August 25-27, 2025
Start your university career with confidence! Learn new skills, engage in university resources and tools, and connect with the SMU community to set you on the right direction.
Get the inside scoop on what’s expected of you before the Fall 2025 semester begins!
Topics covered:
Develop your knowledge of academic communication, including testing, writing, and presenting at a university level.
Gain a clear understanding of lectures, assignment guidelines and grading rubrics.
Connect with SMU professors and explore available support services.
Benefits:
Get a head start on preparing for classes and academic success
Receive a co-curricular credit—a steppingstone for future opportunities
Meet other students and start making friends
Schedule
Day 1 – August 25
| Time | Session Name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 a.m. | Welcome! | 15 mins |
| 10:00 a.m. | Being a University Student 101: University Expectations and Class Principles | 50 mins |
| 11:00 a.m. | Lecture | 50 mins |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch | 45 mins |
| 1:00 p.m. | What Do Professors Want?: Understanding Assignment Guidelines and Feedback | 50 mins |
| 2:00 p.m. | Choosing a Topic and Readings (How to Take an Idea into an Argument) | 50 mins |
| 3:00 p.m. | Campus Cruise: Find Your Classes [Optional] | 45 mins |
Day 2 – August 26
| Time | Session Name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m. | Finding Credible Sources (Guided Library Visit) | 75 mins |
| 11:15 a.m. | Reading to Write | 50 mins |
| 12:15 p.m. | Lunch Break | 45 mins |
| 1:00 p.m. | Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence | 50 mins |
| 2:00 p.m. | Pre-Writing and First Drafts | 50 mins |
Day 3 – August 27
| Time | Session Name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m. | How Do We Review Our Work Effectively? | 50 mins |
| 11:00 a.m. | Balancing Life and University (Time Management) | 50 mins |
| 12:00 p.m. | Lunch Break | 45 mins |
| 1:00 p.m. | Digital Support: Using Brightspace and Email | 50 mins |
| 1:50 p.m. | Break | 10 mins |
| 2:00 p.m. | Academic Support Stations | 75 mins |
