Frequently Asked Questions

I am an SMU student. How do I attend lectures?

SMU students are eligible for free admission to Tate Lectures. Student tickets are distributed in the basement of McFarlin Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. on the evening of the lecture. Tickets are distributed on a first-come-first-served basis, and students must show a valid SMU ID to claim a ticket.

Where are Tate Lectures held?

Tate Lectures are held in McFarlin Auditorium on the SMU campus. Click here for more details.

What time do lectures begin and end?

All lectures begin by 8 p.m. and end by 9:15 p.m.

Can I upgrade my tickets?

When available, tickets may be upgraded by calling the Tate office at 214-768-8283 or coming to the McFarlin lobby box office on the evening of the lecture.

I can’t attend the lecture; how can I donate my seats? Are tickets refundable?

In the event that you are unable to attend a particular lecture, please notify the Tate office by noon on the day of the lecture, and you will receive a tax receipt for your donation. You may complete the ticket return form, e-mail tateseries@smu.edu or call 214-768-8283 to release your seats. Tate tickets are non-refundable.

How do I purchase tickets for an individual lecture?

Single event tickets are sold for each lecture. Click here for more information.

How do I get season tickets?

The 2024-25 season ticket renewal period ends Friday, June 7. Requests for upgrades, additional tickets and/or any changes to subscriptions from current patrons will be considered based on seniority in July. You can renew online with your user name and password, fill out the form and return it to the Tate office or call us at 214-768-8283.

How do I know where my seat is in the Auditorium?

Click here to view a seating chart for McFarlin Auditorium.

What is the Student Forum and how can I attend?

The Tate Lecture Series Student Forum is a question-and-answer session for SMU students, faculty and staff, and area high school students with the featured Tate speaker. Click here for more information.

Are transcripts/recordings of Tate Lectures available?

Unfortunately, transcripts/recording are not available for Tate Lectures.

Where do I park for the lectures?

Click here for parking information.

I have a handicapped parking decal. Where do I park? What entrance do I use?

Disabled parking is available immediately north, west and south of the Umphrey Lee Center. An entrance ramp for disabled access is located at the southeast corner of McFarlin Auditorium, and special auditorium seating is available. Click here for parking information.

Who selects the speakers?

Speakers for the Series are recommended by the Tate Series Board of Directors. If you would like to suggest a speaker for the Tate office to present to the Board, please email tateseries@smu.edu.

I am a member of the media. Who should I contact about the Tate Lecture Series?

Media should contact:
SMU News and Communications
214-768-7650
news@smu.edu