SMU Student Affairs Impact 2021-2022

IMPACT Student Affairs

23

IN THEIR WORDS

6 WORLD CHANGERS: WHERE WILL THEY GO?

2022 Graduates share their plans after SMU

8 TRADITIONS WITH STUDENT FOUNDATION

Student leaders share their experiences planning some of the SMU’s most time-honored events

26 FOSTERING INCLUSIVITY

The Women and LGBT Center celebrate a number of student-led initiatives to foster inclusion on campus

28 Engage Dallas: Beyond the Hilltop

Hear from a student volunteer, community partner, and faculty sponsor about their Engage Dallas experience

SELECTED STORIES

34 CARE. BELONG. GROW. PEER CHAPLAINS IN THE COMMONS

Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life launches the Peer Chaplain program as a new leadership position in the Commons

38 THE SOPHOMORE PROJECT

An innovative partnership between Student and Academic Affais focuses on returning Sophomores in fall 2021

40 COMMONS CUP

Learn about the set of friendly competitions that promote Commons pride and affiliation

32 EQUITABLE EXPEREIENCES WITH SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

Hegi Family Career Development Center launches a paid internship program for Black and underrepresented students

36 THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME

SMU Mustang Band represents the United States at events honoring D-Day in Normandy, France

42 DR. DENNIS SIMMON CIVIL RIGHTS PILGRIMAGE

Reverend Ray Jordan led twenty-four pilgrims on a trip to the sacred sites of the American Civil Rights Movement

44 SERVING STUDENTS WHERE THEY ARE

The Residential Commons Affiliate Program relaunched

46 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTNTS

Members of the Undergraduate Research Program tell us what they’ve found most impactful to their learning as a result of their research study experiences

48 Answering the Call for Mental Health Needs

The Dr. Bob Smith Health Center responds to the growing need for mental health services

The Hilltop is once again buzzing with life. The 2021-22 academic year marked the return of the dynamic campus experience for which SMU is known. Everywhere you looked, students were brimming with excitement to be living and learning on campus within our uniquely rich community. As I reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the past year, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for my extraordinary Student Affairs colleagues with whom I have the privilege of working with, a dedicated team of selfless professionals unified in our common mission to educate students and support their continued growth and development. And gratitude for our amazing student body—an enterprising, diverse, and academically gifted group of young people, determined to use their SMU education for good—to be world changers.

We continued to innovate our work this past year, carrying forward valuable lessons learned during the COVID pandemic. We have tested and proven the utility of new technologies and modalities to expand the reach and impact of Student Affairs programs and services. For all our students, new and continuing, we adapted and continually refined our approaches to delivering individualized student engagement opportunities, wellbeing interventions, healthcare, and more.

I am incredibly proud of the Division’s accomplishments this year, particularly as they relate to deepening our impact on student learning and bolstering student engagement opportunities. The following pages offer a sampling of the ways Student Affairs supports student development and engagement while enhancing the campus experience. Efforts such as the Peer Chaplain Program, the Hegi Career Development Center’s Internship Program, Engage Dallas, the Inaugural Pride Visibility Day, and the expansion of tele-therapy resources illustrate the multitude of ways in which Student Affairs continues to provide Mustangs with innovative programs and services.

As we look toward the year ahead, I am excited to welcome new staff across the Division of Student Affairs and I look forward to all we will accomplish with, and for, our students. The Division of Student Affairs is moving forward with ambitious goals for the year ahead. I believe we are well positioned to achieve our mission.

Pony Up,

K.C. Mmeje Vice President for Student Affairs

“I am incredibly proud of the Division’s accomplishments this year, particularly as they relate to deepening our impact on student learning and bolstering student engagement opportunities.”

LETTER FROM OUR VICE PRESIDENT

WORLD CHANGERS Where will they go?

Kaitlyn Lee

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, CA

Optometric Sciences

Degrees: Mathematics B.S., Biological Sciences B.A.

Activities: Student Representative to the Board of Trustees, Asian Council, East Asian Student Association, Resident Assistant, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Health Honors Society, Cox School of Business Teaching Assistant

Commons Affiliation: Virginia-Snider Commons

“Being involved with Student Affairs at SMU has expanded the belief in my capacity to initiate positive change as a young adult. Various mentors and challenging experiences have taught me to dream for a bigger and deeper impact as well as hope for a greater potential of any community I am a part of.”

Kayla Underwood

GOLDMAN SACHS, DALLAS, TX

Private Banking Analyst

Degrees: Accounting B.B.A., Applied Physiology Sport Management B.S.

Activities: Office of Undergraduate Admissions Student Ambassador, Resident Life Student Housing Resident Assistant and RA Ambassador, Alpha Chi Omega, the Sports Business Society Founder and President, SMU Cox Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom School of Business Teaching Assistant

Commons Affiliation: McElvaney Commons

“Because I have been so involved in many different organizations during my time at SMU, I am prepared for any challenges that life throws my way. Whether it be an overwhelming work week or a difficult client, I know that my experiences have trained me to navigate every obstacle that stands in my way!”

Maria Katsulos

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, EVANSTON, IL

PhD in History

Degrees: History B.A., English B.A. with Creative Writing Specialization

Activities: Hegi Family Career Development Center Career Consultant and Hegi Career Leader

Commons Affiliation: Mary Hay, Peyton, Shuttles Commons

“In some very tangible ways, my involvement in the Hegi Family Career Development Center has prepared me for a life in academia and higher education by allowing me to advise my peers and to participate in a behind-the-scenes version of the school we all know and love. More broadly, though, my time in the Center has taught me so much about responsibility, advocacy for others, accessibility to educational resources, and how to best support teachers, staff, and faculty to achieve their best and have their most meaningful experiences here at SMU and beyond.”

Bethany Bass

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY TEACHER’S COLLEGE, NEW YORK, NY

Master’s in Sociology and Education

Degrees: Human Rights B.A., Political Science B.A., Sociology B.S.

Activities: Connect Student Coordinator for the Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement, Lavender Leader, Student Senate Diversity Equity and Inclusion Chair, Founder and President of Swipe Out Hunger, Human Rights Council Strategic Director, SMU Pride Project Researcher

Commons Affiliation: Mary Hay, Peyton, Shuttles Commons

“Working with the SCIE Office, the Office of Student Advocacy and Support, and the Women and LGBT center are some of the highlights of my academic career. These departments have challenged me to be a student advocate and have fueled my passion to continue researching and advocating for students from historically marginalized communities.“

Colton Fontenot

TEACH FOR AMERICA, CHARLOTTE, NC

Middle School Math Teacher

Degrees: Philosophy B.A., History B.A., Economics B.A., Public Policy B.A.

Activities: Undergraduate Student Affairs Research Team, Honor Council, Resident Assisstant

Commons Affiliation: Morrison-McGinnis Commons

“Working in a variety of different roles within student affairs has given me valuable insights into how listening to students and employing their feedback can have a transformative impact on their educational experience. Having had experience as an advocate, a researcher, and an organizational officer, I feel not only prepared but excited to continue working with students as an educator after I graduate.”

Abena Marfo

EMORY UNIVERSITY ROLLINS SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, ATLANTA, GA

Master’s Degree in Global Health

Degrees: Sociology B.S., Health and Society B.S., Human Rights B.A.

Activities: Emerging Leaders, VPSA Board, Rotunda Scholars, Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement, African Students Association

Commons Affiliation: Crum Commons

“My involvement with Student Affairs has given me the tools to succeed in any environment that I may find myself in. Being a part of multiple student affairs organizations gave me a safe space to learn how to be a leader, a supporter, and a better listener.”

TRADITIONS with Student Foundatation

with Student Foundatation

CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS

Established in 1977, each year Student Foundation at SMU kicks off the holidays with Celebration of Lights on the Dallas Hall Lawn. All are welcome to this family-friendly evening filled with music, the story of the first Christmas, dazzling lights, and more. The 2021 Celebration of Lights welcomed 3,000 students, faculty/staff, community members, and friends of SMU as Dr. Turner read the Christmas Story and gifted SMU students sang classic holiday songs as Dallas Hall Lawn was lit with thousands of Christmas lights. All engaged in celebration with free food, carriage rides, and many other holiday festivities.

Ben Jaksick, ‘23

Finance, Economics with Financial Applications Majors

Cockrell-McIntosh

Commons

“Celebration of Lights has always been a special event at SMU that unites the entire Dallas community around the holiday season. Every year students, faculty members, and Dallas community members get to experience the joy that comes from over 250,000 lights illuminating Dallas Hall Lawn. Last year, not only did we get to partake in sharing the magic that is Celebration of Lights to over 3,000 people, but we also got to reunite the Dallas community on SMU’s campus after a difficult couple of years. It was truly incredible planning Celebration of Lights 2021, and I cannot wait to see Nina Castaneda ‘24 continue the tradition that guests never forget.”

HOMECOMING

Student Foundation hosts a variety of Homecoming festivities designed to promote Mustang spirit! Student organizations compete in a spirit competition and nominate their best and brightest for Homecoming Royalty. Rock the Vote introduces the royalty candidates in a fun pep rally atmosphere in Ford Stadium, and all SMU students were invited to the special 2021 homecoming concert featuring Waka Flocka Flame, generously supported by Development and External Affairs as a special event for the launch of the SMU: Ignited campaign. Homecoming weekend concludes with a fun-filled parade and announcement of Homecoming Royalty winners at halftime of the football game.

Piper Holden, ‘23

Business Management and Public Policy Majors

Loyd Commons

“My proudest accomplishment at SMU thus far has been serving as Homecoming Chair and spearheading the planning of the 2021 SMU Homecoming tradition. I knew when I took on this role, I wanted to prioritize inclusivity and make Homecoming an event in which every mustang felt welcome to participate. I am proud to say that through collaboration with SMU administration, the Human Rights Council, and the Student Foundation Board and Executive team, we were able to create the most inclusive and largest Homecoming in SMU history. Homecoming 2021 included five university-wide events that united a team of over 100 to plan. I couldn’t have planned SMU’s Homecoming without the help and support of Eliana Abraham (former SF President), Meredith Loyd (former VPP of SF), my incredibly talented Homecoming Committee, along with all members of Student Foundation.”

PERUNAPALOOZA

PerunaPalooza is held annually in the spring to celebrate the birthday of our beloved mascot, Peruna! This is a time for everyone in the SMU community to come together and play games, eat food, and participate in a variety of other activities to show our love for the best mascot around!

Nina Castaneda, ‘24 Psychology and Pre-Health Majors

Virginia Snider Commons

“Planning PerunaPalooza was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at my time here at SMU. It would not have been possible without my committee, freshmen Violet Enes, Avery Fassnacht, Caroline Hall, Hannah Hubka, and Amanda Jaksick. We quickly grew close as a committee while having weekly meetings throughout the Spring semester to plan the event. Being able to celebrate Peruna, the end of the semester, and all of our hard work on the day of PerunaPalooza together as a committee was definitely my favorite part of the experience!”

& FRIENDS SUPPORTERS OF STUDENT

AFFAIRS

2,413

TOTAL NUMBER OF GIFTS

June 1, 2021 - May 31, 2022

$7,766,522

TOTAL DOLLAR AMOUNT OF GIFTS

June 1, 2021 - May 31, 2022

Fundraising accomplishments to date include numerous naming gifts that have been secured within the newly remodeled Hughes-Trigg building for the Oren Family Auditorium, Student Senate Chamber, Veterans Center, Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement suite, as well as several meeting rooms and offices. Additionally, the Division has been able to secure program support for the Center for Faith and Learning, The Civil Rights Pilgrimage, and Wellness/Recovery efforts here at SMU. Last but not least, this year also produced a commitment from the John C. Thomas family for the naming of our upper-level housing commons formally known as Daniel House to be renamed the Thomas House.

A major gift to the Center for Faith & Learning from the Phos Foundation, and Suzanne and Glenn Youngkin Family Foundation, will allow the Office of the Chaplain & Religious Life to hire a full-time staff person to support the mission of the Center and Office of the Chaplain, as well as to provide an annual Faith & Learning Symposium highlighting the intersection of faith and action in education or the workplace.

A $1 million gift from the Hegi Family – Fred ’66 and Jan Hegi ’66 and their sons and daughters-in-law, Peter and Amy ’96 and Brian and Elisabeth (Libby) – will equip students to navigate today’s fast-changing work environment and find lifelong career success through the renovation and expansion of SMU’s Hegi Family Career Development Center. The Hegis’ generous commitment will modernize conference rooms and the lobby of the center, as well as fund the addition of two new career counselors to equip students with skills that position them for professional success. A Formal Gift Announcement was made in summer 2021.

SELECT GIFTS

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Thomas

Thomas House (formerly Daniel House) $5,000,000

Mr. Glenn A. Youngkin and Ms. Suzanne S. Youngkin Youngkin/Phos Center for Faith and Learning Staffing, Scholars, and Events Fund $450,000

Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Bates Student Affairs Endowment $400,000

Dr. and Mrs. Frederick B. Hegi, Jr. The Hegi Family Career Center Endowment Fund $200,000

Mr. Lance S. Etcheverry

Hallmark Cards, Incorporated

The late Ms. Carol V. Sharp

The Dr. Jim Caswell Endowment for Leadership Development and Training $100,000

The Hegi Career Center Endowment Fund $100,000

Diamond M Club General Scholarship Fund $100,000

Mr. David S. Huntley and Mrs. Tracey M. Nash-Huntley Hughes-Trigg Expansion and Renovatin Fund $100,000

REFLECTIONS OUR LEADERSHIP from

With 2021-22 Annual Report Executive Summaries

Each year in the Division of Student Affairs units, departments, and offices author summative year-end annual reports outlining their collective efforts, achievements, and assessment insights from the past year. With an emphasis on reflection in service of evidence-based decision making, these reports underscore the importance of using data to inform practice in the coming year.

Student Engagement and Success

Student engagement looked different over the course of the last academic year – not shocking considering the last several years of a global pandemic, national and civic unrest, global conflict, and increasingly intense political divides. This year revealed students being more critical in how they spend their time outside the classroom. Instead of being involved in ten things at a surface level, students chose to engage more meaningfully in fewer activities. I am incredibly proud of how our students and staff have centered the experience of Mustangs in their work and the programs they lead. Whether it is by advancing equity in processes or thinking critically about the purpose of events and activities, the focus continues to be on students’ experience.

The focus on the student experience in 2021-22 yielded a variety of fruitful outcomes:

• Student Senate returned to in-person governing, passing 16 pieces of legislation and 10 proclamations.

• The Hilltop hosted great names like Shangela and Tarana Burke for our LGBTQ and Women’s Symposium events.

• Student Foundation introduced a gender-neutral homecoming royalty selection process to address inclusivity.

• Incoming students in January experienced a completely revamped transition processes, including full spring versions of Stampede, CONNECT, and First5.

• We saw a record number of students participate in Greek recruitment and intake processes.

Following the lead of our students, and thinking about their time critically, staff conversations around the student experience also allowed us to have a dialogue about what we need to stop doing, or do differently, based on what students are asking for today. Over the next year, I am excited to see how focusing more on impactful programs or launching reimagined ones will affect the student experience. It is exciting to see students and staff working collaboratively to drive the future of student engagement on the Hilltop.

Dr. Adam Cebulski Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Success and Chief of Staff

SOCIAL CHANGE AND INTERCULTURAL ENGAGEMENT

The 2021-22 academic year ebbed and flowed for the Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement (SCIE) as we navigated changes in our staff composition, shifting contexts, and new challenges and opportunities. As a department, SCIE began the academic year by refocusing on who we are and what we do. We did this by developing pillars of the department and mapping them to our work. Much of our work this year can be traced back in alignment with the Division of Student Affairs Strategic Plan’s Objectives 1.1 (develop high impact practices for underserved populations; 3.8 (leverage community engagement opportunities in North Texas); and 3.1 (Expand collaborative programs and services between departments within the division with an increased focus on more fully integrating the Residential Commons model). SCIE was able to use previously collected assessment data collected from the CONNECT Mentoring Program, a mentoring program that matches incoming students from underserved populations with upper-class students to aid in acclamation and transition to the university, to enhance the program to better serve mentees and mentors alike. The department also provided a January CONNECT for our transfer students for the first time in 2022. Finally, in partnership with Residence Life and Student Housing, SCIE was able to fully implement Engage Dallas in the 2021-22 academic year.

WOMEN AND LGBT CENTER

The work of the Women and LGBT Center this year has been about growth. We had physical growth in terms of our staffing with the addition of a coordinator to the center. We also had growth in the number of people attending our signature programs with special attention to Shangela’s performance and Tarana Burke’s keynote. We experienced growth in the programs and services that we offered, such as the Pop-up Clothing Swap and the Coming Out Monologues. We saw growth in the number of Ally Trainings and LGBT 101 trainings we have delivered on campus. We saw growth in the number of students who wanted to participate in our leadership programs such as CORE and Lavender Leaders. We also witnessed growth in the number of campus groups that have aligned with the mission of the center, such as the Belle Tones, the Pride Project, and the senate DEI committee. Through this incredible growth and a little bit of growing pains, we were able to support our student leaders as they worked to move the dial more than ever before towards a more open and affirming campus for all students, particularly around gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Thus, opportunity for growth began as the ability to add new staff for the center, and as the center’s capacity grew, we continued to expand what we do and how we do it.

STUDENT CENTER AND ACTIVITIES

Student Center and Activities began the 2021-22 academic year with the final renovation of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center’s lower level pre-function space, Gallery 1911. A 40-foot LED video wall replaced the Centennial Timeline, which will display facts and information about notable alumni and important events in SMU’s history through an interactive digital experience. As COVID guidelines receded and the recent renovation finished, HTSC hosted over 4,200 event reservations—one of which was a beautiful dedication ceremony during Homecoming Week.

SCA’s focus on student-led, staff-advised programming provided a robust offering of events for students planned by Program Council and Student Foundation. “Perfect Pairs,” the 101st Homecoming coordinated by Student Foundation, included a new gender-inclusive royalty process and a record number of candidates. Program Council hosted student favorite Midnight Market, a “Texas road trip” of food and entertainment on Dallas Hall Lawn. Altogether, these two organizations counted over 10,400 attendees at a total of 21 events.

1,360 students interacted with 150+ student organizations at our involvement fairs: A Night at the Club and Join the Club. Via the Mandatory Organizations Meeting, over 1,000 students, faculty, and staff were trained on eight areas of risk management, finances, event planning, and more.

This year the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life (OFSL) negotiated the balancing act between returning to “normal” programming while identifying strengths discovered during the pandemic to continue. OFSL welcomed and onboarded two dynamic new staff members, providing stronger support for our chapters, student leaders, and advisory boards. Hybrid recruitment models for Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic, as well as the continuation of the Greek 101 Canvas course, provided virtual opportunities for interested students to engage with the FSL community. New additions, like the All-Greek Boulevard and our R.I.T.U.A.L. DEI program, provided innovative opportunities for our four councils to build relationships and trust while broadening their own learning and leadership skills. We were also thrilled to have one of our MGC chapters, Omega Delta Phi, return to campus.

The year culminated with our inaugural Greek Awards ceremony, highlighting the accomplishments of our student leaders and chapters, including: the funding of an IFC-endowed scholarship, record-breaking IFC recruitment registrations, recognition of the Alpha Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as the “Best Chapter” in their region, and Phi Delta Theta as the “Outstanding Chapter” at a small campus. Notably, Greek students completed over 5,600 community service hours and raised over $245,806 in 2021-22.

OFFICE OF THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

This year we saw both challenges and opportunities in our work. We welcomed a new Coordinator for Parent and Family Programs, a new Graduate Assistant (GA), and two SMU alums rejoined the team as GAs. To continue increasing knowledge and understanding of the Leadership Framework, we hosted three Pop-Up events highlighting specific frames. Cultivate, a leadership thinktank, was established to offer leadership growth for accomplished student leaders. We increased the frequency of the the Family newsletter from a couple of times a semester to monthly publication dates, and began the process of securing new family communication software to estable a portal for families.

We completed our first year of the three-step orientation experience (Mustang StartUp, Stampede, and First 5) and learned a great deal about the benefits of marketing these experiences together. We continued working with the institution’s New Student Transition group to adjust communication and timlines and established better systems for tracking student progress to streamline the new student transition.

Chaplain and Religious Life

The Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life (OCRL) is planting seeds of justice, mercy, and love as we shape world changers on The Hilltop. Throughout the 2021-22 academic year, we’ve focused on developing student leadership for a diverse and thriving religious life on campus. At Southern Methodist University, we enjoy a community that nurtures faith, spirituality, and religious practices.

Faith and Learning Scholars, Campus Ministry leadership teams, Peer Chaplains, and Christian Formation Leaders are developing student leaders who put their faith in action to offer opportunities for worship, reflection, prayer, and community. We are fostering a sense of belonging for all students to share their full, authentic selves in leadership that cultivates understanding and respect for diverse experiences and perspectives

We welcome and celebrate religious expression through holidays observances. On the Hilltop in fall 2021, the campus community enjoyed a recording breaking Diwali celebration and OCRL collaborated with Indian Student Association leaders and Dr. Dinesh Rajan (faculty member in the Lyle School of Engineering) to offer the first Diwali puja on campus. Hindu students enjoyed the puja and community meal and expressed deep appreciation for a community gathering that “felt like home.” Rabbi Heidi Coretz and Hillel at SMU built a sukkah on campus and offered daily gatherings throughout Sukkoth in fall 2021. Jewish students enjoyed the opportunity to observe Sukkoth together as a community and to share meaningful religious traditions with their non-Jewish classmates. In spring 2022, the sacred month of Ramadan coincided with the final weeks of the academic year and nightly

iftars and taraweh prayers brought Muslim students and local community members together while introducing non-Muslim students to the practices and traditions of Islam. A new cohort of Christian Formation Leaders planned and led Wednesday Worship that offered Christian community and nourishment of body, mind, and spirit. All of these new opportunities celebrate religious diversity and highlight SMU’s deep commitment to spiritual formation and thriving religious communities on The Hilltop.

As we look back on this year, we celebrate student leaders empowered to share their beliefs and traditions in new ways. We give thanks for a campus community that shapes world changers with open hearts, deep spirits, and curious minds. As we plant seeds of justice, mercy, and love, we enjoy a beautiful garden on the Hilltop with the fruits of faith, hope, and compassion overflowing from the spirits of students cultivating courageous change on campus and beyond!

Reverend Lisa Garvin Chaplain and Minister to the University

If we want a garden We’re gonna have to sow the seeds, Plant a little happiness Let the roots run deep.

-THE HIGHWOMEN, “Crowded Table”

Hegi Family

On Wednesday, April 6, 2022, the Hegi Family Career Development Center celebrated the first graduating cohort of the Hegi Career Leaders Program at our inaugural Senior Recognition Ceremony for the organization. Graduates from the first Hegi Career Leaders cohort represented various academic colleges, with students planning to work full-time and pursue graduate studies in their first steps post-graduation. Students in this cohort not only participated as Hegi Career Leaders in their four years at SMU, but also worked in the Center as Career Consultants and Student Assistants, while also serving in the leadership roles of Student Advisory Board members, Career Captains, Career Development Ambassadors, and Peer Mentors for the organization. Graduating seniors, Maria Katsulos (pursuing her PhD in History at Northwestern University) and Zach Emery (beginning work as a Consultant with Credera) were recognized with our highest honor as the Fred Hegi Legacy Award winners, and Samantha Pozo Navarro (accepted into medical school at Texas A&M) earned our Engagement Champion Award. Additional graduating students featured as speakers at the event include Sonia Saeed (working as a Consultant with Oliver Wyman) and Ana Paula Lleras (interning with Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory before pursuing a MS in Accounting in the SMU Cox School of Business).

The Hegi Career Leaders Program was established in 2018 as the premier interdisciplinary career leadership program hosted in and led through the Hegi Family Career Development Center. Participation in the program is selective and represents an opportunity for all SMU undergraduate students to commit to developing the foundations for career success through regular professional training, employer engagement, career counseling, event attendance, and skill building activities. The program is designed to engage students in all four years of their academic journey at SMU, leading students through incremental professional development steps:

Year 1 (Level 1 Bronze Career Certified) – Career Exploration

Focus – Career exploration, assessment, and informational interviews

Deliverables – Completed resume, completed Handshake and LinkedIn profiles, major selection, career assessment completion, and externship participation.

Year 2* (Level 2 Silver Career Certified) – Professional Development

Focus – Professional skills development and training, job shadowing, major specific internship and externship possibilities.

Year 3* (Level 3 Gold Career Certified) – Experiential Opportunities

Focus – Intensive industry and function specific experiential opportunities such as internships, sustained externships, student consulting opportunities, community involvement.

2-3

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Year 4 (Level 4 Platinum Career Certified) – Launch to Professional Success

Focus – Senior career topics such as salary negotiation, comparing multiple job offers, managing decision deadlines, relocation workshops, post-college professional networking

Deliverables – Full-time job or graduate school acceptance

As we continue to uphold our established strategic pillars of Prepare, Equip, Engage, Connect, and Democratize in the Hegi Family Career Development Center, we look forward to continuing to propel students’ professional development and create distinguishable programming to promote interdisciplinary student success in the Hegi Career Leaders Program.

Dr. Crystal Clayton Executive Director Hegi Family Career Development Center

*Years

Deliverables – Major and industry specific internship completion, refinement of professional development skills such as effective networking, interviewing, cover letter writing, elevator pitch, and clarification of industry/function area choice.

EMPLOYER RELATIONS TEAM

The Hegi Family Career

Development

Center’s (HFCDC)

Employer Relations Team (ERT) focused a substantial amount of time in the 2021-22 school year building relationships with employers through key event development and the launch of our new employer onboarding initiative. The Hegi Center hosted one in-person and two virtual career fairs this academic year. 1,079 students registered for the career fairs and brought excitement back to the recruitment season.

The newest Hegi ERT initiative introduced the launch of an official employer onboarding process in the spring of 2022. This semester, our center hosted six onboarding sessions with a total of 27 employers attending.

The Hegi ERT also led the second iteration of the DEI Internship program. Our office made 22 unique summer internships possible, with 10 students participating through the DEI internship program, 9 students placed in Engage Dallas partner internships, and 3 students received funding support for unpaid internship offers. As a result, the Hegi Family Career Development Center invested a total of $56,125 for SMU students summer internships.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT TEAM

The Hegi Family Career Development Center’s (HFCDC) Career Development Team (CDT) focused a significant amount of time in the 2021-22 school year to create partnership programs supporting special student populations, further implementing online resources, and expanding services for International Students.

Counseling services remained the most utilized resource of CDT in 2021-22. Appointment types include career exploration, job and internship search, resume review, mock interviews, and more. All four years of undergraduate students scheduled appointments with the center in addition to graduate students and alumni. Staying true to the all-majors identity of the office, all five undergraduate colleges were represented, including Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences making up 68% of all scheduled appointments.

The Hegi CDT sought to expand services to international students through the development of the Hegi International Student Development Program. This program partnered with the International Scholar & Student Services Office as well as the World Languages Institute, allowing us to develop touch points with over 100 students throughout the 2021-22 academic year.

Strategic partnerships were also formed with the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) and the Rotunda Scholars program. In spring 2022, regular bi-weekly office hours were established in ACE (Armstrong Commons) in order to facilitate drop-in appointments, professional development workshops, and employer connections.

Student Housing Residence Life AND

On June 30, 2022, Residence Life and Student Housing welcomed Dr. Aramis Watson as the new Dean of RLSH at SMU. Dr. Watson is a thoughtful leader with a demonstrated track-record of creating vibrant residential communities that promote academic engagement and student development. She brings an innovative vision for SMU’s Residential Commons, a student-centered approach, and commitment to fostering inclusive communities.

Dr. Watson has extensive higher education experience and a deep commitment to student learning and success. She previously served as the associate director of residence life at Kansas University, providing strategic vision and oversight for a residential program serving approximately 4,500 students. Prior to that, she served as assistant director of residence life at The Ohio State University and as the assistant director for housing and residential education at the University of Utah.

“I am honored to continue my professional journey at SMU—the strong sense of community and fellowship among students, faculty, and staff drew me to the Hilltop, I am excited to join a residence life and student housing program that has already established itself as a leader and standout among housing programs across the county.”

- Dr. Aramis Watson

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC INITIATIVES

The Office of Academic Initiatives advanced important research, assessment, retention, marketing, and high-impact educational programs during the 2021-22 academic year. First, two full-time staff members were hired in the fall 2021 semester which was the first time the office was fully staffed since the unit organizational realignment in June 2021. Research and assessment work was at the forefront with impressive deliverables including 7 publications, 10 posters at SMU Research and Innovation Week, 13 professional association presentations, and 3 grant applications. Additionally, Engage Dallas entered its second year of offering direct service, hosting the inaugural #1DayforDallas, the Residential Commons Fall Day of Service, with 105 participants at 8 service sites. Peer Leader recruitment and MOU development were finalized in the spring and summer of 2022, respectively. Marketing and communication efforts began to streamline signature lines, website presence, adding important policies/procedures, etc. Finally, the Faculty-in-Residence program remains strong with FiR programming budget increases and the selection of Dr. Ashley Stone for McElvaney Commons who began July 2022.

OFFICE OF HOUSING OPERATIONS

OFFICE OF RESIDENCE LIFE

AAfter a year+ of social distancing, our primary focus this year was creating a sense of belonging and reinstating traditions. During the past year, Residence Life experienced a number of vacancies. Despite that obstacle, the Residence Life staff worked together to provide an excellent experience for students. In-person events returned, including signature events. Residence Life held 13 Signature Events each hosting 100700 attendees. We rolled out a new plan called Making Campus Home that directly links events to our Learning Constituents. Each RC held weekly traditions in addition to regular programs. In all, each community averaged 74 events this year, ranging from a casual pizza party to a Faculty-inResidence’s weekly event to large-scale signature programs.

Fall 2021 and spring 2022 looked quite different. We opened the year operating COVID housing (isolation and quarantine) and were short staffed in three positions in Housing Operations. By spring 2022 we were fully staffed and COVID was taking fewer resources. With that, we were able to make progress on items that had been postponed for a long time. We focused on improving student self-service and outlining processes on the web to reduce calls and emails, and have more work to do over the next year. We spent a lot of time on indoor air quality concerns, some real and many simply based on having dusty vent covers, resulting in Virginia-Snider renovations, two building-wide assessments, and some public facing communications and university image concerns.

Student Wellbeing and Success nd Success

Ispend a lot of the time in the car each week, and I listen to a lot of different podcasts to keep me informed and entertained while passing the time on my commute. In a recent podcast I was listening to during my drive home, the host mentioned the title of his upcoming book – From Reopen to Reinvent – and I thought how appropriate that phrase was in capturing the 2021-22 academic year. Within the Division of Student Affairs and the Wellbeing unit specifically, we spent a lot of 2020 focused on how to make sure we opened the campus and remained open in a safe and healthy way. And, this year, we’ve spent considerable time thinking about how we can use the lessons learned during the pandemic to reinvent the ways we serve students.

This “reinvention” has come in different forms and in some cases has been inspired by what we learned from our experiences during the pandemic. To me, one of the most exciting recent developments in our unit is the (re)consideration of “wellbeing” by our unit leadership. We’ve embarked on conversations around what “wellbeing” actually means and the role we each have in promoting and advancing wellbeing at SMU. This is just a starting point for us to reimagine and reinvent wellbeing work…much more discussion and dreaming remain, but it’s an exciting time!

Aside from the direct services we provide to students, we’ve also started to reinvent our professional roles. The last two years have taken their toll on everyone in myriad ways, and I believe we, like many in higher education, are more attuned to the needs of our staff as we attempt to emerge from this difficult time. We still have a lot of work to do to create the environment that is most conducive to the growth of each staff member, but I am confident we are beginning the conversations that need to be had and are headed in the right direction.

I believe the future is bright on the Hilltop with unlimited possibilities. I’m looking forward to more reimagining and reinventing what we do and how we can best support students and staff.

Dr. Melinda Sutton Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

OFFICE OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND COMMUNITY STANDARDS

The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards has been committed to providing the SMU community with a greater awareness of university policies and hearing processes to aid students in advocating for themselves throughout the conduct process. Students have been able to reach a level of sincere reflection that is pertinent to understanding accountability through positive decision-making and responsible choices. Students then understand the impact their behavior has on not only themselves but the greater campus community.

The Student Code of Conduct was demonstrated and upheld by adjudicating policy violations, educating the SMU community on responsible decision-making,encouraging positive choices through hearings, presentations, and trainings, and continuing to offer various educational opportunities for students going through the conduct hearing process.

In 2021-22 the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards was successful in increasing student interactions, fostering and strengthening relationships with students and campus partners. We also learned that students are learning valuable information in the 3rd Millennium Alcohol class as the average pre-test score was 52% and the average score post-test was 80%. The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards introduced “Know the Code Friday” via Instagram and increased social media following by 63 people since October 2021.

STUDENT ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT

The Office of Student Advocacy and Support began the new fiscal year by absorbing some of the work within the former Office of Violence Prevention and Support Services. With a new assistant director and graduate assistant on board, staff worked to acclimate new members of the team to the office. There were many shifting and/or competing priorities, and coupled with increased capacity, staff did manage to end the year with a number of highlights including, but not limited to: responding to and addressing 1869 student concern cases; distributing $59,700 of emergency funding to students experiencing hardship; reopening The Shop after its COVID-related closure and incorporating perishable items to achieve 716 visits to The Shop by 130 unique users after reopening; establishing a Basic Needs Student Advisory Board in partnership with students; strengthening the partnership with Student Success and Retention by incorporating their staff into Maxient; in partnership with Student Senate, implementing Swipe Out Hunger, a nationally recognized program focused on eliminating student hunger on campus; and reivmagining and leading Stang Safety as part of Stampede for new students.

CAMPUS RECREATION

Campus Recreation is comprised of the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports, Fitness, Outdoor Adventures, Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, and Aquatics. We are set to focus on supporting the holistic wellness of the SMU Community through physical activity and community development.

The SMU Community swiped into the Dedman Center over 200,000 times and consisted of 7,584 unique users. The Fitness program focuses on the well-being of students by providing workout options that cater to each individual’s love of movement: over 400 unique users participated in group fitness classes this past year. Outdoor Adventures (OA) was back out on the trail this year with 10 trips that hosted 80 students total. The Intramural Sports program was back at it getting over 1,400 students to participate in a competitive sport of their choosing. Sport Clubs brought on four new clubs that will begin their official experience in the fall of 2022. Campus Recreation looks forward to engaging even more of the campus community in active lifestyles in 2022-23!

STAFF Annual Awards

he Mustang Band welcomed new Director, Charles Aguillon, on July 1, 2022. Mr. Aguillon received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education from Texas State University-San Marcos, and has a M.A. in Educational Administration from the University of Phoenix as well as having completed all coursework for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Charles brings nearly 30 years of teaching experience to The Hilltop, having served the past nine years as Director of Fine Arts and Academic Enrichment for the Lake Travis Independent School District in Austin, Texas. His previous positions as a band director were in the Georgetown and San Marcos school districts. As an educator, Mr. Aguillon’s bands have been recognized at the state and national levels. He has served as an adjudicator and clinician for the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and U.S. Bands. Charles has worked with the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps (Wyoming) and is currently the Corps Director for Genesis Drum & Bugle Corps, based in Austin. He has also served on the faculties of Texas State and Southwestern University teaching in the field of the marching arts.

The Division of Student Affairs could not be more pleased to welcome Mr. Aguillon to The Hilltop!

STAFF Annual Awards STAFF STAFF Annual Awards

COURAGEOUS CHANGE LEADER AWARD

The Courageous Change Leader Award is the highest honor bestowed on a staff member within the Division of Student Affairs. It was created to honor the individuals who have embodied the commitment statements outlined in our Strategic Plan. Any member of the campus community is welcome to nominate a staff member.

RISING STAR AWARD

This award recognizes a professional newer to the field (3 years or less) who shows strong potential for excelling in the field of student affairs. This employee is courageously engaged in their new role and provides strong demonstration of the student affairs commitments.

MATT NADLER

courageous change COURAGEOUS CHANGE & Matt Nadler

Matt Nadler is committed to a culture of intellectual curiosity and innovation to develop new strategies and implement new programs, with student input, to move effectively serve our entire campus community. He has served in multiple departments within the division and has been instrumental on committees, searches, and special projects for his departments and the division. As co-chair for the Engage Dallas Offsite & Risk Management team, Matt has played a pivotal part in establishing community partnerships for each of our Residential Commons. One of the distinguishing factors defining good team members from excellent team members is the ability to step into an organization, assess and anticipate needs, and then begin taking immediate positive action – Matt has been able to do this in both of his roles within Residence Life and Student Housing and Hegi. Matt’s coworkers say he is a joy to work with and brings an element of positivity to all work projects, adding that he does exceptional work without needing to be asked, and in doing so, elevates the work of those around him.

Matt currently serves as Assistant Director for Employer Relations in the Hegi Family Career Development Center

JERMISHA FRAZIER RISING STAR

Frazier

Jermisha

change leaders CHANGE LEADERS &

BONNIE PICKETT Bonnie Pickett

Bonnie Pickett embodies the Division’s commitment statements every day in her work – much of that work is done behind the scenes through her work in Student Affairs Administration. Although her days are hectic, she always finds time to answer a question or help out. Bonnie is known for her willingness to step up whether that is handling technical difficulties at major divisional events or stepping in during staff vacancies – she epitomizes what it means to be a selfless leader and a positive agent of change. While her role is not studentfacing, she is intrinsically devoted to making a difference in the lives of the students and staff on the Hilltop. In an interim capacity, Bonnie has taken on supervision of a team of student workers with such attention to their growth and development, it rivals a career student affairs practioner. Her coworkers see the appreciation from the students for her leadership and guidance. Bonnie has a passion for people that is quiet and peaceful, and there is not a day that goes by that someone is not thanking her for assisting them in some way.

Bonnie currently serves as Coordinator for Student Affairs Administration

Jermisha Frazier has quickly established herself as someone who exemplifies what it means to be a Courageous Change Leader inside the Division of Student Affairs here at SMU, in addition to demonstrating immense potential for excelling in the field of student affairs as a whole as a newer professional. Jermisha’s presence at SMU not only supports students but also the division in its commitment of Breaking Down Barriers because her personal background, positionality, and talents allow her to serve as an inspiration for anyone on campus to see themselves

in her so that they can feel more able to “break down the social, physical and emotional barriers that may inhibit their success.” Jermisha, without a doubt, has demonstrated our division’s commitment of Innovating Our Work by introducing many fresh ideas and approaches to the table through her work in such a short amount of time. Jermisha continues to learn and evolve as a young professional as well as in her current studies in pursuit of a doctorate degree. While she is new to the field of student affairs, it is clear Jermisha is a rising star.

Jermeisha currently serves as Coordinator for the Women and LGBT Center

FOSTERING INCLUSION FOSTERING INCLUSION

This year, the Women and LGBT Center celebrated a number of student-led initiatives to foster inclusion on campus. From streamlining the gender-inclusive housing process to hosting an inaugural forum for the LGBTQ+ community at SMU, students worked tirelessly to enact changes on campus enhancing the experiences of their peers in the community.

GENDER-INCLUSIVE HOUSING PROCESS

When coming to SMU, junior Ash Thye noticed trans students were unable to update their gender marker in the housing portal to reflect their identity. This prevented students from rooming with the gender pool that they identified with, having to instead reach out to Residence Life and Student Housing (RLSH) to request a force-match with a roommate they found on their own.

“I realized I’m not something that’s been considered by this system before—or at least it’s always been an exception,” Thye said. He informed RLSH of the problems he and other trans students were facing, helping to advise them on best policies moving forward. “After the first meeting that we had, they started making changes, which was phenomenal,” he said.

His second year applying for housing, Thye was greeted with a message asking if the name and gender identity SMU had on file was correct, and if not, that he could correct it within the application. He could also utilize an open text box feature to include any special preferences or safety accommodations needed for housing. Having access to these features, trans and non-binary students could more easily express their needs in a formal space dedicated to addressing them.

This year, senior and Queer Senator Bri Tollie fielded a survey to LGBT+ students on campus, discovering more unresolved housing issues. Tollie began organizing focus groups of trans and non-binary students to meet with RLSH and help identify areas of the housing process that could be further improved to ensure the safety of these students. The group is currently working to allow students to update their gender identity more than once a year, as well as facilitating other accomodation needs.

QUEER STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS

With over 100 students, faculty, and community members in attendance, the Queer State of the University address provided an opportunity to unify disparate pockets of LGBTQ+ groups and initiatives on campus into one inaugural space.

“There’s an organization for every queer person on campus,” said senior Bri Tollie, who directed the event. “If you want to just be in an organization where you’re just socializing, there’s a space for you. But if you want to be in an organization that’s more project-based, there’s also a space for you. There’s a space for you as an alumnus. There’s a religious space for you as a Christian religious person. So there’s a space for you no matter where you want to be, as a queer person, no matter how big or small. That’s kind of what I wanted people to see with this event, and I think people were able to see that.”

Tollie invited student leaders in queer or LGBT-affirming organizations to speak at the event regarding their work, the challenges they faced, and their hopes for the future. This included representatives from Spectrum, the Pride Project, the Pride Visibility Day committee, OUTLaw, and UKirk. Prominent community members such as Dallas Voice editor Tammye Nash were also in attendance.

“This event is a celebration of the joys and progress and work of LGBTQ+ students, but it is also a reckoning with our histories–-the traumas and experiences of LGBTQ+ students on this campus, not just historically in what

THE PRIDE PROJECT

The Pride Project is queer-student-led initiative that combines archival, oral, and institutional history better to understand the roots of LGBTQ+ experiences centering on intersectionality at SMU. The project serves as an umbrella organization for many of the student-led LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives on campus.

has happened since our founding, but last semester, and yesterday, and this morning,” said Leia Hannum, a senior student leader involved with the Pride Project and one of the speakers at the event. “Thinking about the legacy of the event, I hope that stays in place—that we keep having that balance between let’s celebrate, let’s rejoice, but let’s also reckon and not forget the past and not forget what’s happening right now.”

PRIDE VISIBILITY DAY (PVD)

SMU’s first-ever large-scale Pride event, Pride Visibility Day, aimed to provide awareness, help LGBTQ+ students feel more visible and welcome on campus, connect LGBTQ+ and allies students to essential resources, and boost awareness of queer excellence on campus. Over 400 students, faculty, alumni, and community members were in attendance. The event was planned by 13 queer students, with senior Liana Forss serving as event director. Other university organizations and offices helped sponsor the event, including the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, Student Senate, Women and LGBT Center, Human Rights Council, Chaplain’s Office, Women’s and Gender Studies Program, Dedman College, Perkins School of Theology, Meadows School of the Arts, Clements Center for Southwest Studies, Department of Chemistry, Simmons Office of Diversity, Cox Office of Diversity, SMU Libraries, Center for Presidential History, SMU Mothers’ and Dads’ Club, RLSH Academic Initiatives, SMU Athletics, Faculty Senate, and Hegi Family Career Development Center.

BEYOND THE HILLTOP Engage Dallas

Engage Dallas is a place-based community engagement initiative organized by Residential Commons affiliation designed to address community needs focusing on South and West Dallas. The initiative is a long-term, universitywide commitment led by students to partner with local residents, organizations, and other leaders to positively impact the community. There is equal emphasis on campus and community impact stemming from the initiative.

Engage Dallas launched Fall 2020 with each of SMU’s 11 Residential Commons focusing on one specific community-identified need. Each Commons partners with non-profit organizations in South and West Dallas serving to address these needs. The 11 community-identified needs are: Homelessness, Food Insecurity, College Access & Preparation, Arts as Social Impact, Environmental Injustice, STEM Education Access, Immigration and Refugee Support, Community Wellbeing, Child Poverty, Childhood Literacy, and Community Rebuilding.

1456 student interactions with Engage Dallas

21 hours of online DEI training published to Canvas

25 service projects hosted this year

33 Community Partners

334 students who participated in service events

3815 hours served through Engage Dallas this year

114 students declared intent to earn their CEPE through Enage Dallas

105 students served during #1DayforDallas

STUDENT VOLUNTEER

My volunteerism at Geneva Heights Elementary School here in Dallas the past two semesters has significantly contributed to my personal growth in many ways; this service has revealed to me that I can be spiritually fulfilled in helping young students. While the objective is directed towards their growth and improvement, it has internally also contributed to my growth and knowledge of the English and Spanish language. Moreover, this service has given me greater social understanding and greater diversity exposure. I tutor two young girls that are Hispanic. Learning about their culture and experiences in education has broadened my innate perspective and challenged my views about early childhood education consequently. I have always had a passion for childhood literacy, and so the fact that I had this opportunity has just strengthened my affirmation for it. I am so incredibly thankful for it. My Commons, Virginia-Snider, focuses on childhood literacy. I am appreciative of this implication in volunteerism because childhood literacy is truly a factor that will continue to aid students into furthering their educational pursuits. Due to this, the importance of having a good childhood literacy experience is crucial to young students’ growth. My Residential Commons puts forth the effort to bring awareness to this, and I have had the pleasure to be a part of assisting that social problem through volunteering at a local elementary school in Dallas ISD, and it has impacted me as a student, as a young adult, and as a Dallas resident. I would not have been able to do this if it was not for Engage Dallas, as it offers access to these programs and allows for students to gain their Community Engagement Proficiency Experience in an impactful manner.

Gracie Holder, ‘25

English and Social Innovation & Nonprofit Engagement Majors Virginia Snider Commons

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Like most organizations of color, we have a small staff who wear several different hats. Our relationship with Engage Dallas has been a godsend. The young people who volunteered in February during our one-act festival arrived on time. They were professional and courteous, definitely representative of our grand. We look forward to a long and continued business relationship.

Teresa Coleman Wash Executive Artistic Director Bishop Arts Theatre Center

“FACULTY SPONSOR

Iwas excited about the opportunity to work with Engage Dallas this year because doing so presented a unique opportunity for me to put my research into practice and to have an impact on both SMU and our community. My research focuses on the relationships universities have with external organizations and how those relationships shape what universities do and the impact they have on their stakeholders. For example, Engage Dallas has created a number of partnerships between SMU and community-based nonprofits; I want to understand how these partnerships impact all parties.

To that end, I joined Engage Dallas to help create a tool for evaluating the usefulness of the partnership between Engage Dallas and the respective community organizations. This tool will help to answer questions like whether or not this partnership helps the community organizations to better achieve their mission, or allows them to expand their services. Contributing to Engage Dallas to help build this evaluation tool is a welcome opportunity to put my research knowledge and expertise into practice in the hopes of ensuring that Engage Dallas benefits the community, the nonprofit partners, the students, and SMU.

Dr. Sondra Barringer Assistant Professor, Education Policy and Leadership Simmons School of Education & Human Development

Equitable Experiences with Summer Internships

In the summer of 2021, the Hegi Family Career Development Center created and launched a paid internship program for Black and underrepresented SMU students, titled the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Internship Program, as part of the Hegi Internship Programs. Students in this program were provided paid internship opportunities with DFW businesses and nonprofit organizations including the City of McKinney, Foundation for Choice, ShearShare, Primerica, and Second Day.

The initiative served as part of SMU’s response to the Black Unity Forum, promoting the creation of a program “to increase the number of paid internship and mentoring opportunities for Black students” and also working to “identify and connect students with financial need to virtual internships, which eliminate the need for travel and living expenses, as well as to micro-internships, which can be completed in a compressed period of time.”

Student internships typically spanned eight weeks, 15 hours of work per week and were offered as hybrid and fully-virtual experiences. Here is what students had to say about their experience in the DEI Internship Program, learning goals established with their supervisors, and how this experience connects to their personal and professional development:

LEGACY KEEPERS OF MCKINNEY

“This internship has helped with my speaking and critical thinking skills. It was a new organization, and it was up to the interns to help set the foundation. We won’t get to see the end, but we were able to start it.”

SHEARSHARE

“As a future business owner, this internship helped me educate myself more in the business world and on how to run a business. Being in the marketing department I learned a lot of new things. My goal was to learn about how to startup a business and how it is run. I have now gained several skill sets on how to run a business.”

THE

“I was able to gain two licenses and learned a database to create financial models for clients and sell life insurance. I also learned that I didn’t have to only work in one realm of finance. If I was interested I could have a “one-stop” finance company and provide multiple financial services for clients. When I sat on calls I realized that many of the needs clients were looking for, I could obtain a license for and do it all.”

BRI TOLLIE, ‘22 Political Science Major Cockrell-McIntosh Commons

ALEXIS LEGGET, ‘22 Markets and Culture Major Mary Hay, Peyton, Shuttles Commons

JEADA MALIN, ‘22 Finance Major Virginia-Snider Commons

ALCHEMY GROUP

2022 Hegi Internship Programs

In addition to the DEI Internship Program, Hegi provides internship opportunities through two additional programs. The Engage Dallas Internship Program is a resource exclusively for SMU students completing summer internships at nonprofits and other organizations that typically offer unpaid internships. The Unpaid Internship Program awards a stipend to students who have acquired an unpaid internship from a non-profit or government organization.

18 18

17 17

12.5 12.5

INTERNS

9 9 ENGAGE DALLAS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM INTERNS

AVERAGE NUMBER OF WEEKS SPENT AT INTERNSHIP DEI INTERNSHIP PROGRAM INTERNS

9 9

JORDYN HARRELL, ‘23

English, Creative/Journalism Major

NON-PROFIT AND GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS

3 3

STUDENTS AWARDED FUNDING FOR UNPAID INTERNSHIPS THEY OBTAINED ON THEIR OWN

LEGACY KEEPERS OF MCKINNEY

“This internship helped me grow fundamentally. The career I imagine for myself fuses together both of my majors and minor, and the foundation of it all is researching and learning about different cultures and presenting it in a way that is accessible and reader-friendly. To me, Legacy Keepers was like taking off the training wheels. I was expected to keep pedaling—to keep learning and applying. It was honestly really cool that I was able to use the things I learned in my news reporting class in a realistic setting. I have become more comfortable leading interviews and I have come to enjoy uncovering layers of information. The whole experience taught me more about patience and growth in a professional setting.”

Cockrell-McIntosh Commons

JASMINE PATRICK, ‘23

Marketing and Film Majors

Loyd Commons

KIA WHITE, ‘22

Political Communication and Public Affairs Majors

Cockrell-McIntosh Commons

ABENA MARFO, ‘22

Sociology, Health and Society, Human Rights Majors

Crum Commons

AIDEN EGBUCHUNAM, ‘23

Psychology Major

ASHOKA

“This internship has allowed me to gain professional experience in a field that I am interested in. My goals were to gain more professional experience and I feel as though I did just that.”

FOUNDATION FOR CHOICE

“The internship allowed me to learn more about non-profits and the behind the scene work that is done to keep the organizations running. It also helped with learning how to collect data and put it into a database. I was also able to develop my computer skills in terms of searching data bases and collecting data, as well as creating social media content.”

TRI-CITIES NAACP

“I have learned to take the initiative and start projects myself.”

SECOND DAY

“This internship has not only provided me the opportunity to play a major role in helping out a new nonprofit, but I was also exposed to a vast amount of information on how to enter the social sector.

Working on the career guides allowed me to be more thoughtful about how to enter the social sector and has given me insight into how nonprofits work. Being able to play such an essential role in Second Day has also opened the door of a nonprofit career for me. On top of that, I was able to gain important contacts within the sector and now have a sort of welcoming place for future internship opportunities.”

Mary Hay, Peyton, Shuttles Commons

CARE. CARE.

BELONG. BELONG. GROW. GROW. Peer Chaplains in the Commons

Written by: Kaleb Loomis, Assistant Chaplain in the Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life

In 2021, the Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life launched the Peer Chaplain Program as a new Peer Leader Position within the Residential Commons. This year, four student leaders worked within the 11 Residential Commons to help create spaces for students to reflect on their spirituality and explore their religious lives. Through programming and one on one conversations, Peer Chaplains cared for students, offered opportunities for belonging, and encouraged students to grow in their understandings of themselves and the world around them.

Serving and Learning

Throughout the entire 2021-22 Academic Year, Peer Chaplains had the opportunity to provide unique programs and events for students that centered around their spiritual lives, mental wellbeing, and community building. From ice cream socials to arts and crafts nights, Peer Chaplains hosted 24 distinct events within the Commons. Additionally, they started initiatives such as the weekly Peer Chaplain Monday Message and the Candy Basket Program to provide encouragement and raise awareness of on-campus resources for their students. The Peer Chaplains immersed themselves within their Commons community by participating in Commons Leadership, attending signature events, and investing in the lives of students and staff through intentional relationship building. The Peer Chaplains Program serves as a model for providing spiritual care to the Commons. In fact, Kathy Crow Commons honored their Peer Chaplain, Stella Cho, with their Community Engagement Award at the end of the Year Banquet.

Though they provided community service to their respective Commons, the Peer Chaplains also reflected on the value of serving in the position for their personal growth and learning. They gained

skills in event planning, teamwork, and community organizing by hosting programs. Working with a variety of students from diverse backgrounds challenged them to think creatively about inclusive programming. They valued the opportunity to adapt their unique skill sets to different communities in order to offer care to students and unique programming efforts. Through this experience, the Peer Chaplains were able to connect their interests in offering care with their vocational aspirations.

Growing and Expanding the Program

This year’s cohort of Peer Chaplains demonstrated the potential for the program, and provided valuable feedback for how to build upon their work. The Peer Chaplains highlighted the value of being involved in the regular life of the Commons and engaging with students in a residential context. They see opportunities for further collaboration not only with other Peer Leaders but also among Peer Chaplains. Amidst these successes, the Peer Chaplains recognized some of the difficulties of helping to launch a new program. Providing adequate attention to 11 different Commons with only

4 Peer Chaplains proved challenging. Because the position was so new, other students weren’t always quite sure the role or purpose of having a Peer Chaplain. Despite these circumstances, the Peer Chaplains saw these challenges as an occasion for continued creativity and enhancement of the program.

As a result of what we learned this year, the Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life is excited about changes and updates for next year. In order to better define the purpose and role of the position, we have changed the name from Peer Chaplains to Spiritual Life

Mentors. We made a concerted recruitment effort in order to expand our team from four students to nine students so that more time and attention can be given to each Commons. Finally, we outlined guiding values to help lead the program forward: Care, Belong, and Grow. The work of the Peer Chaplains this year laid the groundwork for the Spiritual Life Mentors to offer intentional care to students, create spaces of belonging, and offer opportunities for students to grow in their spiritual and religious lives.

Stella Cho, ‘23 Master of

Divinity

Peer Chaplain for Kathy Crow, Loyd, and Ware Commons

“As a Peer Chaplain, I loved meeting students and planning fun programs for their spiritual life. As I met students in the Commons, it was meaningful to show that there is always a presence who can communicate and help them, and provide the religious resources they might need.”

Hunter Barnett, ‘23 Master of Divinity

Peer Chaplain for Mary Hey/Peyton/Shuttles, Boaz, and Virginia-Snider Commons

“Providing care to students as a Peer Chaplain involves being active in your designated community and the community knowing why you’re there and spreading awareness about the resources that the Office of the Chaplain Provides. It also involves sitting and listening to students about the issues that they face and helping guide them in a positive direction or getting them the help they need from other resources that are on campus.

I love getting to hear students talk and work towards their future, watching them mature and accomplish more as they learn to navigate the academic environment. Also, I value getting to hear their struggles and supporting them to move in the direction of a healthier and happier life.”

SMU Mustang Band The Trip of a Lifetime

The SMU Mustang Band was selected to be the primary performance group at the D-Day memorial ceremonies in Normandy, France in 2021. Postponed for one year due to Covid, the band and accompaning members began the trip June 2, 2022 and returned June 9, 2022. Annual observances at the American Cemeteries in the cities of Normandy and Brittany take place to honor the remaining World War II veterans and remember those who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom.

A reflection from Tommy Tucker, Interm Band Director and Music Arranger

I had the honor of playing “Taps” at the D-Day ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, and something I will always remember. During my performance, I saw many veterans and current service members saluting, which was a really cool sight to see. After the ceremony was finished, an army veteran came up to me. He mentioned he served for 26 years and had been to many cemeteries in his lifetime hearing “Taps.” He told me that my performance was the best he had ever heard. He then preceded to give me a patch of the First Infantry Division (“The Big Red One”) which symbolizes great respect to the recipient for an action. It was a great honor to receive it. When I got back to the U.S., I showed this patch to my grandfather, who is also an army veteran. He mentioned over and over how proud he was of me while trying to hold back tears. I never expected how much of an affect playing taps was going to have, but I am eternally grateful for the experience and will never forget it.

Forty-eight current students and eight recent graduates enrolled to perform on the trip. They were accompanied on the trip by six SMU personnel, including myself and Jon Lee, Mustang Band Staff; Dr. K.C. Mmeje and Dr. Melinda Sutton from Student Affairs; Diane Melcher, Dr. Bob Smith Health Center; Guy Rogers, SMU Photographer. Nine alumni and family members also joined. In addition, we were met in France by at least three other SMU alums and/or families.

We performed a concert and marched in a parade in Sainte Mere Eglise at their annual Celebration of Liberation on June 4 (this was the first town liberated by the Allies on June 6, 1944). June 5 featured a performance with massed bands and choirs at the American Cemetery in Saint James, Brittany. The Mustang Band and the Colorado Springs Chorale then performed on June 6 at the International Ceremony at the American Cemetery in Colleville sur Mer, Normandy.

The performance at the International Ceremony is typically executed by an Army band. However, they were on tour elsewhere, so we had the honor of performing

before the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, assorted other military brass, the US Ambassador to France and Monaco, and local French officials – as well as a sea of veterans, family members, and onlookers. Patrick O’Brien, a 2022 graduate, performed Taps at the close of the ceremony. His performance and that of the band were polished and professional in every aspect.

I believe everyone would say it was a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ceremonies were quite moving, and I think the students gained some new perspectives on what they have studied in their history classes.

I was personally honored to direct the massed bands and to stand in front of our group at such a prestigious event. I am quite proud of the students/graduates for their excellent performances and for conducting themselves in a professional manner. I am also grateful to SMU for supporting this endeavor, and to the McLean family for their substantial financial backing of this project.

We represented SMU and the United States well.

Music Education and Trumpet Performance Majors Mary Hay, Peyton, Shuttles Commons

Patrick O’Brien, ‘22

The Sophomore Project Sophomore

An Innovative Partnership Between Student & Academic Affairs

It was June 2021 and Dr. Dawn F. Norris, Executive Director for Student Involvement, had an idea. In fact, she had a really good idea. And with

the student could feel cared for, seen, and heard. Trained conversationalists elicited responses to two central qualitative inquiries that focused,

First Year Experiences

Tell me about your first year at SMU...

Purpose: opportunity to listen and identify challenges

COVID

• Fear for safety - remote/moving home, withdrawl

• Limited socializing and travel home

Academics

• Zoom fatigue, distractions of virtual format – difficult to engage

• Overwhelmed by academic work and amount of time on Zoom

• Struggles to establish structure which led to poor decision-making

Social Connections/Involvement

• Tough to make connections when remote – much better on campus

• Missed social interactions – looking forward to getting involved

• Credits involvement with easing transition from virtual to on campus

Being on Campus

• Choosing on-campus vs. remote – transition as a first year or second year

• A little lonely, isolated – happy for a more traditional experience this term to make up for lost time

Moving Forward at SMU

Tell me what you’re looking forward to at SMU?

Purpose: encourage a vision of themselves at SMU now and through to graduation and identify areas to offer resources

Some Students are Alright (Even Thriving)

• Confident in academics, making friends, getting involved, enjoying campus life

Looking Forward to More

• Involvement, making friends, social life

• Excited to be in person

Making up for Lost Time

• Grief - Missed collegiate traditions, exploring the city, orientation, football games, etc.

Ambitions for the Future

• Internships, Greek recruitment, student organization leadership, campus jobs, volunteering in person

107 107 completed conversations 55 from our high risk group

3 CCCs 3 CCCs

(2 were identified by the Project)

6 RETNs

6 RETNs

Caring Community Connections Retention Concerns

(3 were identified by the Project)

-Staff conversationalist

“The meetings were incredibly meaningful for the students who availed themselves of this opportunity. As a conversationalist, I too benefited from the interactions as they refilled my cup.”

“

- Sophomore Student Sophomore Student

“I felt like a freshman and a sophomore at the same time.”

COMMONS UP COMMONS UP

The Commons Cup is a set of friendly competitions that promote Commons pride and affiliation. The Commons Cup includes a variety of events, all included in four equal categories: Athletics, Intellectual, Community Engagement, and Creativity. Each Commons Cup event is created to enhance the four-year residential experience, with an emphasis on building affinity to campus through the Residential Commons experience.

The Residential Commons System at SMU has been in place since 2014, and with it’s implementation, the Commons Cup was established. Students in the Residential Commons have the chance to participate in friendly competition amongst their peers to earn the title of the Commons Cup Champions.

Athletics

Intramurals, field day style events, and competitions that promote athletic activity.

Intellectual

Competitions that promote leadership, problem solving, or academic pursuits.

Community Engagement

Competitions in which the primary purpose is to grow and support students, the Commons, SMU, or greater Dallas community.

Creativity

Competitions that promote students’ artistic expression, originality, and individual talent.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Dr. Dennis Simon Civil Rights Pilgrimage Civil Rights Pilgrimage

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

On a bitterly cold and blustery spring afternoon,24 pilgrims loaded a bus on Bishops Boulevard and headed east to sacred sites of the American Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Led by Reverend Ray Jordan ‘08, who first experienced the pilgrimage in 2006 with Dr. Dennis Simon is whose memory the trip is now named, SMU’s foot soldiers for justice stood on the hallowed grounds of Mt. Zion Methodist Church in Philadelphia, MS, the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Slema, AL, and the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, TN. Around tables that felt like Sunday dinner at your grandmother’s, we heard the stories of first-hand witnesses to Bloody Sunday and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

“A life changing experience that everyone needs to have,” SMU alumna, local educator, and second-time participant, Danielle Moss said of the pilgrimage. As we traveled across the Deep South – 8 cities in 7 days – watching documentaries on the long bus rides and listening to the stories of Joann Bland, Valda Harris Montgomery, and Meta Ellis, we were immersed in the past and keenly aware that the struggle for racial justice continues today. Pilgrims returned to the Hilltop with a deep commitment to be leaders for justice in their communities and a renewed understanding of how faith informs leadership in society.

How

will you describe the Civil Rights Pilgrimage to friends and family?

“It was transformational. It taught me so much in such engaging ways.”

“This trip was an opportunity to connect what I have learned in the past to what is currently happening now so that I can successfully navigate my future.”

- Allison Martin ‘22

- Shaunte Allen

What actions will you take as a result of your participation in the Civil Rights Pilgrimage?

“I will connect my work in higher education to systems of inequality that have intentionally kept people of color from having the same rights and privileges as white people. For example, HBCUs have historically received less funding than PWIs. Personally, I will educate my family about the connection between slavery and mass incarceration.”

- Cristal

Describe the relationship between Civil Rights and your faith/religious beliefs.

“I found Jesus when I met people who were different than myself. I heard of their struggles. I learned the stories of my Black and Brown students. I made friends with gay people and Muslims. I experienced love from people who claimed no faith at all. The Civil Rights Pilgrimage, for me, is perhaps a pinnacle experience – mountaintop – in my journey to be a better Christian and a lover of humanity.”

- Tyler Reames

In 2006, Ray Jordan, Perkins student, made his first SMU Civil Rights Pilgrimage. In 2008, as an intern in the Office of the Chaplain, Ray assumed the role of trip leader and began developing deep, personal relationships with the beautiful souls who share their stories with SMU students each year. For many years, Ray conspired with Dr. Dennis Simon, a political science professor who taught a class on the Civil Rights movement and traveled with the group for nearly a decade. Prior to his death in 2017, Dr. Simon passed on to Ray his outlines, notes, and a very important stack of DVDs (documentaries pilgrims watch on the bus ride) and asked Ray to carry on the legacy of the SMU Civil Rights Pilgrimage. For 15 years, now Rev. Ray Jordan 08, has given countless hours to planning and leading what is now known as the Dr. Dennis Simon Civil Rights Pilgrimage. Starting each morning with Freedom Songs of faith, Rev. Jordan’s deep commitment to students, ensuring that the stories of the Struggle are shared with the new generations and his

overflowing energy have nurtured in each pilgrim an understanding of history and hope and awakened many to the possibilities for justice in their own lives. Having given 15 spring breaks to the Pilgrimage, Rev. Jordan is retiring from his role as the trip director. He will be deeply missed, but we will continue to carry his legacy (with Dr. Simon’s) into the future.

Rev. Jordan regularly reminds pilgrims of the words of Elie Weisel: “When you listen to a witness, you become a witness.” In sharing his retirement with past pilgrims, Rev. Jordan closed with, “Pilgrims, you have heard the witnesses of courage, faith, human dignity, common humanity and allyship. Now, go forth and change this world!”

We celebrate and give thanks for Rev. Ray Jordan. From student to trip leader and world changer he has offered his passion and energy and his fullest self to shape more world changers!

Rev. Ray Jordan with Debbie Simon, widow of Dr. Dennis Simon – prior to 2022 Civil Rights Pilgrimage Departure

Mendez

“Continue to work on the goals of eliminating colorism and racism in my community.”

-

Monica Motefakker ‘22

Where They Are: SERVING STUDENTS

The Residential Commons Affiliate Program Relaunched

The Residential Commons (RC) serve as a foundation for students’ SMU journey. SMU's Residential Commons are societies (otherwise known as collegia); not simply buildings, the RCs comprise students, faculty, and staff regardless of residency. Therefore, each member of the campus community shares an affiliation to a Commons and helps contribute to creating a home at SMU.

One distinct pillar of the residential experience on the Hilltop is entitled “Intellectually-Charged, People Powered.” This student experience pillar is fueled by our committed Faculty-in-Residence and active members, our Residential Commons Affiliate Program.

Launched in 2014 along with the Residential Commons, the Affiliate Program at SMU is an integral part of the Residential Commons, where faculty and staff commit to supporting the intellectual, cultural, and social life of the 11 communities by engaging residents and providing mentorship, guidance, and support to students.

Affiliates get involved in the Residential Commons in a wide variety of ways, ranging from casual meals, sporting events, and social gatherings to lectures, career panels, and theatrical performances—to name a few. Regardless of their level of engagement, each of the faculty and staff members has indicated a willingness and enthusiasm to support students.

In November 2021, with a relaunch event reception in Martha Proctor Mack Grand Ballroom with over 180 attendees, Residence Life & Student Housing

NEED A REMINDER OF YOUR AFFILIATION?

Check out the public roster.

unveiled a new Residential Commons Affiliate Program framework. Two levels of engagement are available: Commons Affiliate and the Commons Associate.

All faculty and staff are invited to join as a Commons Affiliate. You will receive merch items, pins, a welcome letter, and be invited to periodic events and programs. Staff and faculty willing to take on responsibilities to host small-group lunch/dinner conversations at least once a semester are invited to apply to serve as a Commons Associate.

SMU designed the Residential Commons for students to integrate their academic, residential, and social experience to cultivate a sense of belonging. While the Residential Commons are a housing system at their core, they truly embrace the SMU experience and our Affiliate Program is a distinctive feature of this commitment. Thanks for committing to serve students where they are, in our one-of-a-kind residential communities on the Hilltop.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A COMMONS AFFILIATE?

Beginning in fall 2022, new faculty or staff will watch a short overview video and complete a webform to affiliate during their Human Resources New Employee Orientation. If you do not yet have a current Residential Commons Affiliation, please use the short webform to the left.

REQUIREMENTS

Subscription to assigned Commons’ quarterly newsletter

Attendance at pinning ceremony for respective Commons (August/September)

Attendance at Yearly Planning Meeting for respective Commons (September)

Lead meal during Common Table Week

Lead a program for respective Commons (once/semester)

PARTICIPATION

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

In fall 2019, led by extant literature underscoring the many benefits of undergraduate research as a high-impact practice (HIP), the Division of Student Affairs launched a number of complementary initiatives that would collectively come to be known as the Student Affairs Undergraduate Research Program (UGRP). Since then, this program has grown to engage more than 20 different students in the pursuit of research within the a higher education context culminating in various conference and institutional presentations, publications, and most importantly—meaningful learning and development opportunities.

Varying in research focus and scope, structure, size, methodological and conceptual approach, research timeline, and membership composition, the various teams that constitute the Student Affairs Undergraduate Research Program each respectively share the following purpose: to identify a phenomenon of interest related to student experiences on SMU’s campus, conceptualize and execute an IRB-approved research study, and then provide subsequent findings, strategies, and recommendations to improve the student experience. Ultimately, findings from the UGRP aid in the improvement of university policies, practices, and programs to support student success and positively contribute to the field of higher education.

What is perhaps most unique to this undergraduate research program, however, is the great emphasis it places on student-led and -informed approaches to critical problems of practice on a college campus. By empowering interdisciplinary teams of current undergraduate students to identify and explore research questions aimed at improving the student experience on the Hilltop, the UGRP leverages the unique positionalities of individuals who are quite arguably the best positioned to collect, analyze, and interpret data from and about their peers. What’s more, as these students engage in this HIP, they are engaging in a co-curricular experience that helps build their fluency in social science research while developing and practicing skills in leadership, communication, and team-based work.

“Through my time with the Visual Research Methods Team I’ve learned a lot about how to plan and organize a longterm project. It’s been fulfilling to work on a team who’s topic will better aid students, and it has made me realize how much I enjoy working in the field of research.”

SAM BROWN, ‘24

- Dedeepya Chinnam, ‘23

“I’ve learned how to assess and test thoughtful research questions, and I hope that the research I’ve conducted will help welcome and better integrate transfer students into our SMU community.”

JAMES BARTA, ‘24

Biological Sciences, Health and Society Majors

Morrison-McGinnis Commons

“Working on the team inspired me to do things I never thought I could before. While working on the belonging study, I learned how to apply for research, write a literature review, collect data, present, and work independently. Learning these skills convinced me I could write my own senior thesis.”

AUTUMN BECK, ‘22

Business Management, Film and Media Studies Majors

Mary Hay, Peyton, Shuttles Commons

Psychology Major Ware Commons

“I have been able to aid in the creation of meaningful scholarships and witness the impact it’s made on the student experience at SMU. For example, our retention research helped in implementing strategies to engage our retention-risk students and redefine student success engaging traditionally under captured populations.”

DEDEEPYA CHINNAM, ‘23

Business Analytics & Supply Chain Management, Statistics, Economics Majors

Virginia-Snider Commons

“I have learned to be more independent on individual work, as well as managing multiple initiatives at once. Also, the research and analytics skills obtained are beneficial for my preparation in pursuing a career in consulting and finance.”

MINH DO, ‘25

Operations Research & Engineering Management Major Morrison-McGinnis Commons

I have been able to aid in the creation of meaningful scholarships and witness the impact it’s made on the student experience at SMU.

“The undergraduate research team has allowed me to think of creative ways to tackle problems that traditional research methods might not be able to answer. Being able to lead a team in my final year has also taught me how to manage research going forward.”

COLE FONTENOT, ‘22

Philosophy, History, Economics, Public Policy Majors

Morrison-McGinnis Commons

“Being a part of the research team has built transferable skills like data analytics and critical thinking which I would utilize in the future. It’s been an enriching experience and this research will help improve the SMU student experience as we get unfiltered insights into student life.”

SAKSHI

HINDUJA, ‘24

Finance, Operations Research and Engineering Management, Data Science Majors

Kathy Crow Commons

“One of the most important things I’ve learned through working with my research team is how impactful my positionality is on the studies we conduct. Oftentimes in other organizations, we are taught to do everything in our power to become unbiased. However, our research forced me to understand the position you hold in life and the lens it gives you. The true standard of unbias is the array of these different positionalities on the team.”

ISIS KAZADI, ‘24

Political Science, Human Rights Majors

Mary, Hay, Peyton, Shuttles Commons

“As an Undergraduate Researcher with ELEVATE, I’ve developed my understanding of a Mustang beyond what we see on our campus. It has taught me the adversity our community faces, the bureaucracy we encounter, and the seldom responsibility to work towards and vociferously advocate for a better, more inclusive society.”

TULSI LOHANI, ‘25

Political Science, Journalism, Corporate

Communications and Public Affairs Majors

Boaz Commons

“Through my work on the RLSH undergraduate research team, I discovered my love for data analysis. This newfound area of interest propelled me to completely change my career path from law to data analytics, a career path that I was not aware of before working with my undergraduate research team.”

SHELBY MARTIN, ‘22

Public Policy Major

Ware Commons

“Being a part of the Visual Research Methods team has taught me how to formulate pertinent research questions, and identify key patterns from interview responses. I also hope to utilize the valuable projectplanning and communication skills gained from this experience to lead healthcare-based projects in the future.”

VEDA RAMAKRISHNAN, ‘25

Biology Major

Boaz Commons

“As an undergraduate researcher, I used my past experience working with RLSH and Hegi to analyze their overlapping effect on the student experience. Taking part in this research helped me understand how the SMU student experience can be enhanced to allow students the ability to develop key skills upon graduation.”

SONIA SAEED, ‘22

Finance and Economics Majors

Crum Commons

“The RLSH Research Team has allowed me to develop transferrable skills, such as communication, team leadership, and reaching data-driven conclusions, that will apply to any future career that I pursue. I have greatly enjoyed developing these skills while reaching findings that will improve the student experience for my fellow Mustangs.”

HANNAH

WEBB, ‘22

Marketing, Public Policy Majors

Armstrong Commons

We asked members of the Undergraduate Research Program to tell us what they’ve found to be most impactful to their learning as a result of their experiences.

Here’s what they had to say:

for Mental Health Needs Answering the Call

Written by: Dr. Randy Jones, Associate Dean of Students and Executive Director of Health Services

At peak levels last year, the demand for mental health services exceeded the existing capacity of the Health Center. Our system was operating at maximum efficiency caring for as many students as possible, but was unable to readily accommodate a higher influx of patients. This resulted in longer wait times for appointments, a doubling of students calling our after hours on-call counseling service, and a greater number of students voicing frustration over limited access to these much sought after resources.

In efforts to meet the growing demand for mental health services, the Health Center has partnered with Academic Live Care (ALC) to expand counseling services to students. Our students now have access to ALC’s large network of telemental health providers as another avenue for obtaining counseling and ongoing therapy. This partnership provides students with greater flexibility in appointment times and they can select providers based on preferences such as gender, cultural and ethnic background, language spoken, and specialties. It also offers a venue of support to our students who for various reasons cannot or prefer not to present in-person to the Health Center. All counseling sessions are made available at no expense to students.

The Health Center also added a new resource called Togetherall designed to provide our students with 24/7 access to a large peer-to-peer mental health support community. This new web-based platform and media-style mental health app gives students a safe place to connect with other students experiencing similar feelings. Students log in and make a post (anonymously)…then someone responds to their post, often to validate how they are feeling or to give advice. The online community supports over 250 colleges and universities with over two million registered users and is monitored at all times by trained clinicians. This tool is an excellent low-acuity mental health intervention and offers a supplemental venue of support for the students we may be missing through our existing conventional approaches to care.

Onsite SANE Service

In response to requests from our students, provisions were put in place in late this spring 2022 to offer SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) exams 24/7 at the Health Center for victims of sexual assault. Through a partnership negotiated with The Turning Point Rape Crisis Center, a SANE nurse and advocate will be dispatched on demand to the Health Center for SMU students who have experienced sexual assault and request emergency examination. Previously, access to such services was only available to students off-campus.

To learn more about the mental health resources mentioned in this article, scan the QR code, or visit smu.edu/mentalhealthapps.

WHAT’S NEWOn the Hilltop

JEWISH LEARNING FELLOWS

The Jewish Learning Fellows program is a nine-week paid learning fellowship led by Rabbi Heidi Coretz and funded by Hillel at SMU and Hillel International. The purpose of this program is to offer the participants opportunities for deep Jewish learning, Jewish identitybuilding, and the fostering of meaningful, lasting relationships with one another and with the rabbi. Launched in spring 2022, this program welcomed its first cohort of 15 students

Cultivate is a new leadership development program for third-and fourth-year students. In this semester-long program, students meet weekly to discuss readings based on the SMU Leadership Framework. During these discussions, students gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their role as leaders in an individual, organizational, and community context. They bring their current experiences as campus leaders into the discussion as well as consider future leadership opportunities beyond graduation.

ENGAGE DALLAS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Engage Dallas is a place-based community engagement initiative via SMU’s Residential Commons to address community needs focusing on South and West Dallas. The Engage Dallas Internship Program, offered through the Hegi Family Career Development Center, is a resource exclusively for SMU students completing summer internships at nonprofits and other organizations that typically offer unpaid internships. In it’s first summer leading into the 2021-22 academic year, nine students were placed in internships at eight organizations.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COHORT

The Women’s Leadership Cohort is a year-long program that focuses on equipping women with the skills and confidence necessary to be effective leaders in their chosen fields, their communities, and their lives. This program combines both cohort based and individual learning and development and while the focus is on women in leadership, the program is open all gender identities and anyone who would be interested in developing their

Launched in spring 2022, R.I.T.U.A.L. (Responsibility - Inclusion - Trust - Unity - AdvocacyLeadership) is a diversity, equity, and inclusion program for members of the Fraternity and Sorority communities at SMU. This innovative program provides innovative opportunities for the four councils to build relationships and trust while broadening their own learning and leadership skills to create increasingly inclusive environments for their members. Members of each chapter participated in R.I.T.U.A.L. content that was woven into presidents’ roundtables, FSLead, and other Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life programs.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 21 22

In late spring 2021 the Student Affairs Professional Excellence Committee, charged with Strategic Plan Objective 6.5, set out to develop a dynamic professional development curriculum within the Division. Rooted in an evidence-based decision-making model, the committee was keenly aware of the need to first gather information via a staff needs assessment to better understand current perceptions, self-ratings, preferences, and needs among staff as they pertain to professional development. Accordingly, the committee developed a staff needs assessment survey instrument that ultimately collected responses from 106 staff members (~96% response rate), which were then analyzed into themes that informed the conceptualization and implementation of what would become the 2021-22 Student Affairs Professional Development Program, as outlined below

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

September 30, 2021

Social Justice and Inclusion

Dr. Nolan Cabrera Associate Professor

Educational Policy Studies and Practice

The University of Arizona

December 17, 2021

Organizational and Human Resources

Dr. Timothy Fair

Inaugural Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion Health Sciences Center

Louisana State University

Keynote Address

Whiteness: A Primer

Elective Training for all Staff

Race is, Race Ain’t: Creating Racially-Engaged Campuses and Classrooms

Keynote Address

Increasing Organizational Capacity for Inclusive Leadership

Elective Training for all Supervisors

Recruiting, Training, and Retaining Inclusive Staff

March 10, 2022

Law, Policy, and Governance

Dr. Les Black

Clinical Professor

Education Policy and Law

Southern Methodist University

Keynote Address

Changing Governance in Title IX and Title VII Processes

May 17, 2022

Social Justice and Inclusion

Dr. Gina Garcia

Associate Professor Educational Foundations, Organizations, and Policy University of Pittsburgh

Keynote Address

Servingness as a Multidemensional Concept Within Higher Education Institutions

HIGHLIGHTS

• 4 keynote speaker sessions

• 2 workshops facilitated by keynote speakers

• 16 optional sessions (approximately 2-3 per month)

• Average attendance of 16 participants/optional session

• 10 ACPA/NASPA Professional Competency areas addressed

• 100% sessions live-streamed for remote participation

• Various strategies employed to enhance and facilitate staff participation, including: preemptive Outlook Calendar holds for all sessions; all sessions held during non-lunch hours; entire calendar of events provided to staff at kick-off of academic year; majority of sessions made available asynchronously to staff on the SA Resource Library

Based on preliminary data from the 2021-22 Staff Climate Survey:

• 93% of staff reported being “extremely satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with the keynote speaker series

• 90% of staff reported being “extremely satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with the professional development and training electives

2021-22 Elective Trainings and Presentations

OCTOBER 21, 2021

NOVEMBER 11, 2021

APRIL 14, 2022

Scan the QR code or visit smu.edu/ saresourcelibrary to view recorded livestreams and resources for the 2020-21 Professional Development Program

OFFERED ONLINE

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING ELECTIVES

From Whence We Came: DEI at SMU

Dr. Maria Dixon Hall and JJ Jones

Values, Philosophy, and History

Balancing Personal and Institutional Ethics

Dr. K.C. Mmeje and Reverend Lisa Garvin

Personal and Ethical Foundations

Leadership and You Meghan Perez

Leadership

Making the Most of the Student Affairs Division Performance Appraisal Tool Amanda Bobo and Dr. Adam Cebulski

Organizational and Human Resources

DIVISIONAL RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT SESSIONS

Assessment, Evaluation, and Research

MUSTANG MEMO SERIES

OCTOBER 15, 2021

Institutional Findings from the 2021 Multi-Institutional Leadership Study at SMU

Dr. Allison Kanny, Meghan Perez, and Emily Rasch

JANUARY 28, 2022

Exploring the Relationship between Student Engagement and Leadership Development: What Works on the Hilltop?

Dr. Allison Kanny and Cameron Stewart

Livestreamed Resources Available Recording Available

STUDENT AFFAIRS DATA STORIES

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Defining and Measuring Resident Sense of Belonging

Dr. Dustin Grabsch, Kayley Carter, Autumn Beck, and Matt Nadler

NOVEMBER 19, 2021

Greek 101 on Canvas: The Adoption of Direct Measures of Student Learning

Ashley Fitzpatrick

MARCH 23, 2022

One Year Out: Utilizing Focus Groups for a Comprehensive Needs Assessment Reverend Lisa Garvin, Kaleb Loomis, and Rabbi Heidi Coretz

The Division of Student Affairs creates and supports a robust student experience and forgesstrategic partnerships to best serve the entire SMU community. As educators and scholar-practitioners, we create purposeful learning and leadership opportunities for students to clarify and develop their knowledge, values, skills, and identitieschallenging each to become a world changer.