Simmons School of Education and Human Development - University Life and Services
John E. Wheeler,
Director
Students whose first language is not English may encounter special challenges
as they strive to function efficiently in the unfamiliar culture of an American university
setting. The Office of General Education offers the following ESL resources
to students from all schools and departments of SMU.
The Courses
1001. ESL Communication Skills. The goal of this course is to improve ESL students’ oral
and aural interactive skills in speaking, giving presentations, pronunciation, listening and
American idiomatic usage so they may become more participatory in their classes and
integrate more readily with their native English-speaking peers. The course is designed to
meet the needs of both undergraduate and graduate students who may be fully competent
in their field of study yet require specialized training in order to effectively communicate
in an American classroom setting. The course is noncredit and no-fee, and is transcripted
as Pass or Fail. ESL Program approval is required, and students may apply online at smu.
edu/esl.
1002. ESL Communication Skills II. Building on skills developed in ESL 1001, students
make use of their knowledge and practice to explore various aspects of American studies.
In addition to speaking and presentation skills, reading and writing are also exploited as a
means for students to gain a deeper understanding of American culture, customs, attitudes
and idiomatic use of the language. The course is noncredit and no-fee, and is transcripted
as Pass or Fail. ESL 1001 is recommended as a precursor but is not a prerequisite. ESL
Program approval is required, and students may apply online at smu.edu/esl.
1300, 1301, 1302. ESL Rhetoric. The ESL sequence of first-year writing aims to provide
students with the tools they will need to successfully complete writing assignments required
of them during their University coursework. The ultimate goal of the class is to bring students’
analytical reading and writing skills in line with the standards expected of their native
English-speaking peers. Building on the principles of effective writing taught in regular
rhetoric classes, these courses give students extra practice in vocabulary development,
grammar skills, standard American English pronunciation and conversational fluency. The
1302 courses are specially designed around themes that are pertinent to the realities and
experiences of nonnative speakers of English. ESL sections of rhetoric grant students the
same amount of credit as do regular rhetoric classes, and “ESL” will not appear on the
transcript. ESL Program approval is required.
20XX. Intensive English Program (IEP). All 2000-level courses are exclusive to IEP. This
multilevel, year-long program is designed to prepare students and professionals for academic
success at the university level. The course of study consists of English for academic purposes,
TOEFL-related skills and American culture. It is open to currently enrolled and newly
incoming students, as well as to those not affiliated with SMU. On-campus housing and
meals are available during the six-week summer term. This is a noncredit, nontranscripted
program, and separate tuition fees will be charged. ESL Program approval is required, and
the application package may be downloaded via the IEP link at smu.edu/esl.
3001. Advanced Grammar for Writers. This course helps students develop their grammar
and writing skills within the context of academic readings. Problem areas of English grammar
and style are explored through periodic assignments, research documentation methods
and a final research project. The course is free of charge and noncredit bearing, and will
appear on the transcript as Pass or Fail. ESL Program approval is required, and students
may apply online at smu.edu/esl.
3002. Advanced Academic Writing. Building on principles of grammar and style covered
in ESL 3001, this course helps students further improve the writing skills needed for their
particular academic careers, using academic texts as a basis for out-of-class writing assignments
and a final research project. The course is free of charge and noncredit bearing, and
will appear on the transcript as Pass or Fail. ESL Program approval is required, and students
may apply online at smu.edu/esl.
4001. ESL Pronunciation Skills. Students improve their pronunciation by focusing on
sentence stress, rhythm, intonation and body language while learning to mimic American
speech patterns. With the instructor’s assistance and extensive individual feedback, students
develop personal strategies and exercises to become more aware of their own weaknesses.
The course is free of charge and noncredit bearing, and will appear on the transcript as Pass
or Fail. ESL Program approval is required, and students may apply online at smu.edu/esl.
Conversation Buddy Program
Once at the beginning of each term, all students are notified via campus e-mail of this opportunity to practice their language skills in an informal, one-on-one setting outside the classroom for one to two hours a week. Every effort is made to match native speakers of English with a native speaker of a language or culture in which they may have an interest. In this way, both the ESL student and the native English speaker benefit from a two-way language exchange. To apply for a Conversation
Buddy, send an e-mail to smithjr@smu.edu.
ESL Self-Study Lab
A collection of audio- and videotapes plus computer software is available for
self-study use at the Fondren Library Information Commons. Students will find
materials to help them improve their pronunciation, listening, vocabulary and
grammar skills.
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The Department of Residence Life and Student Housing operates two apartment
residence halls designated primarily for graduate students.
Martin Hall, an efficiency apartment hall, houses single and married graduate
students, and married undergraduate students.
Hawk Hall, a one-bedroom-apartment facility, houses married students (graduate
and undergraduate) with families. Families with no more than two children may
be housed in Hawk Hall. Also located in Hawk Hall is the SMU Preschool and
Child Care Center.
Special Housing Needs
Students having special housing needs because of a disability should contact
the Department of Residence Life and Student Housing prior to submitting the
housing application. Whenever possible, the housing staff will work with that
student in adapting the facility to meet special needs.
General Housing Information
Each apartment is equipped with a telephone, local telephone service, voice mail
system and Ethernet connections to the University’s computer system. All residence
halls are air-conditioned and some have individually climate-controlled rooms.
Washing machines and dryers are located in all residence halls. Meal plans are
not required in graduate halls.
Applications for Residence
New graduate students should submit the completed application and contract to
the Department of Residence Life and Student Housing with a check or money
order for $100 made payable to Southern Methodist University for the nonrefundable
housing deposit.
Priority of assignment is based on the date on which applications are received
by the Department of Residence Life and Student Housing. Notification of assignment
will be made by Residence Life and Student Housing. Rooms are contracted
for the full academic year (fall and spring terms). Rent for the fall term will be
billed and is payable in advance for students who register before August 1, and rent for the spring term will be billed and is payable in advance for students who
register before December 1.
Students who enroll after these dates must pay at the time of enrollment. Rent
for the full academic year will be due and payable should a student move from the
residence hall at any time during the school year. Accommodations for shorter
periods are available only by special arrangement with the executive director of
Residence Life and Student Housing before acceptance of the housing contract.
For more information, please visit the website at smu.edu/housing or contact
the department: Department of Housing and Residence Life, Southern Methodist
University, PO Box 750215, Dallas TX 75275-0215; telephone 214-768-2407; fax:
214-768-4005; housing@smu.edu.
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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 and the Office for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention are located on the
second floor. The Health Center (smu.edu/healthcenter) is accredited by the
Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc.
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 at 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 at 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
and lab, X-ray, pharmacy and supplies costs 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. 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: 1) the
student is covered by a comparable embassy plan or 2) the 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: 1) provide proof of comparable U.S. health
coverage or 2) enroll in the SMU Student Insurance Plan. All students may view
the plan benefits, waive coverage and/or enroll online at ahpcare.com/smu, or call
Academic Health Plans at 888-308-7320 for further details. A student must be
enrolled in at least one credit hour to qualify for the SMU 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 from 8:30
a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 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 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 at 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 Testing Services
Counseling and Psychiatric Services. 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 tests, Law School Admission Tests, GRE subject tests and Praxis
tests. Other testing offered includes College-Level Examination Program 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. The office 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.
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The SMU Preschool and Child Care Center is a fully licensed center open
throughout the year to students, faculty and staff. Children ages 1 month through
5 years are accepted, subject to space availability. Hours of operation are 7:45 a.m.
to 5:30 p.m. Fees are adjusted to the age of the child. For more information, please
contact the center: Director, SMU Preschool and Child Care Center, Southern
Methodist University, Dallas TX 75275; 214-768-2278.
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Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports
Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports (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;
indoor running track; basketball; 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 who are interested in concentrated
training and participation in a sport, but who do not want to train and devote the
practice time required for National Collegiate Athletic Association 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 National Cheerleaders Association/National Dance Alliance Collegiate
National Championships. Along with the Mustang Band, they make SMU’s spirit
contingent a superb one.
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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 SMU’s documentation guidelines, and 2) a
request indicating what kind of assistance is being sought, along with contact
information.
Documentation takes one to two weeks to be reviewed. Students with disabilities
are encouraged to contact the office at 214-768-4557 to learn what opportunities
and services are available. It is recommended that 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. For more information,
please visit our website at smu.edu/OSSD.
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The Office of Information Technology, located on the fourth floor of the Blanton
Student Services Building, is responsible for providing computing and communications
services in support of the academic and administrative functions for students,
faculty, staff, alumni and patrons of the University. These services include an SMU mail account, access to enrollment and financial data online, Internet access
both on and off campus, telephone services, Web-based services, technical support,
and a variety of software and hardware discounts.
SMU offers high-speed network connections throughout campus. Students can
take advantage of both wired and wireless connections throughout all areas of the
residence halls. Wireless coverage also extends throughout the campus in most
classrooms, libraries, common areas and several outdoor locations. In addition to
on-campus Internet connections, OIT provides off-campus connections through
dial-up access and virtual private networks.
All students receive an SMU e-mail account, which remains active throughout
their enrollment at the University. The e-mail account may be accessed online via
webmail.smu.edu. In addition, students have access to a variety of Web-based
services, including Access.SMU; personal Web space; network storage space; and
academic applications, including the Blackboard Course Management System. All
academic information including grade history, financial information, transcripts
and class registration is available through the Access.SMU system.
The OIT Help Desk provides technical support for most computing issues from
7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
on Fridays. Both phone and in-house support is available for on- and off campus
connectivity issues and computer virus issues. The Help Desk also offers phone
support for the Microsoft Office Suite and other common applications.
Although most students have their own computers, there are a number of public
computer labs available for use. Labs are located in each of the residence halls and
throughout the campus libraries. Almost all of the labs contain both Mac and PC
workstations and support a variety of programs. There is also 24-hour computer
access available in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center.
The Computer Corner by HiEd, located in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center, is
the on-campus computer store. It offers a number of discounts on hardware and
other peripherals. Students also may take advantage of software discounts on
Microsoft and Adobe applications through a campus license agreement. Computer
repair service is offered on a per-charge basis.
OIT also provides on-campus telephone and voicemail services and discounts
on cellular services, which students may obtain at any time throughout the year.
For additional information on services provided by OIT, visit smu.edu/help or
call the Help Desk, 214-768-HELP.
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