Save the SMUworks Program

We (undersigned) ask the SMU Administration to re-consider the financial cuts to the SMUworks program and re-instate this valuable work-experience program for our students. SMUworks is a critical program because:1. The loss of SMUworks will have a detrimental effect on students  from an EDI perspective - SMUworks provides opportunities for hands-on research for students not having perfect GPAs and who cannot afford to do reseach without getting paid. 2. The removal of SMUworks will remove opportunities for students and make SMU, as an institution, less attractive for new incoming students, who come to SMU because of opportunities for hands-on research. 3. SMUworks is a number one source of funding for Early Career Academics (ECA’s) that supports the inception of their research programs.   4. The removal of SMUworks grants will impact our current and future faculty hiring incentive. This is a HUGE selling point for new faculty that many departments use in order to attract candidates to decide to accept positions at SMU.