Hello and welcome to a new year here at SMU.

I would first like to welcome all of the new students who have decided to make Southern Methodist University a part of their educational experience and welcome back all of our returning students to yet another eventful and exciting school year. I hope everyone is looking forward to this new year and a new chapter in our lives.

Coming Soon...



The purpose of our GLBTSO (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Straight Organization) is to be an alliance between the GLBT community and its allies both on and off the SMU campus. Working together, we can continue to spread the message of diversity to all boundaries of the campus, while hopefully igniting a small spark in each person allowing them to spread the flame of acceptance to their fellow peers.

Traditionally, GLBTSO has taken a role as a campus and community support group, a social network, a campus educator and an advocate for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender SMU students. The organization also has an extensive network of supportive faculty, staff and administrators called ALLIES. With the help of Dr. Courtney Aberle, the coordinator of the Women's Center programs, the ALLIES program here at SMU continues to grow each and every month. Starting within the last two years, the group has expanded to include a student version of the ALLIES program.

In the 2001-2002 school year there was a sign that our group had already shown much progress for itself and for the SMU community. In the beginning of the year, the unity rally during the presence of the Rev. Fred Phelps proved to be a huge success and is now a cornerstone in the affirmation of diversity and a hate free atmosphere here at SMU. The student body just passed an amendment adding a non-discrimination clause, including sexual orientation, to the Student Body Constitution. This is only the beginning of great things to come here at Southern Methodist University. I look forward to sharing great events and thoughtful campus discussions with you and our community in the near future.

Never hesitate to ask questions! E-mail us or stop by the SMU Women's Center for more information.

Michael R. Jimenez
President, SPECTRUM
mrjimene@smu.edu