Orientation and Transitions

The Office of Orientation and Transitions supports the passage of all new students into the university by providing experiences and resources that facilitate college readiness, social belonging, university pride, cultural understanding, and student success.

 

students in Moody Coliseum during Stampede summer 2023 having fun with hands in the air

Orientation and Transitions Programming

Orientation and Transitions at SMU is a multi-step process. Through Mustang StartUp, Stampede, and Post-Orientation Programming, our mission is to prepare students for life at SMU!

SMU family standing outside holding Pony Up hand sign in front of Welcome Home banner with red, blue, and white balloon towers

Parents and Families

We are excited to introduce you and your student to the academics, campus life, resources, and traditions SMU has to offer. New students will be asked to complete orientation, and we invite you to participate in your own orientation programming.

group of students and staff in blue shirts standing and kneeling in front of white wall with red SMU logo

Student Opportunities

Are you a current student interested in welcoming new Mustangs to the Hilltop? We’d love for you to join our team!

Orientation Dates and Deadlines for Spring 2025 Students

  • Mid-October

    Residence Life and Student Housing portal opens

  • Early November

    Mustang StartUp opens (full list of tasks will be open closer to December)

  • December 1

    Campus Life Modules, Online Preventative Measure Courses, and Pre-Advising Canvas Course open

  • December 1

    Priority deadline for students seeking on-campus housing. Complete the housing application in the RLSH Housing Portal

  • December 6

    Deadline to submit photo for SMU ID

  • Late December

    Housing assignments released to priority deadline applicants. Non-priority applicants alerted between late December to early January

  • December 23-January 1

    University closed for holiday break

  • January 6

    Deadline to complete Mustang Startup enrollment tasks

  • January 14

    Roommate information released for students living on-campus

  • January 16

    Move-in. Includes orientation activities for students and families

  • January 17

    Stampede (Student-only events)

  • January 21

    First day of classes