Guidance for Adjunct Faculty

Welcome to SMU!

We are glad you are part of the SMU faculty community! We welcome your contributions to the intellectual, interpersonal, and creative development of our undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. You can find information relevant to your role as a faculty member at the main faculty informational site. The information on this page is specifically tailored to questions that our new faculty might have.

Getting started (prior to your first day of work)

The following checklist provides you with information about each of the steps required to get started:

Step 1: Schedule an appointment to visit the Department of Human Resources (HR) through or email smuhr@smu.edu. 

  • During this appointment you will complete an required I-9 form. You can learn more about the I-9 form here and what document you will need to bring with you. If you have any questions, please contact the  at 214-768-3311.

Step 2: Prepare the below documents ahead of time to bring to your HR appointment.

Step 3: Your department contact will create a Payroll Authorization Form to HR for processing. This step will generate an SMU ID number for you. If you have any questions about where your application is in the process, contact your department contact person.

Next steps now that you have an SMU ID

Once you have your SMU ID and password, you can access a wide range of resources. Please visit each of these sites for up-to-date information about the advantages of being a member of the SMU community.

  • Activate your SMU account and create a password. For any questions, call the OIT Help Desk at 214-768-HELP (4357). 
  • Use your SMU email. SMU email is the required form of communication in your role as an instructor. You will need it to access a number of resources as well.
  • Complete the required Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Training. All new employees at SMU receive an email from our partner vendor just after the first day of employment. You will need approximately 1.5 hours to complete the training and have 90 days to complete.
  • Get your SMU ID card. There is no charge for your initial ID card.
  • Obtain a parking permit. You will find information ranging from ordering your parking permit to finding parking lot maps.
  • Fill out your direct deposit information. To ensure you are paid on time, be sure to complete your direct deposit information in my.smu.edu.
  • Learn about campus recreation services. As an SMU faculty member, you can purchase membership to access all recreation opportunities.

Ongoing Instructional and Technology Supports

SMU has a strong infrastructure of supports for faculty. Our Center for Teaching Excellence hosts regular workshops, curates a rich set of pedagogical tips and webinars, and offers one-on-one consultations. Our Office of Information Technology has a team of Academic Technology Service Directors (ATSD’s) who serve as the primary partners for each School and College. They know our faculty on a first-name basis. Reach out to your ATSD for any questions that arise:

  • Upload your syllabus to your Canvas course. Instructors in all SMU undergraduate courses are required to use the course management system (Canvas) for basic information, such as uploading the syllabus and communicating office hour information.
  • Become familiar with our classroom technology options.
  • Visit the SMU Libraries and learn about the wide variety of print and digital resources. Your SMU ID number and password provide access to our library resources, support staff, and interlibrary loan options.

Need personalized assistance?

For additional help, your best contact will be at the department level. Use this department chairs contact list to help you with additional guidance across multiple areas.

  • Obtaining keys or card swipe access to classrooms.
  • Gaining access to additional required training that might apply in your area.
  • Understanding options for access to office space, photocopies, textbook adoptions, etc.
  • Learning about opportunities to join in department meetings.
  • Addressing questions about any university communications or policies.
  • Seeking support on any issues (e.g. unexpected absences, student concerns, etc.).