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The vice president for Student Affairs is charged with providing guidance, support services, and a variety of programs and activities intended to complement the academic pursuits of students and to promote their development.
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 judicial matters, new student orientation, leadership programs, volunteer opportunities, and women's programs.
Intellectual integrity and academic honesty are concepts fundamental to the processes of learning and evaluating academic performance; without them, the process of inquiry is dismantled at its base and further positive educational progress is almost certainly prevented. The maintenance of the highest level of academic integrity 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 disciplines of the University.
University faculty members serve as the gatekeepers of academic integrity in a university setting. Through direct interaction with the student in the classroom, they witness firsthand the state of inquiry exhibited by the student and the process utilized by that student. Through their own actions, they represent the standard of inquiry in American higher education. Faculty bear 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 assist students in avoiding the temptation to cheat. An instructor who is unwilling to act upon discovering an offense assumes the role of accessory to the student offender in facilitating the corrosion of integrity of the University and the individual's character.
The student, however, bears the primary 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 one's work, using published or unpublished summaries as a substitute for studying required materials, and giving or receiving unauthorized assistance in the preparation of work to be submitted for credit are directly contrary to the legitimate process of learning. Students who are aware that others in a course are cheating or otherwise acting dishonestly are responsible for informing the professor and/or bringing an accusation to the Honor Council.
Students and faculty must mutually share the knowledge that any dishonest practices permitted will make the legitimate evaluation of honest students almost impossible and will cheapen the integrity of the entire University. Students must recognize that their own interests, and their integrity as individuals, suffer if they condone dishonesty in others.
All students at SMU, with the exception of those enrolled in School of Law, Perkins School of Theology, and Cox M.B.A. School, 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 approximately 27 students selected through an application and interview process by the Honor Council Executive Board and five faculty members nominated by the Faculty Senate. The council's responsibility is to maintain and promote academic honesty.
Academic dishonesty is defined broadly as a student's misrepresentation of his or her academic work or of the circumstances under which that work is done. This includes plagiarism in all papers, projects, take-home exams, or any other assign-ments in which the student submits another's work as being his or her own. It also includes cheating on examinations, unauthorized access to test materials, and/or assisting another student in gaining any unfair academic advantage. Failure to prevent or report academic dishonesty by another may be considered participation in a dishonest act.
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 at least five members of the Honor Council.
Any appeal of an action taken by the Honor Council shall be submitted to the University Judicial Council in writing no later than 96 hours after notification of the Honor Council's decision. Any appeal of an action taken by instructors independently of the Honor Council may be made through the traditional academic routes.
The Office of the Chaplain and University Ministries (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 conducts a worship service in Perkins Chapel at 11 a.m. each Sunday during term. The service is ecumenical in spirit, Protestant in character, and Christian in commitment. 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. Officed in the chaplain's suite are campus ministries of the United Methodist, Roman Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim (traditions), as well as Campus Crusade for Christ and Voices of Inspiration Gospel Choir communities on campus.
There are 28 active religious life organizations for students. The Quiet Place, a setting for meditation, prayer, and reflection, is open daily and is adjacent to the Office of the Chaplain in Hughes-Trigg Student Center.
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. Judicial Affairs (www.smu.edu/studentlife), part of the Office of the Dean of Student Life, assists students in their personal development by providing a fair judicial system 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.
The Office of Judicial Affairs assists students in their personal development by providing a fair judicial system that issues consistent sanctions for behavior that is incongruent with the University's expectations for students. Depending on the degree of misconduct, a student may be subject to judicial sanctions ranging from a judicial 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 fair due process for all students in the judicial process, the student is granted an impartial hearing and the right to appeal to the University Judicial 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.
Students are expected to read and abide by all policies outlined in the SMU Student Handbook Student Code of Conduct. 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.
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.
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. The Mental Health Service, the Counseling and Testing Center, and the Center 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, registered nurses, pharmacists, lab and X-ray technologists, and other consulting physicians (gynecologist, orthopedist, dermatologist, dentist) essential to the provision of high-quality health care. Physicians are available by appointment from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The facility is closed during student holiday periods. For primary care and specialist physician consultation, call 214-768-2141 for appointments.
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 go to the emergency room of any major Dallas hospital.
Costs. Undergraduate and graduate students paying the full fee (which includes a health service fee) receive fully covered primary care physician services for that term. Specialized physician care and lab, X-ray, pharmacy, and supplies will be charged at below usual and customary rates charged by other providers. Students not paying full fees (taking 11 credit hours or less) have the option to pay the health fee at registration for Health Center privileges. If the health fee is not paid at registration, students may pay the full fee of $120 per term or a $45 per-visit fee upon arrival at the Health Center for physician consultation.
Student Insurance. The University offers a Student Injury and Sickness Insurance policy that provides coverage at the SMU Health Center and at selected clinics or hospitals. Brochures are available through the graduate schools' admissions offices and at the Health Center business office.
Pharmacy. A complete pharmacy with registered pharmacists is open during clinic hours.
X-ray and Laboratory Services. X-ray and laboratory tests are done for nominal fees. All X-rays are interpreted by a radiologist. Gastrointestinal and certain other special X-ray procedures are referred to a specialist.
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 immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, mumps, rubeola (red, or regular, measles), rubella (German, or three-day, measles) since 1980. These immunizations must be documented by a physician, public health record, or school health record. Students will not be allowed to register without compliance. Immunizations are available at the Student Health Center after arrival at SMU.
Class Absence Due to Illness. Students should schedule appointments with physicians at times when classes will not be missed, especially when there is neither an emergency nor an acute illness. The Health Center does not issue excuses from classes for illness. This is a matter between the student and the professor.
Notification of Parents. Students are encouraged to call one or both parents when ill. Parents or guardians will be notified in cases of serious illness.
Health Service Records. All health service records are confidential. A summary or copy of medical records will be sent to another health care provider or physician only when a written release is given by the student. Records are not made available to parents, SMU administrators, faculty, or staff without the patient's written consent. Records are available otherwise only when subject to court subpoena. It is the responsibility of the student to forward billing receipts for health services to the parent for insurance purposes. These itemized receipts, which contain confidential medical information, are given only to the patient.
Mental Health Services. The Mental Health Service 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. 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 214-768-2860.
Counseling and Testing Center. The Counseling and Testing Center takes a proactive position to facilitate healthy student development and maintain and enhance students' psychological and emotional well-being. A comprehensive array of psychological services is provided to SMU students, including short-term counseling, assessment, crisis intervention, outreach, and consultation. While many students cope quite well with college life, others experience difficulties that interfere with their academic performance and/or social interactions. 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.
If the needs of the student exceed the resources of the center, appropriate referrals in the community will be furnished. While counseling services are provided to SMU students at no cost, a modest fee is charged for educational assessments. First-time appointments must be made in person from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, second floor, Memorial Health Center. Subsequent appointments may be scheduled in person or by calling 214-768-2211.
Testing Services. The Counseling and Testing Center also offers testing to the Dallas-area community. The center offers on-campus administration of national testing programs such as the SAT, LSAT, GRE Subject, PRAXIS, and TASP. Other testing offered includes CLEP tests and correspondence examinations for other universities. For additional information, call the center at 214-768-2269.
Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention. The center 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.
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. Individual appointments are available with counselors to offer assistance to identify careers related to interests, skills, values, and personality. Career assessments are administered to promote the exploration of career options. Counselors also assist with the implementation of career plans and the development of job search skills, materials, and strategies.
Orientation and Registration. To fully utilize the services of the Hegi Family Career Development Center, including participation in campus recruiting and job referral programs, each student must complete the registration process. The first step in the registration process is to attend an orientation session. Through participation in the session, students will learn how to complete an online profile, upload their résumé, and take advantage of all the job listing and campus recruiting services.
Workshops. Workshops offered by the Hegi Family Career Development Center include: Career Assessment Find A Career That Is Right For You; résumé Writing Market Your Skills/Experience to Employers With Résumés and Cover Letters; Interviewing How to Prepare, Dress, and Present Yourself Before, During, and After the Interview; Job Search Strategy and Networking Devise a Plan and Make Contacts to Find the Job You Want; Salary/Offer Negotiation Find Out What You're Worth and How to Get It.
On-Campus Interviewing. Employers visit the campus to recruit students seeking professional and internship positions through the campus interview program. To interview with these organizations, students must attend a Career Services Orientation and complete the online registration process. An updated list of employer visits is available through the career center Web site (www.smu.edu/career/).
Job Vacancy Postings. Employers post full-time, part-time, and internship positions with the Hegi Family Career Development Center throughout the year. Students can find a variety of jobs online via the career center Web site at careers.smu.edu as well as in binders at the Hegi Family Career Development Center. These listings include local, national, and international opportunities and are updated daily.
Internships. The Hegi Family Career Development Center receives a variety of internship opportunities year-round. An internship is any career-related experience that provides exposure to an occupation, industry, or career. It can be for pay, for credit (coordinated through participating academic departments), or completed on a volunteer basis, and initiated in the summer, fall, or spring. SMU is a participating school in the Internship Exchange consortium that provides students access to over 6,000 internships nationwide.
Career Events. The Career Center sponsors career fairs and employer panels. These events include The Recruiting Expo, Nonprofit Career Fair, Advertising and Corporate Communications Career Fair, the Career Symposium, Engineering Career Week, and the View From the Top.
The Department of Residence Life and Student Housing (RLSH, housing.smu.edu) 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, approximately 340 SMU-owned apartments, and the 11 SMU-owned Greek chapter houses. This responsibility includes maintaining facilities that are well cared for, safe, and that enhance students' opportunities to grow personally and excel academically.
The Department of Multicultural Student Affairs (www.smu.edu/dmsa) works to increase campus awareness of multicultural issues and provides support services for SMU's ethnic minority students. This office coordinates a wide range of cultural programs and opportunities for students and the campus. Staff members provide personal and academic assistance, mentoring, as well as individual and organizational and leadership development opportunities. The department serves as a liaison between minority and non-minority students, the University, and the Greater Dallas community, providing all SMU students with positive educational on-campus and community experiences. The department also strives to provide quality services and programs for ethnic minority students and assists them in developing activities related to their culture.
The Office of New Student Programs (www.smu.edu/newstudent) is responsible for providing programs and services for new students and family members to enable them to have a successful transition to SMU and college life. AARO (Academic Advising, Registration, and Orientation) conferences are offered in May, July, August, and January. The office also coordinates Mustang Corral, an off-campus orientation camp; Mustang Week of Welcome (W.O.W.); and Encore, which provides programs and services to students during their first semester at SMU.
Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports (www.smu.edu/recsports) is a facility designed for Recreational Sports and Wellness. A new 170,000-square-foot expansion and renovation will be completed by the summer of 2006. In the fall of 2005, the recreation facilities will include basketball and 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.
Many opportunities for team and individual competition are available through intramurals. Leagues offer year-long competition, and other leagues and tournaments cater to those interested in seasonal participation. The five major sports are football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and softball. Other sports and activities offered are bowling, golf, racquetball, tennis, track, swimming, weight lifting, and game-room activities. Additional leadership opportunities are available for those interested in officiating or supervising various activities.
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 crew, cycling, ice hockey, lacrosse, fencing, racquetball, rugby, graduate rugby, sailing, judo, rock climbing, badminton, cricket, soccer, and volleyball.
SMU Aquatics features a five-lane indoor recreational pool and outdoor zero-depth 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, triathlon training, adult swimming lessons, and American Red Cross Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor certifications. Both pools also are available for student group reservations and private parties.
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.
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.
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.
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 NCAA Collegiate National Championships. Along with the Mustang Band, they make SMU's spirit contingent a superb one.
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. 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. For more information, visit our Web site: smu.edu/studentlife/OSSD_Facts.asp.
The Student Activities Department (smu.edu/activities) promotes experiential learning opportunities that contribute to the holistic development of the SMU student body.
The Student Activities Center, located on the upper level of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center, is the hub of activity of all SMU student organizations. Permanent office space is provided for major campuswide student groups. More than 180 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 campuswide programs are the Interfraternity Council, Mustang Marathon, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Panhellenic Council, Program Council, and Student Foundation. These groups and their committees provide ample opportunity for students to become involved as leaders or participants.
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.
Governing bodies for student activities include the Campus Ministry Council, Dedman College Graduate Assembly, Interfraternity Council (IFC), Global Connections, Graduate Engineering Council, Meadows Graduate Council, Multicultural Greek Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Panhellenic Council, Perkins Graduate Council, Residence Hall Association, Student Bar Association, Student Center Governing Board, Student Engineers' Joint Council, and the Student Media Company.
There are 15 national fraternities, 13 national sororities, and one co-educational Greek organization 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.
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. 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 recruitment are available from the Student Activities Center or at www.smugreeks.com.
Hughes-Trigg Student Center (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 of the University. 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 game room, 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."
The student newspaper, The Daily Campus, the student yearbook, Rotunda, and the Web site, smudailycampus.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 Daily Campus is published Tuesday through Friday during the Fall and Spring terms, and the Rotunda yearbook delivers in the Spring term. The company also publishes The Directory of Students, Staff, and Faculty.
The Office of Leadership and Community Involvement (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.
The Women's Center (smu.edu/womenscenter) promotes, supports, and empowers women on campus by designing educational programming and leadership training to increase awareness and understanding of diverse women's concerns and gender equity issues. Through its activities, the center advocates for a University environment that eliminates barriers, diminishes prejudice and bigotry, and extends a supportive climate to all. Student organizations and programs housed here include the Women's Interest Network, the Campus YWCA, the Women in Science and Engineering, Kappa Delta Chi, and Spectrum, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, straight organization. Also housed in the Women's Center is the SMU Women's Symposium (www.smu.edu/womsym) in the series The Education of Women for Social and Political Leadership, established in 1966. The center provides an informal, homelike atmosphere where members of the SMU community can meet.
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), and football (men only).
The International Office provides and coordinates services to international students, researchers, visiting scholars, exchange visitors, and international faculty. It serves as liaison between the international community and U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) officials, foreign government bodies, and key University departments and programs.
Assistance is provided in areas of document preparation, acculturation, housing, health insurance, and social life, as well as with information and referral to off-campus services. Programmatic activities are scheduled throughout the year in coordination with the Organization of International Students, the International Women's Group, and the Friendship Program.
The goal of the office is to facilitate the initial adjustment process and to contribute to the general welfare of each international person while he or she is at SMU.
SMU offers opportunities for students to learn about and experience other cultures. In addition to its exchange program with Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan and SMU Study Abroad programs in several other countries, there are a number of international social clubs, foreign language clubs, and the Organization of International Students in which all students may participate.
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