Daily Campus

AARO welcomes new students to the Hilltop

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

This month, approximately 1,300 members of the class of 2013 and incoming transfer students will arrive on campus to participate in the annual Academic Advising, Registration and Orientation program (AARO).

The two-day program is designed to acclimate incoming students to their new surroundings by focusing on academics, campus resources and involvement opportunities, according to the SMU Web site.

University drawing up new plans for the General Education Curriculum

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Big changes are coming to the bread-and-butter of SMU's academic experience - also known as the General Education Curriculum (GEC) - as a review committee has spent the spring semester revamping the curriculum and drawing up a new plan.

Adopted in 1997, the current curriculum set, now 12 years old, is the subject of a dramatic rethinking by SMU to help boost the university's academic reputation and bring it boldly into the "Second Century," the name of SMU's current $750 million campaign financial goal for 2013.

Fundraising for Bush Center enters 'quiet phase'

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

As plans for the George W. Bush Presidential Center and Library progress, fundraising for the complex has slowed down and now entered the "quiet phase," according to Mark Langdale, president of the George W. Bush Foundation.

This "quiet phase" consists of speaking with large donors interested in contributing to the center.

McDaniel found guilty in former student's death

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

On May 14, 2007, Meaghan Bosch was found dead in a portable toilet in Hewitt, Texas, about two hours south of Dallas. For two years, police investigated the death of the 21-year-old, searching desperately for any answers that would lead them to her killer.

Tate Lecture Series brings Supreme Court justice, astronaut to Hilltop

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The 2009-10 Willis M. Tate distinguished lecture series will bring an Oscar winner, former moon- walking astronaut, an associate justice to the Supreme Court and a fashionista to the Hilltop.

"The Tate Lecture Series brings North Texas the opportunity to hear from national and international leaders and provides SMU with significant financial support for scholarships and student programs," said Brad E.

Construction improves SMU

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

As SMU continues to strive for the best as an academic institution, such progress demands rapid transformation on a number of fronts.

Better standards, better students and better facilities can lead to the ultimate goal of a better campus. The level of construction at this university has exploded in recent years and can currently be witnessed at many different locations on the Hilltop.

SMU has "coming home" feeling to Rankin

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

As the son of a Methodist minister who spent time on the SMU campus while his father studied at the Perkins School of Theology, the Rev. Steve Rankin said his recent appointment as chaplain and minister to the University has "a coming home feel to it."

Rankin, 54, assumes his new duties July 1, assuming the post from Reverend William Finnin, who retired in December of 2008 after 28 years in the post.

Snider Plaza shopping caters to all ages

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Nestled in the heart of Highland Park and across from SMU is a quiet shopping center geared toward all ages.

You'd never guess at first glance, but this shopping center - known as Snider Plaza - boasts more than 100 stores and restaurants catering to just about everyone.

Meadows Museum unveils new look this fall

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Visitors to SMU's Meadows Museum have long been drawn by the beauty of the exhibits within the building. This fall, however, the Meadows Museum will showcase its outer beauty as the facility unveils a newly designed entrance.

The museum began a six-month reconstruction of its façade in March.

Texas offers financial aid program for state's private institutions

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

When you break it down, the approximate cost of attending SMU can total anywhere from $40,000 to $50,000. Tuition alone accounts for $31,200, but add room and board, books, student fees, a meal plan and other necessary costs and the total price tag quickly adds up.

Thinning wallets leading to wider waists

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Dallas resident Mary MacArthur is trying to stretch her family's money as far as she can when it comes to eating during these tough economic times. Unfortunately, she fears her waistband may be stretching along with it.

MacArthur's family was used to telling the waiter what they wanted off a menu, now they are going through the drive-thru ordering off the dollar menu.

Three female athletes earn top C-USA academic award

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

SMU student athletes are faced with the challenge of balancing academics with competition on a daily basis. Some students excel at this task, establishing themselves as champions both on and off the field or court and earning acclaim from their professors, coaches and peers.

New assistant coaches bring 'immediate impact' to team

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

This time last year, the excitement surrounding SMU basketball stemmed from Doherty's recruiting class, highlighted by guard Paul McCoy. Now the excitement on the Hilltop has returned with the hiring of two experienced assistant coaches. Reggie Brown and Reggie Geary were hired in June to fulfill vacancies on the coaching staff and more importantly, to bring a new level of energy to the program.

Mustangs welcome OSU transfers to 2009-10 roster

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The SMU women's basketball team already has a roster jam-packed with talent and experience, but add two transfers from an experienced Big 12 program and the Mustangs look significantly stronger for the 2009-10 season.

Former teammates Kristin Hernandez and Kelsey Hatcher of Oklahoma State University will both arrive on the Hilltop this season to join the Conference USA threat.

Three freshmen sign with reigning conference champs

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Also joining the team in the upcoming season are freshmen Alisha Filmore, Jasmine Davis and Sarah Shelton.

Filmore, a 5-foot-7 guard from Mansfield Summit High School, committed to SMU after averaging 11.1 points per game and 2.8 steals last season.

"[SMU] likes to use a running game and really get up on people on defense, and I really love that about the game," Filmore told The Dallas Morning News.

Payne Stewart Golf Center breaks ground

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Payne Stewart, an SMU alum and two-time U.S. Open champion envisioned a permanent home for the Mustang golf programs during his time at SMU. A constant competitor in the top-25 golf programs in the country, SMU can now say they have their own unique training facility.

Fashion on campus

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Expect the unexpected

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

As a self-classified wildly independent person, I make sure that I am always able to help myself, and I detest asking for anyone else's assistance. This is a fault, I am aware, but it's just who I am. So, instances in which I am helpless stick out in my mind above most other things.

How do SMU students feel about the Bush Library?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Bush library offers enormous opportunities for SMU. It will bring a number of important national figures to the campus. Important policy work will be done just minutes away from students studying the same issues. Perhaps most enticingly to the university brass, the inclusion of a presidential library on campus will boost SMU's national and international standing.

Collapse of humanity

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

This isn't an article bashing all of the men in politics who cannot seem to keep their lives in check recently. The collapse in humanity seems to be coming from we, the viewing public, the ones watching with bated breath as yet another politician admits to sexual scandal.

Why the Bush Library is a place of learning for students, faculty alike

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

In speaking of one of the greatest gifts ever given to SMU, chair of the SMU Board of Trustees Carl Sewell had this to say: "At SMU, the George W. Bush Presidential Center will be associated with a university that is on the rise. With this added benefit to an SMU education, we will attract additional outstanding students and faculty.

A mid-summer's bad dream

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

June 25 was a normal day. During my doctor appointment I noticed the signs instructing me to silence my cell phone, but like any other Crackberry addict, I opted for the vibrate option. "No one will call me at 9 a.m." I thought. Wrong. Just before 9:30 my phone went crazy.