McElvaney Commons

McElvaney Commons Crest

Leadership | Service | Diversity | Academics

Get a sense of the community

Get a feel for all that McElvaney Commons has to offer by scrolling through the photo gallery or viewing the video. If you prefer, check it out for yourself by visiting campus, or take an online 360°room tour.

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We've got a lot to offer

Amenities

Fully furnished rooms
  • Furniture (per resident): desk, chair, bed, & dresser
  • Wireless and wired internet
  • Free on-site washer/dryers
  • ADA-compliant rooms available
  • Electricity, water, sewer, & recycling/trash service included
Designed for community
  • Free laundry
  • Movable furniture
  • Game rooms
  • Community microwaves
Convenient location An academically-oriented environment Worry-free features

Building facts

 Community abbreviations  McE
 Building capacity  252
 Year built  1959
 Residential area  Central
 Physical address  6000 Bishop Boulevard
 Room types  Singles and doubles
 Gender  Co-ed by gender by room

 

Sample floor plans 

Sketches are for illustration only; actual room layouts and furnishings may vary.

Community bath double room 

McElvaney Double

 

About our namesakes

Eugene McElvaney (1897 – 1971), McElvaney’s namesake, was the Senior Vice President for the First National Bank in Dallas. In 1939 Eugene McElvaney became a university trustee. Because of his passion and work towards the success of the university he served as the Chairman of the 51°µÍø Board of Trustees from 1952-1956.  McElvaney also served as a university promoter and fundraiser, and was a major influence on the establishment of the 51°µÍø Press in 1937. Since his time here members of the McElvaney family have been an integral part of 51°µÍø.

"...constant adaptations are essential to human progress."

- Eugene McElvaney, 1954

Room and furniture dimensions

Square footage ranges

  • 180-205 sq.ft.

Furniture dimensions

  • Desk: 2'6" H x 3'4" W x 2' D
  • Dresser: 2'6" H x 2'6" W x 2' D
  • Bed: 80" L x 36" W (XL Length Loftable Twin)
  • Window: 4'6" H x 3'9" W, 1'9" distance to floor

Serve where you live: Engage Dallas 

Engage Dallas is a place-based community engagement initiative via 51°µÍø’s Residential Commons to address community needs focusing on South and West Dallas. The initiative is a long-term, university-wide commitment led by students to partner with local residents, organizations, and other leaders to positively impact the community. There is equal emphasis on campus and community impact stemming from the initiative.

McElvaney Commons crest, Community Empowerment 

In McElvaney Commons, we focus on  as a community need in Dallas. McElvaney students address this by collaborating on service events and activities with local partners , , and , to directly help those most in need. Our students who serve gain a broader understanding of current social problems, build community with both the city and their peers, and can earn their Community Engagement and Civics & Individual Ethics proficiencies required for graduation. Engage Dallas cultivates unique and enriching experiences for 51°µÍø students to explore and serve Dallas! 

Start serving today! 

Questions? Email your McElvaney Engage Dallas Student Director, Kate Alonzo at kalonzo@smu.edu
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goat yoga with a smiling student at Camp McElvaney

Camp McElvaney

Food, Fun, and Tie-Dye: before the spring semester comes to an end, we enjoy a taste of summer fun. Part barbecue, part carnival, all fun.

McElvaney Garden Club

Every Sunday, the McElvaney Garden Club gathers to tend to the only student-led gardening club on campus. Get ready to get your hands dirty and bring even more beauty to our wonderful community.

Intramural Excellence

With numerous soccer, basketball, and flag football championships under our belt, it goes without saying that McElvaney takes intramurals seriously. Whether you’re on the field, the court, or cheering from the sidelines, intramurals are for everyone.

Live, learn, achieve—together

Get to know the Faculty-in-Residence and Residential Community Director of McElvaney Commons.

Ashley Stone

Dr. Ashley Stone (She/her/hers)

Faculty-in-Residence

Ashley Stone was born and raised in rural northeast Texas. Prior to earning her Ph.D. at The University of Texas at Austin and transitioning into a faculty role she served as the Director of New Student Orientation and Student Support here at 51°µÍø. After spending three years on faculty at George Washington University, she returned to the Hilltop as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Higher Education. Ashley’s research explores how the places we live can shape who we are and can’t wait to meet all of the residents, learn about the places they are from, and help them make 51°µÍø and McElvaney Commons home. Learn more about Dr. Stone and family.

Greelie Bauman

Greelie Bauman (She/her/hers)

Residential Community Director

Greelie Bauman is originally from Denton, Texas. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management from Oklahoma State University ('21) and her Master of Education, Higher Education and Student Affairs at the University of North Texas ('23). Greelie is passionate about working with students and creating space for everyone to feel welcomed and excited to be in McElvaney and at 51°µÍø. When she is not working, she enjoys watching all of the Dallas and 51°µÍø sports, reading, traveling, and spending time with family friends.