Advising Questions
Registration Questions
Scholarship Questions
College Hours Questions
Transfer Questions
Major/Minor Questions
Study Abroad Questions
Probation/suspension Status Questions
General Questions
Graduation Questions
ANSWERS
What do I need to do to get advised and registered for classes? (back)
1. Students should make an appointment with an Academic Adviser in the Undergraduate Academic Services Office beginning of each semester.
2. During the meeting, an Academic Adviser and student will review course work taken the previous semesters and plan future semesters.
3. An “Advisement Recommendation” worksheet will be issued at the conclusion of the meeting reflecting the following semester and the approval of an Academic Adviser.
4. At mid-semester, typically in April and October, the registration period begins. Student may pick up their registration materials from Room 110 Joseph Greene Hall. Students will not be able to register for classes until they have been cleared by UAS. Clearance is granted via advisement or pick-up of registration materials.
5. Using the “Advisement Recommendation” worksheet, select the times and sections of each of your courses. Use your USM Schedule Guide and the SOARS Schedule of Classes to select your classes for the upcoming semester.
Where are undergraduate students in CoB advised? (back)
Formally declared undergraduate students in business are advised by Undergraduate Academic Services.
I am not listed as a business major but would like to meet with a business adviser about changing my major and what classes I should enroll in. Where should I be advised? (back)
Students who are not formally declared business majors must be advised in the area where their current major is listed. Due to CoB’s centralized advising service, it is not possible to meet with an adviser during CoB’s advisement period. However, potential students can contact a CoB adviser via e-mail during this period for scheduling advice.
Who has to be advised? (back)
CoB has mandatory advisement for all students with a probation, probation continued, or suspension code on their record. Students not falling into the above category must either meet with an adviser or sign a form indicating they assume responsibility for “self-advisement” in JGH 110.
How do I schedule an advisement appointment? (back)
Appointments can be made in person in the Undergraduate Academic Services Office (Joseph Greene Hall, Room 110) or by calling 601-266-4663. Appointments book quickly, therefore, it is important to schedule an advisement appointment early.
When should I get advised? (back)
Summer and Fall advisement by appointment period begins mid February and continues until the last day to register for classes (as published in the Class Schedule Guide). The spring advisement by appointment period begins in mid September. However, we do have walk-in advisory at least three days a week during the advisement by appointment period.
Who is my adviser? (back)
Michelle Templeton, Assistant to the Dean, sees students majoring in Marketing. In addition, she sees degree candidates. deborah.templeton@usm.edu
Meghan Senter sees Management, Tourism Management, and Production Operations Management majors. sarah.senter@usm.edu
Nicha Buckley sees Banking & Finance, Economics, Real Estate, Insurance, International Business, Personal Financial Planning, and Business Administration majors (Entrepreneurship). nicha.buckley @usm.edu
Gennifer Hicks sees Accounting, Financial Information Systems, Management Information Systems, and Fashion Merchandising. gennifer.hicks@usm.edu
What should I bring to my advisement meeting? (back)
The student should bring a tentative schedule and list of courses he or she plans to take, along with any questions. The advisors will provide a SMART sheet which contains all information about students’ academic progress, including courses taken and progress toward a degree.
What is a SMART sheet and how is it used? (back)
A SMART sheet (Southern Miss Advisement and Registration Transcript) is the internal academic audit of a student’s degree plan. This is a comprehensive document that tracks the courses students have completed and what coursework is remaining in order for the degree to be posted. This is not an official document and should not be used for any purpose other than an internal audit. Students have access to these and should be able to access these at any time through SOAR.
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
When is registration? (back)
Refer to www.usm.edu/registrar/calendars or http://www.usm.edu/registrar/registration/index.php for University registration dates and times.
What is SOAR? (back)
SOAR stands for Southern’s Online Accessible Records. It is the computerized system that allows a student to display their personal portfolio (name and address information), as well as Learner Services features (admissions, course catalog, academic and financial information). Web address for accessing SOAR: https://soar.usm.edu
Who do I contact for problems incurred using SOAR? (back)
Contact iTech at 601.266.HELP.
How do I register? (back)
Students should preregister at the designated time using the Web. Enrollment appointment times can be obtained via your SOAR account. Specific directions are published in the Class Schedule Guide. Students who preregister must pay the minimum payment (if applicable) by the due date or there will be an additional preregistration fee of $100 added to their accounts. Classes will be dropped at a later date for nonpayment.
Registration will continue after the close of the scheduled registration period for five class days. A late registration fee will be charged to all students registering after the scheduled registration period. The fee is $50.
What is Drop/Add? (back)
Drop/Add refers to the procedure for rearranging your course schedule.
How do I drop a class? (back)
Dropping a class means you want to withdraw from that particular course only. You are never automatically dropped or withdrawn from a class for nonattendance. You must complete the proper forms to make sure your academic record reflects the correct action.
A student is permitted to drop a course without academic penalty up to and including approved dates published in the Class Schedule Guide. After the deadline, a student may drop a course only in the event of extenuating circumstances and with permission of the instructor, department chair, and director of Undergraduate Programs (JGH 110) of the college offering the course, at which time the student will receive a grade of WP or WF.
WF (Withdraw Failing) calculates as an “F” in your GPA.
If you are registered for only one course and wish to drop it, you are actually withdrawing from the University for the remainder of the semester and must complete a Withdrawal and Refund Authorization form (not a drop). (SEE WITHDRAWING FROM THE UNIVERSITY section.)
Dropping a Class:
Within the Scheduled Add/Drop Period means you have completed registration, paid the required fees, and now want to drop a course. Refer to the Calendar of Registration Activities in the Class Schedule Guide for locations, dates, and times.
Without Academic Penalty means you dropped the course prior to the published deadline. You do not need permission from anyone to drop a course during this period.
After the Last Day to Drop without Academic Penalty means you must have the Permission to Add/Drop After the Deadline Form signed by the instructor, director/department chair of the course and the Director of the Undergraduate Program of your college. This signed form must be brought (by the student) to the Office of the University Registrar to complete the process.
How do I add a class? (back)
Students may add a class via SOARs during the first week of each semester. A student is permitted to add a course after the deadline of five class days with the permission of the instructor, department chair, and director of Undergraduate Programs (JGH 110) of the college offering the course. You must have the Permission to Add/Drop After the Deadline Form to add a class after the first week. This signed form must be brought (by the student) to the Office of the University Registrar to complete the process. However, a student will not be allowed to add a course after the last day to drop without academic penalty as published in the Class Schedule Guide.
Adding classes after the 100 percent refund period could result in additional tuition charges.
How do I get into a class that is closed? (back)
Closed class overrides require approval from the chairman of the department offering the class.
How do I withdraw completely from school? (back)
Withdrawing means you want to leave the University at that point in the semester and will not be enrolled in any courses for the remainder of the semester. Dropping a class means you want to withdraw from that particular course only. You are never automatically dropped or withdrawn from a class for nonattendance. You must complete the proper forms to make sure your academic record reflects the correct action.
If you find it necessary to leave the University, you must complete the Withdrawal and Refund Authorization form, which is obtained in your dean’s office (JGH 110). Withdrawing from the University means you are no longer enrolled in any course for the remainder of the semester. You do not have to reapply for admission if you return the next semester. If you withdraw prior to the deadline for dropping classes, you will not receive any grades. Your record will indicate date of withdrawal only. If you withdraw after the deadline for dropping courses, your instructors will assign grades of “WP” or “WF” on their final grade rosters. A “WF” will calculate as an “F” in your GPA.
Whatever you do, do not just leave the University or stop attending class. Complete the proper procedures to protect the integrity of your academic record.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Who do I contact for scholarships offered by the CoB? (back)
Contact Dr. Gwen Pate, Director of Undergraduate Programs (gwen.pate@usm.edu) at 601.266.4663. She is located in Joseph Greene Hall, Room 110.
What scholarships are offered by the CoB? (back)
A listing of specific scholarships are accessible through the college’s Web site at http://www.usm.edu/business/students/scholarships.php.
What other unversity scholarships are available and how do I apply for them? (back)
You may go online to the university’s Financial Aid site at www.usm.edu/financialaid to get more information.
What are the deadline dates for scholarships? (back)
Contact Dr. Gwen Pate, Director of Undergraduate Programs (gwen.pate@usm.edu) at 601.266.4663 for deadline dates for CoB scholarships. She is located in Joseph Greene Hall, Room 110. Contact www.usm.edu/financialaid for deadline dates on scholarships.
COLLEGE HOURS QUESTIONS
What is a full-time load? (back)
Fall & Spring Term - 12 semester hours
Summer Term - 9 semester hours
Dropping below the full-time status can affect financial aid, housing, and insurance status. Check with the appropriate agency before considering dropping to part-time status. Please consult Undergraduate Academic Services for more information.
How can I take an overload of hours in a semester? (back)
During the fall and spring term, a student may register for 12-19 semester hours. During the summer term, a student can register for 9-14 semester hours. Any hours over these limits requires approval from Undergraduate Academic Services. Granting of an overload of hours is contingent upon the student’s current academic standing with the University.
How many hours do I have to have to be a sophomore, junior, and senior? (back)
| Freshman |
0-30 semester credit hours earned |
| Sophomore |
30-59 semester credit hours earned |
| Junior |
60-89 semester credit hours earned |
| Senior |
90 + semester credit hours earned |
TRANSFER STUDENT QUESTIONS
Can I transfer course credit from another school? (back)
Yes, but it must be from an accredited educational institution.
Applicability of transfer work depends upon the coincidence of transfer credits with the requirement of a particular curriculum. Applicability varies from curriculum to curriculum, not only for transfer students from other institutions, but for students transferring from one school to another within the university. Applicability is determined by the department chair and the dean of the college to which one is admitted. Transfer hours passed will be accepted. To meet graduation requirements, transfer students must have an overall “C” average. Acceptance of community/junior college work is limited to one-half of the total requirements for graduation in a given curriculum.
Can I attend another college and USM during the same semester? (back)
There are some instances when dual enrollment is allowed (i.e., USM does not offer the course needed). See Undergraduate Academic Services prior to enrolling at another school to verify whether the credit will transfer back into your business program.
How do I find out about transfer credits from community colleges? (back)
Please contact Ms. Templeton (deborah.templeton@usm.edu) or Ms. Senter (sarah.senter@usm.edu) to discuss specific transfer credits. You may refer to the document “Common Course Equivalents” to see specifics on junior/community college courses and how they may be applied here at USM.
MAJORS AND MINORS
How do I declare a major? (back)
Students should complete a “Change of Academic Record” Form in Undergraduate Academic Services to formally declare a business major. Admission into the College of Business is contingent upon a 2.0 GPA (on all attempted courses) in all required areas (USM Cumulative GPA, business core and emphasis coursework).
What majors are available? (back)
A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree is available with an emphasis in:
Accounting
Management Information Systems
Financial Information Systems
Business Administration (Small Business Entrepreneurship)
Economics
Banking & Finance
Personal Financial Planning
Real Estate
International Business
Tourism Management
Casino/Resort Management Emphasis
Hotel Management Emphasis
Management
Human Resource Management Emphasis
Production Operations Management Emphasis
Marketing
A Bachelor of Arts is available in:
Economics
Mathematics Emphasis
Social Science Emphasis
A Bachelor of Science is available in:
Fashion Merchandising
Do I have to have a minor? (back)
This depends upon the business major. Fashion Merchandising students are required to have a minor in Marketing. All other minors are optional.
How do I declare a minor? (back)
If you want to add a minor offered by the College of Business:
- Complete a “Change of Academic Status” form in Undergraduate Academic Services, Joseph Greene Hall, Room 110.
- The successful completion of the minor will be duly noted in the student’s transcript.
STUDY ABROAD COURSES
What study abroad programs are available for CoB majors? (back)
British Studies Program
Italy Program
Studies in Spain
Caribbean Studies
Abbey Program
Who do I contact for more information on Studies Abroad Programs? (back)
British Studies – Dr. David Duhon: 601.266.4827
Caribbean Studies – Dr. Tony Henthorne: 601.266.4635
Studies in Spain – Dr. Farhang Niroomand: 601.266.5028
Italy Program – Michelle Templeton: 601.266.4663
Abbey Program – Michelle Templeton: 601.266.4663
How do I know what credits will be applied for study abroad programs? (back)
Contact Michelle Templeton (deborah.templeton@usm.edu) to determine where credits will apply.
PROBATION/SUSPENSION STATUS
If I am placed on academic probation, probation continued, or suspension, who should I contact? (back)
Contact your academic adviser in Undergraduate Academic Services (JGH 110).
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What is the college policy on receiving a D in a course? (back)
The College of Business requires a grade of C or better in all foundation coursework. Foundation courses are: ENG 101, ENG 102, MAT 101, MAT 102, ACC 200, ECO 201, ECO 202, CSC 100. In addition, Accounting majors are required to have a grade of C or better in all emphasis coursework. Otherwise, a “D” is an acceptable grade as long as the student’s GPA remains a 2.0 or greater.
What are some of the services available to me as a student? (back)
Career Services: A comprehensive and full-service office providing assistance to students for career development is available to business majors in Joseph Greene Hall, room 207. Contact Amy Yeend at 601.266.5931 or amy.yeend@usm.edu or www.usm.edu/cs.
Internships: Contact Amy Yeend at 601.266.5931 or amy.yeend@usm.edu.
Writing papers: Visit The Writing Center, Liberal Arts Room 303 or phone 601.266.4821.
Residence Life: The Department of Residence Life is located in Hickman Hall and information is online at www.usm.edu/reslife. Call them at 601.266.4783.
Counseling: University Counseling Center at www.usm.edu/counseling.
Student Support Services Program: Assists in improving learning strategies and offers tutorial assistance. Phone 601.266.6910.
How can I get access to the general academic calendar? (back)
The calendar can be viewed online at www.usm.edu/registrar/calendars.
How can I find out when my final exam is scheduled? (back)
Go online to http://www.usm.edu/registrar/exam_schedule/index.php.
How can I get a copy of my university transcript? (back)
Both former undergraduate as well as graduate students may obtain a transcript by writing to:
University of Southern Mississippi
Office of the University Registrar
118 College Drive #5006
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
Fax: 601.266.5816 (Verify if fax received @ 601.266.5006)
In person: Kennard-Washington Hall, Room 110
The following information is required for processing all transcript requests.
- Name (complete name, including any other names you may have used (i.e., birth name)
- Social Security #
- Date of Birth
- Dates of Attendance and Degree Received
- Current Mailing Address
- Mailing Address to which the transcript should be sent
- Student's signature
- Daytime Contact Number
How can I review my grades online? (back)
Students may view grades online through SOAR, the university’s automated registration system. Go to https://soar.usm.edu/index.html.
I need verification of enrollment for insurance purposes. Where do I go? (back)
See the Certification Specialist in the Registrar’s Office, Kennard Washington Hall.
What do all the acronyms stand for? (back)
CoB = College of Business
FERPA = Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
UAS = Undergraduate Academic Services
SMART = Southern Miss Advisement and Registration Transcript
JGH = Joseph Greene Hall
BSBA = Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
BA = Bachelor of Arts
BS = Bachelor of Science
TBA = To Be Announced – contact department offering course for location, time, etc.
SOAR = Southern Online Accessible Records
GRADUATION QUESTIONS
How do I apply for graduation? (back)
CoB undergraduate majors must apply for graduation in the Undergraduate Academic Services Office, Joseph Greene Hall, Room 110. After completing the required paperwork, the student needs to schedule an appointment with Ms. Cawthon. Degree applications are filed the semester prior to the planned graduation date. The University Registrar’s Office establishes a deadline date for filing for a particular graduation class. This date is strictly enforced by the College of Business. If a student misses this deadline date, their graduation date will be the following semester.
Who do I contact about ordering my cap and gown, reserving a seat for graduation ceremonies, etc.? (back)
Once the student files for their degree and meets with Ms. Cawthon, the Registrar’s Office will notify you approximately six weeks prior to your anticipated graduation with information regarding graduation ceremonies (date, time, place, how to order cap and gown, how to reserve your seat for the ceremonies, etc.). This information is typically mailed to the diploma address listed on your degree application. If you do not receive this information, please contact the Degree Auditor in the Registrar’s Office at 601.266.4808.
When and where do I get my diploma? (back)
Diplomas will be mailed to students approximately 4-8 weeks following graduation once verification of completion of requirements and clearance of student accounts with the USM Business Office. Degrees are awarded only when ALL requirements have been met and accounts paid in full.
What happens if I fail to complete a requirement and I have filed for graduation? (back)
If your diploma is not granted due to a requirement not being completed and the graduation class for that term has been closed as required by the Institution of Higher Learning, a student’s diploma will be granted at a later term. It is the student’s responsibility to contact UAS (JGH 110) to make the necessary arrangements to move their graduation term.
I have completed courses on the Hattiesburg campus and the Gulf Coast campus. What will my diploma reflect? (back)
Your diploma will reflect the campus in which the majority of your hours were completed. For instance: you completed 51 hours on the Gulf Coast campus and 50 hours on the Hattiesburg campus. Your diploma will state: The University of Southern Mississippi – Gulf Coast.
What requirements are looked at in order to have my degree awarded? (back)
All degrees are cleared based upon residency requirements. These residency requirements include (but are not limited to):
128 semester hours
64 hours from a 4-year institution
45 hours of 300/400 level coursework
Last 32 hours in residence at USM
2.0 Cumulative GPA on all attempted coursework (including USM and transfer).
2.0 Cumulative GPA on all attempted business coursework (including USM and transfer).
2.0 Cumulative GPA on all attempted emphasis coursework (including USM and transfer).
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