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Office of Student Affairs


Jose A. Mendoza, M.D., Ph.D.
Jose A. Mendoza, M.D., Ph.D.

Dean of Student Affairs

Dr. Mendoza obtained his medical degree from the Universidad de Los Andes in the city of Merida, Venezuela. He later obtained a Magister Scientiae degree in Immunology at the same university, where he sub...sequently served as a professor for more than 25 years. Between 2003 and 2007 he carried out doctoral studies at the Pasteur Institute and the Paris VII Denis Diderot University in Paris, France, where he had the opportunity to work on studies concerning the relationship between human papillomavirus infection and cancer. During his career as a professor he was chair of the Department of Microbiology of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Los Andes and head of the Microbiology and Public Health laboratory of the state of Merida, Venezuela. Dr. Mendoza is the author or co-author of more than 20 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and co-author of two books in the fields of Immunology and Virology.

The Office of Students Affairs is responsible for student activities and governance, University life, leadership programs, and campus-wide special events such as our annual White Coat and Graduation ceremonies. Working along side other University department, the Student Government Association, and the general student body, we encourage all students to develop their full potential as individuals, community members and future leaders. We aspire to serve as trusted resources, helping students every step of the way, from orientation to graduation.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES SERVICES (SDS)

The mission of SMUFOM's Students with Disabilities Services is to promote effective self-advocacy and accessible academic learning for students with disabilities. SMUFOM will attempt, to the best of its ability, to provide a student with the assistance they require. SMUFOM respects the confidential nature of your disability-related information. Access by SMUFOM personnel to disability-related information is on a need-to-know basis and only for the purpose of assuring appropriate accommodations.

Some temporary impairment, such as broken bones, recovery from surgery, and short-term illnesses may impact a student�s ability to attend class, take notes, or complete examinations. If there are academic concerns related to a temporary-impairment, the student should first consult with course professors to discuss the nature of the impairment and alternative ways to meet course requirements. Students requesting temporary academic accommodations from SMUFOM must submit a request to the Dean of Academics and provide medical documentation of the temporary impairment. This could be a letter from a physician, or medical documents showing the nature and extent of the injury. Accommodations for temporary impairments may include:

  • Accessible Parking Access
  • Use of a computer or recorder in class
  • Accommodated class examinations
  • Permission to move about in class
  • Flexibility in Attendance Policy
  • Flexibility in Dress Code
  • Temporary On-Campus Accommodations (if space if available)

COUNSELLING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

SMUFOM understands the emotional effects associated with moving away from home and being away from family and friends. In addition, student stress levels during this academic process can be often overwhelming. SMUFOM has aligned with the Mental Care Centre of Curacao which offers students a variety of counselling options including Individual treatments, Group Treatments, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Directive Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Psychotherapy, Play Therapy sessions, Assertiveness Therapy, and Relaxation Therapy.

For more information on our Counselling & Development Services, click here.

FACULTY OFFICE HOURS & ACADEMIC ADVISING

SMUFOM Faculty is available to all students that may have specific questions or concerns regarding the course or those who seek further academic advising. All our Faculty Members have a designated office space where they can meet students one-on-one. Full-time Faculty members have office hours until 5:00pm every day. Students must email the faculty member and request an appointment.

For more information on Academic Advising, click here.

HONOR STUDENT TUTORING PROGRAM

SMUFOM's Honor Student Tutoring Program is available to all students wishing to receive extra help with any given subject. Students will receive tutoring lessons from our Senior Honor Students for a flat fee of 15 ANG per hour. Any student wishing to partake in this program must send a request to the Dean of Academics.

Any students wishing to become an SMUFOM Honor Student Tutor must apply directly to the Dean of Academics. All applicants must meet the program requirements, including a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and an 85% or above in the course they wish to tutor in. In addition, applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from the course professor.