| THE INTERNATIONAL |
| STUDENT HANDBOOK |
|
|
| Southern Methodist University | 2025-2026 |
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|
| L E T T E R F R O M T H E I S S S D I R E C T O R |
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|
| Dear International Student/Scholar: |
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|
| On behalf of the International Student & Scholar Services team (ISSS), I would like to |
| welcome you to Southern Methodist University. You have chosen to attend one of |
| America’s premier comprehensive universities, and we are pleased that you are part of the |
| SMU family. The SMU campus and community provide a variety of resources to ensure |
| that your time here as a student or scholar is productive on both a personal and academic |
| level. The International Student & Scholar Services team is committed to facilitating and |
| enriching your experience before you arrive on campus and while you are here in the U.S. |
| All members of the ISSS team work diligently to provide the best and most useful |
| resources prior to your arrival through a comprehensive pre-arrival information packet |
| that will assist the visa application process. Once you arrive on campus, we welcome you |
| with various immigration orientations in order to inform you of the various visa |
| compliance regulations that you must follow as an international student or scholar in |
| order to maintain your visa status. Our team is responsible for reporting to the federal |
| Government all compliance events relating to our international population through SEVIS |
| (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). For this reason it is important that |
| you check your SMU e-mail regularly, since regulations sometimes change. Once you |
| arrive, it is our desire that you take every opportunity to participate in our programming |
| events. Our office coordinates several events throughout the year in order to celebrate the |
| different cultures and contributions from our international population. Our staff consists |
| of a group of professionals who are prepared to respond to your unique needs through our |
| excellent immigration advising system. Our staff is also prepared to help you navigate |
| through all the resources that SMU has to offer that will help you achieve your academic |
| goals.Once again, welcome to SMU. We are happy that you are with us. Please contact any |
| member of the ISSS team if you have any questions or concerns. If we do not know the |
| answers to your questions, we will try to find someone who does. |
|
|
| Best Regards, |
|
|
| Claudia Sotomayor Hart |
|
|
| What's Inside? |
| Get to Know Your New Home |
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|
| Life in Dallas, Texas .................................................. 5 |
| Q&A with International Mustangs ........................ 6 |
| Becoming a Part of the SMU Community .......... 7 |
| Our Favorite SMU Traditions ................................. 8 |
|
|
| Getting Ready for Your Arrival |
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|
| Welcome New Students .......................................... 9 |
| Steps to Receive your I-20 .................................... 10 |
| Getting Ready for Your Arrival ............................. 11 |
| How to Pack for SMU ............................................. 12 |
| Packing Must Haves ............................................... 13 |
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|
| Navigating Living in the U.S. |
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|
| Once You've Arrived in the U.S. ........................... 14 |
| ISSS Office ................................................................. 15 |
| Transportation in the U.S. ..................................... 16 |
| U.S. Laws and Safety ................................................17 |
| Emergencies: Know What To Do ..........................18 |
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| Student Success and Useful Information |
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|
| Health and Wellness ................................................ 19 |
| Achieving Academic Success at SMU ................... 20 |
| SMU Honor Code ...................................................... 21 |
| Student Tips for Class Registration ....................... 22 |
| Job Prep and Employment ...................................... 23 |
| On-Campus Dining Facilities .................................. 24 |
| Eating Vegetarian at SMU ....................................... 25 |
| Ethnic Grocers and Restaurants............................ 26 |
| On-Campus Mail Facilities ...................................... 27 |
| Banking in the U.S. ....................................................28 |
| Phones in the U.S. .....................................................29 |
| Important Contact Information ..............................30 |
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| 4 |
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|
| Life in Dallas, Texas |
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|
| POPULATION: Dallas is the 9th largest city in the US and the third largest in Texas |
| with a population of 1,300,000. |
|
|
| LOCATION: Dallas is located in the Central Time Zone in North Central Texas, 35 miles |
| east of Fort Worth, 245 miles north, northwest of Houston and 300 miles north of the |
| Gulf of Mexico. |
|
|
| CLIMATE: Spring (Mar–May) and fall (Sep–Oct) are warm. Summer (Jun–Aug) is hot. |
| Winter (Nov–Feb) is cool to cold. |
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|
| Average annual snow days: 1.3 |
| Average rain days: 81 days |
|
|
| BUSINESS CLIMATE: The Dallas area is home to 21 Fortune 500 companies including |
| Exxon Mobil, JC Penney, AT&T, Texas Instruments, and others. |
|
|
| SPORTS & RECREATION: Dallas is home to five professional sports teams: The Dallas |
| Cowboys (NFL); Dallas Stars (NHL); Dallas Mavericks (NBA); Dallas Wings (WNBA); FC |
| Dallas (MLS) and the Texas Rangers (MLB) plus NASCAR and Indy racing. |
|
|
| DID YOU KNOW? |
|
|
| The 52 foot 'Big Tex' statue that greets visitors at the annual State Fair of Texas is the tallest |
| cowboy in Texas. |
| With the roof enclosed, the entire Statue of Liberty could fit into the Cowboys Stadium. |
| The first convenience store, 7-eleven, got its start in Dallas and the corporation is |
| headquartered there today. |
|
|
| 5 |
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|
| Q&A with International |
| Mustangs |
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|
| Rasiq H. |
| India |
| Software Engineering |
|
|
| Amanda B. |
| Brazil |
| Accounting |
|
|
| What do you do on weekends in Dallas? |
|
|
| I generally like to hang out with my friends. We binge |
| watch shows, play poker, and have dinner parties. |
| Sometimes I try to emulate a new recipe that I came |
| across during the course of the week and test it on my |
| friends. If the weather is not unforgiving, we play soccer |
| near my apartment complex. I also try to get done with my |
| errands such as laundry, grocery runs, meal prep and if |
| time permits, I go record player shopping. |
|
|
| I love trying new restaurants! Dallas is filled with places |
| from different cuisines and cultures. I also have a |
| membership to the Arboretum, which is a botanical garden |
| that you can walk around to see the different flowers; |
| there is also events and cool picnic spots there. Lastly, the |
| Farmer’s Market is my favorite place to go on the |
| weekends for breakfast and shops. |
|
|
| What helped you make friends at SMU? |
|
|
| I reached out to a lot of people at SMU on LinkedIn |
| before I came, the ones that responded connected me to |
| the other students who had reached out to them as well. |
| So, I had a good mix of a network that was new and old to |
| SMU. The people I met at the Orientation and Welcome |
| Party are still my best buddies. I made a lotta friends at |
| events and also while working at ISSS. |
|
|
| To me, at first it was hard to make friends because I was |
| so nervous and still adapting to the culture here. But once |
| I joined different organizations on campus - International |
| Leadership Program and the Brazilian and Portuguese |
| Speakers Association - I was able to meet the people that |
| became my support group. I also gained the confidence to |
| meet other people at events on campus and at the library. |
|
|
| What's your favorite restaurant in the area? |
|
|
| I honestly wish I could select one, but Dallas is such a |
| heavenlike place for people who like diverse cuisines. I |
| have tried so many new cuisines here such as Thai, |
| Pakistani, Iraqi, Italian, French and Tex-Mex. If I had to, I |
| think I would put it between Deccan Grill or Olivella’s. The |
| Former because it reminds me of home, and the Latter |
| because I think they make the best pizza in the world. |
|
|
| I enjoy trying different restaurants but here are some of |
| my favorites: Delucca Gaucho Pizza is an all you can eat |
| Brazilian pizza for a really affordable price. Hibiki Sushi |
| and Vidora (Tex-Mex food) are both at Deep Ellum, a spot |
| in Dallas with a bunch of restaurants and local shops. |
| Honey Berry Pancakes is awesome for breakfast and has |
| a huge menu - their Nutella pancake is amazing! |
|
|
| What helped if you felt homesick? |
|
|
| Luckily, I haven’t felt homesick because I never really |
| isolated myself from people. Making new friends is hard, |
| but if you just try a little to ask people around campus or |
| events about their degree or where they come from, I’m |
| sure that will go a long way in helping you feel more at |
| home. Because every time you see that person on campus, |
| you have someone to talk to, share experiences with, and |
| maybe go out with them. It takes time, some will want to, |
| some won’t. But that doesn’t mean you stop trying to |
| socialize. |
|
|
| I regularly call and Facetime my family and friends. The |
| distance is harder during special occasions like birthdays |
| and holidays, but it made me more appreciative of the |
| present and helped me learn to enjoy the little things. I also |
| made my own chosen family here, they helped me through |
| tough times and celebrated every milestone with me! Some |
| of my friends are from Brazil as well, so it helped a lot |
| with homesickness. Now, I have two places to call home and |
| I am so grateful for that. |
|
|
| 6 |
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| #YouAreWelcomeHere |
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| Get Involved! |
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|
| Getting involved on campus is a great way to get connected to the SMU community! |
| There are over 200 student organizations at SMU including academic, athletic, |
| cultural, and interest groups! Some of these organizations include... |
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| International Leadership Program |
| K-pop Club |
| Intramurals Sport Clubs |
| Indian Student Association |
|
|
| Virtual Reality Club |
| Asian Council |
| Esports Club |
| Outdoor Adventures |
|
|
| Discover all the organizations at SMU at Connect.SMU.edu |
|
|
| Check out the SMU International Student & Scholar Services |
| Channel for our #YouAreWelcomeHere video. |
|
|
| 7 |
|
|
| Our favorite |
| SMU Traditions |
|
|
| “We don’t tailgate, we boulevard” |
| is one of the most common |
| phrases that comes up when |
| talking about SMU tradition. A day |
| or two before each football game, |
| beautiful white tents are put up all |
| along the Boulevard and the lawn |
| in front of Dallas Hall. Then, three |
| hours before the game, SMU |
| students, faculty, alumni and |
| friends come out to enjoy food |
| and games on the Boulevard. |
|
|
| At the beginning of each school |
| year there are many events to |
| enjoy and make new friends. |
| Usually there is also a chance to |
| get free food too! The New Student |
| Welcome Party hosted by ISSS has |
| always been a good one! |
|
|
| Homecoming is always a big tradition at SMU. |
| There is banner making, window painting, |
| Peruna painting and float building. Then there is |
| also the much-anticipated Homecoming court in |
| which each organization nominates a candidate |
| for homecoming queen and king. The week builds |
| up to the Homecoming parade to showcase the |
| floats students have worked on. |
|
|
| The Celebration of Lights! Every year in |
| December thousands of lights are displayed on |
| Dallas Hall and it’s surrounding area. SMU |
| students come out to sing , listen to groups |
| perform and hear President Turner read The |
| Christmas Story. The finale of the night is |
| always the lighting of the Christmas tree, |
| Dallas Hall and the surrounding trees with |
| more than 100,000 twinkling lights that |
| helps everyone feel the holiday spirit. |
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|
| 8 |
|
|
| W E L C O M E N E W |
| S T U D E N T S ! |
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|
| Here's what to expect from now until your arrival in Dallas, Texas. |
|
|
| 1 |
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| Pre-Arrival |
| Pay close attention to your SMU email address inbox. The ISSS office and |
| other campus offices will be reaching out to you with important |
| information. We will also have webinars available to help you get ready for |
| your arrival and life at SMU. |
|
|
| Immigration Compliance Course & |
| Government Document Check-In |
|
|
| 2 |
|
|
| All F-1 or J-1 visa holders are required to complete the Immigration |
| Compliance Course. Then, you must complete |
| the mandatory |
| goverment document check-in once you arrive at SMU. |
|
|
| 3 |
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| Campus Welcome |
| We are looking forward to welcoming you to the SMU community. We'll |
| host opportunities for you to develop new friendships, become familiar |
| with U.S./Texas culture and help prepare for the next stage of your |
| professional life. These include; Orientation, Welcome Party, and More! |
|
|
| You are welcome here. |
| For details visit the ISSS website and review "New Student Information" |
|
|
| 9 |
|
|
| S T E P S T O R E C E I V E |
| Y O U R S M U I - 2 0 |
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|
| In order to receive your SMU I20 please follow the steps below. Contact your admitting |
| department directly for instructions on how to submit the required documents. |
|
|
| STEP 1: Have a photocopy of valid passport ready |
|
|
| STEP 2: Prepare financial documents |
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|
| Funds available must meet or exceed cost for 1 year of student expenses |
| Dated no more than 6 months prior to submission |
| Printed on bank or financial institution letterhead |
| Must be printed in English |
| Includes account holder name and account information |
| Financial Commitment Form - this will only apply if funds are not personal funds |
| Funds must be liquid without restrictions |
|
|
| Student Loans |
| Student loan applications are not accepted. Approved loans with a dollar amount will be accepted. |
|
|
| Financial Documentation not accepted: |
| Stocks or Bonds, Life Insurance, Property or Land, Proof of Employment or Tax Documents |
|
|
| For more information about the estimated tuition, fees and other expenses for your program please visit the Estimated |
| Expenses for I-20 page on the International Student and Scholar Services website. |
|
|
| STEP 3: If requesting an F-2 Dependent Visa |
|
|
| The F-2 dependent visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows dependent spouses and children (unmarried, |
| under 21 years old) of F-1 student visa holders to enter into the U.S. The following is required if your |
| dependents will apply for an F2 visa and travel to the U.S. with you: |
|
|
| Photocopy of Valid Passport for all dependents |
| Photocopy of Marriage Certificate (translated in English) for dependent spouse |
| Copy of Birth Certificate (translated in English) for dependent children |
| F1 must provide additional funds for each dependent |
|
|
| STEP 4: Receiving your I-20 Form |
|
|
| Form I-20's are sent to students via SMU email. Students should monitor their SMU email address for their I-20 |
| document. Students should then print and sign their I-20 in ink. |
|
|
| 10 |
|
|
| G E T T I N G R E A D Y F O R |
| Y O U R A R R I V A L |
|
|
| Request an I-20 |
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|
| Verify information on I-20/DS2019 is accurate. If you see any errors contact ISSS |
| immediately at isss@smu.edu |
|
|
| Pay SEVIS fee * |
|
|
| Apply for New Visa, F or J * |
| Prepare for your visa interview and take the following documents with you: |
|
|
| SEVIS Fee Receipt |
| Letter of Admission |
| Form I-20/DS-2019 |
| Passport |
| Proof of funding and/or educational sponsorship documents reflected on |
| I-20/DS-2019 |
|
|
| Check your SMU email regularly for updates related to class registration, |
| orientation and notices from campus departments |
|
|
| Register for health insurance & complete immunizations to ensure there are no |
| holds on your account. You can register through my.SMU.edu. For more information |
| visit the SMU Health Center website. |
|
|
| Complete the International Student Compliance Course |
|
|
| Plan for housing and an SMU meal plan if required |
|
|
| Book your flight and plan travel to campus. Be sure to enter the U.S. with your F-1 |
| or J-1 student visa; do not enter the U.S. with a tourist visa. You are allowed to enter |
| U.S. up to 30 days prior to program start date listed on I-20/DS-2019 |
|
|
| Prepare for payment of tuition for more information visit the SMU Bursars Office |
| website and view the section about "Paying Tuition as an International Student" |
|
|
| Video tutorial is available on ISSS website under "New Student Information" |
|
|
| 11 |
|
|
| A guide from students, for students |
|
|
| How to Pack for SMU |
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|
| Packing for a long trip can be stressful and that's okay. We're here to help. |
|
|
| Top 4 Packing Tips |
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| 1. |
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|
| 2. |
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|
| 3. |
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|
| 4. |
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| Bring Just the Essentials |
| A lot of items can be purchased locally upon arrival and saves room in your suitcase. |
|
|
| Plan Ahead |
| Get to know what the weather is like in Dallas to plan your clothes accordingly. |
|
|
| Bring a Few Sentimentals |
| Have a few pictures or small momentos that remind you of home. |
|
|
| Don't Forget Anything |
| Make a packing list and check it twice. Include what you plan to buy here in the states! |
|
|
| 12 |
|
|
| Packing Must Haves |
|
|
| How to Pack for SMU |
|
|
| Must-have items: |
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| Wallet & Money |
|
|
| Passport |
|
|
| Printed Compliance |
| Course |
|
|
| Important |
| Documents |
|
|
| Medical & |
| Immunization |
| Records |
|
|
| Emergency |
| Contact |
|
|
| Clothing and Accessories |
|
|
| Clothes |
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| Glasses |
|
|
| Shoes |
|
|
| Under Clothes |
|
|
| Small Towels |
|
|
| Recommended |
|
|
| Electronics & |
| Chargers |
|
|
| Bring just the essentials |
|
|
| A lot of items, such as shampoo, towels, etc. can be purchased locally. |
|
|
| Medicine |
|
|
| Hygiene |
| Products |
|
|
| Snacks |
|
|
| Universal |
| Adapter |
|
|
| Protective |
| Lotions |
|
|
| Check out the SMU International Student & Scholar Services |
| Channel for our packing video. |
|
|
| 13 |
|
|
| O N C E Y O U ' V E |
| A R R I V E D I N T H E U . S . |
|
|
| We hope you had safe travels! |
|
|
| Continue checking your SMU email regularly. You will be receiving updates related |
| to expectations upon arrival and other important information. |
|
|
| Update your U.S. residence address and U.S. phone number in your My.SMU |
| account. Department of Homeland Security requires you to update your U.S. local |
| address and phone number within 10 days of any change. |
|
|
| Manage holds on your account if you have any remaining to register for classes if |
| still needing to do so. To view, access your Student Center from your My.SMU |
| account and holds will be listed at the top of the right hand side of the screen. |
|
|
| Ensure that you have completed the International Student Compliance Course |
| on SMU Canvas smu.instructure.com. Log-in with SMU ID number and password. |
|
|
| *video tutorial is available on ISSS website under "New Student Information" |
| |
| Complete Mandatory Document Check-In. Link is available on the ISSS website |
| under Students Tab > “New Student Information” > Mandatory Government Check-in |
| |
| Review SMU shuttle, parking services and transportation options at |
| parking.smu.edu |
| |
| Pay your tuition and fees through the Bursar’s Office |
| https://www.smu.edu/EnrollmentServices/Bursar |
| |
| 14 |
| |
| International Student & |
| Scholar Services Office |
| |
| No matter where you are across the globe, the International Student and Scholar |
| Services (ISSS) team is here to support you. ISSS provides services to help you |
| maintain your immigration status and promote your success here at SMU. Stay |
| up to date via our website www.smu.edu/enrollmentservices/international. |
| |
| Laura Lee Blanton Building, Suite 101 |
| 6185 Airline Rd, Dallas, TX 75205 |
| 214-768-4475 |
| isss@smu.edu |
| |
| ISSS Document Pick-Up Hours: |
| Monday - Friday: |
| 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Wednesdays: |
| 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| |
| ISSS Advising Hours: |
| Meet with an advisor on Zoom or in-person |
| Monday to Thursday: |
| Virtual: 9:00 AM -11:00 AM |
| In-person: 2:00 - 4:00 PM |
| |
| Follow us: |
| |
| @smuinternational |
| |
| @smuintlservices |
| |
| SMU International Student |
| and Scholar Services |
| |
| 15 |
| |
| T R A N S P O R T A T I O N I N |
| T H E U . S . |
| |
| Concerned about how you are going to get around when you |
| come to Dallas? Don't worry- there are a lot of options! |
| |
| On-Campus |
| |
| Off-Campus |
| |
| Walk |
| |
| Most students walk to class. Just make sure you |
| leave with enough time to make it to class! Google |
| Maps works great in the area and on campus. |
| |
| Bikes |
| |
| When going to a university, lots of students may |
| bring a bicycle for transportation around campus. |
| SMU provides various areas to keep your bikes, |
| just bring your lock. |
| |
| Look into purchasing a bike at popular stores such |
| as Walmart, Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, or |
| Academy Outdoors! |
| |
| Tapride |
| If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable walking |
| alone after a long night in the library, call a safe |
| ride using the app Tapride. An SMU security officer |
| will pick you up in a golf cart and take you |
| wherever you need on campus. |
| |
| Pro Tip: It's a good idea to consider how far |
| away your classes are from each other when |
| selecting them, especially since most classes |
| are 10 minutes apart |
| |
| Ride Share Services |
| |
| The most popular option for transportation around |
| Dallas are ride sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. |
| Just download the apps and input your destination! |
| Always make sure the license plate matches. |
| DART |
| The Dallas Area Rapid Transit service is a railway that |
| travels around the Dallas area including to the airport |
| and NorthPark Mall. Conveniently, across the street |
| from SMU campus is a DART station! SMU students |
| are eligible for a free SMU DART transit pass by |
| enrolling through the Parking and ID Card Services |
| Office with a valid U.S. phone number. DART is |
| typically much cheaper than ride sharing options. |
| |
| Pro Tip: While the DART is typically safe it |
| would be smart to travel with a friend and |
| avoid riding the DART late at night. |
| |
| SMU Express |
| |
| The SMU Express is a DART operated bus that goes |
| on campus and makes stops at nearby apartments, |
| shopping centers and resturaunts. |
| |
| For more information visit the SMU Parking and ID |
| Services Office website. |
| |
| Transportation from the airport upon arrival in the U.S. |
| |
| Most students use ride sharing options such as Uber or Lyft for their commute |
| from the airport to campus, but others may use DART. |
| |
| 16 |
| |
| U.S. LAWS & SAFETY |
| Did You Know? |
| |
| Emergency Blue Lights |
| There are over 55 emergency Blue Light phones across |
| SMU's Campus, typically placed outside or in parking |
| garages. If you are in danger, find the nearest blue light |
| phone, press the emergency button, and you will be |
| connected with the police department and an officer will be |
| dispatched. |
| |
| SMU Alerts |
| |
| In the case of a campus wide safety threat, SMU will send |
| out alerts through the Emergency Notification System (ENS) |
| to alert everyone on campus that there is a threat. Alerts |
| will also be posted on all official SMU social media sites, |
| emailed, and in buildings alarms will sound. |
| |
| Seatbelts |
| In the U.S. it is required to wear a seatbelt in a vehicle, |
| regardless of whether you are driving or not. |
| |
| Drinking and Driving |
| In the U.S. it is not permitted to operate a vehicle under the |
| influence of alcohol. If you do, you will jeopardize your |
| student visa status. |
| |
| Alcohol on Campus |
| |
| Alcohol is not permitted in any public area on SMU's campus |
| including the residence halls regardless of your age. |
| |
| Legal Ages |
| in the U.S. |
| |
| Drinking Age: 21+ |
| Tobacco Age: 21+ |
| |
| Smoking on |
| Campus |
| Smoking is prohibited |
| within twenty-five (25) |
| feet of any entrance to |
| buildings on campus. |
| |
| Learn more on SMU's Risk Management website |
| |
| 17 |
| |
| EMERGENCIES AT SMU: |
| KNOW WHAT TO DO |
| |
| In the case of an on-campus emergency, alarms will sound across campus |
| buildings with audio instructions on what to do. Students will also get an |
| emergency alert to their emails and phones with updates on the situation. |
| |
| Learn more at SMU's Risk Management website |
| |
| 18 |
| |
| HEALTH |
| AND WELLNESS |
| |
| Office of the Chaplain |
| & Religious Life |
| Inspiring the Expression of Religious |
| Faith and Discourse in the University |
| |
| The Office of the Chaplain works to |
| ensure that SMU is a place that |
| welcomes religious diversity while |
| offering student support. |
| |
| https://www.smu.edu/studentaffairs/religious- |
| life |
| |
| Dr. Bob Smith |
| Health Center |
| The health center is an on |
| campus clinic that provides |
| students with access to medical, |
| counseling, and dental services. |
| Also, the heath center has a |
| pharmacy and offers student |
| health insurance. |
| |
| https://www.smu.edu/studentaffairs/h |
| ealth-center |
| |
| Dedman Center for |
| Lifetime Sports |
| |
| The recreation center offers a |
| free-weight and cardio gym as |
| well as basketball, volleyball, |
| and tennis courts. You will also |
| find indoor and outdoor pools |
| and countless fitness classes |
| including spin and yoga! |
| |
| Check out the SMU International Student & Scholar Service |
| Channel for our mental health video. |
| |
| 19 |
| |
| ACHIEVING ACADEMIC |
| SUCESS AT SMU |
| |
| Altshuler Learning |
| Enhancement Center (A-LEC) |
| |
| The ALEC offers free peer tutoring, writing |
| center, academic counselors, and academic |
| success workshops to undergraduates. |
| |
| smu.edu/alec |
| |
| Disability Accommodation and |
| Success Strategies (DASS) |
| |
| The DASS office advocates, assists, and |
| accommodates students with physical or |
| learning disabilities. DASS also provides |
| mentoring, self-advocacy, time management, |
| and other success strategies to aide in the |
| academic success of students with |
| disabilities. |
| |
| https://www.smu.edu/provost/saes/academi |
| c-support/disability-accommodations |
| |
| ESL (English Second Language) |
| |
| The Department of Intensive English |
| Program partners with the |
| ISSS Office regarding free classes for |
| students who are having |
| academic difficulties due to the English |
| language. |
| |
| smu.edu/Dedman/Resources/Students/ESL |
| |
| Fondren Library |
| |
| Online Databases |
| Fondren offers an extensive online library |
| database to aide students in their research. |
| |
| Study Spaces |
| Need a quiet place to study? Reserve a |
| private study room in the library or go to the |
| Centennial Reading Room, otherwise, |
| Fondren library offers many places for you |
| and your friends to study! |
| |
| Research Support |
| |
| Need help navigating research, finding |
| scholarly sources, or creating citations? |
| Fondren library offers support both online |
| and in-person in these areas. |
| |
| smu.edu/libraries/fondren |
| |
| Pro Tip: Don't forget to go to your professors office |
| hours with any questions about lectures, due dates, |
| grades, or anything at all. Professors are there to |
| help you so make sure you take advantage! |
| |
| 20 |
| |
| Understanding SMU's |
| Honor Code |
| |
| WHAT IS ACADEMIC DISHONESTY? |
| |
| SMU's Student Handbook defines academic dishonesty in five different ways... |
| |
| 1. |
| |
| 2. |
| |
| 3. |
| |
| 4. |
| |
| 5. |
| |
| Academic Sabotage. Intentionally taking any action which negatively |
| affects the academic work of another student. |
| Cheating. Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized |
| materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. |
| Fabrication. Intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of |
| any information related in an academic exercise. |
| Facilitating Academic Dishonesty. Intentionally or knowingly helping |
| or attempting to to help another to violate any provision of the Honor |
| Code. |
| Plagiarism. Intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas |
| of another as one’s own in any academic exercise. |
| |
| Note: This includes ghostwriters. |
| |
| WHAT ARE POSSIBLE SANCTIONS? |
| |
| 1. |
| 2. |
| 3. |
| 4. |
| 5. |
| 6. |
| |
| Informal Warning. Not a part of the student's formal conduct record. |
| Formal Conduct Warning. Part of the student's formal conduct record. |
| Conduct Probation. A warning that is |
| Deferred Suspension |
| Suspension |
| Expulsion |
| |
| To learn more about Academic Dishonesty and Conduct Proceedings, please view the SMU |
| Student Handbook at smu.edu/StudentAffairs/officeofthedeanofstudents/StudentHandbook |
| |
| 21 |
| |
| STUDENT TIPS |
| FOR CLASS |
| REGISTRATION |
| |
| Sohyun 'Jun', |
| Accounting |
| |
| 1 |
| |
| Review All Your Options |
| University course catalog, major track, ratemyprofessor.com |
| |
| If you have decided your major, browse through the university |
| course catalog and major track to learn about your required courses. If not, you still have plenty of |
| time to discover your interests and passions by taking advantage of all the diverse classes that |
| SMU has to offer. I personally like to check out the course overview on the university course |
| catalog and instructors reviews on the ratemyprofessor website. |
| |
| 2 |
| |
| Make Your Own Schedule |
| |
| “Wunderlist”, “Class Timetable”, "Coursicle" |
| |
| As an undergraduate I usually enroll in 4 to 6 classes and try to evenly spread them out over the |
| week. Remember that as international students we are required to enroll full-time every fall and |
| spring semester. If possible, try to have a day off from a school to dedicate for your work, |
| internship, exam prep and more. You can utilize apps like Wunderlist and Class Timetable that will |
| help you visualize your college schedule. |
| |
| 3 |
| |
| 4 |
| |
| 5 |
| |
| Talk To Your Academic Advisor |
| |
| This will vary depending on your academic level and department |
| New undergraduate students will be able to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor |
| from the University Advising Center (UAC) for assistance with class selection and registration. New |
| graduate students have a difference process based on the academic department. Something I |
| found helpful when deciding between classes was to contact the instructor of the class to ask if |
| you can be added or just simply for class information. You can always find instructors contact |
| information on the SMU faculty website. |
| |
| Be Strategic Selecting Classes |
| |
| Excel templates for college courses |
| |
| Create an excel file to keep track of a list of courses you need to take at SMU per semester at a |
| glance. While still making sure to keep a balanced life, I worked on getting the core classes and |
| University Curriculum (UC) credits out of the way as soon as possible. Note: undergraduates there |
| are classes that meet 2-4 UC requirements - keep an eye out for these, they are a timesaver! |
| |
| Complete all Requirements Needed to Complete Class Registration |
| |
| Set a reminder for the time/date you can register for classes |
| |
| Make sure to put classes in the cart to make the registration process smooth and fast. Remember |
| that before you can register, you will need to complete the Immigration Compliance Course on |
| SMU Canvas. Then upon arrival at SMU, attend the Mandatory Government Document Check-in to |
| remain in good visa status. Register in advance for the document-check-in on the ISSS website. |
| |
| 22 |
| |
| JOB PREP AND |
| EMPLOYMENT |
| at SMU |
| |
| Job Preparation |
| |
| SMU's Hegi Career Development |
| Center offers career fairs and |
| other career resources including |
| resume building, cover letter |
| writing, job research tips, |
| interview tips, career counseling, |
| and even professional headshots! |
| |
| Learn more at smu.edu/StudentAffairs |
| |
| 12twenty is an employment |
| search engine that connects |
| students to potential off-campus |
| employers and on-campus job |
| opportunities. |
| |
| https://www.smu.edu/studentaffairs/hegi |
| -career-center/twelve-twenty/students |
| |
| On-Campus Employment |
| International students may get an |
| on-campus job |
| |
| Note: F-1 and J-1 visa holders |
| are not eligible for federal work |
| study positions. |
| |
| Students who obtain employment |
| are REQUIRED to visit the ISSS |
| Office and get permission BEFORE |
| you begin your job for |
| authorization. |
| |
| Off-Campus Employment |
| Students who have maintained |
| their status for one academic year |
| are eligible to apply for Curricular |
| Practical Training (CPT) or Optional |
| Practical Training (OPT) which |
| allows them to work off-campus. |
| |
| Learn more at |
| smu.edu/EnrollmentServices/international |
| |
| Pro Tip: Meet with a Hegi Career |
| Center advisor to create a U.S. style |
| resume and form a strong career plan! |
| |
| 23 |
| |
| The Market in Hughes-Trigg Student Center |
| |
| Mon - Thu 9:00AM - 8:00PM |
| Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Sun 2:00PM - 6:00PM |
| |
| Arnold Dining Hall |
| |
| Breakfast |
| Mon - Fri |
| 7:00AM - 10:30AM |
| |
| Dinner |
| Mon - Thu. |
| 5:00PM - 9:00PM |
| |
| Brunch |
| Sat - Sun |
| 9:30AM - 2:00PM |
| |
| Dinner |
| Fri. and Sat. |
| 5:00PM - 7:00PM |
| |
| Lunch |
| Mon - Sun |
| 11:00AM - 2:00PM |
| |
| Dinner |
| Sunday |
| 5:00PM - 8:00PM |
| |
| Umphrey Lee Dining Hall |
| |
| Breakfast |
| Mon - Fri |
| 7:00AM - 10:30AM |
| Sat - Sun |
| 9:30AM - 2:00PM |
| |
| Lunch |
| Mon - Fri |
| 11:00AM - 2:00PM |
| |
| Dinner |
| Mon - Fri, Sun |
| 5:00PM - 8:00PM |
| Saturday |
| 5:00PM - 7:00PM |
| |
| Other On-Campus Dining Options |
| |
| Starbucks - Fondren Library |
| Lawyer's Inn - Law School Quad |
| TeaCo - Law School Quad |
| Chick-Fil-A - Hughes-Trigg Student Center |
| Panera - Hughes-Trigg Student Center |
| Sushic - Hughes-Trigg Student Center |
| ShakeSmart - Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports |
| Mac’s Place - McAlvaney Commons |
| Sclafani's Bagels and Sandwiches- Cox School Of Business |
| |
| For more information and the most up to date hours visit: smu.campusdish.com/ 24 |
| |
| s |
| e |
| i |
| t |
| i |
| l |
| i |
| c |
| a |
| F |
| g |
| n |
| n |
| D |
| |
| i |
| |
| i |
| |
| s |
| u |
| p |
| m |
| a |
| C |
| - |
| n |
| O |
| |
| Eating |
| |
| Vegetarian at SMU |
| |
| In Dallas |
| |
| Being vegetarian can feel daunting in situations when |
| it seems hard to find options to fill one’s appetite. |
| However, the proximity of SMU to downtown Dallas |
| provides students with a greater variety of choices. |
| |
| Every corner gives rise to a new discovery of small |
| restaurants with unique styles and food. Right across |
| the North East dorms there is the Sinder Plaza which |
| is a common place for students to hangout while |
| studying or to visit restaurants or ice cream shops. |
| |
| If one wants to go further off campus, there is an |
| abundance of opportunities to explore new and |
| wonderful flavors on the weekends by planning an |
| adventure with your friends to downtown Dallas |
| using the DART (Dallas Transit) which is free for all |
| SMU students |
| |
| At SMU: Dining Halls |
| |
| Umphrey Lee |
| |
| The brownies at the Vegan Dessert Section at Umph |
| are delicacies and if you are an SMU student the |
| Umph cookies have a fame of their own. If you |
| consume dairy products and have a sweet tooth, the |
| Umph Dessert Section is a blessing. |
| Another captivating feature is the make-your-own |
| sandwich and salad area at Umph, it provides you |
| with the flexibility to choose your own ingredients to |
| make your own veggie salad or sandwich. |
| |
| Arnold |
| |
| Arnold, has their own make-your-taco section which |
| again, could be made vegetarian with only a red bean |
| paste filling. |
| Arnold also has a Mongolian grill station where |
| students can make their own grill with rice or |
| noodles hence, vegetarians have the ability to |
| personalize their food. |
| |
| Other Options on Campus |
| |
| Something notable about Mac’s place is that it |
| offers Beyond Meat style burgers for us vegetarian |
| lovers. Another favorite are the salads here! Though |
| they are made available in the menu with meat it |
| could be replaced while you are placing your order. |
| A vegetarian or vegan is in for a treat at the Food |
| Market! There is a whole section dedicated to vegan |
| versions of food. It ranges from vegan ice creams to |
| vegan oven cooked food and biscuits. It is my haven. |
| |
| We also have restaurants on campus which are |
| Chick-fil-a , Lawyer’s Inn and Cinco Taco. While at |
| Chick-fil-a there are not many vegetarian options, it is |
| a go-to for french fries. The potato tots at Lawyer’s |
| Inn are my vegetarian choice. |
| |
| Tips from Upperclassmen |
| |
| Tread with Caution! It might be hard to |
| differentiate between the meat option and |
| vegetarian options sometimes, so when in doubt |
| check with the staff and double check yourself! |
| |
| Double Check! Check before consuming boiled |
| or cooked vegetables since sometimes in the |
| cooking process butter is added. |
| |
| Take Advantage! If you're at the SMU dining |
| halls, there are a variety of fruit options available |
| to take and it is a healthy snack between meals |
| and classes to keep around. So grab a fruit on |
| your way out! |
| |
| Dedeepya 'Deepu' |
| Chinnam |
| Business, Economics, and |
| Statistics |
| |
| 25 |
| |
| Ethnic Grocers and |
| Resturaunts |
| |
| African |
| |
| European |
| |
| Latin |
| |
| Maru Grocers |
| 8353 Park Ln Dallas, TX |
| 75231 |
| |
| Affribean Market |
| 2717 E Belt Line Rd Apt 109, |
| Carrollton, TX |
| 9724160701 |
| |
| Desta Ethipoian |
| 12101 Greenville Ave Ste |
| 105 Dallas, TX 75243 |
| |
| Asian |
| |
| Hong Kong Market |
| 9780 Walnut St Dallas, TX |
| 75243 |
| |
| Thai Oriental Food |
| Store |
| 5615 Sears St Dallas, TX |
| 75206 |
| |
| Patel Brothers |
| 8150 Walton Blvd Irving, TX |
| 75063 |
| |
| Gui-Rock Korean BBQ |
| 2625 Old Denton Rd Ste 700 |
| Carrollton, TX 75007 |
| |
| Royal Thai |
| 5500 Greenville Ave Ste 608 |
| Dallas, TX 75206 |
| |
| Cafe Madrid |
| 4501 Travis St Dallas, TX |
| 75205 |
| |
| Bavarian Grill |
| 221 W Parker Rd Ste 527 |
| Plano, TX 75023 |
| |
| Wooden Spoon |
| Scandinavian Shop |
| 1617 K Ave Plano, TX 75074 |
| |
| Middle |
| Eastern |
| |
| Cafe Istanbul |
| 7300 Lone Star Dr Ste 160 |
| C Plano, TX 75024 |
| |
| Ali Baba Mediterranean |
| Grill |
| 2103 N Central Expy |
| Richardson, TX 75080 |
| |
| Jasmine Market & Café |
| 820 S Sherman St, Richardson, TX |
| 75081 |
| 9724374522 |
| |
| Haji Foods Market & Deli |
| 4621 W Park Blvd Ste 108 |
| Plano, TX 75093 |
| |
| El Rio Grande Latin |
| Market |
| 5308 Maple Ave Dallas, TX |
| 75235 |
| |
| Fiesta Mart |
| 5334 Ross Ave Dallas, TX |
| 75206 |
| |
| Nazca Kitchen |
| 8041 Walnut Hill Ln Ste 854 |
| Dallas, TX 75231 |
| |
| La Michoacana Meat |
| Market |
| 6770 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX |
| 75231 |
| |
| For more |
| information and |
| reviews of Dallas |
| Restaurants, |
| please visit: Yelp, |
| Zomato, or Guide |
| Live |
| |
| 26 |
| |
| Post Office |
| |
| SMU has a conveniently located mail center in |
| Hughes-Trigg Student Center where you can |
| send letters and if you live on-campus you can |
| pick-up packages. The on-campus post office |
| also offers international shipping and mailing |
| supplies such as envelopes, stamps, and boxes. |
| |
| Front Counter Hours |
| Monday - Friday |
| 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| |
| Mail PIck Up |
| Monday - Friday |
| 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Saturday |
| 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| |
| For questions email postoffice@smu.edu or call 214-768-4450. |
| |
| Copy Center |
| |
| The copy center, located next to the Post |
| Office in Hughes-Trigg student Center, |
| prints posters, yard signs, booklets, |
| resumes, and projects. |
| |
| Copy Services |
| Monday - Friday |
| 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| |
| For questions or job |
| submissions email |
| copycentral@smu.edu or |
| call 214-768-7901 |
| |
| Learn more at the SMU Mail and Copy Center website. |
| |
| 27 |
| |
| s |
| e |
| i |
| t |
| i |
| l |
| i |
| c |
| a |
| F |
| l |
| i |
| a |
| M |
| |
| s |
| u |
| p |
| m |
| a |
| C |
| - |
| n |
| O |
| |
| Banking in the U.S. |
| |
| Below is a list of major banks near the SMU campus: |
| |
| 28 |
| |
| Phones in the U.S. |
| |
| Information about some companies that offer local phone |
| service in the DFW area is provided below. |
| |
| Research more options on Google! |
| |
| 29 |
| |
| Important Contact Information |
| |
| United States Emergency |
| Phone Number: |
| 911 |
| |
| Campus Police: |
| 214-768-3333 |
| |
| Campus Police |
| (Non-Emergency): |
| 214-768-3388 |
| |
| International Student |
| & Scholar Services: |
| 214-768-4475 |
| isss@smu.edu |
| |
| ISSS Document Pick-Up Hours: |
| Monday to Friday: |
| 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Wednesdays: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| |
| ISSS Virtual Advising Hours: |
| Monday to Thursday: |
| Virtual: 9:00 AM -11:00 AM |
| In-person: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
| |
| SMU IT Help Desk: |
| 214-768-4357 |
| help@smu.edu |
| help.smu.edu |
| |
| Bob Smith Health Center: |
| |
| Medical Services: |
| 214-768-2141 |
| Nurse Advice: |
| 214-768-3194 |
| Pharmacy: |
| 214-768-2149 |
| Counseling Services: |
| 214-768-2277 |
| Health Education: |
| 214-768-2393 |
| |
| Violence Prevention and |
| Support Services: |
| 214-768-4512 |
| |
| SMU General Helpline: |
| 214-768-2000 |
| |
| What's the difference between U.S. emergency number and the |
| campus police? |
| |
| Campus police are real police officers that deal specifically with campus |
| safety. They monitor and patrol campus 24 hours a day to ensure SMU is |
| a safe place! Call the campus police when there is an incident on- |
| campus. |
| |
| Learn more (including how to report an incident) at smu.edu/BusinessFinance/Police 30 |
| |
| The ISSS office is looking forward to |
| welcoming you to SMU. If you have any |
| questions, please do not hesitate to |
| contact us at isss@smu.edu. |
| |
| You Are Welcome Here. |
| |
| |
