Student Resources

The law school is located on the northwest corner of SMU’s main campus in Dallas, Texas. This list provides easy access to many of SMU’s student resources, including:

Academic Assistance (Carr Collins, Suite 320)

Laura Burstein, Director of Academic Success: 214-768-2567 or lburstein@smu.edu
  • Academic Advising and Assistance with Academic Performance Concerns
  • Academic Success Program
  • Tutoring

Academic Services/Registrar (Storey, Suite 125)

Laura Amberson, Registrar: 214-768-2551 or lamberso@smu.edu
Kim Grace, Assistant Registrar: 214-768-2552 or kgrace@smu.edu
Moira Cary, Administrative Assistant: 214-768-2098 or mcary@smu.edu
See Forms and Guides on Kiosk in Registrar’s Office
  • Add/Drop
  • Bar Exam Certifications
  • Clinic Deputy Hours
  • Courses Outside the Law School (Other SMU Graduate or Professional Schools)
  • Directed Research
  • Graduation Audits 
  • Jackson Walker Moot Court Board Hours
  • Law Review Credit Hours
  • Law School Application Amendments
  • Letters of Good Standing
  • Logistical Issues with Course Registration
  • Studying Away (as visiting student or another law school’s study abroad program)
  • Withdrawal from Course

Bar Exam (Carr Collins, Suite 320)

Laura Burstein, Director of Academic Success: 214-768-2567 or lburstein@smu.edu
  • Bar Exam Information
  • Bar Preparation Course Options
  • Bar Study Assistance and Support
Bursar's Office (Blanton Building)

Amber Howell, Senior Student Account Advisor: 214-768-4267 or alhowell@smu.edu

  • Billing questions
  • Student Finances
  • Payment Plan Options
  • Refunds

Career Services (Third Floor, Carr Collins)

Karen Sargent, Assistant Dean and Executive Director: 214-768-3893 or kcsargent@smu.edu
Dana Minissale, Director: 214-768-1469 or dminissale@smu.edu 
Erika Fadel, Director: 214-768-2850 or efadel@smu.edu
Linda Hale, Adviser, LL.M. Program for Foreign Law Graduates: 214-768-2622 or lhale@smu.edu
Beth Lee, Senior Associate Director: 214-768-4065 or beth@smu.edu
Mary Beth Nielsen, Associate Director: 214-768-4049 or mnielsen@smu.edu

  • Assessing Your Strengths and Practice Area Interests
  • Gaining Experience
  • Job Search Counseling
  • Resume Review and Cover Letters

Counseling Services (Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, 6211 Bishop Boulevard)

The Counseling Services team at SMU includes licensed professional counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists as well as interns and post doctoral fellows from programs accredited by the American Psychological Association.  The team offers a comprehensive array of psychological services, including counseling, assessment, crisis intervention, outreach and consultation.  Some commonly treated conditions include stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, relational issues, substance abuse, and eating concerns.  Your student fee covers all counseling services (which are confidential).

  • Counseling Services: 214-768-2277
  • After Hours Emergencies: 214-768-2277
  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention: 214-768-2277

In addition, the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program helps law students who are concerned they may be experiencing substance abuse, mental illness, or chronic stress: (800) 343-8527.  All communication with TLAP is confidential pursuant to Texas Health & Safety Code § 467.

LawLifeline is a new mental health resource specifically for law school students.

Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports (6000 Airline Road)

Law students have access to one of the premier fitness facilities in Dallas at the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports.  The facility is designed for recreational sports, wellness and intramural activities. Recreational facilities include a state-of-the-art weight room/fitness facility featuring individual flat screen televisions; racquetball, basketball, badminton, volleyball and sand volleyball courts; exercise studios; indoor soccer area; 25 meter indoor pool; outdoor fountain pool; indoor jogging track; and climbing center with rock-climbing wall.  Your student fees cover access to the facility; student ID required for entry.

Dining Options On Campus

Lawyers Inn - This café is conveniently located on the first floor of Carr Collins, Jr. Hall in the law quad.  It features Tex-Mex favorites like quesadillas and breakfast tacos, grab 'n go options for breakfast, lunch, or any time of day including: wraps, sushi and salads, and even Starbucks coffee selections and traditional essentials found in a convenience store!

Starbucks at Fondren Library - Stop by this full-service Starbucks and watch the four big-screen TVs in the adjacent Collaborative Commons area. Or bring your laptop and do a little work while you sip on a refreshing beverage.

Hughes-Trigg Student Center - The Hughes-Trigg Student Center is the hub of campus, and the dining options inside are no different. The Market has snacks and drinks to keep you full and focused while on the run, and the retail dining options features delicious and convenience for you and your friends.

  • Campisi's - Family owned and operated for 65 years, Campisi’s has been “The” Italian Restaurant of Dallas since 1946. Campisi’s is the number one name in pizza in the area, and has loyal patrons across Texas. Our location here on-campus features Campisi’s best sellers including their specialty individual pizzas and pasta dishes. Come visit their location downstairs of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center today to have a slice of Dallas history!
  • Chick-fil-A - Peruse our sandwiches, salads, Cool Wraps, and nuggets made with tender 100% chicken breast. Side items with a delicious Chick-fil-A twist (Waffle Potato Fries, anyone?). Rich desserts. Even Lemonade - the real deal, freshly squeezed. Before you know it, you've got the makings of a serious craving.
  • Steel City Pops - Steel City Pops are made in small batches from the freshest all-natural or certified organic ingredients, locally-harvested where possible. We only sweeten our pops with raw, organic cane sugar and never use artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Our menu features vegan-friendly fruity choices, and all of our pops are gluten-free and vegetarian. We are always creating new seasonal flavors and ideas, so check back often! Our location on campus is located within The Market in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center.
  • Subway - Come visit us in the Mane Course on the lower level of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center and enjoy a made-to-order fresh sub. While you're there, don't forget to ask about a party platter for your next event!
  • Sushic - With over 40 menu options and an on-site sushi chef to fulfill special requests, your options are limitless for the best tasting sushi! Sushic items are also available throughout campus for your convenience when you are on-the-go. Party trays also available with 72 hours advanced notice from the sushi bar.
  • The Market - The Market, located on the main level of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center, features a wide selection of your favorite convenience store items including natural and organic products. Drop by to grab a drink or snack on the way to class or stock-up on beauty or cleaning supplies - The Market is truly your one-stop-shop for all your convenience store needs! The Market also proudly features Steel City Pops, Sushic, Snap Kitchen and Starbucks coffee.

Einstein Bros Bagels - Located on the bottom floor of the Fincher Building at the Cox School of Business, Einstein Bros Bagels offers a wide variety of fresh baked bagels, breakfast paninis, sandwiches, salads, homemade desserts and gourmet coffee.

Umphrey Lee Cafeteria - Lee features a comfortable atmosphere, great food selections and service friendly attendants. Located in the lower level of the Umphrey Lee Center, this Residential Restaurant offers a lavish all-you-care-to-eat menu with bountiful variety.

Disability Accommodations (Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center)

All students with disabilities – including physical disabilities, learning disabilities, eating disorders, and others – are served by the office of Disability Accommodations & Success Strategies (DASS). DASS helps students with disabilities utilize resources they may need and helps them work with professors and staff in obtaining appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Admitted students with disabilities should contact DASS as soon as possible to get acquainted and file the necessary documentation.

Michelle Bufkin, Accommodations Coordinator: 214-768-1232 or mbufkin@smu.edu

Emergency Loans

The Amy Abboud ('87, '90) and Leslie Ware ('89, '92) Emergency Loan Fund is a revolving loan program established for the purpose of providing emergency loan assistance to law students who have unexpected financial needs arise during the course of the year above and beyond that which can be reasonably planned for or accommodated through the normal financial aid process.

Externship Programs

  • Corporate Counsel Externship Program:
    Stephen B. Yeager: 214-768-4178 or syeager@smu.edu
  • Government & Public Interest Externship Program:
    Laura Burstein: 214-768-2567 or lburstein@smu.edu

Faculty Advising

  • See a Faculty member who teaches in your area of interest
  • Refer to Planning Your Academic Program Handouts in Registrar’s Office

Financial Aid (Expressway Tower, Suite 1096)

Charmissa Edmun-Ajakiye, SMU Law Graduate Advisor: 214-768-3348 or ajakaiye@smu.edu
AccessConnex - Free Student Loan Helpline:

Online lessons, resources, and workshops - register here.  

Food Items and Basic Essentials At No Cost (Fondren Library, Main Desk)

The Shop provides non-perishable food items and basic essentials at no cost to current SMU students who are experiencing food insecurity.  For questions as well as information on how to donate items, email deanofstudents@smu.edu

International Students (Carr Collins, Suite 328)

Martin C. Camp, Assistant Dean for Graduate and International Programs: 214-768-2839 or mlcamp@smu.edu
Linda Hale, Career Services Adviser, LL.M. Program for Foreign Law Graduates: 214-768-2622 or lhale@smu.edu
Bobbye Heine – 214-768-2108 or bheine@smu.edu

Intramural Sports

  • Registration and Team Management
  • Fall Sports: 3v3 Basketball, Billiards, Dodgeball, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, Sand Volleyball, Soccer, Table Tennis, Ultimate Volleyball
  • Spring Sports: 4v4 Flag Football, Basketball, Cricket, Indoor Soccer, Racquetball, Sand Volleyball, Softball, Tennis, Ultimate Volleyball

Judicial Clerkships (Carr Collins, Room 305)

Linda Hale Adviser, Judicial Opportunities, and Liaison to the Judiciary: 214-768-2622 or lahale@smu.edu
 

Lactation Room (Storey Hall, Inside Women’s Restroom in basement)

  • Private room in which female students, faculty, and staff can pump and feed their children; refrigerator available
  • Pass code required – obtain from Betty Alexander: 214-768-2620 or bettya@smu.edu

 

LGBTQ+
  • SMU OUTLaw - diverse group of SMU Dedman Law students, faculty, staff, and their significant others and friends who all support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons and initiatives.  For more information, contact Matt Green (mrgreen@smu.edu)
  • SMU Women and LGBT Center (located on 3rd floor of Hughes-Trigg Student Center; 214-768-4792; https://www.smu.edu/studentaffairs/womenandlgbtcenter
  • Allies - formed by faculty, staff, and students with the intention of providing visible, tangible support for lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, and questioning members of the SMU community; to join email: join-allies@list.smu.edu
  • Dallas LGBT Bar Association - sister bar association to the Dallas Bar Association; composed of lawyers, law students, para-professionals, and related professional allies who share an interest in the laws that affect and protect the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community   http://www.dglba.org or https://www.facebook.com/DallasLGBTBar/

Medical Care (Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, 6211 Bishop Boulevard)

The University’s health facilities are located in the SMU Memorial Health Center. The medical clinic is staffed by physicians and experienced health care providers who provide a wide range of medical services, allowing students to receive quality outpatient care on campus.  Services provided include treatment of acute illnesses, care of injuries, minor medical procedures, physical exams, STD testing, immunizations, allergy shots, laboratory testing, and X-rays.  Specialty services include dermatology, women's health, and sports medicine.

Your student fee covers primary care, physician visits at no charge, as well as all counseling services. Charge for specialized physician care, laboratory tests, x-rays, pharmaceuticals, and supplies

Mustang Exchange (Storey Hall, 130A)

One of the first mentorship programs of its kind, SMU Dedman School of Law's Mustang Exchange is an innovative "flash" mentorship program that connects each law student with multiple alumni and friends for one-on-one mentoring meetings. Instead of a traditional mentorship program that pairs one student with only one mentor for the year in hopes that a beneficial relationship will develop naturally, the Mustang Exchange offers an SMU Law student the chance to build his or her legal network from Day One by connecting with multiple alums and friends.  Students meet with mentors throughout the school year for career conversations, law school guidance, cover letter review, mock interviewing, and job shadowing experiences. For more information, contact Abby Ruth, Director of Alumni Relations at 214-768-3634 or aruth@smu.edu
 

Medical Care (Dr. Bob Smith Health Center, 6211 Bishop Boulevard)

The University’s health facilities are located in the SMU Memorial Health Center. This convenient, economical medical clinic offers outpatient medical services, specialty clinics, pharmacy, and lab/X-ray facilities. The Health Center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. Student insurance is available.

Your student fee covers primary care, physician visits at no charge, as well as all counseling services. Charge for specialized physician care, laboratory tests, x-rays, pharmaceuticals, and supplies

my.SMU (student information system)

Students use their student IDs and passwords to log on to my.SMU to register for classes, obtain their grades and unofficial transcripts and to update and maintain their personal information. Access.smu is generally open 24 hours a day, every day.

Parking

The Parking and ID Card Services Office provides SMU identification cards and a comprehensive array of parking services for the campus community, as well as visitors. The office is located in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center, 3140 Dyer Street, Suite 216, Dallas, TX 75275 and is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. including the lunch hour. They can be reached at 214-768-7275 or by parking@smu.edu. Law students are allowed to park in the Daniel Parking Center at the northeast corner of Hillcrest and Daniel with an appropriate permit. Law students may also park in other lots designated All University Parking (AUP). Law students must obtain their parking permit and student IDs from the

Police Department (Patterson Hall)

214-768-3388 (non-emergency)
214-768-3333 (emergency)
9-1-1 (campus phone emergency)

The SMU Police Department is on duty 24-7, and senior command-level officers are experience former military officers with emergency training. All officers are licensed and certified by the state of Texas and have full police authority. The SMU Police can be reached at 214-768-3333 or 8-3333 from a campus phone. Betty Alexander is designated to deal with emergencies for the law school: 214-768-2620 or bettya@smu.edu.  Her office is in the Dean’s Suite on the main floor of Storey Hall.   

Prayer/Reflection Room (Storey Hall, Inside Suite 29 in basement)

  • Private room for students, faculty, and staff of all faiths, spiritual beliefs and practices
  • SMU ID required for entrance

Public Service Hours (Carr Collins, Suite 320)

Laura Burstein, Public Service Director: 214-768-2567 or lburstein@smu.edu
Lynn Moubry, Administrative Assistant: 214-768-2761 or lmoubry@smu.edu
  • Completing Your Public Service Graduation Requirement• Pre-Approved Placements
  • Public Service Internships/Externships/Fellowships
  • Planning a Public Interest Career
Scholarships and Writing Competitions

As we become aware of third party scholarships and writing competitions, we provide links to relevant information under Scholarships and Writing Competitions.  We also post opportunities on the bulletin board outside the Registrar’s Office.

SMU Bookstore
The SMU Barnes and Noble Bookstore is located at 3060 Mockingbird Lane, on the southeast corner of campus. A wide selection of products and services are offered at this Barnes & Noble location, including the ability to purchase textbooks on-line and to sell used textbooks.

SMU Student Housing

Residence Life and Student Housing offers a wide variety of University owned and managed housing. Graduate dormitories, off-campus apartments, duplexes and houses are all available. For more information, call 214-768-2407 or email housing@smu.edu.

SMU Child Care Center

The SMU Child Care Center is a fully licensed center open throughout the year to students, faculty, and staff. Children ages six weeks through five years are accepted, subject to space availability. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The center is located at 3000 Daniel Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205.  For more information, email childcare@smu.edu.

Student Affairs (Storey, 130B)

Stephen B. Yeager, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs:
214-768-4178 or syeager@smu.edu

SMU Dedman Law Students: Dean Yeager has an open door policy, or you may schedule time with him Online 
Moira Cary, Administrative Assistant: 214-768-2098 or mcary@smu.edu  (125 Storey – Registrar’s Office)
  • Student Performance and Well-Being
  • Any Form that Requires A/The “Dean’s” Signature
  • SBA and Student Organizations
  • Student Wellness Initiatives
  • Board of Law Examiners - Character and Fitness Issues
  • Reports of Alleged Violations Under Honor Code

Student Lounge

The law student lounge is located on the first floor of Carr Collins, Jr. Hall. It contains a television, sofas and study desks as well as a full refrigerator and microwave for students who bring lunch or dinner to campus.

Student Technology Help Desk

214-768-HELP or help@smu.edu