Class of 2014 MBA Survival Guide SMU Cox School of Business 1 Table of Contents (hold the CTRL key and click on any topic to jump directly to that information) Frequently Asked Questions ...............................................................................................................4 Tuition and Billing ................................................................................................................................. 4 Classroom Issues ................................................................................................................................... 5 Administrative Issues ............................................................................................................................ 6 Computing Services .............................................................................................................................. 6 Back to School Checklist .....................................................................................................................7 To Do.................................................................................................................................................7 Cox MBA Resources List .....................................................................................................................8 Before Classes Start ...........................................................................................................................9 Accounting, Statistics and Finance Pre-requisite Requirements .......................................................... 9 Quantitative Expectations .................................................................................................................... 9 Cox MBA Academics......................................................................................................................... 10 Core Course Descriptions.................................................................................................................... 10 Transfer Credits and Course Waivers ................................................................................................. 10 MBA Concentrations ........................................................................................................................... 10 American Airlines Global Leadership Program ................................................................................... 11 International Exchange Programs....................................................................................................... 12 Beyond the Classroom ..................................................................................................................... 13 Cox Associate Board Executive Mentor Program ............................................................................... 13 Business Leadership Center ................................................................................................................ 14 Student Ambassador & Mentor Contact Information ........................................................................ 15 Student Organizations ........................................................................................................................ 16 Helpful Thoughts from Current Students ........................................................................................... 18 MBA Career Management Center ..................................................................................................... 20 Pre-Orientation Requirements ........................................................................................................... 20 Your Career Path ................................................................................................................................. 20 Career Management Center Resources.............................................................................................. 21 Career Management Center Events ................................................................................................... 21 Cox MBA Hiring Companies ................................................................................................................ 22 2 Financing the MBA ........................................................................................................................... 24 General Financial Planning ................................................................................................................. 24 SMU Monthly Payment Plan ............................................................................................................... 24 Graduate Assistantships ..................................................................................................................... 24 International Students ..................................................................................................................... 25 International Student Checklist .......................................................................................................... 25 International Student Financial Aid .................................................................................................... 25 Relocation Information ....................................................................................................................... 26 Advice from Current International Students ...................................................................................... 26 Dallas .............................................................................................................................................. 27 Climate/Weather ................................................................................................................................ 27 Facts and Figures ................................................................................................................................ 27 Things to Do ........................................................................................................................................ 28 Housing ............................................................................................................................................... 29 Getting Settled - Once You Have Found A Place................................................................................. 30 Resource Guide .................................................................................................................................. 31 Southern Methodist University ........................................................................................................ 33 Student Health Insurance ................................................................................................................... 33 Bookstore ............................................................................................................................................ 33 Business Cards .................................................................................................................................... 33 Printing Services.................................................................................................................................. 34 Parking ................................................................................................................................................ 34 SMU ID Card........................................................................................................................................ 34 Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports .................................................................................................... 34 SMU Athletics ..................................................................................................................................... 34 3 Frequently Asked Questions Following is a short list of the most common questions the Admissions Office receives throughout the year. If you don’t find the answer here or in the remainder of the Survival Guide, please let us know so we can not only answer you but share information with your future classmates. Tuition and Billing How much is tuition for 2012-2013? Estimated Student Budget for Academic Year 2012 - 2013 * Tuition and Fees Student Living Expenses Books and Supplies Transportation Health Insurance Other Expenses TOTAL $45,808 $13,900 $1,650 $1,400 $1,777 $1,200 $65,735 *Nine-month budget based on SMU estimates. Individual budgets may vary significantly. Laptop budget not included, but all students must have a laptop. Tuition and fees are subject to change. When and how do I pay tuition? In early August, you will receive your billing statement after formally enrolling in Fall 2012 semester classes (directions to be sent in an e-mail along with specific deadline dates from the Student Services team). Tuition and fees are typically due before orientation. Visit this site for more details: http://smu.edu/bursar/Webpay.asp How can I apply for Federal student loans (for US citizens and Permanent Residents only)? Once you have completed your 2011 Federal Income Tax return, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA should be filed as soon as possible. FAFSA information received after July 1, 2012 is subject to a delay in the awarding process. For questions related to non-scholarship forms of funding or financial aid, including federal and private loans and tuition payment options, please contact Barbara Waters at bwaters@smu.edu or 214-768-2371. Are scholarships available throughout my 2 years at Cox? Students are awarded scholarships upon admission. If this information was not indicated on the acceptance letter, you did not receive a scholarship award. Scholarships are only offered during the admissions process. 4 Classroom Issues When do I register for classes? You will receive an e-mail from the MBA Student Services team in early August which lets you know which class section you have been assigned to and directing you to the registration system where you will enroll in your section's set of classes. It is at this time that you will know which days and times your classes will meet - no earlier. Over the summer, the Student Services office will mail you a packet with instructions in the packet on how and when to register for classes. When will I know which books to purchase? Watch the Admitted Students website for information about books for your Module A classes in Fall 2012. Over the summer, the Student Services team will also e-mail you to provide details about your upcoming classes. You will want to buy your Module A books before classes begin. When do I start planning for my summer internship? You can start making plans regarding your summer internship even before you start classes! Remember that the NBMBAA conference is September 25-29, 2012 in Indianapolis, IN (www.nbmbaa.org). The NSHMBA conference is October 4-6, 2012 in Orlando, FL (www.nshmba.org). The NAWMBA conference is October 18-20, 2012 in Scottsdale, AZ (www.mbawomen.org). If you plan on attending these conferences, you will need to have an idea of what type of internship you are looking for. What do I wear to class/on campus? We encourage business casual attire because you never really know who you might run into on campus.....we have corporate visitors on campus frequently and you always want to make a good impression. You’ll start to understand the approved attire once you start taking classes. Networking Class Interviews Suits preferred Business Casual preferred Suits required Business Casual acceptable Suits are not required Appropriate accessories and shoes 5 Administrative Issues When and where do I get my SMU student ID? The “Park ‘n Pony” office issues student ID cards. You cannot get an ID card made until after you have paid for your tuition. Details can be found here: http://www.smu.edu/BusinessFinance/CampusServices/ParkNPony/Information/students Can I use campus facilities now? You cannot use any campus facilities until the start of classes, after you have paid tuition. You are welcome to buy a summer pass to use the gym. To learn more about the Dedman Center, visit their website: http://smu.edu/recsports/dedman/index.html Who is my advisor? Your first point of contact is Ana Guzman, Associate Director of Student Services, who is located in the MBA Office (125 Fincher Building). Many other staff and faculty members are also willing and able to provide advice and guidance throughout your time in the Cox MBA program. How can I access my SMU campus e-mail? SMU’s IT Office will send you a letter via postal mail. This letter will come to the address listed on your application unless you tell us to change your address. It will have your SMU ID and e-mail listed as well as information on how to go online to set up your webmail. If you do not receive this letter, our office can give you your SMU ID number and e-mail address, but you will need to contact SMU’s IT Help Desk at 214-768-4357 for your password. Computing Services Should I get a PC or a Mac? There is no difference as to whether you have a PC or a Mac. If you do get a Mac, be sure you are able to view Office 2007 documents. Note some classes will require extensive use of Microsoft Excel as well as Analysis ToolPak Add-Ins (Solver, etc). Please ensure that your computer has the capabilities to add the components. Further information related to computer usage at Cox will be sent during the summer. If you are planning to have a concentration in finance or accounting, you will find having a PC advantageous. How do I keep track of my various logins and passwords? There will be multiple logins and passwords that you will need to remember. 1. Access.SMU and SMU Webmail – o Use your 8-digit SMU ID number to log-in o Temporary password mailed to you from SMU IT Office 6 2. MBA Admitted Students website: go to http://www.cox.smu.edu/web/full-time-mba and click on “Admitted Students” in the list on the left-hand side o Log in – coxftmba@cox.smu.edu o Password- dallas Back to School Checklist To Do □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Get all recommended immunizations SMU requires you to provide proof of insurance coverage or you will be automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). http://smu.edu/healthcenter/medical/med_insurance.asp Submit FAFSA information for financial aid (US citizens and permanent residents only) Find a place to live Update your address in Access.SMU if you move from the address listed on your application Complete Career Management Center requirements for incoming students—see Admitted Students website for updates and deadlines Complete online tests by July 31 □ Accounting □ Finance □ Statistics Register for courses (will receive registration info via email in early August) Attend International Orientation (only for invited students) – August 6, 2012 Attend MBA Accounting Boot Camp (only for invited students) – August 6-7, 2012 Attend Finance Fundamentals Workshop (optional for all students) – August 8-10, 2012 Attend Orientation (mandatory for all students) – August 12-17, 2012 Buy books for courses __________________________________________________________ To Purchase □ Laptop □ Backpack □ Course books □ Financial calculator (current students recommend the HP 12c or TI 83 Plus) □ __________________________________________________________ □ __________________________________________________________ 7 Cox MBA Resources List Admissions - Full Time MBA 125 Fincher Admission, scholarship awards, pre-orientation requirements, visa questions and other general inquiries: Dustin Cornwell Director of Admissions dcornwell@cox.smu.edu 214-768-3001 MBA Student Services 125 Fincher Transferring credit or waiving a class; only 8 credit hours are allowed: Bonnie Thiebaud MBA Registrar bthiebau@cox.smu.edu 214-768-3537 Registering for courses: Carina Martinez Admissions Coordinator carinam@cox.smu.edu 214-768-3009 Student Financial Services 304 Selecman Hall Loans, tuition payment plan options and nonscholarship related financial questions for needbased loan: Barbara Waters Financial Aid Advisor bwaters@smu.edu 214-768-2371 Diversity 125 Fincher Diversity, diversity organizations, and affinity group questions: Steve Denson Director of Diversity sdenson@cox.smu.edu 214-768-3153 Ana Guzman Associate Director, FTMBA guzman@cox.smu.edu 214-768-3156 Career Management Center (CMC) 146 Fincher Pre-orientation requirements and general career management issues: careers@cox.smu.edu 214-768-6227 Business Leadership Center (BLC) 359 Maguire For interested students, who have accepted their Cox offer of admission, seminars are available beginning in summer 2011. For further information, contact: 214-768-4164 http://www.cox.smu.edu/web/blc/blc 8 Before Classes Start Accounting, Statistics and Finance Pre-requisite Requirements Deadline: July 31, 2012 As part of your preparation, you will receive preparation materials in accounting, statistics and finance which have been selected by the Cox School’s faculty. Completion of all three review courses is REQUIRED prior to beginning your MBA coursework to ensure that you enter your courses with adequate background knowledge. The course materials are offered at no additional charge to you. We encourage you to begin the courses as soon as you receive them (beginning in May 2012 and after the receipt of your $750 deposit.) The courses consist of your review of the chapters, online lessons, quizzes, and the final online exam. To demonstrate your proficiency upon completion of each course, you are required to pass an online exam that you may retake if necessary. To meet proficiency, you must score a minimum of 80% on the exam. Your name and satisfactory completion (score of 80% or better) will be reported to the MBA Admissions office. The deadline to complete all three courses and pass each exam is July 31, 2012. We encourage you to complete this process as soon as possible. Learn more about the online tests by clicking here. Quantitative Expectations As an undergraduate you may have majored in Engineering, Political Science, Finance, English or perhaps Medieval History. Based on your previous education and work experience, it’s important for you to determine what level of preparation you should undertake before entering the program. If you feel your quantitative skills need “brushing up” then here are some ideas for you to think about: Check out your local community college for entry level courses in statistics or accounting. Review a recent edition of an undergraduate statistics or introduction to accounting textbook. Refresh your Microsoft Excel skills. 9 Cox MBA Academics One of the primary attractions for many of our students has been the overall balance a Cox School of Business education provides. With a flexible approach to teaching, you can customize your education based upon your professional goals, focusing your course selection to become an expert in a specific field or choosing a variety of disciplines for a more general management perspective. Further details regarding curriculum, academic scheduling, and faculty can be found: http://www.cox.smu.edu/web/full-time-mba/curriculum-and-faculty Core Course Descriptions Course descriptions from the Cox School of Business Graduate Catalog can be found here. The new 2012-2013 catalog will be distributed to you once you arrive in August. Transfer Credits and Course Waivers In certain cases, and at entrance only, the Cox School may grant an incoming student with transfer credit (up to 8 credit hours from an AACSB-accredited university) and/or a waiver of core courses (due to professional certification, etc). Instructions on this process and the required forms can be found by sending an email to mbainfo@cox.smu.edu. NOTE: You must still take the required 61 hours of course credit and there will be no reduction in your tuition. MBA Concentrations The Cox MBA Program allows full-time students to choose up to two academic concentrations or specializations. All MBA students are initially enrolled in the General Business concentration until they submit their concentration declaration form. Below is a summary listing of the concentrations (with applicable specializations noted underneath related concentrations) that will be available to the Class of 2014. Please note that this information is subject to change. Accounting (with comments from Mike Mahoney, Class of 2011) o Financial Statement Analysis Finance (with comments from Stephen Pester, Class of 2011) o Alternative Assets o Investments o Corporate Finance o Energy Finance General Business Information Technology and Operations Management (ITOM) Business Analytics Marketing (with comments from Andrew Casson, Class of 2011) Management Strategy and Entrepreneurship Real Estate (with comments from Scott Hoffheiser, Class of 2012) 10 American Airlines Global Leadership Program In 2000, the Cox School of Business launched the American Airlines® Global Leadership Program, a global immersion experience for students, partnering with over 100 leading businesses and government organizations throughout Asia, India, and Europe. Unique to the Cox School, all full-time MBAs participate – travel/accommodations are provided. Itineraries change from year to year; here is a list of the trips taking place in 2012: 2012 AA GLP Itineraries EAST ASIA LATIN AMERICA Tokyo Buenos Aires Shanghai Sao Paulo EUROPE Bratislava Frankfurt CHINA Xian Shanghai Preparing for your Trip In the fall of the first year you will be asked to submit your choice of available regions in order of preference. Working with students who also selected your region, you begin a comprehensive study of the culture, politics, and business’ of the various countries in the region. To supplement your studies, local executives and experts share their experiences and insights about each region. Traveling to your Region of Choice At the end of the second semester and prior to your summer internship, your AAGLP group will travel to the region for a 10-14 day immersion into global commerce and culture. Meet face-to-face with top-level executives from international companies to discuss policies and best practices Visit with government officials and historical sites that have contributed to the very essence of each country's culture. Learn about doing business in that region and expand your perspectives on the global economy. Sharing the Experience Upon returning, your team will develop and share comprehensive presentations focused on the unique business challenges and opportunities in each of the countries you visited. Attended by a broad spectrum of Dallas-based international business executives as well as Cox students, faculty, and staff, the AALGP Symposium is open to the public. The AAGLP is mandatory and a critical capstone to the MBA curriculum. Further information can be found at: http://www.cox.smu.edu/web/full-time-mba/global-leadership-program 11 International Exchange Programs As an exchange student you will acquire cultural knowledge first-hand, while living and studying in the country of your choice. This experience, in conjunction with SMU’s curriculum and programs, distinguishes the Cox graduate from other competitors in the job market. This is a list of our partner schools: Asia/Pacific Rim Shanghai, China-- China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) Shanghai, China -- Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Fall only) Taiwan – National Taiwan University Hong Kong -- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Singapore -- Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Calcutta, India – India Institute of Management Melbourne, Australia -- Melbourne Business School Latin America Buenos Aires, Argentina -- Escuela de Dirección y Negocios de la Universidad Austral México City -- Instituto Panamericano de Alta Dirección de Empresa (IPADE) Europe Antwerp, Belgium -- Center for Business Administration, University of Antwerp (UFSIA) Copenhägen, Denmark -- Copenhagen Business School (CBS) Manchester, England -- Manchester Business School (MBS), University of Manchester Rouen, France -- ESC Rouen School of Management Koblenz, Germany -- WHU/Otto Beisheim Graduate School of Management Milan, Italy -- Bocconi University http://www.cox.smu.edu/web/global-programs/mba-exchange-program Applicant Criteria: SMU's exchange agreements are typically for two students per location; therefore, we must assign these spots on a competitive basis. Students must: Have a minimum 3.2 GPA at the end of their first year Have all core requirements complete Submit program application by deadline Interview with the Assistant Dean, Office of Global Programs For questions, please contact 214-768-2341 or abecerra@cox.smu.edu. 12 Beyond the Classroom Cox Associate Board Executive Mentor Program The opportunity to participate in the Cox Associate Board, an executive mentoring program, is a unique advantage the Cox School of Business offers its MBA students. Cited as one of the most effective mentoring programs of its kind in the country by Business Week, the Cox Associate Board program provides students “real world” perspectives in the fast-paced and highly competitive business marketplace. The Board was conceptualized and founded in 1970 and has become one of our most important corporate outreach initiatives. It provides a select group of corporate and community leaders the opportunity to participate in the continued development of the school and its students. Mentors provide valuable advice, counsel, direction and assistance through their close business network. The membership of the Cox Associate Board is extremely diverse. More than 275 executive mentors currently participate in the program, representing national and global corporations as well as entrepreneurial ventures from every major industry. Over the first few weeks of the fall semester, students and mentors come together to meet and discuss mutual interests at a series of receptions known as “Meet & Greets.” Once the series of receptions is complete, students may choose or “match” themselves with a mentor for the academic year. The selection process is quick and easy and is determined on a “first come, first served” basis. Cox students are encouraged to make the most of these relationship building and networking possibilities. The executives involved in the program truly enjoy the satisfaction of helping to shape the careers of tomorrow’s business leaders. Sample Listing of Mentor Companies: Accenture American Airlines 7-Eleven American Heart Association AT&T Bank of America Bank of Texas Blackrock Private Investors Booz Allen Hamilton Brinker International Cadbury Schweppes Capital One Bank Comerica Bank – Texas Deloitte Consulting EDS Five States Energy Company Frito-Lay Goldman Sachs Hotels.com IBM JP Morgan Match.com Mercer Consulting Merrill Lynch Procter & Gamble Sabre Holdings Sara Lee The Dallas Center for Performing Arts TXU Yum Brands, Inc 13 Business Leadership Center The Edwin L. Cox Business Leadership Center (BLC) helps students develop strong leadership skills and practical applications that are fundamental in the world of business. While management education traditionally focuses on classroom teachings, textbooks, and case studies, the BLC is designed to meet today’s challenges by offering exceptional leadership development programs for MBA students. Through the BLC, Cox MBA students learn important fundamentals that complement the curriculum at the Cox School of Business. To learn more about the BLC from Landon Hawke, Class of 2012, click here. In the past year, MBA Students have the opportunity to enroll in seminars that cover a wide range of topics such as: Accelerated Learning and Risk Taking Brand Concepts & Strategies Coaching Skills Communications as a Strategic Business Tool Consulting Fundamentals Creating & Sustaining a Service Culture Effectively Negotiating M&A Transactions Entrepreneurial Leadership Heart-Centered Leadership Influence Strategies Memory and Mind Mapping Milestone Principles: the Psychology of Excellence Principles in Delivering Customer Service Loyalty For many students, the BLC is a deciding factor in choosing the SMU Cox School of Business over other programs since the BLC is unique among MBA programs. Historically, over 80% of Cox MBA students actively participate in the BLC elective programs. For a more complete listing of BLC courses offered in the past, please visit http://www.cox.smu.edu/web/blc/blc Programs offered through the BLC are developed and taught by leading industry professionals. They represent highly advanced expertise from companies such as: Accenture Brinker International Capital Alliance EDS Imc2 Grant Thornton Monarch Health Sciences Nortel Networks Personnel Decisions 7-Eleven SBC Communications Texas Instruments 14 Student Ambassador & Mentor Contact Information The Cox Ambassador Board is a group of student volunteers who work with the Admissions Office to share their experiences with those interested in the program. You can reach any of the Ambassadors below at their e-mail addresses listed or check out the current students blog at: http://coxblogs.cox.smu.edu/coxmba/ Name Undergrad Hometown Nicole Abele Bucknell University Chicago, IL Saurabh Bagaria University of Texas - Arlington Dallas, TX (from India) Lauren Basham University of Texas Katy, TX Keia Broden Georgia State University Flint, MI Savannah Campbell University of Texas Arlington/Ft. Worth, TX Michael Crowley Notre Dame Dallas, TX Greg Davis Lafayette College Dallas, TX Maria Flannery Trinity University San Antonio, TX Roberto Flores Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico Mexico City, Mexico Chandana Gangadhar PESIT Banaglore, India Christopher Gilchrist University of Georgia Sandy Springs, GA Diego Gonzalez Tec de Monterrey Monterrey, Mexico Charles Grutzmacher United States Military Academy Platte City, MO Brian Horan Southern Methodist University Marietta, GA Hunter Johnson University of Denver Denver, CO Brad Jones Austin College Sherman, TX Sonya Jones Emerson College Plano, TX Sarah Kayfus Texas Christian University Bedford, TX Katherine Kunze University of Texas Houston, TX Steve Lightbody Missouri University of Science & Technology Niangua, MO Libby Magliolo Wheaton College Chicago, IL Jordan Mezoff Ohio State University Dayton, OH Mark Michel Penn State University College Station, TX RJ Peterson University of Florida Palm Beach Gardens, FL Sri Prabhu University of Texas Houston, TX Jordan Sanders Emory University Dallas, TX Aaron Schmitz University of Texas Houston, TX Vivek Sharma University of Delhi New Delhi, India Kimberly Sweetman Baylor University Denton, TX Sean Tremblay St. John’s University Poughkeepsie, NY Conor Wagner University of California – Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 15 Student Organizations Cox MBA student clubs and organizations offer you numerous opportunities to refine your leadership skills while pursuing special interests. Clubs have networking events, speakers, trips and opportunities to interact with others who are interested in similar topics as you. Below is a listing and description of the student organizations at Cox and links to their websites if applicable. Buy-Side Club The Buy-Side Club educates and creates opportunities, networking and job oriented, for students interested in a private equity, venture capital, hedge fund, or investment management career. Consulting & Corporate Strategy Club (click here to learn more from a member) The Consulting & Corporate Strategy Club aims to prepare members with case interview practice so they can nail an interview, to network with organizations to create real consulting project opportunities and to get members in front of the right people who make hiring decisions. Cox Ambassadors The Cox Ambassador Board’s mission is to assist the MBA admissions office in recruiting the next exceptional class of future business leaders. They represent the Cox MBA program at various recruiting events, and lead the planning and coordination of the Cox Sneak Preview Weekend. Cox Christian Business Society The Cox Christian Business Society has its primary interests in relationships, community service and study. Beyond various social events, there is a service project and weekly Bible studies. Cox for Community The Cox for Community Club aims to bring awareness to students the importance of community involvement and service. The club strives to build an alliance between the SMU Cox School of Business and the Dallas business community. Cox Wine Circle The mission of the Cox Wine Circle is focused on promoting the appreciation for, and enjoyment of, fine wine by providing both educational and social activities in a convivial environment. Energy Club The Cox Energy Club is focused on educating and preparing current graduate students for careers in the Energy Industry (E&P, Power, Marketing, Banking, and Integrated Producers). Finance Club The Cox Finance Club provides educational and networking opportunities for club members through events such as hosting professional development sessions, speaker events, informal networking events, educational opportunities, and a formal networking event. 16 Golf Club The Golf Club is another organization that aims to help students get together outside of school and improve at a game that we all know is a basic of many business deals and networking opportunities. The club has set up special deals with local courses to aid in the development of students’ games. International Club The International Club aims to enhance the professional, cultural and social experience of the international Cox MBA Student to find the support they will need in business. Joint Ventures Club The Joint Ventures club seeks opportunities to involve the spouses and significant others of current Cox students and interact with other students in a more informal setting while also getting more acquainted with the Dallas business community. Marketing Club The Marketing Club is a community of professionals who share a strong interest in Marketing, with career aspirations ranging from Brand Management to Consumer Insights to Consulting. Operations & Technology Club (click here to learn more from a member) The Operations & Technology Club will aid in helping students find job opportunities or seek advice from seasoned professionals in IT or Operations Management. Real Estate Club The Real Estate Club hopes to expose members to current issues facing the real estate industry, engage current professionals at prominent local firms, and enhance the educational experience with real-life experiences. Strategy & Entrepreneurship Club The Strategy & Entrepreneurship Club aims to encourage and advance the entrepreneurial efforts of Cox MBA's. The club is responsible for the SMU Business Plan Competition where students can create a viable business venture and compete against others for prizes and awards. Veterans In Business (click here to learn more from a member) VIB is an association of veteran students and supporters of the veteran community, committed to assisting each other in the transition from the military into a successful career in the private sector. Women in Business The Women in Business Organization strives to be a support network of friendships and resources for women within the Cox MBA Program. This year, the WIB club will be essential in supporting the National Association of Women MBAs (NAWMBA) conference to be held in September 2011. You can find out more about the conference by visiting the NAWMBA site found here. 17 Helpful Thoughts from Current Students Faculty Interaction Due to the small class size, students have an opportunity to get to know their professors on a more personal basis. The faculty is always willing to assist when needed. To learn more about working with Cox faculty from Stephanie Chan, Class of 2012, click here. Sydney Horne, MA/MBA 2011 Undergraduate: University of Rochester MBA Concentration: MA/MBA Previous Job: Alumni Relations Fellow at University of Rochester "The faculty at Cox is very in tune with the student body and incredibly passionate about the courses that they teach. Faculty always relates the concepts we learn in the classroom back to the challenges that we will face in the working world, no matter our specific concentration. They are always available outside of class, as they are committed to our success with the material." Teaching Methods The Cox MBA is a combination of lecture, case-based and experiential classroom discussions. Teamwork is a key part of this experience. Although you are assigned to a study group for your core classes, you will have the opportunity to work with your classmates on a frequent basis in elective courses as well. Amy Cook, MBA 2011 Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University MBA Concentration: Marketing Previous Job: Selling Services Coordinator at Bergdorf Goodman “Within a few short months, I felt at home at the Cox School of Business. I attribute this to the faculty's commitment to providing a positive and rewarding experience for my classmates and me. The professors are dynamic inside the classroom and approachable outside the classroom, going above and beyond to make themselves accessible to students.” Networking with Fellow MBAs Networking is nothing more than approaching someone you’ve never met, introducing yourself, and starting a conversation. Remember that second-year students, Professional MBAs and Executive MBAs are good networking contacts to have. By this fall, second-years will have completed summer internships and can offer advice or contacts. The PMBA and EMBA students may work for the very companies to which you’ll be applying for summer internships. 18 The Honor Code The Honor Code at Cox is something for which we hold the utmost respect. We take it very seriously. The integrity of the entire program lies in the conduct of students because it hinges on students’ responsible behavior. VJ Chengappa, MBA 2011 Undergraduate: University of Michigan MBA Concentration: Marketing Previous Job: Marketing Coordinator at Constructors & Associates “At Cox, networking opportunities start from day one. Speaker events, happy hours, meet and greet, and mentors all present opportunities for you to build your list of contacts. Make sure these networking events get on your calendar early because it can get overwhelming otherwise. Especially with classes to worry about! And don’t forget that some of the best networking opportunities are all around you – your classmates, PMBAs, and EMBAs.” Social Life You will find yourself becoming fast friends with your Cox classmates. MBA Happy Hours are held every Thursday night (there are no classes on Fridays, in case you didn’t know). They provide a great opportunity to relieve stress and connect with classmates not in your section as well as second-year and professional students. To learn more from a member of the Class of 2011 Social Committee, Andrew Casson, click here. Diversity We believe that a diverse community helps stimulate the overall education experience. You will have the opportunity during the next two years to interact with classmates from a multitude of backgrounds. This is one of the features that add value to a Cox MBA. “One of the toughest points in an MBA candidate’s life is the few months leading up to the first day of school. After a short time at Cox, I knew it was where I belonged. Since that time I have become part of the Cox family. Whether it’s a professor taking time away from their teaching to give me career advice, or the BLC allowing me to attend a roundtable meeting with a dynamic local leader, I know that everyone at SMU truly knows who I am and where I want to go. The best part about it is that everyone within the Cox family will do everything they can to see you succeed in the MBA program and throughout your career. There are many schools that offer top-notch academic classes comparable with Cox, but very few arm you with your own complete support staff.” -Tony Simpson, MBA ‘12 19 MBA Career Management Center The MBA Career Management Center (CMC) at the Cox School of Business congratulates you on your admission to the Cox MBA Program. The decision to seek an MBA is a career driven decision. We look forward to working with you to help you attain your ideal career path. Pre-Orientation Requirements Starting in June, each incoming student will receive information regarding requirements to be completed for the CMC before the start of orientation. These requirements include several online selfassessments as well as a sample resume. If you have further questions about these assignments once you receive the information, please contact the CMC directly at careers@cox.smu.edu. Your Career Path Each event and resource that the CMC provides for you is created with the below plan in mind. The actual timing of each stage will vary for each student. Career Planning Preparing Marketing Materials Job Searching Networking Interviewing Offer Evaluation Your partner in creating and executing your career search process Pre-MBA o Begin working with the CMC to get a jump-start on defining your goals First-Year o Career Teams provide personal attention to help you focus your goals o Managing Your Career course and other on-campus resources such as student clubs aid in the discovery process o On-campus Career Fair held so you can interact with companies Second Year o Ongoing refinement to work toward post-MBA goals and create a strong professional development foundation for the rest of your career Contact Information Location: Fincher Building Room 146 Phone: 214-768-3534 Email: careers@cox.smu.edu Web: www.cmc.cox.smu.edu 20 Career Management Center Resources Career Management Class: In your first and second year, you will cover a full range of career management topics such as job search strategies, effective writing, interviewing skills, researching companies and industries, salary negotiations and others. CareerLeader™ Self-Assessment: Developed at the Harvard Business School, this assessment is designed for people who are interested in a career in business. You can map your results to over 27 unique business careers, comparing your profile with those of happy and satisfied professionals in each respective field. Career Counseling: Advisors are available to meet with you individually to discuss your career objectives, job search strategies, and resources available to you. Resume Critiques: You will be required to write a resume that effectively communicates your skills and experiences. Writing your resume is a critical element of your job search and you will find that it is a process of continuous refinement and improvement. Career Management Center Events SMU Career Fair: This event brings together first and second year MBA candidates and recruiting firms for full-time and internship opportunities. Company Mock Interviews: Several of our strongest company relationships and Cox MBA Alumni volunteer their time and interviewing expertise each year to evaluate the thoroughness of Cox MBAs’ interview preparation and interviewing skills. National MBA Career Fairs and Consortium Events: Cox is a participating member of the National Association of Women MBAs (NAWMBA), National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA), the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), and the Reaching Out LGBT Organization. Company Information Sessions: Many companies conduct general information sessions prior to on-campus interviews. These are typically held in the early evenings and can provide you with valuable information about companies’ cultures and values. On-Campus Recruiting: On-campus recruiting offers a convenient means for companies to select and interview students on-site at the Cox School. Companies will provide job opportunities that will be posted on the CMC's recruiting software system. Students interested in specific jobs will submit their resume for consideration. The companies will then pre-select students who they want to interview, and schedule interviews using the interview suite located adjacent to the CMC. 21 Cox MBA Hiring Companies Each year, Cox MBA students are hired for summer internships and post-MBA employment opportunities with a wide variety of companies across the country and around the world. A sampling of those companies is found below; please visit the Career Management Center website for a more comprehensive listing. 7 – Eleven Accenture Alcon American Airlines American Express Ancor Holdings A.T. Kearney AT&T Bank of America Bank of Texas Bear Stearns Bell Helicopter Textron Belo Corporation Blockbuster, Inc. Boeing CapGemini Capital One CB Richard Ellis Celanese Citi Clark Consulting Credit Suisse Dean Foods Dell Corporation Deloitte Dr. Pepper Snapple Group EDS EnCap Investments Energy Future Holdings Epsilon Ernst & Young Essilor Fannie Mae FDIC FedEx Frito-Lay Frost & Sullivan FTI Consulting Goldman Sachs HBK Investments Hotels.com Fannie Mae FDIC FedEx Frito-Lay Frost & Sullivan FTI Consulting Goldman Sachs HBK Investments Hotels.com Hunt Power IBM Intel Interstate Brand Corp. J.C. Penney Johnson & Johnson Jones Lang Lasalle JP Morgan Chase Kellogg's Kimberly-Clark KPMG Lincoln Properties L'Oreal USA Mary Kay, Inc. Merrill Lynch Methanex McKinsey & Company Murex Nestle USA Nokia Nortel OsteoMed PepsiCo Perot Systems PricewaterhouseCoopers Procter & Gamble Prudential Capital PRTM Raytheon Sabre Holdings Sammons Corporation Samsung SAP America Texas Instruments The Container Store The PNL Companies The Walt Disney Company Travelocity Trinity Industries UBS United Way Wachovia Wells Fargo 22 Class of 2013 Student Profile Average GMAT GMAT Range (Middle 80%) Average GPA GPA Range (Middle 80%) Average Years Work Experience Average Age International (Non – U.S. citizen) Women Minorities 643 580-710 3.22 2.71-3.69 4.2 27 23% 23% 13% Undergraduate Degrees: Business & Commerce Engineering Economics Humanities Social Sciences Science Art & Architecture Mathematics 43% 23% 13% 8% 7% 3% 2% 1% Class of 2011 Placement Statistics Full-time Employment Stats: Average Base Salary Average Signing Bonus $80,052 $16,577 http://www.cox.smu.edu/web/full-time-mba/employment-statistics Compensation by Job Function Marketing/Sales $54,833 Other $81,133 Consulting $93,235 General Management *NA Finance/Accounting $77,283 23 Financing the MBA General Financial Planning It’s important to start thinking about how you plan to finance your MBA education and living expenses for the next two years. The MBA Admissions Office awards merit scholarships only at the time of admission and prior to the start of the fall term. On-campus sources of scholarship are limited – especially after enrollment in the program. Please plan accordingly and do not anticipate receiving a scholarship after your initial enrollment in the fall. The MBA Program has a Financial Aid Advisor dedicated to working with MBA students on financing their education through federal and private loans. International students: please note that you are required to certify funding for the first year of the two-year program as you complete paperwork to secure your student visa. However, we strongly recommend you have a financial plan to support (tuition, books and supplies, living expenses, etc.) yourself (and dependents) for the two years you are enrolled in the program. SMU Monthly Payment Plan SMU offers convenient payment plans to allow you to pay for your tuition and fees in installments rather than in one lump sum. To see the most recent payment plans, please visit http://smu.edu/bursar/paymentplans.asp Graduate Assistantships Each year, Cox awards a limited number of graduate assistantship positions to incoming MBA students. Graduate assistants may be assigned to work with faculty in an academic department or staff in an administrative office. Assignments are based on an individual’s academic and professional background. Students who have indicated on their application for admission that they would like consideration for meritbased scholarship awards will also be considered for GA awards (typically announced in mid-summer). Any questions regarding GA awards should be directed to Marci Armstrong. For questions related to nonscholarship forms of funding or financial aid including federal and private loans and tuition payment options, please contact Barbara Waters at bwaters@smu.edu or 214768-2371. For questions related to scholarship awards or graduate assistantships, please contact Marci Armstrong at marci@cox.smu.edu 24 International Students International Student Checklist □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Submit $750 non-refundable tuition deposit and confirmation form by the deadline listed on your admissions letter. Submit all documents needed to process I-20 request for student visa to the MBA Office o Copy of passport o Original Financial documents o Financial Certification Form o Copy of spouse/dependent passport(s), if applicable Request visa interview appointment Check with your Embassy office regarding specific immunizations needed to obtain your visa After receiving I-20, go to visa interview appointment. Secure housing in Dallas area. Secure transportation to/from SMU. Arrive in the U.S. by August 1, 2012. Attend International Orientation at SMU (early August) International Student Financial Aid International students are eligible for private loans only and must have a credit-worthy co-signer who is a U.S. citizen. International students, please note that you are required to certify funding for one year only. However, we strongly recommend you have financially planned to support (tuition, books and supplies, living expenses, etc.) yourself (and dependents as applicable) for the two years you are enrolled in the program. Additional funding in the form of loans or scholarships is not available during the school year. International Students Office 214-768-4475 Website: www.smu.edu/international Immigration Information: www.smu.edu/international/iss s/im_library.asp SMU’s Office of International Admissions and Relations (known as the International Office) assists and advises international students on matters concerning regulations of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State. The Office provides necessary visa documents for accepted students and monitors student’s visa status once these individuals are at SMU. This office is in charge of the signature of your I-20 every 6 months. Student Health Center 214-768-2141 Website: www.smu.edu/healthcenter The SMU Health Center provides cost effective and convenient ambulatory healthcare and health education services to full-time students. They also offer health insurance and immunization shots which are required as a student at SMU. 25 Relocation Information When planning to relocate to Dallas, one of the first things to consider is where to live. Thousands of reasonably priced apartments are located within a few miles of campus; however, some students rent houses, duplexes or even purchase condominiums or homes. Graduate students who wish to live on-campus may request a graduate housing application and contract by contacting the SMU housing office at 214-768-2407 (www.smu.edu/housing). Housing for graduate students is limited. Furniture can be purchased online and delivered straight to your door. You can also purchase furniture at many stores located throughout the area. Household necessities are found at grocery stores or Target/Wal-Mart. If you do not have internet set up at your apartment, you are able to come to SMU and use the wireless internet located throughout campus. Advice from Current International Students We try our best to match all incoming international students with current international students. Based on their experiences, some of our international students offer you the following pieces of advice: The Village Apartments are highly recommended for housing. It is a private apartment complex close to the SMU campus and the campus shuttle has many stops in and near the complex. You can find contact information for the Village and other apartment complexes in the Dallas section of the Survival Guide or at www.thevillageapts.com The Uptown section of Dallas is a nice place to live. There are multiple apartment complexes, such as the Gables, Post, etc. Be sure to bring at least one nice business suit from your home country. You may find that both prices and sizing of clothing in the US is different. To avoid possible problems finding an appropriate suit, make sure to have one when you come to Dallas. If you have questions about what is appropriate, please contact the Admissions Team. Do you still have unanswered questions? Contact the International Office 214-768-4475 to schedule an appointment or email smuint@smu.edu 26 Dallas Climate/Weather The city of Dallas has a humid subtropical climate, though it is located in a region that also tends to receive warm, dry winds from the north and west in the summer, bringing temperatures well over 100 °F (38 °C) at times. Winters are mild overall, although every winter has a few days with temperatures below freezing. Snowfall is usually seen 2–3 days out of the year for an annual average of 2.4 inches. Facts and Figures Population • City of Dallas - 1,260,950 • Dallas County - 2,383,300 • DFW Metroplex - 6,242,800 City Statistics... • 19th largest in US • 3rd largest in Texas Travel distance • 35 miles East of Fort Worth • 245 miles North/Northwest of Houston • 300 miles North of Gulf of Mexico Dallas Arts District • Largest urban district in US • Includes: Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Crow Collection of Asian Art, Morton H Meyerson Symphony Center, and AT&T Performing Arts Center Fortune 500 • 24 headquarters in the DFW area (as of May 2010) • Ranked 4th among metropolitan areas for Fortune 500 companies For sources and more Dallas Facts and Figures visit: www.visitdallas.com For information on the Fortune 500 companies located in DFW visit: http://www.dallaschamber.org/files/TheBusinessCommunity_Fortune500.pdf 27 Things to Do Beyond SMU, there are lots of other things to do in the DFW metroplex. From art to outdoors, civic associations, professional sports and more! Here is a partial listing of websites and phone numbers to find out more: GENERAL INFO Dallas City Hall Dallas Visitors Bureau Guide Live Dallas Observer D Magazine www.dallascityhall.com www.dallascvb.com/visitors/ www.guidelive.com www.dallasobserver.com www.dmagazine.com EVENTS American Airlines Center Dallas Theater Center Texas State Fair Morton Meyerson Symphony Center www.americanairlinescenter.com www.dallastheatercenter.org www.bigtex.com www.meyersonsymphonycenter.com MUSEUMS Museum of Nature & Science Dallas Museum of Art JFK-The Sixth Floor Museum http://www.natureandscience.org/ www.dm-art.org www.jfk.org PARKS & OUTDOORS Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Dallas Zoo White Rock Lake Dallas World Aquarium www.dallasarboretum.org www.dallas-zoo.org www.whiterocklake.org/ www.dwazoo.com SPORTS Dallas Cowboys (NFL) Dallas Mavericks (NBA) Dallas Stars (NHL) Texas Rangers (MLB) FC Dallas (MLS) www.dallascowboys.com www.nba.com/mavericks www.dallasstars.com www.texasrangers.com www.fcdallas.com/ 28 Housing The majority of Cox MBA students live within 5 miles of campus. The most common areas for students to live are the following: Devonshire, “M” Streets, North Uptown, Oaklawn Area, The Village and Uptown. This map shows the location and a brief description of these areas. There are many different services you can use to help find a place to live in Dallas. One of the best is the Dallas Regional Chamber. They have everything from maps to links and suggestions to help you find what you’re looking for: www.dallaschamber.org If you are looking for an apartment, try some of the following links to start getting help: Apartment Name AMLI Apartments Amesbury Parc Post Properties Shelby Apartments The Gables The Village Apartments The Carlyle Location Multiple in Dallas 1 mile from SMU Multiple in Dallas ½ mile from SMU Multiple in Dallas 2 miles from SMU 1 mile from SMU Useful websites Website www.amli.com www.amesburyparc.com www.postproperties.com www.theshelbydallas.com www.gables.com www.thevillageapts.com www.carlyleapartments.com Free Locator Services dallas.craigslist.org U Move Free www.umovefree.com www.rent.com Apartment Locators www.apartmentlocators.com www.apartments.com Ace Apartment Locators www.aceaptlocators.com 29 Getting Settled - Once You Have Found A Place If you’re moving to Dallas, you will need to hook-up your various utilities. While your landlord or apartment complex should provide you with the most detailed and pertinent information about this, here is a partial listing of various utility company phone numbers by function: Phone/Cable/Internet (Bundled Package): AT&T U-Verse Comcast Time Warner Verizon www.att.com/U-verse www.comcast.com www.timewarnercable.com www.verizon.com Cable & Satellite Only: Time Warner Cable DirecTV DishNetwork 972-742-5892 866-505-2937 1-800-333-3474 Internet Only: Time Warner Cable AT&T U-Verse www.timewarnercable.com www.att.com/U-verse Cell Phones: AT&T Wireless Sprint Verizon Metro PCS www.wireless.att.com www.sprint.com www.verizonwireless.com www.metropcs.com Electricity/Gas: In Texas, you have your choice of energy company, so you can shop around for the best price and have that company turn on your electricity. TXU Electric/Gas www.txu.com Texas Electric Choice www.powertochoose.com Atmos Energy www.atmosenergy.com Reliant Energy www.reliantenergy.com Green Mountain Energy www.greenmountain.com Driver’s License: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/driverlicense/ International students interested in acquiring a driver’s license should view the information listed on the International Office website located here. 30 Resource Guide Banks near campus: View a Google map with locations here. Bank of Texas Park Cities Bank Bank Of America* Legacy Bank of Texas Chase Bank BBVA Compass Bank Wells Fargo* 6215 Hillcrest Ave 6829 Hillcrest Ave 6901 Hillcrest Ave 7031 Snider Plaza 6517 Hillcrest Ave 6501 Hillcrest Ave 6403 Hillcrest Ave 214-525-5000 214-378-3011 214-987-3658 972-461-4870 214-360-3170 214-346-6141 800-869-3557 *Bank of America and Wells Fargo do not require a Social Security Number to open an account. Churches: For listing of places of worship near SMU visit http://smu.edu/chaplain/resources/placesofworship.asp Dry Cleaners: View a Google map with more locations here. Avon Cleaners-Hillcrest Johnson Cleaners Swiss Cleaners & Laundry 6301 Hillcrest Ave 3407 McFarlin Blvd 3030 Mockingbird Lane 214-521-9927 214-521-2500 214-987-0665 Hughes-Trigg Student Center Hughes-Trigg Student Center Hughes-Trigg Student Center Hughes-Trigg Student Center Umphrey-Lee Center Cox School of Business Lower Level Lower Level Main Level Main Level Lower Level Atrium Food - Places to eat at SMU: Subway Chick-fil-A The Market (including Montague’s Deli) Java City Umphrey-Lee Dining Hall Einstein’s Bagels Food - Places to eat near SMU: View a Google map with more locations here. La Madeleine French Bakery New York Sub Cafe Express Peggy Sue BBQ Bubba’s Cooks Country Jimmy John’s Pizza Hut 3072 Mockingbird Lane 3411 Asbury St 5307 E Mockingbird Lane # 150 3404 Rankin St 6617 Hillcrest Ave 6411 Hillcrest Ave. 6409 Hillcrest Ave 214-696-0800 214-522-1070 214-841-9444 214-987-9188 214-373-6527 214-526-4782 214-520-1515 5665 East Mockingbird Lane 5809 E. Lovers Lane 7000 Snider Plaza 5750 E. Lovers Lane 214-826-2901 214-750-3200 214-346-4580 214-234-7000 Grocery Stores: Kroger Food Stores Tom Thumb Tom Thumb Central Market 31 Hospitals: Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas Baylor University Medical Center Parkland Memorial Hospital 8200 Walnut Hill Lane 3500 Gaston Avenue 5201 Harry Hines Boulevard 214-345-6789 214-820-0111 214-590-8000 6000 Airline 5910 North Central Expressway 5706 East Mockingbird Lane 214-768-3374 214-891-6600 214-827-8700 5321 East Mockingbird Lane 11170 N. Central Expressway 8687 N. Central Expressway 214-841-4700 214-828-6000 214-265-7138 SMU Campus 3001 Lovers Lane 3821 University Boulevard 3412 Binkley Avenue 214-768-2278 214-363-2242 214-525-6500 214-521-5514 5342 E. Mockingbird 4114 N. Central Expressway 2320 N. Central Expressway 214-828-9542 214-823-8584 214-828-1260 7700 West Northwest Hwy 2417 N Haskell Ave 6419 Skillman St 13739 N Central Expressway 8687 N Central Expressway 8282 Park Lane LBJ (635) and Dallas Pkwy 214-373-3131 214-826-0331 214-348-0240 972-437-9146 214-363-7441 214-373-3058 972-702-7100 Hughes-Trigg Student Center 6929 Snider Plaza 4516 Lovers Lane Main Level 214-373-4105 214-739-2300 Health Clubs: Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports Premier Athletic Club 24 Hour Fitness Movie Theatres: Angelika Film Center & Café Studio Movie Grill – Dallas/Royal AMC Northpark Schools: SMU Child Day Care & Preschool Christ Lutheran Child Development Highland Park Presbyterian Church The Community School Storage: Public Storage Storage USA Private Mini Storage Super Stores & Shopping Malls: Container Store Target – City Place SuperTarget Wal-Mart North Park Center Sam’s Club (Membership Required) Galleria Shipping and Post Offices: US Postal Service Park Cities Postal Center Mail Express 32 Southern Methodist University Student Health Insurance SMU has implemented a mandatory health insurance requirement that affects: · Domestic students enrolled in 9+ credit hours · International students enrolled in 1+ credit hours This means that all full-time MBA students, including dualdegree students, are required to have health insurance. Students are required to provide documentation of insurance coverage or to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan. You need to complete the waiver request process or the student health insurance will be automatically requested and your student account will be billed. Detailed information regarding Health Insurance and waiving out can be found at the Student Health Center http://smu.edu/healthcenter/medical/med_insurance.asp or by calling 214-7682141. Bookstore The SMU Bookstore/Barnes & Noble is located on Mockingbird Lane. Bring your course schedule with you because books are organized according to the class and section number (labels will denote whether the book is required or recommended). Don’t worry about purchasing books prior to orientation week. There will be ample time to do so. We also suggest you shop around; books can be purchased at other bookstores. Another cheaper option is to order textbooks online (i.e. www.amazon.com). Finally, second-year students are often willing to sell their used books cheaper than the bookstores. Business Cards The SMU Cox School has authorized a template for Cox MBA business cards at Images, the campus printing and copy center. You will learn how to order your own cards during Orientation. Most students who order cards use them for networking purposes. 33 Printing Services The Business Information Center (BIC) located in the Cox School has a copy and fax machine for student use. They also have printing capabilities. You must pay for these services using Pony Cash that you add to your Pony Express (ID) card or by purchasing a copy card at the BIC. Parking Binkley Garage (#53 on the campus map) offers the closest parking to the Cox School of Business. Prior to the Sneak Preview Weekend and Orientation events, you will be e-mailed a parking permit to place on your dashboard so that you are not given a ticket on campus. This permit is good for the Binkley Garage only. The Moody Garage is also close to the Cox School of Business (#94 on the campus map) and can be utilized if Binkley is full. The SMU Park ‘n Pony office provides the SMU Community with an array of parking services. The office issues parking permits, which is required for parking on campus, and processes all parking citation appeals. The office is located in the main lobby of the Expressway Tower, suite 101. You can view the SMU parking map here. SMU ID Card Your ID card is used for things such as dining on campus, SMU sports tickets, checking out books from the library, and for getting access into the Dedman Center for a workout. You can learn more about the Pony Express Office, which supplies the cards, at http://ponyexpress.smu.edu. Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports Students have access to one of the premier fitness facilities in Dallas. Recreational facilities include a state-of-the-art weight room/fitness facility; 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. Students who wish to use the Dedman Center prior to the start of classes can do so by visiting the center and paying a subsidized summer fee. Visit their website here: http://smu.edu/recsports/dedman/default.asp SMU Athletics Full-time students have the option to purchase a sports package and if so, can receive admission to all sports events for free the day of the game. The Cox School of Business hosts a tailgate before each home football game on Bishop Boulevard with food/drink sponsored for students. http://www.smumustangs.com 34