The Scholar Scoop: Issue One: Welcome Class of 2027!

Director

Nikole MELGAREJO JUAREZ

B.A. Political Science

M.Ed Counseling-Student Affairs

Nikole Melgarejo Juarez, M.Ed is the Director of Rotunda Scholars Program. A native of Southern California, Nikole earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from San Diego State University and her Master of Education in Counseling-Student Affairs from Texas Christian University.

Before joining SMU and the Rotunda Scholars Program in July 2019, she worked as a counseling intern for Texas Christian University’s TRIO, Student Support Services, working primarily with at-risk and underrepresented students. She also served as the graduate assistant for TCU’s Undergraduate Academic Initiatives, helping first-year students transition to college life.

Nikole enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and experiencing new cultures. She is the proud mom to two young children and is excited to see you grow in your first year as a Mustang. Contact Nikole at nmelgarejo@smu.edu

Nikole hugging Dr Sue Bierman, Director for the A-LEC, at the 2023 Rotunda Gala

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Counselor

Briana MORALES

B.A. Psychology

M.Sc Counseling (in Progress)

Briana Morales is the Academic Success Counselor for the Rotunda Scholars Program. A native Texan, Briana earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from SMU and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in the SMU Counseling program.

Before joining the Rotunda Scholars Program this June, Briana was the graduate assistant for SMU’s First-Generation Initiative program and fiercely advocated for first-generation students like herself on the Hilltop.

Briana’s passion for student-centered support and advocacy is a cornerstone for her career at SMU. She is elated to work one-on-one with our first-year students during their monthly Academic Success Meetings.

Contact Briana at bmorales@smu.edu

Briana in Doak Walker Plaza, following her Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony

Rachel MANNON

Rachel Mannon is our Rotunda Scholars P from Plano, Texas, Rachel began her stud and the inaugural Student Coordinator fo

Rachel is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Specialization, a Bachelor of Arts in Germ English. Rachel is a Resident Assistant in M participates in the University Honors Prog Mortar Board, German Club, KPop Club, t Industry Mentors Program.

You can find Rachel late at night in the AC busy day. But for any scholar on campus, experience and we are lucky to have her serve as our Rotunda Fellow. Get in touch with Rachel at Sushi Kyoto or Olivella’s on Hillcrest or at rmannon@smu.edu

Rachel and the 2022-23 Fellow, Patty Ortiz, at the 2023 Rotunda Gala

Maria Rios is our Graduate Assistant and is a proud SMU Alumna and MSc student on the Hilltop. With her experience as a Peer Counselor and in Kappa Delta Chi, Maria understands the role of community in developing a sense of belonging. Her role is assisting Peer Counselors in personal and professional success and connecting students to academic opportunities across campus

Rotunda Leadership Team

Tulsi is the Communications Director for the Program (and the person who made this, heyyy). He monitors our social media channels and showcases student success in the program. He is also tasked with external communications for the programming, and working with this team to connect scholars across campus

Led by Rotunda Fellow Rachel Mannon, the Rotunda Leadership Team comprises five students who focus on different aspects of the Rotunda Model to assist Peer Counselors, Students, and Faculty in driving success and engagement throughout the year. They work alongside one another and the Peer Counselors, building a sense of community and culture driven by Rotunda Scholars and academic excellence.

Gracie (left) and Jacob (right) are the Coordinators for the Rotunda Program, assisting with programming and staff support throughout the year. Both of them served as Peer Counselors last year, and are excited to meet all of you!

Maria Rios

Maria Rios is the Graduate Assistant for the Rotunda Scholars Program Maria is from Dallas, Texas and graduated from SMU in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish with a minor in Philosophy. She is entering her first semester pursuing a Master of Science in Counseling at SMU. Maria previously served as a Peer Counselor with the Rotunda Scholars Program during her undergraduate career and is thrilled to be with the program this year

Maria is known as one of the kindest, funniest, and friendliest faces on campus and a gourmet self-taught baker (be on the lookout throughout the year in GroupMe for her occasional drops in the ACE!) She is a member of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc and was involved with the Hispanic or Latino Assocation (HOLA) during her undergraduate career. Get in touch with Maria at mmrios@smu.edu

Graduate Assistant

Tulsi Ram Lohani

Tulsi Ram Lohani is the Communications Director for the Rotunda Scholars Program

A junior from Euless, Texas, Tulsi is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Political Communications and Public Affairs (CCPA), Public Relations and Strategic Communications (PRSC) with minors in Political Science and History This is Tulsi’s second year serving in this role

On campus, Tulsi is involved with the South Asian Student Association (SASA) and the Engage Dallas Service Initiative A habitual iced coffee connoisseur, he enjoys exploring new cafes around Dallas with scholars and making memories on Dallas Hall Lawn Tulsi lives nearby campus and is affiliated with Boaz Residential Commons Get in touch with Tulsi at tlohani@smu.edu

Communications Director

Gracie Holder

Gracie Holder is a co-coordinator for the Rotunda Scholars Program A junior from Enid, Oklahoma, Gracie is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English and Non-Profit Arts Management (CCPA) with a minor in Spanish. She is a Virginia-Snider Commons Affiliate

She is a member of Pre-Law Scholars Program, Reading Partners Volunteer, Engage Dallas Volunteer, Second Day Impact Fellowship. She is also a Peer Spiritual Life Mentor, leader of the Rotunda Book Club, and an entrepreneur, as the owner of “A Graceful Space” Blog Last year, Gracie was a Peer Counselor with the Rotunda Scholars Program and enjoys finding ways to help incoming students forge the path ahead of them. Gracie is all over campus, but can find time for any scholar at gholder@smu.edu

Co-Coordinator

Jacob Garza

Jacob Garza is a co-coordinator for the Rotunda Scholars Program. A junior from Dallas, Texas, Jacob is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Public Policy and Economics with a minor in Law and Legal Reasoning Last year, Jacob was a Peer Counselor with the Rotunda Scholars Program, and loves connecting with incoming students to get them connected to campus. He is the Political Science Representative for the Dedman College Student Advisory Board

Jacob is the life of the party, and one of the funniest people in the Academic Center of Excellence. You can find Jacob on campus at Mary-Hay Peyton Shuttles Commons and get in contact with him at jwgarza@smu.edu

Co-Coordinator

Move-in Information

The Residential Life and Student Housing (RLSH) Department is in charge of move-in and your residential commons questions on campus. As Rotunda Scholars, you will be eligible for early move-in for RISE.

Preparing for university life can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to packing. However, there's no need to worry because we've got you covered. Take a look at our informative packing guides, which provide suggestions on what to bring and what items are supplied by SMU. Additionally, SMU has policies in place regarding specific items like coffee makers, which you can find on our housing policies webpage and fire safety page.

While we want you to be comfortable in SMU's housing, it's important to pack appropriately and safely. We advise against bringing a U-Haul to campus due to limited parking availability and space in student rooms. To simplify things, you can send up to 10 packages to SMU before Move-In, and you'll receive an email with your PO Box information. More details can be found on the SMU Postal Services website. If you're concerned about unpacking, you can bring up to four guests to help you on Move-In Days.

If you'd like to understand your future residence, we recommend checking out the 360 videos, photos, and floorplans available for your Residential Commons or Upper Division Housing. We also organize Instagram Live Sessions for each Commons in July, where you can learn more, see the Commons, and ask any questions you may have.

keep up to date and learn more here

map.smu.edu

SMU is a large campus, and we know it can be confusing. Use this tool, made by SMU for SMU, to find paths between buildings and where you can park throughout the year.

We recommend at some point, to use this Map to find your first semester classes, and to find key spots on campus, such as The Hughes-Trigg Student Center, Fondren Library, Scholars Den, Dedman Gym, Umphrey Lee and Arnold Dining Commons, the A-LEC, the ACE, Meadows Museum, Mac's Place, Dallas Hall, and Hammond Arts Library

Peer Counselors

Peer Counselors are upperclassmen Rotunda Scholars who are crucial to first-year success. They are here to support first-year students during their personal and academic transition. As a Peer Counselor, they are assigned to a group of first-year students, providing guidance, mentorship, and educational support.

The role of a Peer Counselor is to serve as a resource and role model, helping students navigate the challenges and opportunities they encounter throughout their first year.

Peer Counselors are chosen through an extensive interview and application process after the Spring semester and come from across the country, majors, and backgrounds to welcome and mentor the incoming first-year students.

Meet your Peer Counselors for the 2023-24 Academic Year Below:

Gian Dominguez

Giancarlos “Gian” Dominguez is a senior from Irving, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with minors in Data Science and English. This will be Gian’s third year serving as a Peer Counselor for our Program On campus, Gian is a part of the Kairos Creative and Literary Magazine and Mustang Scholars Program and is a leader in the Thrive Scholars Program.

A heart of gold and a softie (although he will debate with you on this for the entire school year!), Gian can be found working on his homework in the Scholars Den or cracking jokes in the Academic Center for Excellence. Gian is affiliated with Boaz Commons. Get in touch with Gian at giancarlosd@smu.edu

Emma Hernandez

Emma Hernandez is a junior from Dallas, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting with minors in Ethics and Music with a specialization in Voice This is Emma’s second year as a Peer Counselor with our Program and she is affiliated with Crum Commons and Moore House.

A scholar of many talents, Emma is a member of the Campus Services Student Advisory Panel, First Generation Association, Meadows Chorale, SMU Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Hispanic or Latino Association (HOLA) She leads on campus as a member of Mustang Powerlifting, the Mustang Scholars Program, Forte Campus Ambassadors, and Youth World.

Get in touch with Emma at emmaroseh@smu.edu

Macie Cisneros

Macie Cisneros is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish, with a minor in sociology. On campus, Macie is a part of the SMU First Generation Association, the Catholic Center, the Human Rights Program, and the Hispanic or Latino Association (HOLA) Familia.

Known for her sense of humor and kindness, you can find Macie in McElvaney Commons, at Burger House by campus, or at mcisneros@smu.edu

Aneiry Resendiz

Aneiry Resendiz is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, and a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Spanish.

On campus, Aneiry is a member of the Hispanic or Latino Association (HOLA) and the First Generation Association. Known for her witty sense of humor and ability to guide people to a solution, you can get in touch with Aneiry at aresendiz@smu.edu

Miriam Morales

Miriam Morales is a junior from Dallas, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Physiology and Sports Management and Corporate Communications and Public Affairs (CCPA). This is Miriam’s second year as a Peer Counselor with our Program.

A laugh that ripples through any type of day, Miriam is a commuter, affiliated with Boaz Commons. She serves as a Simmons Senator on the SMU Student Senate and the Social Media Chair for the FirstGeneration Association Get in touch with Miriam at miriamm@smu edu

Kennedy Phillips

Kennedy Phillips is a junior from Fort Worth, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a Sociology minor. This will be Kennedy’s second year as a Peer Counselor for our program. She is affiliated with Cockrell-McIntosh Commons.

On campus, she is a member of Women in Finance and serves as the Vice President for the Association of Black Students (ABS) and a proud member and Treasurer of the Nu Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Kennedy can turn any day around for the better, and you can get in touch with her at kmphillips@smu edu

Dylan Hudson

Dylan Hudson is a junior from Florence, South Carolina, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre on the Theatre Studies Track with a minor in Business as a University Honors Program student. This will be Dylan’s second year as a Peer Counselor in our program. He is affiliated with Ware Commons and Thomas House.

On campus, Dylan is a member of the President's Scholars Program, Meadows Scholars Program, B B A Direct Program, and the Student Film Association He is also the Assistant Director for SMU's Production of "The Winter's Tale" by William Shakespeare, a Southern Methodist University Student Theatre Board (SMUST) Junior Representative, and a Teaching Artist at the Playground Acting Program at the SMU Business Incubator. Get in touch with the theatre extraordinaire Dylan at hudsond@smu edu

Hannah Green

Hannah Green is a sophomore from Fort Worth, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health & Society with a minor in Business. She is affiliated with the SMU Service House (SMUSH) and Mary-Hay Peyton Shuttles Commons.

On campus, she is a member of SMUSH and serves as the MHPS Engage Dallas Student Director

A personality destined to make anyone’s day; Hannah is a familiar face for all scholars on campus. Get in touch with her at greenh@smu.edu

Adolfo Frias Jr.

Adolfo Frias Jr. Is a sophomore from Houston, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a minor in Spanish. He is a member of the CASE Consulting Club and Hispanic Finance Association, and leads in Mustang Heroes.

You can find Adolfo in the second floor of Fondren or in Crum Commons, and figure out how to win the next competition at a Peer Counselor event at afriasjr@smu.edu

Habibulla Ebadulla Ogly

Habibulla Ebadulla Ogly is a sophomore from Garland, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Health & Society, with a minor in Business. On campus, Habibulla serves in the Muslim Student Assocation (MSA), Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS), and the South Asian Student Association (SASA).

Habibulla is a commuter affiliated with Boaz Residential Commons, but is always on campus with friends and getting involved on campus. He owns his own small business and can be contacted at hebadullaogly@smu.edu

Reece Smith

Reece Smith is a sophomore from Cedar Hill, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a minor in Business. A member of Armstrong Commons, he is involved with Thrive Scholars, National Society of Black Engineers, and Mustang Power Lifting.

A down-to-earth and hilarious fellow, you can get in touch with Reece at reeces@smu.edu

Erika Puente Lopez

Erika Puente Lopez is a sophomore from Welasco, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. She is affiliated with Boaz Commons.

On campus, Erika is a member of the Society of Women (SWE) Engineers at Southern Methodist University and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). Get in touch with the fabulous Erika at epuentelopez@smu.edu

Aileen Sanchez

Aileen Sanchez is a sophomore from Garland, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and English with a concentration in Creative Writing with Business and Spanish minors. A member of Mary-Hay Peyton Shuttles Commons, she served on Commons Council and will be a Resident Assistant in Peyton this year. She is also involved with the McNair Scholars Program and a Grant Writing Intern.

Let’s get real, Aileen will find a way to help you through any situation and you can get in contact with her at aileens@smu.edu

Madison McNeely

Madison McNeely is a sophomore from Fort Worth, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, and a member of CRU. You can find Madison in between her busy schedule at Foxtrot on Hillcrest or in Virginia-Snider Commons.

Get in touch with one of the most down-to-heart peer counselors at mmmcneely@smu.edu

Maisoon Zazay

Maisoon Zazay is a sophomore from Richardson, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Health and Society with a minor in Business. She is a member of the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and commutes to campus as a Boaz Commons Affiliate.

Maisoon loves to meet new people and find ways to connect, and you can go ahead at mzazay@smu.edu

Peter Harris

Peter Harris is a sophomore from Mesquite, Texas pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with minors in Advertising and History. He is a proud affiliate of CockrellMcIntosh Commons and is a member of their Commons Council, Student Foundation, and the Association of Black Students (ABS).

Peter’s smile can brighten anyone's day and you can find him around the Hilltop or get in touch at harrisp@smu.edu

Haven Don

Haven Donacio is a sophom pursuing a Bachelor of Art minor in Spanish. On camp Hispanic or Latino Associa Crum Commons.

With a smile that shines ac Haven with some la Madel hdonacio@smu.edu

Bonita Davis

Bonita Davis is a sophomore from Lawton, Oklahoma pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Data Science, with a minor in Psychology. This year, Bonita is an Orientation Leader (OL) and will be one of the faces of your Stampede experience as we welcome you to campus!

A resident of Virginia-Snider Commons and known for being a familiar and friendly face on campus, Bonita is also involved with Program Council, Asian C il th K St d t A i ti th E t A i St d t A i ti

SMU's Residential Commons offers students the best of both worlds - the close-knit feel of a small school combined with the diverse resources of a large university. Implementing the residential college system is a distinctive feature of SMU, providing students with a comfortable living environment, personal interaction with faculty and administrators, and exciting opportunities for academic and extracurricular exploration.

The Residential Commons play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community, spirit, and belonging at SMU, with each Commons having its own unique identity, traditions, gatherings, and activities that strengthen the bonds among residents. Each Commons is guided by a dedicated team, including a Faculty-in-Residence (FiR), a Residential Community Director (RCD), and student leaders.

residential commons learn more here

packing for smu

We understand that packing for university can be overwhelming, and we want you to know that SMU empathizes with this challenge. To help you, SMU has provided informative packing guides to help you ease the process. Also, on the next page, you will find a list of nearby stores where you can easily purchase any forgotten or essential items.

We encourage you to pack light and bring storage bins that can be left in your room for convenient storage throughout the year This will help maximize your space and keep your belongings organized. Remember, having a few essential items is always better than being burdened with excessive belongings.

Also, please keep in mind that SMU hosts numerous free events across campus where you can collect t-shirts and other promotional items. These events provide great opportunities to engage with the SMU community, make new connections, and expand your wardrobe

As you prepare for your exciting journey at SMU, remember that the focus is on creating meaningful experiences, building relationships, and embracing the opportunities that await you Happy packing, and we can't wait to welcome you to campus!