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Programs Sponsored by the Department of English
South Mississippi Writing Project
The South Mississippi Writing Project, located at The University of Southern Mississippi, is one of 158 National Writing Project sites in 43 states. The seven NWP sites in Mississippi work together as the Mississippi Writing/Thinking Institute to offer statewide programs and conferences for teachers. Through the National Writing Project and the Mississippi Writing/Thinking Institute, the South Mississippi Writing Project connects teachers to a state and national network of teachers and educational leaders. These connections have a leavening effect on instructional quality in classrooms throughout South Mississippi.
Live Oak Writing Project
Since 2001 the Live Oak Writing Project has been a collaborative program of The University of Southern Mississippi on the Coast and Mississippi coastal schools dedicated to improving writing and the teaching of writing at all grades and across all disciplines.
The project focuses on the teaching of writing for practicing teachers while providing a model for ongoing professional development that builds independent local programs.
English Graduate Organization
The English Graduate Organization (EGO) provides unique opportunities for students to organize and participate in professional development workshops and activities, to network and socialize with their peers and the faculty, and to become involved in special interest committees created by graduate students to advance the interests of the English graduate community. EGO's membership is made up entirely of English graduate students and its interests are those specific to its members. To become a member, simply print out a copy of the membership form and come to the next meeting!
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta's central purpose is to confer distinction upon undergraduate, graduate, and professional students of English. One of the largest members of the Association of College Honor Socities, Sigma Tau Delta has over 600 active chapters, more than 900 faculty sponsors, and inducts over 7,000 new members yearly. Our group is comprised of students majoring or minoring in English who have achieved a 3.0 GPA, students who are not majoring or minoring in English who have at least 12 hours of English credit with a 3.0 GPA, and various faculty members.
The USM chapter, Alpha Nu Gamma, focuses on building relationships within the English department and organizing activities that will benefit its members, the English department as a whole, and the university community. Past and current events include social activities such as our membership induction ceremony, our holiday party, and our t-shirt sale; philanthropic activities such as a semester-long fundraising drive for the "hurricane family" we have sponsored; and academic endeavors such as our literacy program (reading children's books to second graders at Hawkins Elementary School) and the "literary jeopardy" tournament we are organizing for spring. For more information, email Dr. Luis A. Iglesias.
Community Literacy Outreach Initiative (CLOI)
CLOI encapsulates several outreach initiatives designed to enhance university and community interaction, and to celebrate and encourage literacy in its various forms. Its first iteration of was Spring 2007’s “Toni Morrison Project,” which involved graduate students working with 3rd graders and undergraduate students promoting and fundraising community literacy initiatives. The second phase was Summer 2007’s book club for adults, held in the Hattiesburg Public Library. The third iteration began Fall 2007: we are following the previous year’s third graders into the fourth grade and begin a “chapter book project,” and reprising the Toni Morrison project with rising third graders as well. We hope to continue following third and fourth graders as they advance through the public school system.For more information, email Dr. Linda Pierce.
Job Placement Assistance
All graduate students, especially those who are about to enter the job market, are encouraged to avail themselves of the workshops and individual guidance offered by Julia Johnson and Nicolle Jordan, the English Department's Job Placement Coordinators. Over the course of the job search season, we will conduct several workshops in conjunction with the English Graduate Organization (EGO). Given the absurdly competitive nature of the beast, we want to do everything we can to help you put together a top-notch dossier. It's important to keep in mind that it is never too early to work on the materials for your dossier. Please contact Julia Johnson or Nicolle Jordan at any time if you have questions or would like feedback on any of your job search materials.
Cafe Night
Café Night is USM’s graduate reading series. Readings feature creative work delivered by students of the Center for Writers, and are held in the International Center Auditorium on Friday evenings. Readings give students, and the community, an opportunity to find out what local writers are up to. They are also social events with receptions held afterwards where all are invited to meet the readers, other students, and faculty over food and fellowship.
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