
Services for Students With Disabilities
The office of Services for Students with Disabilities strives to support the educational,
career, social and recreational choices of SMU students with documented
disabilities through coordination of services and reasonable accommodations. It
is the responsibility of the students themselves to establish eligibility for services
or accommodations through this office. They must provide 1) appropriate current
documentation in keeping with our documentation guidelines, and 2) a request
indicating what kind of assistance is being sought along with contact information.
Documentation takes 1 to 2 weeks to be reviewed. Students with disabilities are
encouraged to contact this office at 214-768-4557 to learn what opportunities and
services are available. It is recommended that this contact be made as early as
possible so students can establish their eligibility for services in a timely fashion
and take full advantage of services for which they may be eligible. Visit our Web
site:
www.smu.edu/OSSD for more information.
New Student Orientation and Student Support
The Office of New Student Orientation and Student Support (www.smu.edu/
newstudent) provides on-going programs and services that support new students
and families in transition to SMU. Academic Advising, Registration and Orientation
(AARO) takes place in May, July, August and January for all incoming students.
The office also coordinates Mustang Corral, a three-day, off-campus orientation
retreat, and the Encore Series, which provides ongoing programming to students
during their first year at SMU.
Student Activities and Multicultural Student Affairs
Involvement outside the classroom is a tradition at SMU. Research shows that
students who get involved outside the classroom tend to be more successful during
their college experience. The Department of Student Activities and Multicultural
Student Affairs (SAMSA) provides over 160 extracurricular opportunities for SMU
students through organizations and clubs. There are 37 academic and professional
associations, five campus programming councils, eight community service coalitions,
29 fraternities and sororities, eight governing boards, eight honor societies, 13 multicultural
societies, three political organizations, 20 recreational athletic clubs, 34
religious organizations and 14 special-interest groups. SAMSA can also assist students
in forming a new organization. Our staff is ready to assist and guide students in their
experience outside the classroom. Higher education professionals advise and support
specific areas of involvement, including diversity, programming and governance and
are available to answer student’s day-to-day questions about getting involved.
The Student Activities and Multicultural Student Affairs Center
Our office is located on the 3rd Floor of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center and
is the hub of activity for SMU student organizations. Permanent office space is provided for major campus-wide student groups. More than 160 campus organizations
have their activities coordinated through this area. Many out-of-class programs
planned and implemented by students are considered co-curricular in that they are
designed to complement one’s educational experience. The major groups sponsoring
campus-wide programs are the Asian Council, Association of Black Students,
College Hispanic American Students, Program Council and Student Foundation.
These groups and their committees provide ample opportunity for students to
become involved as leaders or participants.
Student Government
Through SMU’s system of representative governance, students participate with
faculty and administration in the University’s decision-making process. The primary
voice of students in this process is the student-elected Student Senate.
SMU
Policies for Community Life, the SMU Student Handbook, is compiled in conjunction
with the Student Senate and contains the student code of rights and
responsibilities.
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Fraternities and sororities exist to develop an individual’s potential through
leadership opportunities and group effort. These groups are a social network for
students at Southern Methodist University. Fraternities and sororities were among
the first organizations at SMU and one of SMU’s longest standing traditions. There
are 14 national fraternities, 14 national sororities and one co-educational Greek
organization fraternity on campus. Formal recruitment activities are held at the
beginning of the spring term each year. The governing bodies for these groups are
the Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, the National Pan-
Hellenic Council and the Panhellenic Council. Students must meet the requirements
as indicated in the
SMU Student Handbook – Student Code of Conduct section
5.2(b) – in order to join a fraternity or sorority. More details on fraternity and
sorority programming and recruitment are available from the Fraternity and Sorority
Life office or at
www.smu.edu/fsl.
Eligibility Requirements
Campus activities and organizations are an integral part of the developmental
experience for SMU students. Leadership skills and interpersonal, social and
cultural enhancement are but some of the benefits associated with out-of-class
participation. Accordingly, students who hold office in a student organization or
represent the University as a member of a sponsored campus group (Mustang Band,
University Choir, etc.) must be matriculated in a University degree-granting program
and may not be on academic probation.
Student Center
Hughes-Trigg Student Center
Hughes-Trigg Student Center
(www.smu.edu/htrigg/) is the hub of student life
at SMU, bringing together members of the University community with emphasis
on the pursuit of educational programs, student activities and services. The center
is fully wheelchair-accessible and features important services and resources to
meet the daily needs of students, faculty, staff and visitors. . These include a 500-
seat theater, a multipurpose ballroom, a 100-seat high-tech forum, 18 meeting
rooms and the offices of various organizations and departments. In addition, the
facility houses an art gallery, a 24-hour computer lab, a commuter lounge and
several retail operations. Students may study in comfortable public lounge areas,
snack or dine in the Mane Course, conduct small or large meetings, send faxes, practice piano or get the latest information on special events. Open from early
morning until late evening, the center provides cultural, social and educational
programs and resources to foster personal growth and enrich cultural, social,
educational and recreational experiences. More than a building, Hughes-Trigg is
“The center of the SMU community.”
Student Media
The student newspaper,
The Daily Campus, the student yearbook,
Rotunda, and
the Web sites, smudailycampus.com and smurotunda.com, are produced by SMU
students under the auspices of Student Media Company, Inc., a nonprofit educational
corporation legally and financially independent of SMU. The print edition of
The
Daily Campus is published Tuesday through Friday during the fall and spring
terms and monthly during the summer, and the
Rotunda yearbook delivers in late
summer. The company also publishes The Directory of Students, Staff and
Faculty.
Volunteer Programs
The Office of Leadership and Community Involvement (www.smu.edu/lci/)
provides resources, training and opportunities that enable students, faculty and
staff to work with community agencies in community outreach activities and
experiential education. The office maintains a current listing of volunteer and
service-learning opportunities and serves as a resource for student service organizations.
Students gain leadership experience through SPARC (Students Promoting
Awareness, Responsibility and Citizenship), which coordinates Community Service
Day, Alternative Spring Break and Habitat for Humanity.
Women ’s Center
The Women’s Center for Gender and Pride Initiatives of Southern Methodist
University empowers students within the University to increase awareness and
understanding of gender equity issues. The Women’s Center provides a voice for
women and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered community, with the goal
of eliminating barriers, diminish prejudices, and creating a supportive climate and
space for all. Through advocacy, information, referral services and leadership
experiences, the Women’s Center provides a safe haven for students struggling
with issues of injustice and oppression. Student organizations advised here include
the Women’s Interest Network, Campus YWCA, Women in Science and Engineering,
and Spectrum, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally organization.
Also housed in the Women’s Center is the SMU Women’s Symposium (www.smu.
edu/womsym), which is part of The Education of Women for Social and Political
Leadership series, established in 1966. The center provides an informal, homelike
atmosphere where members of the SMU community can meet.
Office of the Chaplain and University Ministries
The Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life
(www.smu.edu/chaplain/) is
responsible for the administration of religious life on campus. The chaplain is the
pastor and minister to the University community and typically leads all-university
services of worship during the year. These include the University Service of Memory,
the Ash Wednesday Service, and occasional memorial services for members of
the University community. Roman Catholic Mass is celebrated each Sunday in
Perkins Chapel at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The chaplains are available for personal counseling
with students, faculty and staff during office hours. There are 33 active religious life organizations for students. The Quiet Place, a setting for interfaith
meditation, prayer and reflection, is open daily and is adjacent to the Office of the
Chaplain in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center. The Office of the Chaplain sponsors
the annual SMU Civil Rights Pilgrimage Seminar Tour during spring break and
the annual presentation of the Robert O. Cooper Peace and Justice Fellowship
Award and Lecture.
Hegi Family Career Development Center
Services. The Hegi Family Career Development Center guides and encourages
students and alumni in the development of skills necessary for lifelong career
management in the evolving world of work. The Career Center provides a comprehensive
set of services to assist each individual in the development of career
plans and specific strategies leading to the desired employment goal.
Career Counseling. Lifetime services are offered to current students and all SMU
alumni. Counselors work with students at all stages of their career development
process – from choosing a major to evaluating a job offer. Counseling may include
career assessments, focusing career goals, developing effective resume and cover
letters, graduate school research, and job search strategies.
Workshops. The career counseling staff conducts topical and timely workshops
for students, as well as targeted presentations for student organizations, Residence
Life and Student Housing, and academic classes. Sample topics include: Major and
Career Decision-Making; Working Abroad; Applying to Graduate School; Resume
and Cover Letter Prep; Salary Negotiation 101; Interview for Success; and Job
Search Strategies; Overview of Hegi Career Center Services.
MustangTrak. The Hegi Career Center manages MustangTrak, a passwordprotected,
Web-accessible job posting service that is available to all students and
alumni worldwide. The online database includes full-time jobs, part-time jobs and
internships for all majors. More than 60 new jobs and internships are added weekly
and include listings from more than 45 industries. Students must first complete the
online orientation at
www.smusaddleup.com to register for MustangTrak.
On-Campus Interviewing. In the 2007-2008 school year, over 100 employers visited
the campus to recruit more than 400 students seeking entry-level and internship
positions through the on-campus interviewing program. To interview with these
organizations, students must be registered on MustangTrak, where they will also
find an updated list of employer interview schedules and information sessions.
Career Events. The Career Center sponsors two Annual Career and Internship
Fairs featuring more than 80 employers and attracting more than 600 students.
Dozens of other specialized recruitment and networking events also take place
throughout the year, such as the “Careers In…” Brown Bag Series, Speed Networking,
and Resumania.
Contact Information. Appointments can be made with career counselors Monday-
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please call 214-768-2266
or come by Hughes-Trigg, Suite 200. Please visit
www.smu.edu/career for more
information about our services, MustangTrak and career events.
Health Services
SMU Memorial Health Center
The University’s health facilities are located in the SMU Memorial Health Center,
6211 Bishop Boulevard. An outpatient primary care clinic, specialty clinics, pharmacy,
and lab/X-ray facilities occupy the first floor. Counseling and Psychiatric
Services (CAPS), and the Office for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention are located on the second floor. The Health Center
(www.smu.edu/healthcenter) is accredited
by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC).
Outpatient Medical Services. SMU provides a convenient, economical medical
clinic for diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury, as well as for immunizations
and continuation of treatment such as allergy injections. The clinic is staffed
by physicians, physician’s assistants, registered nurses, medical assistants, and lab
and X-ray technologists. Physicians are available by appointment from 8:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For Saturday clinics and extended hours see the
Health Center website
(smu.edu/healthcenter). For appointments and health information,
call 214-768-2141. After hours and during holidays, a nurse advice line is
available at 214-768-2141.
Patient Observation. When ordered by a staff physician, a student may be held
in observation between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Observation
is available for most types of nonmajor medical treatment. When necessary, students
are referred to medical or surgical specialists in Dallas. The patient will be responsible
for the costs of these services.
Acute/After Hours Care. For emergency care after clinic hours, it is recommended
that students call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room. Refer to the Health
Center website
(smu.edu/healthcenter) for hospital information and location of an
urgent care facility.
Costs. Undergraduate and graduate students paying the full fee (which includes
a health service fee) receive fully covered primary care physician services at the
Health Center for that term. Appointments with the gynecologist or dermatologist,
lab, X-ray, pharmacy, and supplies will be charged at reasonable rates. Graduate
students not paying full fees have the option to pay the health center fee of $140
per term or $50 per visit not to exceed $140 per term.
Mandatory Health Insurance Policy. In order to ensure that students have appropriate
health care coverage, SMU requires its students to maintain insurance as a
condition of enrollment. All International students enrolled in one or more credit
hours are required not only to maintain coverage, but their coverage must be in
the S.M.U. Student Insurance Plan. International students may apply for a waiver
if the: a.) student is covered by a comparable Embassy plan or b.) a student can
provide documented evidence of comparable health insurance coverage by a U.S.
employer, including medical evacuation and repatriation. All domestic students
taking at least nine credit hours are required to provide proof of comparable U. S.
health coverage or to enroll in the S.M.U. Student Insurance Plan. All students
may view the plan benefits, waive and enroll online at www.ahpcare.com/smu or
call Academic Health Plans for further details at 888-308-7320. A student must be
enrolled in at least one credit hour to qualify for the S.M.U. Student Health Plan.
Insurance packets are also available at the Health Center. Domestic students who
have other insurance will be provided an itemized receipt upon request at the time
of service. This receipt is adequate to file with insurance companies for reimbursement.
Health insurance is separate from the student health center fees and is paid
for independently.
Pharmacy. A complete pharmacy with registered pharmacists is open Monday
through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many prescription plans are accepted.
X-ray and Laboratory Services. X-ray and laboratory tests are available for
nominal fees. All X-rays are interpreted by a radiologist.
Immunizations. All students are required to have an SMU medical history form
on file in the SMU Health Center before registration. To comply with SMU policy, all students must provide proof of immunizations against measles, rubeola (red or
regular measles), and rubella (German or three day measles). These immunizations
must be documented by a physician, public health record, or school health record.
Students will not be allowed to register without compliance. Students are encouraged
to check their Access.SMU account for health forms and immunization status.
Immunizations are available at the Student Health Center.
Class Absence Due to Illness. Students should schedule appointments with
physicians at times when classes will not be missed. The Health Center does not
issue excuses from classes for illness. Refer to the Health Center website
(smu.edu/healthcenter) for the Class Absence Policy.
Notification of Parents. Students are encouraged to call one or both parents when
ill. Parents or guardians will be notified in cases of life threatening illnesses. The
health center staff may not speak to parents without the student’s permission.
Health Service Records. All health service records are confidential. A copy of
medical records may be released to a physician only with a written release by the
student. Records are not made available to parents, SMU administrators, faculty
or staff without the student’s written consent.
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). CAPS provides psychiatric evaluation,
crisis intervention and group/individual/couples psychotherapy for students.
All interviews are conducted on a voluntary and confidential basis. There is no charge
to students who have paid the University health fee. Students can seek confidential
help for concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career/life planning,
learning disabilities, sexual identity, eating/body image concerns and sexual
assault/sexual harassment matters. Any laboratory tests or pharmaceuticals ordered
will be charged to the student. Appointments may be scheduled between 8:30 a.m.
and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 214-768-2877.
Testing Services. Testing Services offers testing to the Dallas-area community.
These services include on-campus administration of national testing programs
such as the SAT, LSAT, GRE Subject and PRAXIS. Other testing offered includes
CLEP tests and correspondence examinations for other universities. For additional
information, call the center at 214-768-2269.
Office for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention. This office provides a free and
confidential source of help and information to the SMU Community on issues
related to substance abuse and addiction. Appointments for counseling or assessment
can be made between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling
214-768-4021. For more information visit
smu.edu/liveresponsibly/.
Office of Health Education and Promotion. This office serves as a resource for
health information on campus. It promotes programs and activities that focus attention
on health-related issues affecting college students. Students can get involved
with health education on campus through the Peer Advising Network. For more
information, visit
smu.edu/healthcenter/healtheducation or call 214-768-2393.
Recreational Sports
Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports
Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports
(www.smu.edu/recsports/) is a facility
designed for Recreational Sports and Wellness. The 170,000-square-foot expansion
and renovation was completed in 2006. The center provides racquetball courts,
aerobic studios, an indoor running track, basketball courts, indoor and outdoor
sand volleyball courts, climbing wall, bouldering wall, 25-meter, five-lane recreational pool, 15,000 square feet of fitness and weight equipment, lobby and
café. Various fitness classes are offered. These facilities are open to SMU students,
faculty, staff and members.
Intramurals
Many opportunities for team and individual competition are available through
intramurals. Various leagues provide year-round opportunities to participate in a
wide variety of activities. The five major sports are football, volleyball, basketball,
soccer and softball. Other sports and activities offered are bowling, golf, racquetball,
tennis, track, swimming and game-room activities. Additional leadership
opportunities are available for those interested in officiating or supervising various
activities.
Sport Clubs
Sport clubs offer an opportunity for students interested in concentrated training
and participation in a sport, but who do not want to train and devote the practice
time required for NCAA competition. These student-sanctioned clubs, funded by
the Student Senate, offer competition with other university/college club teams in
baseball, badminton, cricket, crew, cycling, ice hockey, men’s and women’s lacrosse,
martial arts, rugby, sailing, soccer, triathlon, volleyball and wakeboarding.
Aquatics
SMU Aquatics features a five-lane, indoor recreational pool and outdoor, zerodepth
entry fountain pool known as “The Falls.” Students have opportunities to
participate year-round in recreational swimming, sunbathing and competitive water
sports such as water basketball, volleyball and polo. Classes offered include water
fitness, adult and child swimming lessons, children’s group lessons and American
Red Cross Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor certifications. Both pools also
are available for student group reservations.
Fitness
SMU Fitness offers group exercise classes, personal training sessions and massage
therapy. The group exercise (Group X) classes are offered throughout the day to
accommodate early birds, night owls and everyone in between. A plethora of different
types of cardio, strength and flexibility classes are available. Experienced and
knowledgeable trainers offer sessions to train clients, either one-on-one or in groups,
to meet their personal fitness goals. Licensed massage therapists offer chair or fullbody
massages. All SMU Fitness programs have a fee for participation.
Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor Adventures comprises Outdoor Recreation (outdoor trips), The Rental
Shop (renting outdoor equipment), SMU Climbing Center (climbing wall and
bouldering wall), and Challenge and Team-Building Activities (incorporating a
portable challenge course). SMU OA offers fun and challenging outdoor recreation
activities, community-building programs and leadership opportunities through
backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing and more.
Mustang Band
Founded in 1917, the Mustang Band was named the “Best College Marching Band”
in Texas in Kirk Dooley’s Book of Texas Bests. Long known as “the hub of SMU
spirit,” the band represents the University at football and basketball games, produces
the Pigskin Revue during Homecoming and performs at special University- and
community-related events. Membership is open to all SMU students by audition,
regardless of major, and scholarships based on need and ability are available.
Spirit Squads
The Cheerleading Squad, Pom-Pom Squads and Peruna mascot are integral parts
of SMU’s spirit tradition and are national award winners, having participated in
the NCA/NDA Collegiate National Championships. Along with the Mustang Band,
they make SMU’s spirit contingent a superb one.
Intercollegiate Athletics
SMU is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (Division I-A)
and participates in Conference USA. Men and women student-athletes compete in
basketball, cross country/track and field (women only), swimming and diving,
golf, soccer, tennis, volleyball (women only), crew (women only), equestrian
(women only) and football (men only).
Other Recreational Facilities
The Perkins Natatorium, the Barr Outdoor Pool, the Morrison-Bell Track, Moody
Coliseum, outdoor tennis courts and open recreational fields combine to provide
students with a full range of leisure possibilities.
Housing
The Department of Residence Life and Student Housing (RLSH) seeks to advance
the goals and objectives of the University by creating residential communities that
empower residents to value learning, citizenship and leadership. RLSH is responsible
for the campus residential community, including all residence halls, SMUowned
apartments, and SMU-owned Greek chapter houses. This responsibility
includes maintaining facilities that are well-cared for, safe, and that enhance
opportunities for students to grow personally and excel academically.
Share