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Academic Support

SMU is committed to providing high-level academic support to all its students, adapting to circumstances as necessary to accommodate campus health! 

You should expect a mix of in-person and virtual advising and academic support, which will support additional services and more flexible schedules. 

SMU Libraries

SMU Libraries are OPEN! 

You may notice the Libraries look a little different. But you’ll still have the same great service from the SMU Libraries that you know and love. All SMU Libraries have implemented several new polices and changes to services to keep everyone safe and healthy.

New Policies: 

  • Building Access
    • Access to buildings when they reopen will be limited to current members of the SMU community with an active SMU ID.
    • Underwood Law Library will be open only to Dedman Law faculty, students and affiliates.
    • At Fondren, only the main desk entrances are available.
  • Face Covering Required
    • Everyone who enters a library building is required to wear a face mask.
    • If you forget your mask, just ask a librarian or staff member and they will provide one for you.
  • Reduced Occupancy
    • Furniture has been removed to comply with social distancing guidelines and Dallas County occupancy restrictions. 
    • Some restrooms will be limited to one occupant at a time.  
    • Study rooms will be available by reservation, but with reduced capacity limits. Keep study room doors open in order to improve air circulation in the space. Doorstops are provided.
  • Increased Cleaning/Disinfection
    • Libraries will have enhanced cleaning of public spaces throughout the day.
    • Please clean your computer equipment, chairs and tables before and after use.
    • Hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray or wipes will be distributed throughout our spaces.
  • Handling Materials
    • You are welcome to browse, but if you pick up an item and don't check it out, please place it in the designated boxes. We will move these items to quarantine.
    • All returned items will be quarantined for 48 hours. They will appear on your account while they are quarantined, and the return date will be updated once they are checked-in.
  • New Signage
    • Signage has been added to inform patrons of new procedures, including: 
      • Social distancing
      • Social etiquette reminders (covering coughs, frequent hand-washing, etc.)
      • One-way directional signage
      • Contact information for cleaning needs
      • Room occupancy limits 
  • Food and Drink
    • Because masks are required in all libraries, food consumption will not be allowed. Feel free to bring beverages, but masks must be worn when not actively drinking.
    • The Starbucks in Fondren Library will be open with online ordering for “Grab and Go”.

New Services:

  • Curbside pickup: request books online and have them delivered to you outside.
  • Main desk pickup: request books ahead and pick them up at the main desk.
  • Home delivery: get books shipped directly to you (includes international students).
  • Extended hours for “Ask Us” chat service so you can chat with a librarian and get help.
  • Zoom consultations where you meet one-on-one with a librarian for help.
  • Proxy service: set up an alternate person to pick up books if you are unable to.

Questions? Librarians are available to answer questions through our virtual Ask Us Links to an external site. service or visit SMU Libraries Links to an external site..

Altschuler Learning and Enhancement Center (LEC)

All LEC services will be available remotely, and face-to-face appointments will be available with COVID-19 prevention measures in place (face coverings, social distancing, etc.). Here is an outline of some of the changes at the LEC:

  • Tutoring will be both remote and some in-person – hours will be extended and posted before classes begin.
  • Workshops will be remote and some in-person.
  • All time management tools are available online (including the Semester at a Glance).
  • Academic counseling – remote and in-person by appointment.
  • Writing Center will be remote with some in-person by appointment
  • Classroom and other spaces will be made available for study and remote class participation with masks and social distancing required.
  • Student ID will be required to enter the LEC.

Learn more about LEC services Links to an external site..

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Disability Accommodations and Success Strategies (DASS)

Extended time for taking tests on Canvas will be implemented for students needing accommodations. DASS will also conduct intake meetings and meetings with families remotely through Zoom. In-person meetings will be by appointment only.