University Foundations Program

University Foundations provides enriching coursework focused on students’ personal, academic, and leadership development as they transition to the SMU community.

In University Foundations, you will engage in meaningful coursework with some of SMU’s most dedicated faculty members.

University Foundations coursework prepares you to fully engage in SMU’s intellectually rich community while building meaningful connections with faculty and classmates. Many of our courses satisfy Common Curriculum requirements, which means they enhance your educational experience as you progress toward graduation.

Student Experience

"UNIV 1210 set me up for success at SMU. While the transition from high school to college can be daunting, UNIV 1210 helped teach me fundamental skills that I continue to use in every class. The small class also created a small community within a big school.” – Gracie Doyle

Department Highlights

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    Upcoming Courses

    Preview our courses in the SMU course catalog

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    Student Outcomes

    Students enrolled in a University Foundations class in their first year have stronger academic outcomes than their similarly situated peers and are more likely to find a sense of belonging and connection to the SMU campus community.

    Student Outcomes

News and announcements