About Us
The Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS) is directed by James E. Quick, Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies. Dean Quick is a newcomer to SMU and was previously with the US Geological Survey. He holds a PhD in Geology from California Institute of Technology and has particular expertise in volcanoes and alternative energy sources. Dean Quick has dual responsibilities of supervising research related functions here at SMU and overseeing the University's non-professional graduate programs, with special emphasis on degree programs offered by Dedman College (Humanities and Sciences).
On the research side, the Office of Research Administration helps faculty obtain funding from federal agencies and other outside sources. The Director reports directly to Dean Quick. This office monitors and assures compliance of grants once they are awarded to faculty members.
Dean Quick chairs the University Research Council, which is composed from a cross-section of faculty across the campus. On the recommendations of the Council, the Dean awards research and travel grants to the faculty. The University Research Council is also responsible for the assessment of the Ford Research Fellowships and provides recommendations to the Provost.
SMU Research, an annual magazine on research conducted by the faculty at SMU, is published by ORGS with the assistance of the Office of Public Affairs. The Dean is responsible for the selection of the content of the magazine and is assisted by Assistant Dean, Barbara Phillips in overseeing its publication and distribution.
Barbara Phillips also oversees all recruitment efforts for graduate students entering Dedman College, processes applications and acceptances and approves dissertations at the end of the degree process.
The Office organizes the following events to support the non-professional graduate programs in Dedman College, Meadows School of the Arts, and the School of Engineering to recognize the research and scholarship of our graduate students:
- Teaching Assistant Seminar
- Graduate Student Reception
- Research Day
- Ph.D. Recognition Dinner
McNair Scholars Program
SMU encourages McNair Scholars to apply to graduate studies in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences by waiving their application fee. In addition, 10 tuition fee waivers - 5 through Dedman College and 5 through the School of Engineering - are designated for admitted McNair Scholars' applicants. SMU supports the aims of this program - to identify and mentor undergraduates as they prepare for graduate school - and would like to participate in realizing the goal.
We ask that McNair Scholars identify themselves as such on the application. Questions can be directed to smugrad@smu.edu
IRT Applicants
As the newest member of a consortium of universities working with the Institute for Recruitment of Teachers, we extend a welcome to applicants seeking a graduate degree. We provide an application fee waiver and invite you to apply to Dedman College's graduate programs.
Departments award assistantships on the merits of the applicant and the limits of the budget.
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) is a consortium of 99 doctoral-granting academic institutions. ORAU member universities strive to advance scientific research and education by creating mutually beneficial collaborative partnerships involving academe, government, and industry.
