--- title: How SMU Is Supporting Graduate Students Amidst Today's Global Pandemic description: During the pandemic, SMU is doing its best to help students stay on track with their studies and make sure they have the resources they need to complete the school year and meet their basic needs — read on to learn how! image: https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hubfs/encouragement-and-hope-during-covid.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/how-smu-is-supporting-graduate-students-amidst-todays-global-pandemic#main-content) [![SMU logo](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/SMU%20logo.png?width=150&height=44&name=SMU%20logo.png "SMU logo")](https://www.smu.edu/) [EXPLORE SMU](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu) ## [Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies](https://www.smu.edu/moody/) - About Show submenu for About - [About](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about) - [Mission and History](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/mission-and-history) - [Moody Foundation Gift](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-foundation-gift) - 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[Faculty & Staff](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/faculty-staff) Show submenu for Faculty & Staff - [Faculty & Staff](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/faculty-staff) [All Posts](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field) # How SMU Is Supporting Graduate Students Amidst Today's Global Pandemic [Admissions](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/admissions) May 7, 2020 ![](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hubfs/encouragement-and-hope-during-covid.jpg) If there is one good thing COVID-19 has brought about, it is the realization that we are all dependent on one another for support — and as a community, there are many ways we can give and receive support, especially amidst today's global pandemic. During this pandemic, many universities are doing their best to help students stay on track with their studies and make sure they have the resources they need to complete the school year — even if the campus itself is closed. Here are just a few ways that SMU has been supporting its graduate students. [![Get to know the city of Dallas (virtually!) through our guide — The Graduate Student's Guide to Living in Dallas — and learn what it's like to live, study, and socialize here!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3974384/5ff24ea9-5fb3-49e6-bf03-62de0f970ac6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3974384/5ff24ea9-5fb3-49e6-bf03-62de0f970ac6) ## **Health Services Are Still Available** The [Dr. Bob Smith Health Center](https://www.smu.edu/StudentAffairs/HealthCenter) is still open and taking appointments during the week. They provide standard care if you’re sick, and are undertaking precautionary health checks before letting patients inside the building. They are also providing telemedicine and telecounseling services. SMU has continued health insurance for those who are on the student plan through the university, so all services are available to students at their standard cost. For those who are not on or near campus, telecounseling can be accessed from anywhere and the call center is available 24/7. Although these appointments are virtual, they are an excellent way to stay in touch with a professional counselor or psychologist who can help you mentally cope with this challenging situation. Students in need of these services should [reach out to the health center](https://www.smu.edu/StudentAffairs/HealthCenter) to learn more about what’s available to them and how they can schedule an appointment. ## SMU’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund We know that a lot of graduate students live on their own or with roommates. While SMU is continuing payments on stipends for graduate students who are serving in an assistantship or receiving a fellowship, students may have additional financial needs due to COVID-19. Although funds aren’t guaranteed, students can make a request for additional financial assistance through our [Student Emergency Fund](https://giving.smu.edu/presidential-fund/?sc=DMWCACALLAL11PNW2004) to get the help they need to cover any financial gaps they’re experiencing. Information about how SMU is handling COVID-19 on campus can be found through our [Mustang Strong](https://www.smu.edu/coronavirus) page. **If you’d like to donate to the Student Emergency Fund at SMU,** [**you can do so here.**](https://giving.smu.edu/presidential-fund/?sc=DMWCACALLAL11PNW2004) ## **Campus Resources Are Up and Running Virtually** For those who are wrapping up coursework or working on their dissertations, our librarians are here to help! Through one-on-one virtual consultation, SMU’s librarians can help students find the materials they need and can even send sources to you, like digital articles. In addition, they continue to host a blog where they keep the SMU community updated on available resources. You can even find a[list of their recommended readings for quarantine](https://blog.smu.edu/smulibraries/2020/04/01/friends-of-smu-libraries-quarantine-reading-list/) if you need suggestions to help pass the time at home. The[Hegi Family Career Development Center](https://www.smu.edu/StudentAffairs/career/?utm_medium=alias%20redirect&utm_source=smu&utm_campaign=%2Fcareer) is also hard at work bringing opportunities to our students. Career counseling appointments can be made through Handshake and take place virtually online or by phone. Through their resources, students can research available positions (including part-time virtual[micro-internships](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonwingard/2019/03/06/why-micro-internships-will-be-the-next-big-thing/#1649c438700c)), perfect their resume, practice their interview skills, and attend virtual career events. ## **Need More Assistance? We're Here to Help** You’ve probably seen the word “unprecedented” in A LOT of the emails and news articles you’ve been reading. That’s because what we are facing truly is a challenge most of us never anticipated encountering. We know this situation hasn’t been easy for students. The faculty and staff at SMU are doing what we can to support you and ensure your academic success, and we look forward to the day when we can greet our students on campus again. In the meantime, if you need further assistance or have additional questions, please [reach out to us in the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.](https://www.smu.edu/graduate/About) — we’d be more than happy to help you!   ### Want help planning a visit to SMU and the city of Dallas? Explore the city virtually through our guide — The Graduate Student's Guide to Living in Dallas.  ### [![Explore the Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3974384/7a1778ee-bef1-4839-9d9c-0195ecb44bd3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3974384/7a1778ee-bef1-4839-9d9c-0195ecb44bd3) *P.S. If you are interested in supporting the North Texas community,* [*check out this comprehensive list*](https://www.dallasites101.com/archive/dallas-covid-19-aid-opportunities-to-support-your-community) *of ways you can help in the city of Dallas.* ##### Request *more* ### information Complete the form to reach out to us for more information ###### Written By ![](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/hubfs/Stevie%20Otto.jpeg) [Stevie Otto](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/author/stevie-otto) ###### Published On May 7, 2020 ## More articles ###### Recommended articles for you [International Students](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/international-students) ### [Why I Chose to Study in the USA: Xinyi Ding's Story](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/why-i-chose-to-study-in-the-usa-xinyi-dings-story) The United States is well known for its excellent Ph.D. programs, and graduate students from around... [Read More](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/why-i-chose-to-study-in-the-usa-xinyi-dings-story) [School Events](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/school-events) ### [4 Tactics to Help You Build a Professional Network While Getting Your PhD](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/4-tactics-to-help-you-build-a-professional-network-while-getting-your-ph.d) No man is an island, and researchers are no exception to this rule. Having a network of... [Read More](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/4-tactics-to-help-you-build-a-professional-network-while-getting-your-ph.d) [Admissions](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/tag/admissions) ### [Introducing Our New Digital Resource — The International Applicant’s Guide to a Ph.D.](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/introducing-our-new-digital-resource-the-international-applicants-guide-to-a-phd) *How do you start the process of earning a Ph.D. in the United States?* The United States is a go-to... 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