My insane goals for SMU in 2015 and Beyond

[Stallion]

I would like to see the school have a larger enrollment but that is bucking demographics and rising costs

[gostangs]

i agree - we ought to at least get our undergrad up to 8000 - 8500. We are just too small right now.

[Stallion]

TCU used to be smaller than SMU-they've made their big expansion conveniently in conjunction with a nationally prominent football team over the last 15 years -maybe SMU can do the same

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

TCU used to be smaller than SMU-they've made their big expansion conveniently in conjunction with a nationally prominent football team over the last 15 years -maybe SMU can do the same

Salient point.

[MV pony]

I for one don't want to see us go back to the regional average school we were 30 years ago.

Ahem, 30 years ago our peers were Duke and USC and most students, like me, could well afford to pay the tuition (even in today's dollars) without any financial aid. Give me back the good old days,

[jpe747]

I'm sure we play 11 A M games for T.V. reasons. As for student #s, etc. winning games will definitely help. I still use 8 to 10 wins per year/ year after year/ as a standard I would like to see SMU meet. I feel that is an achievable goal esp. for our conference under the right leadership. Give HCCM a couple of years and I think this school will be ROCKIN'.

[Stallion]

We are required to take the 11:00 Kickoffs based on AAC TV Contract-more appealing games getting better time slots

[Puckhead48E]

None of these are insane.

Expecting a small school to receive equal treatment as state-U from NCAA and media in re compliance issues? Insane.
Convincing Dale Hanson to shut-up and stop acting like an elderly creeper frequenting a H.S. dance? Impossible.

Making significant strides to returning SMU to prominence and creating a solid and permanent foundation for a top-level athletic department with solid Football and Basketball programs familiar to national rankings and leaders in Texas recruiting? Expected.

If we don't expect excellence and demand results, then we will receive mediocrity and be pleased.

[NewAgeMustange]

While a slightly larger undergrad wouldn't be bad. Where would they expand? I think "keeping" everyone on campus is a great idea, push the on campus bar.

Looking at other schools off the top of my head;
Duke - 14,600 students with 6,500 undergraduates---1625/year
Stanford - 15,900 students with 7,000 undergraduate----1750/year
Notre Dame - 12,000 students with 8,300 undergraduate----2075/year
TCU- 10,000 students with 8,700 undergraduates----2175/year
SMU-11,000 students with 6,300 undergraduate-----1575/year

We really aren't that far away in size compared to Duke and Stanford. I don't think 7,000 is out of reach without a major change to the housing. SMU would probably have to build more dorms at least two, but would it be "EAST" Campus, which I feel is pushing it away from the University. Would rather see the University put dorms on SMU Boulevard when they move the Fraternity houses instead of administration buildings, also there is some space on Dublin & University (SMU Dallas Master Plan) where they could put a dorm or two (if University Park would allow it, they might not and that's probably why there is a "buffer"). Even there is property the University could purchase on Daniel North of the Law school, already the University owns 40% of the property on that street. I think there is room for expansion of the grounds which would be nice to see.

Also what is with the Catholic Center at the corner of University and Airline, across from Theta? Could SMU really not buy them out for the expansion of the campus right there? I'm sure they could offer to put them up on Daniel next to the other religious house.

[peruna81]

win...

IPF this next year...shovels in the ground...

blue unis for home games, white or red away...

game day presentation improved...check with FSU/Ole Miss/UCF...done very right there...

average 22k actual butts in seats for year...institute ticket give away at local businesses that are SMU partners...

continue to reach "back" to former players/alumni (like ponyte for instance) as weekly guest speakers...

BB gets the invite...it takes beating teams like Cincinnati to get that done...

HCCM gets coach of the year award in December 2015 from AAC...

[gostangs]

MK iim going to need some proof as to SMU competing against Duke or USC 30 years ago academically. I think maybe 50 yrs ago - but in 1985 we were not - we were an average regional private school.

[SoCal_Pony]

MK iim going to need some proof as to SMU competing against Duke or USC 30 years ago academically. I think maybe 50 yrs ago - but in 1985 we were not - we were an average regional private school.

1) it's MV, not MK, you have BB on your brain

2) Duke comment I am assuming is a gross exaggeration as it has been a top tier school for ages

3) USC on the other hand is more accurate. They had a higher academic reputation than us 30 years ago, but not by that much. I'm guessing here but it wouldn't surprise me if in '83 SMU was ranked #53 & USC #48.

USC took off like a rocket ship these past 30 years, something I thought should have happened to SMU & something I've posted about multiple times.

[gostangs]

you are right. MK on the brain - especially after today.

And agree with your comment. I think USC was ahead of us 30 years ago but it was much closer then We have closed the gap just a bit as of late - but not probably enough to mention.

Duke has been a million miles away for a long time.

[Stallion]

I too believe SMU was ranked in the 52 range during Zumberge's administration. We dropped so far after Death Penalty that we forget where we were

[well travelled pony]

I too believe SMU was ranked in the 52 range during Zumberge's administration. We dropped so far after Death Penalty that we forget where we were

I graduated from HS in 83. I am from prime SC country. One of my good friend'a dad was prez of Cardinal and Gold. At that time, my perception was SMU was better academically than SC. I could have gone to either, but I wanted more, and a change of place. My experience was good, and again, academically speaking, better than my friends who went to SC. However, we cannot compare. Much has to do with the simple fact that SC is way bigger in enrollment. Been that way for some time. Also, SC is major in foreign student enrollment. SC really made huge strides in improving it's academic status.

I so want SMU to regain it's footing in sports and academics.

Go Ponies!