January 5, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | AT 216
(Re)start the new year with academic refreshers, resources, and tools designed for both new and returning students. Join this session to revisit key academic expectations, strengthen essential skills, and get ready for the term ahead.
Topics covered:
Academic communication skills, including testing, writing, and presenting
How to read assignment guidelines and grading rubrics
Opportunities to meet SMU professors and learn about campus resources
Why attend:
Start the term feeling prepared and informed
Earn a co-curricular credit toward future opportunities
Meet other students and begin building connections
Schedule
January 5, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
| Time | Session Name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 a.m. | Welcome and Sign-In | 15 mins |
| 10:20 a.m. | What It Means to Write an Essay: Critical Thinking and the Privilege of Assignments | 55 mins |
| 11:20 a.m. | Reading Rubrics and Assignment Guidelines (Engagement Exercise on Interest in Writing) | 55 mins |
| 12:20 p.m. | Lunch (Hot Chocolate Station and Snacks) and Reflections on the Previous Semester (Anonymous Ballots on Common Issues and Challenges) | 40 mins |
| 1:00 p.m. | Pre-Writing and Thesis Development: How Would You Approach Past Assignments Differently? | 60 mins |
| 2:00 p.m. | Academic Integrity: Understanding Academic Citation Styles and Artificial Intelligence | 50 mins |
| 2:50 p.m. | Wrap-Up and Raffle | 10 mins |
