2016 New Student Transition Guide The SMU Office of Student Transitions & Orientation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREPARING FOR AARO New Mustangs: Welcome Social Media Register for AARO Parents & Family Members Check List to Prepare for AARO Housing & Travel Info Testing, My.SMU, SMU Email Account Education Records Release & FERPA Academic Honesty Tutorial Health Center Requirements AARO Parking Check List for Packing
DURING AARO Arrive & Check-in Tentative AARO Schedule Housing & Dining Testing
FOLLOWING AARO Involvement SMU ID Card Mailing Service Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS) Employment on Campus Textbooks Who’s New at SMU Health Insurance Tuition and Fees Mustang Corral Common Reading Mark Your Calendar
CONTACT INFO
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Campus Map Contact
PREPARATION
Preparing for AARO
New Mustangs
New Mustangs: Welcome from the Office of Student Transitions & Orientation Congratulations on your decision to attend Southern Methodist University! The orientation process is designed to connect you and your family to SMU. Welcome to the Mustang Family! At • • • •
AARO You Will: Meet your advisor Register for Fall classes Take academic placement tests (optional) Learn about connecting to the SMU: o o o o o
Learning Environment Spirit (Values, History, & Traditions) People Campus Community (Dallas)
Social Media
Facebook Twitter Instagram WordPress
Social Media Connect with us on social media to get updates about AARO & Mustang Corral, hear from the orientation leaders, and more! Click icons and follow us!
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PREPARATION Registeration
Register for AARO Registration
In order to register for AARO you will need your SMU ID number and your password. To register for AARO, students will log in to their My.SMU account. Click here to access our AARO Registration Guide which will guide you through the registration process.
AARO Fee for Family Members/Guests
• $30 per family member guest, includes AARO materials and meals. • Please check the appropriate guest options for dietary preferences when registering.
First Year AARO Sessions Session Session Session Session Session Session Session Session Session
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
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June 28-29 July 5-6 July 7-8 July 12-13 July 14-15 July 19-20 July 21-22 July 26-27 July 28- 29
Transfer AARO Sessions Session Session Session Session Session
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
June 24 July 11 July 25 August 8 August 16
International Students AARO August 14th-15th (Sunday - Monday)
PREPARATION Parents & Family
Contact
Deanie Kepler
Director of Parent & Family Programs (214)-768-4797
Parents & Families As the parents and family members of a new Mustang you are now part of the SMU family – a family rich in heritage and educational opportunities. This family includes current students, faculty and staff, and thousands of graduates over the years who remember their experiences on the Hilltop with pride. We are dedicated to providing a unique educational experience to our students, one that will be valued by students and families for years to come. Though students typically spend their college years away from home, parents and families continue to play a critical role in a student’s educational experience. SMU welcomes parent and family involvement in the student’s experience when appropriate and encourages continued support. You will receive a copy of the Family Handbook, designed to make your
student’s academic transition easier. Your first responsibility is not to do everything for them, but to encourage your student to take advantage of all that SMU offers and to take responsibility for the educational experience that your student will have at SMU. We encourage family members to attend AARO with your student. You play a role in your student’s success at SMU. AARO will help you learn more about what your student’s academic experience will be like when they come to campus in the Fall and will introduce you to resources on campus that will be helpful for you and your student. In addition to attending academic and resource sessions with your students, we also have several family specific programs planned including a panel discussion with representatives from all over campus.
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PREPARATION Check List
Before AARO Check List
Make sure you complete these items before attending AARO! Things to Do Register for AARO, including students and guests Book lodging for your visit Arrange your transportation Complete your Language Placement Exam Log into my.SMU and your SMU email account Complete FERPA Release Complete Academic Honesty Tutorial Complete University Advising Center Student Bio Sheet Print your AARO parking pass
AARO Housing
AARO Housing We encourage AARO guests to make reservations at the host hotel for AARO: The Hilton Dallas/Park Cities. Please identify yourself as an SMU Orientation 2016 participant when making your reservation. Visit their website or call (214) 368-0400 to make a reservation. Hilton Dallas/Park Cities Address: 5954 Luther Lane, Dallas, TX, 75225, USA
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Tel: +1(214)368-0400
PREPARATION Travel
Ground Transportation from DFW or Love Field Airport to SMU Campus Super Shuttle www.supershuttle.com + 1 (8 1 7 ) 3 2 9 - 2 00 0 Toll Free: +1(800)258-3826 To and from DFW Airport: - Approx. $31.00 one way for the first passenger - $10.00 for each additional passenger
Yellow Checker Shuttle www.yellowcheckershuttle.com/ +1(214) 841-1900 To and from DFW Airport - $21.00/ person To and from Love Field Airport - $21.00/ person
To and from Love Field Airport: - Approx. $20.00 one way for the first passenger - $10.00 for each additional passenger
Car Rental Avis Rent A Car Systems www.avis.com/meeting/tools +1(800)331-1600 Guaranteed best possible rates for SMU AARO participants
Discount number: A906399
Taxi / Uber / Lyft www.cowboycab.com/index.html Taxi: DFW Airport to SMU Campus
- Approx. $60-$90 one way, 35 minutes
Uber or Lyft: Love Field Airport to SMU Campus - Approx. $11.00 one way, 15 minutes DFW Airport to SMU Campus - Approx. $33-$37 one way, 35 minutes
DART www.dart.org/riding/dfwairport.asp
$2.50 for a two-hour pass, $5 for one day pass.
DFW Airport to SMU Campus - 90 minutes one way
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PREPARATION Testing
My.SMU
SMU Email
Take Your Language Placement Exam
My.SMU is the self-service system where students can:
SMU Email Account
• We offer Language placement exams during AARO, but we encourage any student who needs to take a placement exam to do so PRIOR to AARO.
• • • •
• All official SMU communication is directed through this account • Click here to access your account! Use your SMU ID number and password to log in
• Find information about language placement exams here.
Enroll/drop classes View the schedule of classes View grades View and request transcripts and degree process reports • Update/verify personal information
Contact SMU OIT for assistance (214)-768-4357 or click here
FERPA
Education Records Release & FERPA Under The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), students have the ability to grant permission to others (including family members) to access education records. • Learn how to use the Release of Education Records feature on My.SMU here. Please complete this process PRIOR to AARO. • Still unsure about FERPA? Click here to learn more!
Academic Honesty Tutorial
Academic Honesty
All entering students must complete an online tutorial on academic honesty and take an online quiz prior to enrolling for their second semester at SMU. The tutorial and quiz can be accessed through Blackboard.
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PREPARATION Heath Center
Health Center Requirements • Texas law requires all new students under the age of to 22 provide documentation to the Health Center demonstrating vaccination against Bacterial Meningitis within 5 years of first day of class as new SMU student. • Submit required documentation and health form at least 2 weeks prior to registration of classes/AARO session. • (Enrollment holds will be placed on students until this requirement is fulfilled).
Other Requirements Include: • • •
•
Proof of immunization against measles, mumps and rubella Some students may be required to have the TB skin test For confirmation of completion go to My.SMU > Student Self-Services > Student Center > Medical Health History Contact: healthcenter@smu.edu or (214)768-2141 (select option 1)
Parking
Parking on Campus
A parking pass will be emailed to student’s SMU email one week before AARO. The email will include a parking pass, map, and instructions on how to enter/exit the parking centers.
Packing Things to Bring SMU ID number and password University Advising Center Student Bio Sheet Health form (if not yet submitted to the SMU Health Center) Disability documentation if seeking accommodations Peruna Passport AARO Parking Pass Copies of AP and IB test scores College transcripts for any dual credit courses Appropriate clothing for ID & Rotunda yearbook photographs Casual clothing for 90º to 100º weather Sweater (for air-conditioned rooms) Comfortable shoes Toiletries
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DURING AARO
DURING A ARO
Arrive
Arrive 1. Plan to arrive on campus around 8:00 a.m. Park in AARO guest location and display your parking pass in the dashboard. Click here for additional parking info. 2. Make your way to Boaz Residential Commons to drop off student luggage. (You cannot dropoff luggage until 8:00 a.m.) 3. Go to the Hughes-Trigg Student Center (HTSC) to check in. During check in, students will take their SMU ID and Yearbook photo.
Schedule
2016 Tentative AARO Schedule Plan to arrive on campus by 8:00 a.m. on the first day of AARO and stay until 5:00 p.m. on the second day.
First Year - DAY 1 Check in at Boaz Commons Hilltop Hello Academic Reality Group Advising Meetings Red & Blue Lunch Enrollment Workshops Family Welcome Elective Programming & Individual Advising Squads College 101 for Families Mane Stage Dinner Theatre Small Groups SMU Late Night
Day 1 programming ends at 7:00 p.m. for families. Students stay on campus for SMU Late Night!
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First Year - DAY 2 Individual Advising Mustang Brunch Small Groups What’s Next for Families Residential Commons Tours Elective Programming & Individual Advising Resource Expo
Day 2 programming ends at 5:00 p.m.
DURING AARO Schedule
Transfer AARO Schedule
International AARO Schedule
AARO Check-In
International students will receive details about their
Hilltop Hello Academic Reality & Resources Making the Most Transfer Credits Mustang Brunch Resource Expo Family Meeting
orientation schedule via email.
Please make travel plans so that you arrive on campus by 8:00 a.m. on the first day of AARO and plan to stay until 5:00 p.m. on the second day.
Individual Advising
Housing & Dining
Housing at AARO All first year students are required to stay overnight in Boaz Commons. Staying on campus provides an opportunity to experience residence hall living at SMU.
Dining at AARO Brunch will be provided on the second day. Students who arrive late or on an incorrect AARO date cannot be accommodated. Please be sure your dietary accomodations are accurately reflected on your AARO registration.
Testing
Placement Exams Placement Language Exam Students can take placements exams during AARO although this should be complete before. Math Exam Six math tests are offered during AARO: • Math 1303 & 1304 Pre-Calculus (for placement only, no credit) • Math 1307, 1309, 1337, & 1338 (for credit) • To find out which test you should take and look at sample tests, click here
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FOLLOWING AARO: GENERAL SMU INFORMATION & RESOURCES
FOLLOWING Involvement
Get Involved
The following resources will help connect you to the SMU People and Campus. Click on the following links to begin discovering how you will get involved at SMU!
• Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports • Chaplain’s Office • Community Engagement & Leadership • Greek Life • Multicultural Student Affairs • Residence Life & Student Housing • Student Activities • Office of Transfer & Transition Services • Veterans Affairs • Women & LGBT Center
Get Involved
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FOLLOWING SMU ID Card
Your SMU ID Card Students will take their SMU ID photo during AARO check-in. This photo will also serve as their yearbook photo. Freshmen will recieve their SMU IDs when they check into their residential commons. Transfer students will pick up their SMU IDs at the Help Desk at the Hughes-Trigg Student Center when they arrive on campus.
Mailing Service
PO Box Students Living On-Campus
• PO Boxes are required for students living on-campus during the academic year • Fee: $45, nonrefundable – charged to the student account • Mail can be picked up at the Copy and Mail Center on the main floor of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center • Students will receive emails with initial PO Box assignment, expiration of PO Box, and when they receive mail/package
Students Living Off-Campus
Non-resident students (including those living in fraternity and sorority houses) may rent a mailbox for a $85 fee. Students should visit the Copy and Main Center to reserve PO Box.
How to address mail: SMU Student Name, # ____ 3140 Dyer Street Dallas, TX 75275 Contact: Mail and Copy Center by Ricoh (214)768-445
Disabilities
Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS) DASS is the primary contact for all SMU students with disabilities such as: • Learning and attention disorders • Physical, sensory, and medical disorders • Psychiatric disorders
Three Main Functions of DASS:
1. Determining accommodation eligibility 2. Collaborating with faculty and staff to ensure accommodations are provided for those deemed eligible 3. Providing academic coaching for students with learning and attention disorders
Contact: Learn more about DASS by coming to our office in the ALEC, visiting our website, or calling us at (214)768-1470
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FOLLOWING Employment
Employment on Campus Division of Enrollment Services-Student Employment • (214)768-3490, or email Hegi Family Career Development Center • On or Off Campus Employment • Mustang Trak – online employment database • Career Counselors • (214)768-2266
Textbooks
Textbooks Textbook Reservation Program • Offers the largest selection of discounted books • Choose to pick up books in the store when you return for classes, or have your books shipped • Textbook rentals are also available at the bookstore SMU Bookstore Located in the Park Cities Plaza, 3060 Mockingbird Lane (next to La Madeleine) Who’s New at SMU
Submit your photo and info for your listing in the 2016 Who’s New at SMU New Student Guide Welcome to Southern Methodist University! To help you become acquainted with the University and your classmates, The Office of Student Transitions & Orientation has started work on the annual Who’s New at SMU New Student Guide. You may complete your listing by uploading your photo and information today online via the New Student Guide 2016 Upload System. You may also order your own student copy and/or parent and family copies of The 2016 Who’s New at SMU New Student Guide or place a Parent Welcome to SMU Ad, simply follow the instructions online. If you have any questions about the Guide, please don’t hesitate to contact our publisher Main Campus Publications at smudirectory@maincampuspublications.com .
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PREPARATION FOLLOWING Health New Mustangs Insurance
Health Insurance • SMU requires all domestic students, both undergraduate and graduate, taking 9 credit hours or more to have adequate health insurance through either an individual/family plan or the University offered plan – Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) • All international students taking 1 or more credit hours must enroll in the University offered plan unless they have a special waiver personally granted by the Health Center staff • All students using an individual/family plan must waive the University offered plan in My.SMU by the deadline each semester • All students enrolling in the University offered plan (SHIP) must do so each semester through My.SMU • Fall 2016 Deadline: September 7th. • Students who do not waive or elect the plan by the deadline above will be charged $1,200 to their student account for The SMU Health Insurance Plan – NO reversal of premiums or charges to insurance status can be made after the deadline each semester • To learn more visit our website or call (214)768-3408
Tuitions & Fees
Tuition and Fees • After completing course registration at AARO, the Division of Enrollment Services will send a billing notification when the bill is available for online viewing through SMUpay • The email will be sent to the student’s SMU email and to the designated Authorized Payer email • Charges will represent the cost of the hours in which the student is enrolled, room and board, and selected Essential Services • Learn more about the direct cost of attendance of SMU here • Payment is due upon receipt of your invoice • Students whose accounts are not cleared by the deadline are charged a late payment fee of: - $50 for balances between $250 and $999.99 - $150 for balances between $1,000 and $5,000 - balances over $5,000 will be charged 3% of the outstanding balance not to exceed $750 • After the monthly payment due date has passed a 1.5% past due fee will be assessed on the unpaid student and/ or miscellaneous account balances each month until the balance is paid • To contact the Division of Enrollment Services, email or call (214)768-3417
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FOLLOWING Mustang Corral
Mustang Corral Mustang Corral is one of the best traditions SMU has to offer! This program is designed to give all incoming students a sense of what life is like on campus. As a student, you will meet and interact with other incoming students, faculty, staff members, and alumni. During Mustang Corral, you will explore academic life, the spirit and traditions of SMU, and engage in personal self-discovery. These diverse activities encourage meaningful relationships within each Round Up Group, a group of 12-15 new students. The bonds that you make during this short time will prove to be a valuable connection throughout your collegiate experience.
Click Here to get more information about Mustang Corral.
Common Reading
Common Reading A university is a multi-faceted community offering many opportunities for learning and growth. At SMU you can expect to encounter ideas and issues that are new—some may even be uncomfortable. As a student you will partcipate in engaging discussions of texts that provoke strong reactions and reward close reading. The SMU Common Reading Experience provides the first of these opportunities. All entering students, many continuing students, and faculty from across campus all participate in SMU’s Common Reading Experience each year. This ongoing experience begins with the book’s presentation at AARO, independent reading over the summer, focused discussion groups in the Residential Commons led by SMU faculty or staff in small groups during Mustang Corral, and a lecture by the author early in the fall semester. During AARO, all students will receive a copy of the 2016 Common Reading, Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson.
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FOLLOWING
Mark Your Calendar Aug. 17 - Aug. 21
Mustang Corral
Aug. 18
Discover Dallas, Camp Corral
Aug. 19
Camp Corral
Aug. 20
Violence Prevention Assembly Class Photo Find Your Classes Night at the Club - Student Organization Fair
Aug. 21
University Worship Common Reading Discussion Rotunda Passage & Convocation
Aug. 22
First Day of Class
Aug. 28
Last Day to Waive or Elect Health Insurance
SMU Campus Map sites.smu.edu/apps/campus-map/
Contact Information SMU Student Transitions & Orientation Office www.smu.edu/StudentAffairs/NewStudent/Contact
Hughes-Trigg Student Center, Suite 300 (214) 768-4560 website: smu.edu/newstudent email: orientation@smu.edu
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