Mustang Corral Frequently Asked Questions

Mustang Corral is a great way to connect with your classmates and SMU! In addition to meeting your classmates, you will also get to know faculty, staff, and student leaders who will teach you about the academic life and spirit and traditions of SMU. Mustang Corral is a three-day, off-campus retreat for all incoming students. This is an experience you won’t want to miss!

The registration deadline for Mustang Corral is Friday, August 7th by 5:00 PM!!

What is Mustang Corral?
When is Mustang Corral?
Where is Mustang Corral?
How much does Mustang Corral cost?
When is the deadline to register for Mustang Corral?
When is Mustang Corral check-in?
How can I register for Mustang Corral?
I already registered for Mustang Corral, what do I need to complete?
When can I move in to my residence hall if I’m attending Mustang Corral?
What do I bring to Mustang Corral?
How do I get to campus to move-in before Mustang Corral?
What activities happen after I move in on Thursday, August 20?
Where can my family and guests stay after move-in?
What activities happen after Mustang Corral and before school starts?

What is Mustang Corral?
Mustang Corral is a great way to connect with your classmates and SMU! In addition to meeting your classmates, you will also get to know faculty, staff, and student leaders who will teach you about the academic life and spirit and traditions of SMU. Mustang Corral is a three-day, off-campus retreat for all incoming students. This is an experience you won’t want to miss!

Meet people right away
Learn what it means to be a Mustang - gaining insight into SMU's rich history and vibrant traditions
Learn the skills necessary to be successful at SMU
Be exposed to some of the University’s valuable resources
Meet and interact with other incoming students, upper-class leaders, and the best of the SMU faculty and staff members

When is Mustang Corral?
Mustang Corral is Friday, August 21-Sunday, August 23, 2009.

Where is Mustang Corral?
Mustang Corral is held at retreat sites in the Texas Hill Country--approximately 2 hours away from campus. Students will be sleeping in air conditioned cabins each with indoor restroom facilities.

How much does Mustang Corral cost?
The cost of Mustang Corral is included in the Orientation Fee that will appear on the student's tuition bill after enrollment.

When is the deadline to register for Mustang Corral?
The deadline to register for Mustang Corral is August 7th at 5:00pm.

When is Mustang Corral check-in?
On Friday, August 21st, check-in for Mustang Corral will be held at Moody Coliseum at your assigned check-in time. You will receive your check-in time for Mustang Corral via your SMU e-mail account the week of August 10-14th. Proceed from your residence hall to Moody with your luggage to check-in for Mustang Corral.

How can I register for Mustang Corral?
When you register for Academic Advising, Registration, and Orientation (AARO) on ACCESS.SMU you will have the option to register for Mustang Corral.

I already registered for Mustang Corral, what do I need to complete?
In order to expedite your residence hall check-in process on Thursday, August 20th, you must have the following items completed:

Mustang Corral Medical Form (additional copies on Forms and Downloads)
StrengthsQuest assessment (e-mailed to your SMU e-mail account).

Please send completed medical forms to the following address:
    Southern Methodist University
    New Student Orientation and Student Support—Mustang Corral
    PO Box 750355
    Dallas, TX 75275

Please email mustangcorral@smu.edu or call 214-768-4560 with any questions.

When can I move in to my residence hall if I’m attending Mustang Corral?

If you are attending Mustang Corral, you can move into your residence hall on Thursday, August 20th. Residence Life and Student Housing Check-In will be in the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports. Your move-in time will be sent to your SMU email account approximately a week before Mustang Corral.

What do I bring to Mustang Corral?

Casual, comfortable clothes (90-100 degree weather)--We suggest T-shirts and gym shorts!
A modest bathing suit
Sheets, sleeping bag or some kind of bedding
Pillow
Towel and toiletries
Shower shoes
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Tennis shoes

How do I get to campus to move-in before Mustang Corral?

Special Air Travel Arrangements
- SMU has negotiated with American Airlines, the official carrier for participants of AARO and Mustang Corral, to help you secure the least expensive fare to Dallas. American is offering discounted fares valid for travel within the United States. The special rates are available only through the American Airlines Meeting Services Desk at 1-800-433-1790 for individual reservations. You must indicate that you are attending Southern Methodist University Orientation and ask specifically for discount code A1368SS. Meeting Services will confirm the lowest applicable fare, providing tariff rules are met. Fare contracted is base fare only. Any Applicable taxes, fees, and charges are the responsibility of the passenger.
Ground Transportation in Dallas
Super Shuttle
- Offers transportation to and from D/FW Airport for $25.00 one way for the first passenger and $8.00 for the second and third passengers. Super Shuttle also offers transportation to and from Love Field for $20.00 one way for the first passenger and $8.00 for the second and third passengers. For shuttle information and scheduling, call toll-free 1-800-258-3826. D/FW area call 817-329-2000, or supershuttle.com.
Yellow Checker Shuttle
- Offers transportation to and from D/FW Airport for $19.00, plus $10.00 for additional passengers of the same party. Transportation to and from Love Field is approximately $18.00, plus $10.00 for additional passengers of the same party. Reservations 24-hours prior are required. For more information, call 214-841-1900.
Taxi
- The cost is approximately $35.00 one way from D/FW Airport and takes approximately 45 minutes.
Car Rental
- Avis Rent-A-Car Systems, Inc. has guaranteed the best possible car rental rates available for SMU AARO participants. Reservations can be made by calling 1-888-754-8878 (refer to Avis Worldwide Discount number B16001, or by visiting www.avis.com/meeting/tools.

What activities happen after I move in on Thursday, August 20th?
Mustang Cookout is for all Mustang Corral participants and their families. When you registered for Mustang Corral, you indicated how many people were attending the cookout. If you would like to adjust the number of participants, please call Mustang Corral at 214-768-4427 or email mustangcorral@smu.edu. The Mustang Cookout will be on Thursday, August 20th from 5:00-7:00 PM at Umphrey Lee Center.

Where can my family and guests stay after move-in?
Hilton
Dallas – Park Cities
5954 Luther Lane
Dallas, TX 75225
214-368-0400
Click Here to Make a Reservation

What activities happen after Mustang Corral and before school starts?
Students will arrive back on campus around noon on Sunday, August 23rd and will have the afternoon to unpack and make a trip to the bookstore to get ready for the first day of class on Wednesday, August 26th.

The Encore Series begins right after Mustang Corral with the kick-off event, hosted by Program Council on Sunday, August 23rd.

Monday, August 24th will be an opportunity to get settled into your room, and run errands. On Monday evening, you will be able to meet current students and organizations on the SMU campus at "Night at the Club" beginning at 7:00 PM in the Moody Coliseum.

Tuesday, August 25th is filled with a variety of activities including the Common Reading Discussion, Rotunda Passage, and Convocation.

Click on our Encore website to see all the events for the first semester!