This is one of four opinion published in the mail home edition of The Daily Campus. The series is as follows: Internationalizing SMU, Pride & Unity, Class Ratings and Lack of Reading Days.
It is common for college freshmen to have slight concerns about fitting in, getting involved, and making new friends.
In case you have felt this way, I want to reassure you that you made the right decision to choose SMU and that you can adapt successfully to college life.
I chose to address the topic of campus unity and school spirit because I believe that both are crucial to optimizing your college experience. Tight campus communities create a closer-knit student body, as well as a proud and loyal alumni network. This adds value to your college degree by increasing your networking potential.
In previous years, some SMU students have commented that they felt disconnected from their university due to a lack of unity and school pride. Our school has many legendary traditions such as Peruna (the only mascot in history to kill another college’s mascot), the Mustang Band, Rotunda Passage, the Boulevard and Homecoming.
Because the incoming freshman class traditionally sets the tone of campus spirit for the entire year, it is up to your class to lead the way in fostering enthusiastic pride in our university. Everyone must play a part in creating a dynamic campus and outstanding school spirit. Having just finished my own freshman year, I would like to offer practical ways for you to get involved and carry on the proud SMU legacy and traditions.
At AARO and Mustang Corral, you will learn more about SMU’s most famous traditions. I encourage each one of you to become actively involved in campus spirit this fall and to do your part to carry on each one of those traditions. Apply to become a member of Mustang 11 or the Union, and lead your class in school pride and giving back. Coordinate campus traditions such as Homecoming, Family Weekend, and Mane Event with Student
Foundation, or build homecoming floats and organize pep rallies and pre-game concerts with Program Council.
Proudly wear Harvard Red and Yale Blue on Red & Blue Fridays. Don’t just enjoy the fabulous Boulevard experience on game days, but also attend the football games and cheer our team on to victory.
Support the many other athletes who represent our school on the basketball, soccer, volleyball and all other intercollegiate athletic teams by taking advantage of the free athletic events and attending their games and meets when possible. Learn the school cheers and songs, and join the Mustang Band in fostering school spirit.
Please take the time to stay connected to the campus community by reading emails, flyers, posters, etc. that are sent from the SMU staff and administration about ways to get involved.
