SMU Terminology: The Low-Down
Here at SMU we have our own special lingo. You might almost call it a language. But don’t panic! Don’t let the memories of Mother Tongue O/A levels drown you. TBNG is here to present to you our very own, finely honed and carefully crafted guide to all the words you’ll be hearing from now on which you might not understand at first. With this guide, you’ll be fluent in SMU-ese in no time!
Source: Singapore Management University
BOSS- Nobody really knows what BOSS stands for (but for the curious out there: BOSS stands for Bidding Online System- don’t ask us about the extra S) but this is one of the most important words in SMU- BOSS is the system through which you’ll be bidding for your classes. Through BOSS you can check previous years’ bidding results so you know how much of your oh-so-precious E-Dollars you have to spend in order to get the class you want. It can all be a little confusing at first, but just follow the guides on OASIS and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Usage: “Eh you got check BOSS anot? Bidding results out already liao.”
OASIS- Alright, nobody really knows what OASIS stands for either (we looked it up- OASIS stands for Online Access to Student Information Service) but this is probably the most important website you’ll be using in your time at SMU. Here you can plan your exchange trips, check how well (or badly) your degree is progressing, pay school fees, check your exam schedule and update your SLiMS.
Usage: “Eh you better go OASIS and check if your exchange application got approve yet anot.”
SLiMS- It shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that the full form of SLiMS remains a mystery to most of us. SLiMS is the SMU equivalent of your CCA transcript. All of the non-academic stuff you do in your time here will be reflected in your SLiMS.
Usage: “Eh you better make sure your SLiMS up to date sia. Later when you wanna show employer if everything not there then a bit paiseh one eh.”
E-Learn- E-Learn is the website where all your online materials (slideshows, homework, group assignments) for all your classes are uploaded. It will probably be the website you visit most frequently.
Usage: “Eh you got check E-Learn? Finals in two days but prof never upload slides yet. I think this one I gg already.”
GSR- Finally, one acronym we do know the full form of without having to look it up! GSR stands for Group Study Room, the place where your project meetings and study sessions usually take place. You have to book a GSR before you use it, and this can be done through the ubiquitous OASIS (see above). KEY FACT: It takes TWO PEOPLE to book a GSR. So don’t forget to confirm your friend’s booking, otherwise you’ll turn up at a GSR already being used by someone else (which definitely hasn’t happened to any of us, ahem ahem).
Usage: “Eh we have meeting later right? You got book GSR anot?”
CR- CR stands for classroom. Some classes are held here. It can also be booked for meetings and such, but it takes three people instead of two to book it. Not to be confused with…
Usage: “Wah today I went into CR 2.1 instead of SR 2.1.”
SR- Seminar Room. The biggest rooms in SMU, this is where most of your classes will take place. Both CRs and SRs have similar numbering systems, so make sure not to get confused when you go to class!
Usage: “Wah today I went into SR 2.1 instead of CR 2.1.”
Welfare- Welfare is when various student body groups give out free stuff like food and stationery (no, really).
Usage: “Wah I queued half an hour for welfare, then when I reached the front no more already. Damn sad sia.”
Of course this isn’t all the SMU lingo you’ll need to know or eventually end up using, but this is a solid start. You’ll be using these words like a pro in no time. Once you’ve made sentence using two or more of the above words, you’ll know you’ve become a part of SMU!