W
elcome to the Hilltop, Class of 2015! Your class is a historic one, as you will graduate in the year that marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of Southern Methodist University. In order to celebrate your arrival, we have created 20 top 5 lists, adding up to 100 exciting things about your new school. From Dallas nightlife, to eating on and off campus, to the top five campus events your parents should come to, we’ve thought of it all. So kick back, hit play on the SMU alma mater that we know you have already saved to your iPod, open up this special edition of The Daily Campus and prepared to be introduced to the place you’ll spend the best four years of your life.
TOP 5 TRADITIONS
THE DC’S PICKS FOR THE THINGS WE DO BEST
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BOULEVARDING
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SING SONG
At SMU, we don’t tailgate to games, we “Boulevard.” Before every home game during football season, organizations, families, SMU students and vendors set up tents along Bishop Boulevard to get everyone pumped up for the game.
Sing Song takes place during the spring semester when fraternities, sororities and other campus organizations pair up to perform a short skit with witty musical numbers and choreography.
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CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
A favorite among many SMU students, the Celebration of Lights is where students, faculty and members of the community gather in front of Dallas Hall for an early Christmas celebration. The night is filled with caroling, hot chocolate and plenty of lights. The Celebration of Lights ends with the traditional reading of the Christmas story by President Turner.
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HOMECOMING
Homecoming is one of the busiest, but also one of the most exciting, times during the fall. Activities include float building, a day of community service, a parade and the Homecoming Game where Homecoming King and Queen are announced. Each year, Homecoming has a theme that all of the student organizations must incorporate into their floats.
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MANE EVENT
At the end of every school year, students and faculty celebrate a year of hard work at the student-run carnival, Mane Event. Students head to the main quad in the afternoon for free food, live music and games. Mane Event is a great way to end the year and give students a break from studying for finals. — Compiled by Mary Elizabeth Castle
2 • Special Edition of The Daily Campus
First Year Guide 2011-12
TOP 5 PEOPLE TO MEET ON CAMPUS
TOP 5 CLASSES FOR FRESHMEN
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PLSC 1320: INTRO TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
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ENGL 1330: THE WORLD OF SHAKESPEARE
Not only is this one of the best classes at SMU, it’s also taught by one of the best professors at SMU. And after all, isn’t that what you’re paying to come here to do anyway?
Think of this class as an opportunity to learn to better appreciate the Bard. You’re in college now; it’s the best time to try to broaden your horizons, and this can certainly be the class to help.
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WELL 1101: CONCEPTS OF WELLNESS
Okay, admittedly you kind of have to take this class, but it’s really not that bad. It’s only one credit hour and you’ll find it might actually teach you a lot about adjusting to college life.
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PHYS 1311: ELEMENTS OF ASTRONOMY
Looking for an interesting science class to fulfill your general education requirement? This might be the class for you. You’ll explore planetary and stellar astronomy in both a lecture and lab-oriented environment.
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PHIL 1316: INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS
This class explores why we think what we do ethics. What exactly is morality, and is there an objective form of it? And why should we be moral anyway? An interesting class that will challenge your previous notions and hopefully lead to a deeper understanding of ethics. — Compiled by Brandon Bub
TOP 5 ADVICE FOR FRESHMEN
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RICK HALPERIN: PROFESSOR OF HUMAN RIGHTS
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LORI WHITE: VICE PRES. OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
In addition to teaching History of Human Rights, Halperin also directs the human rights program. He has a full history of experience fighting for human rights, and his stories will make you think.
Anything and everything involving students at SMU has probably been through the office of Lori White. She is a treasure trove of information about SMU and its students, and is always happy to meet new faces.
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JENNIFER JONES: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT DEVELOPMENT & PROGRAMS
In addition to her long title, she also advises Student Senate. Senators and non-senators alike think of her as the perfect role model. Stop by her office for fun conversation and a smile.
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PAUL LUDDEN: PROVOST
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JOSE BOWEN: DEAN OF MEADOWS
Provost Ludden is a large part of the reason why SMU has leapt forward in dozens of academic rankings in the past few years. If that’s not enough, he’s also a really nice guy. Try and introduce yourself if you get a chance.
Dean Bowen is an interesting guy. An accomplished jazz musician, Bowen has been known to sit down at the piano and accompany students on stage himself. He is also known as a fantastic teacher, and embraces new forms of learning such as podcasts and online games. Try to find time to stop by his office, we’re sure you’ll go away with a positive experience. — Compiled by Jessica Huseman
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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES
Take every opportunity to grow academically by forming close and lasting relationships with your faculty members. Take every opportunity to broaden your relationships, your comfort zones, and your knowledge. — Brad Cheves, Vice President for Development and External Affairs
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ADVISING APPOINTMENTS
Don’t sign up for classes without help. You wouldn’t want to mess up your degree plan.
GET INVOLVED SMU has loads of clubs. They are great for making friends and boosting resumes.
UTILIZE YOUR RESIDENT ASSISTANT
Problems with your roommate? Try asking your RA for help before moving out. RAs are trained in conflict resolution and can help you figure things out.
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DON’T LOSE HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS
College is great, but when you go home you’ll still want to have those relationships you had before you left. High school friends can be a source of comfort when college gets overwhelming. — Compiled by Jessica Huseman
Special Edition of The Daily Campus • 3
First Year Guide 2011-12 PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY
Q&A with George W. Bush Daily Campus: Why was SMU chosen as the location for the Center? Former President Bush: Laura and I wanted to build the Bush Center on a campus that promotes excellence, and SMU is such a place. Secondly, the university and its alumni base were very supportive. Thirdly, the facility is going to be built on a beautiful site. Fourthly, Laura went there, as did a lot of my friends. Daily Campus: What are the initial goals of the Institute? Former President Bush: The Bush Institute is a part of the Bush Center. It will be a place of thought and action. The Institute will focus on global health, public school reform, economic growth, and human freedom. Daily Campus: Can you explain the Women’s Initiative program of the Bush Institute?
Former President Bush: The women’s initiative will focus primarily on women in the Middle East to encourage the advance of freedom and democracy. I believe women will lead that advance, and we will help them. Daily Campus: To what extent will SMU students be able to be involved in the Center? Former President Bush: The Bush Center will be a part of SMU, and once the facility is open, we hope SMU students will find ample opportunities to broaden their knowledge. There will be lectures, internships, and seminars, which SMU students will attend. This year, for example, former Secretary of the Treasury Hank Paulson and I answered questions from students at the Cox Business School. Also, I have led several classes and look forward to doing more of that. -Jessica Huseman
JOSHUA PARR/The Daily Campus
Former President George W. was interviewed by Jessica Huseman about PEPFAR on Dec. 21, 2010 in his North Dallas office.
TOP 5 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
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GEORGE W. BUSH CENTER
Currently under construction, the center will include a library, museum and an institute. Until it opens in 2013, students can enjoy the programs the Center frequently hosts on SMU’s campus.
SOPHOMORE HOUSING
SMU will open new residential halls in the fall of 2014, and will require sophomores to stay on campus.
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MOODY COLISEUM RENOVATION AND EXPANSION
The basketball stadium is getting a face lift! Thanks to a generous donation of $20 million from the Moody Foundation. It will include a wider concourse, new and more concession stands and restrooms, new finishes, lighting and mechanic systems.
UNIVERSITY DATA CENTER
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If you’ve ever used PerunaNet, you know how slow our wireless is. All that is about to change! Slated to open by the end of 2012, the new data center will provide 2.4MW of critical IT load, speeding up SMU’s computing.
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RESIDENCE HALL RENOVATIONS
Older residents halls will be getting some much needed love in the next few years to make living in dorms more comfortable for everyone.
— Compiled by Jessica Huseman
4 • Special Edition of The Daily Campus
First Year Guide 2011-12
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TOP
FOOTBALL No fall college semester is complete without a little football. Coming off two seasons ending in bowl games, SMU football is expected to be even more successful than in past seasons. The first game of the season will be against A&M in College Station at 6:30 p.m. Catch it on Fox Sports Net, or better, plan a road trip! -Compiled by E’Lyn Taylor
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VOLLEYBALL
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MEN’S SOCCER
The second-ranked Mustang volleyball team makes its return. The ladies finished the 2010-2011 year with a 25-6 record and a ranking of second place in Conference USA. The Mustangs plan to have a successful year with a combination of a strong recruiting class and returning members.
With a 16-2-2 record and advancement in the NCAA Elite Eight tournament. According to CollegeSoccerNews.com, the SMU men’s soccer team will have the strongest recruiting class for this upcoming year. Some of the new recruits may find themselves in starting spots for the season.
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SMU
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FALL SPORTS
WOMEN’S SOCCER
The SMU women’s soccer team finished its season with an 117-4 record. The team will also have highly anticipated recruits. The recruiting class includes several top prospects and Olympic Development Pool members.
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SWIMMING & DIVING
The SMU swimming coach has just been named Team Manager for the 2012 United States Men’s Olympic Swim Team, so this season should be especially fun to watch.
SPORTS
New season looking up for Mustang Football By EJ HOLLAND eholland@smu.edu
A cultural change was what SMU expected when they hired former NFL and Hawaii head football coach, June Jones, in 2008. Considered by many, as the potential savior of Mustang football, Jones’ first season definitely did not go as planned as SMU posted a woeful 1-11 record. But, three years later it’s all finally starting to come together. SMU is coming off consecutive bowl game appearances for the first time since 1984, and Jones and his stampede of Mustangs finally have students, the city of Dallas and the nation believing that there is life after death. With 10 starters returning on offense including junior
quarterback Kyle Padron, Jones’ pass-happy run-n-shoot scheme has all the essential pieces required to have this offense firing on all cylinders. After two years of learning and mastering the system, Padron is ready to step up as the true leader of this team. The Southlake, Texas, native took over as SMU’s starting field general as a true freshman in the eighth game of the 2009 season and led the Mustangs to a 5-1 record down the stretch including a 45-10 thrashing of Nevada in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, where he was named MVP after passing for 460 yards and two touchdowns. Padron’s first season as a full-time starter last year saw him set schoolrecords in passing yards (3828), total yards (4072), touchdowns (31), completions (302) and
attempts (508), which earned him All-Conference USA honorable mention honors. Padron is loaded with a plethora of talented receivers led by junior Darius Johnson, who is the leading candidate to step up as SMU’s big play wide out. Johnson will be filling the big shoes left behind by his mentor Aldrick Robinson, who was selected by the Washington Redskins in the sixth round of this year’s NFL draft. Johnson is embracing the role after a solid sophomore campaign that featured a season-high 152 receiving yards in the Armed Forces Bowl. Returning alongside Johnson is senior Cole Beasley, who was a lethal weapon out of the slot last season. The pair teamed to haul in 165 receptions, a single-season
tandem record. In 2010, SMU bolstered its offensive production by adding a facet of the game previously unheard of in Jones’ pass-first offenses, the run. The ground game came in the form of bulldozing running back Zach Line. The junior finished ranked 11th in the country with 1,494 yards rushing and added 10 touchdowns en route to earning first-team Conference USA accolades. Line can expect to have an even better season in 2011 as the Mustangs return all five starters on the offensive line. The big boys up front are perhaps the strongest position group SMU has to offer and are anchored by seniors Kelvin Beachum Jr. and Blake McJunkin. McJunkin was recently named to the watch list
for the 2011 Rimington Trophy, which is presented annually to the most outstanding center in college football. Defensively, the Mustangs return eight starters and are led by senior safety Chris Banjo. Banjo totaled 92 tackles and two interceptions while sporting the number 23, which is presented to a deserving student-athlete in honor of SMU’s Jerry LeVias, the first AfricanAmerican scholarship athlete in the Southwest Conference. Surprisingly, the strength of the SMU defense is not the secondary but rather the defensive line. The trio of Taylor Thompson, Marquis Frazier and Margus Hunt has become an unstoppable force up front in the Mustangs’ base 3-4 alignment. The biggest change on the
defensive side of the ball will come at linebacker, where the Mustangs lost senior leaders Youri Yenga and Pete Fleps to graduation. Nevertheless, SMU does bring back Taylor “Tank” Reed and Ja’Gared Davis, who led the team in tackles (145) and sacks (9). With tons of experience coming back on both sides of the ball, a coaching staff that is second to none and the signing of their finest recruiting class this century, the Mustangs are completely capable of winning their first conference title since 1984 as well as making a third straight bowl game appearance. SMU will take on Texas A&M in the 2011 season opener on Sept. 4 in College Station. The game will be broadcast live at 6:30 p.m. in front of a national television audience on Fox Sports Net.
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Special Edition of The Daily Campus • 5
First Year Guide 2011-12 CAMPUS AFFAIRS
Student Senate provides voice for student body By SARAH KRAMER skramer@smu.edu
Created in 1915, Student Senate both serves and represents the student body. As a proactive and reactive organization, Student Senate addresses the concerns of the students. “We want to hear your ideas, no matter what their content might contain,” said the 2011-12 Student Body President Austin Prentice. “We are here to represent your voice.” Though the Student Body Officers and many Senators have been selected for the 2011-12 school year, incoming freshmen can still be a part of Senate. Student Body Vice President Alex Ehmke encourages incoming freshmen to get involved “as soon as they set foot on campus.” There are five First-Year Student Senate seats open to incoming students. Elections for those seats will be held within the first few weeks of school. “Holding a First-Year Senator position is a great introduction to Senate,” Student Body Secretary Martha Pool said. However, because it is a significant time commitment, students can apply to be general members of eight committees, which include finances, communications and scholarships. “This (a Senate committee position) is a great way to stay connected and be a part of Senate without the additional time and effort that being a senator requires,” Pool said. For students considering joining Senate, they should review previous bills passed and legislation that they would like to see written of the summer, according to the 2011-12 Speaker Ted Belden. “Once they have a platform to run on, it’s just a matter of getting out there and campaigning once the school year begins,” Belden said.
Ehmke added that students who are considering running for a Senate position “should be passionate about the school and ready to bring about change on campus.” Continuing from previous semesters, Senate hopes to revisit issues such as the number of reading days before finals, parking problems, special interest seats for the athletic community and graduation fees. Senate also plans to address new, tangible matters next year like extending library hours, according to Prentice. Student Senate meets every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in the Hughes-Trigg Forum and is open to the public. Thus, if being a member of Senate is not appealing to incoming freshmen, or other students, it is still accessible for students to bring questions and concerns. “Student Senate is a representation of the student body, and therefore exists to serve them,” Parliamentarian Alex Morgan said. Because each Senator represents 300 students, it is the student body’s job to keep them accountable. “It is your job to reach out to your Senator and let him or her know what you would like to see changed or improved on campus,” Pool said. After each meeting, Pool, the Student Body Secretary, will send out weekly updates about the issues addressed during meetings. Students can contact their respected Senator about issues mentioned in these updates. “Together, we can continue improving SMU during this historic Centennial Celebration era,” Prentice said. For more information about Student Senate, contact Katherine Ladner at kladner@smu.edu.
TOP 5 SMU CELEBRATIONS 1
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SMU CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION No one throws a birthday party quite like SMU.! As the university celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding, SMU opened Café 100 on campus and set off fireworks at a Founder’s Day bash that attracted thousands of students, alumni and Dallas residents. The celebration will continue until 2015, the centennial of the year the school’s doors first opened to students.
CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS
A student body favorite, the Celebration of Lights kicks off the holidays at SMU. While holding a candle, students and community members gather on the main quad to sing carols and listen to President Turner’s reading of the biblical Christmas story. Everyone is given a candle to hold and at the end of the ceremony, Dallas Hall and the campus Christmas tree light up the night.
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“BOULEVARDING”
“We don’t tailgate, we boulevard,” the mantra of SMU football fans. The school’s main road, Bishop Boulevard, is closed off on game day and tents line the street. Free food, music and time with fellow Mustangs serves as a fan favorite prequel to each home
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HOMECOMING WEEK
Floats, fanfare and Mustang alumni fill the Boulevard for the annual Homecoming parade and football game. Sororities, fraternities and other campus organizations come out to participate in events such as Field Day, Community Service Day and the float-building competition.
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MANE EVENT
Mane Event is a carnival on the Main Quad held on the last day of classes each spring semester. The entire SMU community is invited out to share in the games, live music and free food.
-Compiled by Ashley Withers
CAREER
SMU’s Hegi Career Center helps ease job search, interviews By SARAH KRAMER skramer@smu.edu
With 10 expert career professionals, the Hegi Family Career Development Center assists students with resume building, job and internship strategies and networking. Throughout the school year, students can attend career fairs hosted by the Career Center and access its online job database, MustangTrak. According to the Career Center staff, 70 percent of the featured jobs on the database are open to all majors. The Career Center also offers the “Hit the Pavement” program, which allows students to visit with employers from different companies and organizations. “These experiences allow students to network with future employers as well as understand a company’s culture,” the Hegi Family Career Development Center staff said in an email interview. Counselors and staff encourage students to select their majors early so they can begin their career planning process. It is recommended freshmen make an appointment with a career counselor during their first semester. “First-year students are
encouraged to meet with a career counselor to discuss major exploration and how it relates to the career decision-making process,” the staff and counselors said. With one-on-one counseling, workshops and MustangTrak, the career center provides students with mock-interviews and the tools necessary to obtain jobs and internships in a competitive job market. “In this time of economic uncertainty, students and alumni are finding they need a strong network, fluid strategies and career resources that keep them competitive for a lifetime,” the staff and counselors said in an email. The Career Center is located in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center and offers services to both undergraduate and graduate students. Counselors at the center hope students visit often, making it “a lifelong habit.” In 2001 SMU alumni Fred and Jan Hegi made a commitment of $1 million to SMU. Their sons, Peter and Brian, then endowed $3 million for expansion of facilities and services at the Career Center, which has been in existence since 1911. For more information about services offered, visit www.smu. edu/career.
TOP 5 STUDENT SERVICES 1. STUDENT SENATE 2. HEGI FAMILY CAREER CENTER 3. STUDY ABROAD CENTER 4. SMU LIBRARY SYSTEMS 5. GIDDY-UP
6 • Special Edition of The Daily Campus
ABC’s OF SMU
Athletics SMU sponsors 17 sports and has been ranked as the top school in its conference for 10 of the last 11 years in the Director’s Cup overall athletic rankings. More information about SMU and its coaches, student-athletes and teams is available at smumustangs.com.
Boulevard SMU students are fond of saying we don’t tailgate, we Boulevard! That’s because for every home football game, students, faculty, staff and alumni jam the normal tranquil setting of Bishop Boulevard in the heart of the SMU campus for food, fun and festivities for three hours leading up to kickoff.
Celebration of Lights Every December, the SMU community gathers to witness the lighting of the trees in the Main Quad and listens as the University President reads the Christmas story from the Bible. The scene is illuminated by more than 100,000 lights in the trees and with luminarias lining the sidewalks. The Student Foundation-sponsored event includes caroling and special holiday performances and concludes with a reception in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center.
former Ownby Stadium. The stadium features a horseshoe configuration and a playing surface sunken 25 feet below ground level.
Source: smumustangs.cstv.com/facilities/ford-stadium.html
Greek Life Greek Life at SMU traces its roots to 1915 when the first four fraternity chapters were established, according to the SMU website. Ninety-six years and tens of thousands of members later, the fraternity and sorority community is vibrant and now offers 28 national fraternities and sororities. Recruitment begins the week before second semester starts in January. Students can learn more about Greek recruitment at information meetings and Greek events, scheduled throughout the fall semester.
Designed after the library rotunda at the University of Virginia, Dallas Hall opened its doors in 1915 and housed the entire University as well as a bank and a barbershop. The 3-story rotunda is topped with brilliant stained glass, and the dome is copper with a rich green patina. The University seal is on the floor under the Rotunda. Dallas Hall is one of 10 SMU buildings listed on the National Historic Register. Source: smu.edu
Exercise The Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports — which just completed a $25 million expansion and renovation — offers 170,000 square feet of indoor recreational space plus an outdoor social area that includes The Falls (zero entry pool with 7-foot waterfalls), two sand volleyball courts and leisure spaces. Source: http://smu.edu/recsports/index.htm
Ford Stadium SMU football returned to campus on Sept. 2, 2000, in a game against Kansas with the opening of Gerald J. Ford Stadium. The 32,000-seat, state-of-the-art facility is located on the grounds of the
Source: http://smumustangs.cstv.com
KPNI Radio KPNI Radio (formerly known as KSMU) first hit the airwaves in 1947. By 1955, KSMU had taken over a former troop barrack located behind the Natatorium (currently the Mustang Band Hall) and was broadcast on both the AM and FM dials. Now, the station is part of the Journalism division’s media convergence curriculum and broadcasts in the residence halls and on the Internet (http://kpni. smu.edu/) from its studios on the second floor of the Umphrey Lee Center. Source: http://kpni.smu.edu/about/history.asp
Lower Greenville
Hilltop Because Dallas Hall was built on a hill on what was — at the time — the outskirts of Dallas, the University has been nicknamed “The Hilltop.”
Iron Skillet
Dallas Hall
With the Falcons, Jones guided the team that he once played for to a playoff wildcard berth in 1995.
The “Battle for the Iron Skillet” is the name given to the football rivalry between SMU and Texas Christian University, whose campuses are separated by just 40 miles in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. While the exact origin of the story of the Iron Skillet remains unknown, it is rumored to have originated from a pregame festivity in the 1950s when an SMU fan was frying up some frog legs as a joke before the game. A TCU fan, seeing this desecration of the “frog,” said they should let the game decide who would get the skillet and the frog legs. TCU ended up winning the game, the skillet and the frog legs. Now, the winner of the game receives an iron skillet trophy. Source: wikipedia.org
June Jones June Jones enters his fourth season as head football coach at SMU. Jones is no stranger to reclamation projects after transforming the downtrodden University of Hawaii program into one of the most exciting and competitive squads in the country during his nine-year stint. Before joining the Warriors in 1999, Jones enjoyed a 12-year coaching career in the NFL, including head coaching stops at Atlanta (1994-96) and San Diego (1998).
Lower Greenville, the area adjacent to Greenville Avenue in east Dallas, is a frequent gathering place for SMU students. Lower Greenville is filled with restaurants and entertainment locations that are original to the area.
Mustangs When the SMU community decided in 1917 a new mascot was needed to symbolize its unified spirit, faculty and students were asked to submit nominations. On October 25, 1917, the University community voted from among four possibilities — Bison, Greyhounds, Pioneers and Mustangs. The contributor of the winning symbol was Miss Dorothy Amann, President Hyer’s secretary. She was struck by the idea while watching the team practice from her office in Dallas Hall: “Why, out there, on the football field, it looks just like a bunch of wild Mustangs!” Source: http://people.smu.edu/band/Traditions.htm
Newspaper
The Daily Campus has been serving as the independent voice of the SMU community since 1915. The studentproduced newspaper is published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during regular academic terms. The newspaper is available free-of-charge to students, faculty and staff at more than 50 boxes located across the campus or online at smudailycampus.com. The newspaper offers paid positions
for writers, editors, photographers and graphic designers. Students of all classifications and majors are encouraged to apply for the staff by visiting the Student Media Company, located in Suite 314 of the Hughes Trigg Student Center.
Opening Convocation All new undergraduate students are invited and encouraged to attend Opening Convocation. At the event, students are formally welcomed to the SMU community in a ceremony dating back to 1915, in the very first days of the University,” according to the SMU website. Highlights of the ceremony include the faculty in full academic regalia formally presenting the new class of students to the President, SMU administrators and the professors.
Peruna On November 4, 1932, Peruna I made his first appearance at a pep rally prior to an SMU football game against Texas A&M University. The feisty black Shetland pony, named after a popular, alcohol-laced tonic of the Prohibition era, was an immediate success as the ultimate embodiment of the Mustang spirit. After being struck and killed by a car on Mockingbird Lane during a 1934 Halloween celebration, the entire University community went into mourning. Since that time, SMU has been represented by eight Perunas — including the current Peruna VIII, which has served since 1997. All of the Perunas — except for Peruna I — have been donated and cared for by the generous Culwell family.
Queen & King of Homecoming The crowning of the Homecoming King & Queen at halftime of the Homecoming football game culminates the weeklong celebration planned by Student Foundation. This year’s Homecoming game is slated for Nov. 5 vs. Tulane.
Red & Blue Harvard Red and Yale Blue were chosen by the University’s first president, Robert S. Hyer, to symbolize SMU’s high standards. Source: http://smu.edu/spirit/
First Year Guide 2011-12 Walker, Doak
Study abroad
Ever wanted to live in The Land Down Under or report on the status of children living in Romanian orphanages? Ever wanted to study art and architecture in France and Spain or track the political and legal developments in Argentina? These are but a few of the current Study Abroad opportunities that SMU students are undertaking. Students need to have completed their first year and have sophomore standing (minimum 30 semester hours) to be eligible to attend any of SMU’s study abroad programs. Source: http://smu.edu/educationabroad/faq.asp#2
Tate Lecture Series Bringing the world’s most interesting and provocative people to Dallas for more than 25 years, SMU’s Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series is one of the country’s leading forums for intellectual inquiry and discussion. From presidents to prime ministers, from prize-winning authors and actors to eminent scientists and business leaders – the series offers once-in-a lifetime exposure to the world’s leading minds. The series was named in 1990 for the late Willis M. Tate who, during his tenure as president of SMU, championed freedom of expression on campus.
Doak Walker ’50 epitomized leadership, sportsmanship and academic and athletic achievement during his storied career at SMU. The versatile running back, who also punted, returned punts and kickoffs, and kicked extra points, earned All-America honors in 1947, 1948 and 1949. In 1948, Walker won the Heisman Trophy. The prestigious Doak Walker Award was created in 1989 to recognize the nation’s premier running back for his accomplishments on the field, achievement in the classroom and citizenship in the community. Walker died Sept. 27, 1998, from complications following a skiing accident. Source: http://smu.edu/doakwalker/
X-ray The Memorial Health Center is a convenient medical clinic located on the SMU campus for diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury. The clinic is staffed with full-time physicians, registered nurses, pharmacists and laboratory and x-ray technologists. Services include consultations with physicians, minor surgery, care of injuries, treatment of minor illnesses, immunizations and continuation of treatments such as allergy injections. The Health Center also offers specialty clinics which include gynecology, sports medicine and dermatology.
Yearbook
Source: http://smu.edu/tateseries/aboutus/
Umphrey Lee The Umphrey Lee Center is home to SMU’s Residential Restaurant offering a lavish all-you-care-to-eat menu with bountiful variety. Real Food on Campus (RFoC@Lee) is open for continuous service with two comfortable, relaxing dining rooms with such specialized stations as pizza/pasta, deli, a grill, omelets and more. Source: http://www.campusdish.com
Varsity The title of SMU’s school song. The words are as follows: “Oh we see the Varsity, Varsity, Varsity, As she towers o’er the hill over there. And our hearts are filled with joy, SMU, SMU, Alma Mater, we’ll be true forever.”
The award-winning Rotunda yearbook has been published annually since 1916. First-year portraits for the 2012 Rotunda will be taken on the first day of AARO in the M Lounge, so don’t miss your opportunity to have your first year on The Hilltop chronicled in the yearbook. Be sure to include the Rotunda ($60) in your “Campus Essentials” through Access. Additionally, Rotunda offers paid positions for writers, editors, photographers and graphic designers. Students of all classifications and majors are encouraged to apply for the staff by visiting the Student Media Company, located in Suite 314 of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center.
Zzzzzzzzs ZZZZZs is for sleep, which can be a luxury for many SMU students, particularly as midterms and finals roll around. There are a few select places around to catch a few zzzzzs, but classes and the libraries are not among them.
Special Edition of The Daily Campus • 7
First Year Guide 2011-12
On New Year’s Day 1936, the SMU football team makes its only appearance in the Rose Bowl. They lose 7-0 to Stanford, but make enough money for the university to pay off the bonds on Ownby Stadium. Compulsory chapel attendance abolished.
The campus boasts five new buildings: McFarlin Auditorium, Hyer Hall, Ownby Stadium and two women’s dormitories — Snider and Virginia Halls.
The Mustang is selected as the school’s mascot.
Temporary bleachers at Ownby Stadium collapse during homecoming football game with Texas A&M, injuring 38 fans.
The first “Peruna,” named after a patented medicine, appears at a Mustang football game.
Dedication of Fondren Library.
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1936
Fire burns three men’s dormitories (North, South and Rankin Halls) in less than one hour. During the blaze, the new $10,000 University Park fire engine gets stuck in the mud and also burns.
Doak Walker won the Heisman Trophy as a Junior. His jersey number “37” was the first and only retired jersey.
1948
The first student body includes 706 students, twice as many as expected. At that time, it is the largest first-year enrollment at any U.S. university except the University of Chicago.
1926
1923
First student newspaper, SMU Times, published (renamed The Campus in 1916).
Campus beautification committee adopts plans that lead to the placing of electric, telephone, water, gas lines and steam pipes in underground service tunnels, as well as the shortening of Bishop Boulevard which previously came close to the steps of Dallas Hall.
1932
Dallas citizens pledge $300,000 ($6,317,878 adjusted for inflation) to construct the first building, named Dallas Hall in their honor.
SMU opens its doors on Sept. 22 with 456 students, 37 faculty members, five buildings, an endowment fund of $279,178, and three groupings: the College of Liberal Arts, the Department of Music and School of Theology.
1917
1912
Physicist Robert Stewart Hyer, the president of Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, is elected first president of SMU on April 13.
1915
1911
SMU: 100 YEARS AND COUNTING... The Texas Methodist Education Commission chooses Dallas over Fort Worth as the home of a new university to be sponsored by what was then the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
Last game in Ownby Stadium (until 1989) was on Oct. 2 with SMU defeating Texas Tech 41-6.
1911
1995
SMU celebrates its 75th anniversary. Doak Walker elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame.
2008
After a 25-year hiatus, SMU returns to postseason play and wins the Hawaii Bowl against Nevada, 45-10.
2009
June Jones named head football coach at SMU.
Dallas Hall is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
1987
1978
1976
Celebration of Lights begins.
Mustang Band begins admitting women.
SMU has 80 buildings, an on-campus enrollment of 7,000, a faculty of 650 and an endowment of $24.709 million on a campus of 155 acres. The student newspaper changes its name to The Daily Campus.
Dormitory visitation allowed for the first time.
1977
M Awards, in modern form, begin.
School of the Arts renamed Meadows School of the Arts.
1970
Umphrey Lee Student Center opens.
1965
Meadows Museum opens. The first classes take place in the $9.5 million Owens Arts Center.
SMU is selected to host the George W. Bush Presidential Library.
SMU introduces a simple photo identification card.
1986
Parents’ Weekend begins.
1981
Prohibition ends on campus.
1973
1971
1962
First African-American undergraduate enrolls.
1969
1955
1951
Eleven new sorority houses open simultaneously on campus.
SMU celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding.
1961
2011 Twenty-one new buildings open on campus - Theology Quadrangle (seven buildings; an eighth in 1954), Law Quadrangle (Florence Hall and two new buildings).
R. Gerald Turner installed as SMU’s 10th president.
After discovery of a football pay-for-play scandal, the Methodist Church issues the Bishops’ Committee Report on SMU. The Board of Governors is abolished. NCAA sanctions force cancellation of football for two seasons. The “Death Penalty” is the toughest penalty in college sports history.
a century
HILLTOP on the
ISSUES
8 • Special Edition of The Daily Campus
First Year Guide 2011-12
TOP
AT SMU
1 ‘INTERNATIONALIZING’ SMU I have the privilege of serving as the 20112012 Student Trustee, to witness and participate in the deliberations Adriana Martinez of the SMU Board of Trustees. As my tenure commences, the enormous task before me looms. And like with all daunting opportunities, the challenge is how to best take advantage of it. In addition to partaking in various initiatives and receiving comprehensive reports from the STUDENT TRUSTEE
student body, I have one goal on which I will particularly concentrate. SMU’s Second Century Campaign, SMU Unbridled, strives to improve the three following areas: (1) student quality, (2) faculty and academic excellence, and (3) campus experience. As Student Trustee, I will address all three by promoting and working towards an “internationalized” SMU. Increasing international visibility and enhancing diversity of thought and experience on campus will propel SMU not just into its second century, but also into the globalized world of the 21st century. Today, multi-national
2 UNITY & PRIDE It is common for college freshmen to have slight concerns about fitting in, getting involved, and making Martha Pool new friends. In case you have felt this way, I want to reassure you that you made the right decision to choose SMU and that you can adapt successfully to college life. I chose to address the topic of campus unity and school spirit because I believe that both are crucial to optimizing your college experience. Tight campus communities create a closer-knit student body, as well as a proud and loyal alumni network. This adds value to your college degree by increasing your networking potential. In previous years, some SMU students have commented that they felt disconnected from their STUDENT BODY SEC.
university due to a lack of unity and school pride. Our school has many legendary traditions such as Peruna (the only mascot in history to kill another college’s mascot), the Mustang Band, Rotunda Passage, the Boulevard and Homecoming. Because the incoming freshman class traditionally sets the tone of campus spirit for the entire year, it is up to your class to lead the way in fostering enthusiastic pride in our university. Everyone must play a part in creating a dynamic campus and outstanding school spirit. Having just finished my own freshman year, I would like to offer practical ways for you to get involved and carry on the proud SMU legacy and traditions. At AARO and Mustang Corral, you will learn more about SMU’s most famous traditions. I encourage each one of you to become actively involved in campus spirit this fall and to do your part to carry on each one of those traditions. Apply to become a member of Mustang 11 or the Union, and lead your class in school pride and
corporations and diversified industries prove that to lag in this area is detrimental. At Oxford University, one of every three students is foreign. And Stanford isn’t too far behind with nearly 30 percent. International students made up nearly 20 percent of Harvard University’s overall population in 2010. And SMU? 7.5 percent. This, of course, has not gone unnoticed. SMU’s Centennial Strategic Plan states, “With regard to the emergence of the information age and a globalized society, SMU is ready to capitalize on its current position to enhance the University’s educational quality and relative position among its peers.” Six
BY MARTHA POOL STUDENT BODY SECRETARY mpool@smu.edu giving back. Coordinate campus traditions such as Homecoming, Family Weekend, and Mane Event with Student Foundation, or build homecoming floats and organize pep rallies and pre-game concerts with Program Council. Proudly wear Harvard Red and Yale Blue on Red & Blue Fridays. Don’t just enjoy the fabulous Boulevard experience on game days, but also attend the football games and cheer our team on to victory. Support the many other athletes who represent our school on the basketball, soccer, volleyball and all other intercollegiate athletic teams by taking advantage of the free athletic events and attending their games and meets when possible. Learn the school cheers and songs, and join the Mustang Band in fostering school spirit. Please take the time to stay connected to the campus community by reading emails, flyers, posters, etc. that are sent from the SMU staff and administration about ways to get involved.
percent international students will allow SMU to be competitive with its peers, such as Duke and Dartmouth University. To reach this goal consistently, increased funds for recruitment and scholarships are needed. This will attract students who are competitive and qualified, and along the way increase SMU’s international visibility. Yet, matriculating international students alone is not enough. Steps toward integration of international students are critical. While international students are certainly bright and capable, bringing unique perspectives in and out of the classroom, the American system is new and often
Being asked to write about an “issue” facing SMU students is difficult. There might be some bias in this Austin Prentice statement, but I think SMU is the best university in the country.
With that being said, there is one specific quality of life issue at SMU that I hope to address early on as Student Body President to continue the betterment of SMU. Being exhausted and worn out following finals week – like most every college student – has become more traditional over the past few years at SMU. As SMU progresses towards becoming a top-tier university, the academic rigor increases with each
TOP 5 PLACES TO STUDY
1. BRIDWELL LIBRARY 2. 4TH FLOOR FONDREN 3. HAMMONS ART LIBRARY 4. DALLAS HALL LAWN 5. UNDERWOOD LAW LIBRARY
surpassing day. Deans are hiring the most esteemed professionals, counselors are encouraging additional courses and professors are expecting more, all which lead to an academic overload come semester’s end. Reading days were created and intended to soften this overload issue while allowing each student to perform adequately on his or her exam with appropriate preparation time.
times overwhelming. SMU has a long way to go to facilitate the transition and enable international students to enrich the university by incorporating distinctive insights and ideas. “Internationalizing” SMU also requires measures such as increased study abroad opportunities, the study of foreign languages, multilateral efforts in student activities and research and greater international attention. The elements of a globalized university include internationally recognized research, globally acclaimed professors, and opportunities such as those possible through the William J. O’Neil Center for Global Markets and Freedom, the Stephanie and Hunter
3 CLASS RATINGS STUDENT BODY VP
Moving into the second century of Southern Methodist University, I am excited that the
Alex Ehmke
administration has made improvement of academics one of its top priorities. However, in making progress to improve our school’s academic standing and the education that is offered to its many students, I propose that one of the great obstacles to this goal is the current system of professor evaluations. As they function now, professor evaluations are a grossly underused tool. At the end of each semester, students are asked to fill out evaluations of their professors for that term. These evaluations are (presumably) compiled, organized, and then used for school personnel
4 LACK OF READING DAYS STUDENT BODY PRES.
BY ADRIANA MARTINEZ STUDENT TRUSTEE amartinez@smu.edu
This past academic year, we were allotted one reading day in the fall and zero in the spring. It is difficult to turn around after the last day of class and immediately take a final exam the following day. However one wants to use his or her extra time, the opportunity should be presented. There is a substantial difference between mid-week semester exams and final exams.
TOP 5 PERFORMANCES
1. BROWN BAG DANCE SERIES 2. MEADOWS AT THE MEYERSON 3. EIGHTH BLACKBIRD 4. OPERA FREE-FOR-ALL 5. SHARP SHOW
decisions such as tenure-track – this is an understanding of the current system as it has been relayed to me by several professors. The single greatest problem with this organization as it stands now is that the results of these evaluations are not even partially published for the benefit of the students. Were this done, students would be able to make more informed choices when selecting their courses, finding those classes that would be truly rewarding. Instead, we are forced to rely on unreliable information from fellow students and the extremely polarized reviews found on ratemyprofessor.com or similar websites. I can understand the faculty point of view on this subject: they are here to grade students, not to be graded by them. The accountability that such a system would enjoy would also offer a temptation for grade inflation and undue deference in the classroom in order to please students, especially when the results of
Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity, the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies, the Embrey Human Rights Program, and the Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility. It is crucial to support these pre-existing organizations and encourage the formation of new clubs and institutes with international outlooks. In every aspect of SMU life, a global dimension benefits the community. Our world demands top students and institutions to interact on the international stage. In turn, this demands SMU to continue to embrace the idea of a global community.
BY ALEX EHMKE STUDENT BODY VP aehmke@smu.edu such evaluations could have pervasive impacts on a professor’s reputation. But I respond that, whether SMU embraces it or not, online assessments abound anyway. There has been a proliferation of online evaluations published and maintained by third party websites in the past few years, and I don’t honestly see that trend changing in the near future. If this information is going to exist and is going to be used by students, why should it not at least be institutionalized within the school? I believe that allowing students access to professor evaluations would align with SMU’s stated goal of improving academic standing. Students would enjoy their classes more and would more easily find those professors whose style they can appreciate. Several other members of the Student Senate and myself hope to make progress in this regard this year, and as we move forward I believe that changes in this policy will be beneficial and appreciated.
BY AUSTIN PRENTICE STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT aprentice@smu.edu Being realistic in my approach, I understand this reality depends a lot on the yearly calendar. Like many situations, an extra effort and small sacrifice must be made by both parties in order to efficiently accomplish the task at hand. Professors forget that their current class is not the only class a student takes throughout the semester. Balancing a collegiate academic workload at a premier university is hard enough as is,
but adding the stress of inadequate preparation time only makes the situation more daunting. I would like to see a mandated minimum of at least one reading day per academic semester. This is also an issue, however, that is here to stay when dealt with year by year. I hope to work with the rest of Student Senate and the Faculty Senate to ensure that a reading day minimum is set for years to come.
TOP 5 EVENTS FOR ’RENTS 1. PARENT’S WEEKEND 2. CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS 3. SMU VS. TCU GAME 4. SING-SONG 5. SMU BASKETBALL GAME
Special Edition of The Daily Campus • 9
First Year Guide 2011-12
TOP 5 FASHION TIPS THE 1 COWBOY BOOTS 2 TOSS BACKPACK
You’re in Texas now, embrace it. Snag a pair of Ariat boots from Cavender’s Boot City just in time for boulevarding in the fall.
3
Opt for a chic tote instead. L.L. Bean makes classic canvas bags that come in an array of colors. Don’t forget the monogram!
JACK ROGERS
These Florida staples have officially made their way into the Lone Star State. The Navajo scandal, first made popular by Miss Jackie O, is the perfect footwear to get you from English to biology.
4
STYLISH SUNGLASSES
TOP 5 PLACES TO SHOP 1. LOVERS LANE 2. HP VILLAGE 3. SNIDER PLAZA 4. WEST VILLAGE 5. NORTHPARK
The Texas sun can be a bit overwhelming at times, so protect your peepers with a pair of Ray-Bans. The aviator and wayfarer styles have been wildly popular for decades.
5
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
While throwing on Nike shorts and an oversize T-shirt for class may be tempting, trust us—professors respect students more when they take the time to get dressed for class. — Compiled by Shelby Foster
TWITTER’S TOP 5
@
1. @SMU 2. @THEDAILYCAMPUS 3. @SMUMUSTANGS 4. @SMUSTYLE 5. @SMU_HEGICENTER
TOP 5 PLACES TO EAT ON CAMPUS 1. MAC’S PLACE 2. RFOC 3. CHIK-FIL-A 4. SUBWAY 5. EINSTEIN’S
10 • Special Edition of The Daily Campus
First Year Guide 2011-12
CLASS OF ’15, WELCOME TO THE BIG D 1
TOP 5 PLACES TO CHOW DOWN IN DALLAS DIGG’S BUBBA’S
2
An SMU staple, Bubba’s serves up tasty breakfasts and piping hot lunches. The fried chicken and homemade sides are the best you’ll find anywhere, and the smiles and hellos from the friendly staff are hard to beat.
3
FIESTA GROCERY
Located on Skillman, the grocery store features a small deli inside. They have very inexpensive daily specials for a fraction of the price of local restaurants. The mileage distance is minimal, but if you’re willing to travel outside of your normal comfort zone you will find this gem to be an awesome Mexican grocery mart offering unique food finds.
New to the SMU area, the new taco joint across the street has already become a hit with the SMU crowd. With its reasonable prices, tasty tacos and delicious queso, Digg’s is sure to be around just as long as Bubba’s.
4 5
GLORIA’S RESTAURANT
TOP 5 DALLAS EVENTS
1. ST. PATTY’S DAY PARADE
When March rolls around, Big D turns green as it celebrates St. Patty’s day in full force. The biggest of celebration happens in Dallas’ lower Greenville area as people come out to listen to live music, and if lucky, eat free food.
2. THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS There is perhaps nothing better in Texas than a corn dog and fried Oreos. Known for its wacky food and amazing attractions, the State Fair of Texas is an annual event that has all of Dallas asking, “What else will they fry next?” Known to host college football’s fiercest rivalry when the University of Texas takes on the University of Oklahoma in the Red River showdown, the State Fair is a highlight in the year for the city of Dallas.
3. SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE ARBORETUM
Serving up tasty Salvadorian cuisine, this affordable restaurant can be found on Lower Greenville.
Sometimes in the summer months, it’s better to join the heat than try to beat it. And, if that’s your plan, then the Dallas Arboretum is the perfect place to do so. Encouraging their patrons to pack a picnic, the Arboretum brings in only the best of cover bands to entertain the lunching crowd.
CAFE BRAZIL
4. BIG D NEW YEARS EVE
Hungry at 3 a.m.? This 24-hour joint has got you covered. Enjoy the Brazilian Breakfast with eggs, a chorizo empanada and much more for under $10.
Not letting New York have all of the fun, Dallas is home to Big D NYE, a mammoth celebration that packs the people of Dallas into the alwaysilluminating Victory Park as they ring in the New Year. With giant television screens broadcasting the countdown, fireworks and confetti fill the air as the clock strikes midnight.
TOP 5 DALLAS RUNNING TRAILS TOP 5 THINGS TO SEE IN DALLAS 5. DALLAS SPORTING EVENTS
1. KATY TRAIL 2. WHITE ROCK LAKE 3. TURTLE CREEK TRAIL 4. OAK CLIFF NATURE PRESERVE 5. GATEWAY PARK TRAIL
1. THE ARTS DISTRICT 2. THE WEST END 3. LANDMARK INWOOD THEATER 4. MOCKINGBIRD STATION 5. NORTHPARK CENTER
Following stellar seasons from both the Mavericks and the Rangers, Dallas has a lot to brag about when it comes to sports. One’s freshman year would not be complete without a visit to one of Dallas’ many sporting venues. Visit the massive Cowboys Stadium in Arlington to watch the Cowboys or venture over one street to the Ballpark in Arlington to see the Rangers. If you prefer to be indoors, the American Airlines Center is the home of the Mavericks and Dallas Stars hockey team. -Compiled by Chase Wade
Heroes Don’t Always Wear Capes. Become a teacher. Inspire minds, broaden your job opportunities and open the doors to a fulfilling career. Consider becoming a teacher. The pass rate for SMU graduates on Texas state teacher exams is above 98%, and our expert advisers and faculty can help you select a teaching field. When it comes to teacher preparation, SMU gets an A+. smu.edu/teacher Southern Methodist University will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.