Every answer starts in SMU's own pages.
Compass reads the catalog, the University Calendar and the handbook before it writes a word. Then it shows you exactly where each part of the answer came from. When those pages don't cover your question, it tells you who will know.
One question, four steps.
Here's what happens between pressing send and reading the answer. It usually takes a few seconds.
- 1
Reads the question
Compass works out what you're asking about: a course, a deadline, a policy, an event or an office. Anything outside SMU gets a polite no.
- 2
Searches SMU's sources
It checks the catalog for your year, the course table, the University Calendar, the handbook and campus events. It only goes to the web when those come up short.
- 3
Writes the answer
The answer is built from what it found, with a numbered citation on each claim.
- 4
Shows its work
Open the steps under any answer to see what it searched and which pages it read.
Where it looks.
Public SMU information, plus any profile details you choose to add. Compass has no access to your grades, Canvas, PeopleSoft or your SMU email.
Undergraduate catalogs
One per catalog year, so requirements match the year you started
Course table
6,670 courses with descriptions, prerequisites and requirement tags
University Calendar
Registration, add/drop, pass/fail, withdrawal and finals dates
Student handbook and FAQs
Policies, conduct, housing and the answers offices publish
Campus events
What's on this week, and where
smu.edu, then studentaid.gov
Used only when the sources above do not cover it. studentaid.gov is reserved for federal aid questions
Tap the number. Read the page.
Each citation opens the source Compass used, in a panel next to the chat. You can check any answer yourself.
When it doesn't know, it says so.
A confident wrong answer about a deadline costs you more than no answer. So Compass would rather point you to the right office.
When does spring move-in start?
Spring move-in dates aren't in the sources Compass checks yet. Residence Life posts them first, so check their page or email them.
Will dropping a class affect my scholarship?
That depends on the terms of your scholarship, which Compass can't see. Ask the Office of Financial Aid before you drop anything.
Compass doesn't make calls about financial aid, academic standing or exceptions. Those go to the people at SMU who make them.
Try it on the question you're stuck on.
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