Overview of SME
The San Marcos Experience is an opportunity for 100 students to live together on campus, take General Education classes within a cohort, and have a customized academic and social enhancement program designed specifically for them.

Any student who will be living in the University Village Apartment community is encouraged to apply to be a part of the San Marcos Experience. Applications are available at the University Village Apartments front desk, or you can apply online. Upon acceptance, a SME resident will be assigned to an apartment located on one of the two designated SME floors within the apartment community. All courses offered as part of the SME will satisfy General Education requirements. Members of SME will automatically be enrolled in 3 classes in the fall and will select 2 SME classes in the spring.



Benefits of SME
The faculty for these courses will collaborate across the curriculum to provide a cohesive First Year academic experience. Other benefits include individual mentoring and
support, special study groups, and the convenience of having the bulk of your semester course schedules set for you ahead of time. The required SME fall classes are writing, life-long learning/freshman success, and critical thinking. Spring offerings will include oral communication and a choice of social science or U.S. History.



Extracurricular Activities
In addition to the SME classroom experience and the STAR academic program, there will be co-curricular activities scheduled for SME residents to enjoy. Examples of the SME co-curricular program include floor dinners, area excursions, theater performances, community service and more. The themes of the program this year are civic engagement (getting students involved in the campus and surrounding community) and personal goal-setting.

SME students are also encouraged to take advantage of the UVA Ticket to Success program. This series of workshops promote a healthy and smooth transition into the university scene and student life at Cal State San Marcos.