First Year Freshman
- 2008 Freshman Preview Dates
- Register for Preview
- Summer Reading Program
- Academic Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Cheat Sheet of Campus Resources
Register for Preview
During Preview, students will have the opportunity to meet other new students, current students, faculty, and staff. Students will also meet with an academic adviser within his or her course of study, as well as schedule classes for fall semester. Each Preview session is limited to 350 students, and spaces are reserved on a first-respond, first reserved basis.
At Preview, new students will:
- meet with an academic advisor
- register for classes
- learn how to register with SOAR, Southern Miss' online registration system
- meet representatives from more than 75 campus departments and student organizations
- pre-order textbooks for classes
- have student identification card made
- set up a university email account
Attendance at a preview session is required for all new students. Students must be admitted to the university before attending preview.
Freshman Preview Dates:
- Preview 1 June 5, 2008 (Closed)
- Preview 2 June 17, 2008 (Closed)
- Preview 4 June 28, 2008
- Preview 6 July 8, 2008
Summer Reading Program
All incoming freshmen are given a book during Preview to read over the summer. When the students return for Premiere, they will divide into small groups that will be facilitated by faculty and staff on campus to discuss the issues surrounding the topics in the book. This year all incoming freshmen will read Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurst and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Academic Resources
Career Services - http://www.usm.edu/cs/
History Writing Lab - http://www.usm.edu/history/writinglab.php
iTech Help Desk - http://www.usm.edu/itech/helpDesk/
Student Support Services - http://www.usm.edu/studentsupportservices
Speaking Center - http://www.usm.edu/speakingcenter/
University Libraries - http://lib.usm.edu
Writing Center - http://www.usm.edu/qep/the_writing_lab.html
The Questions Every Freshman asks… and the answers they are looking for.
Skip to question six Skip to question ten Skip to question six-teenWhen is the deadline for Housing applications?
*You may find out information about Housing deadlines by visiting the Residence Life website at http://www.usm.edu/reslife.
Are freshmen allowed to have cars on campus?
Freshmen may have cars on campus, but they must have a parking decal for their car and must follow all campus parking zones and regulations.
Is it mandatory for freshmen to live on campus?
Freshmen who live on campus are more likely to have a successful start to their college career as the have a tendency to perform well in both academic and social aspects of campus life. With that said, although it is not mandatory for freshmen to live on campus, it is highly encouraged.
Am I allowed to pick my roommate or are they assigned at random?
You may indicate your roommate preference when completing your housing application. Your roommate will need to request you as well. Make sure you have all of the necessary information to request your roommate. If you do not have a potential roommate in mind then residence life will assign you a roommate at random. You can also check out Roommate Connection on the Residence Life website to locate a roommate that might be suitable for you!
What if I decide to change my major after I attend my Preview session?
In order to change your major you will need to contact the department that your new major is listed under and request a change of major form. After you have completed the appropriate paperwork to change your major you should meet with an academic advisor in your new major to review your schedule and plan for future semesters.
I have never written a college level paper before. Are there any campus resources that could help me?
These campus resources are available to all students.
Writing Center: http://www.usm.edu/qep/the_writing_lab.html
History Writing Lab: http://www.usm.edu/history/writinglab.php
What is WebCT?
Web CT is the host for all online classes at Southern Miss. You can access it by going to http://southernmiss.blackboard.com. For questions regarding Web CT, contact the Office of Distance Education Support at 601.266.6197, or visit http://www.usm.edu/deal/.
What is University 101 (UNV101)?
The Division of Undergraduate Studies administers the UNV 101 Program. UNV 101 seeks to provide a common experience for first-year students at Southern Miss, regardless of major. This course is designed to facilitate students’ transition to university life, specifically at The University of Southern Mississippi. UNV 101 is a two-hour, letter-graded course that may be used to fulfill degree requirements at Southern Miss. Taught in a seminar setting by trained faculty, this course encourages the development of active learning skills, promotes responsible decision making, facilitates exploration of academic majors and career planning, and helps students establish rewarding human relationships in college with peers, professors, and the university staff.
Where do I park on game days?
There are several places available for student parking on game days.
-Community Health Lot -Bond Hall North Lot
-Elam Arms Gravel Lot -Owings McQuagge Lot
-George Hurst West Lot -Theater and Dance Lot
-Performing Arts Center Lot -Ross Boulevard
-Arthell Kelly Lot -CISE Lot (International Center)
-Fraternity Row -Joseph Green North Lot
Do I have to have my car moved by a certain time on game days?
Cars must be moved by 7:00 a.m. on weekend games and 1:00 p.m. for week day games.
What if I run out of money (Eagle Bucks or Dining Dollars) on my meal plan?
You may add more Eagle Bucks or Dining Dollars to your meal plan at any time by using the Eagle Dining website at http://eagledining.com or by visiting the Eagle Dining office located in the Thad Cochran Center.
What if I become sick or injured?
Health Services, located on campus, is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to address your medical needs. You may contact them at 601-266-5390 or visit their website at http://www.usm.edu/healthservice.
Local After Hours Clinics:
After Hours Clinic
261-5710 (on Hwy 98 across from Popeye's)
NAN Family Health Care
288-8004 (on Hwy 49 across from Shoney's)
Immediate Care
261-3737 (on Hardy St. next to Stewarts Camera)
Southern Urgent Care
261-2727 (Hwy 98 in front of Wal-Mart)
I do not feel comfortable walking by myself at night. Is there a shuttle or escort service that could give me a ride?
The University Police Department offers an escort service to students who do not feel safe walking from their vehicle to their campus destination at night. When in your vehicle contact UPD at 601-266-4986 and wait for a police officer to arrive. The officer will escort you safely to your destination on campus.
What if I forget my SOAR log-in or password?
In the event that you forget your SOAR log-in and/or password you should contact I-tech at 601-266-4357 or http://www.usm.edu/itech. They can help you set up a new account or reset your password.
How much does is cost to use the Payne Center?
All full time students enrolled in classes at Southern Miss can use the Payne Center facilities free of charge upon presentation of their student ID.
What if I do not have a computer?
There are computer labs located in most academic buildings on campus as well as in Cook Library. The library computer lab is available for all of your academic and printing needs. The library also rents laptop computers to students for their convenience. For more information visit the library website at http://lib.usm.edu.
Why are my science lecture and science lab listed separately on my schedule? When will my science lab begin?
Science Lectures and Science Labs are two separate classes. You will most likely have different instructors for each class. Your lab will only meet once a week unlike the lecture which will meet multiple times unless you are taking a night class. Science labs also start the second week of classes so you will have one less class to worry about on your first day!
What is a student account? How can I get one?
Each Southern Miss student has an account that their tuition and student fees are charged to. Students can also charge their textbooks, student IDs, meal plans, and Barnes & Noble bookstore purchases to. All payments on your student account are made to Business Services located in Forrest County Hall. You may also contact Business Services at 601-266-4137.
Cheat Sheet of Campus Resources
Do you need to resolve a campus issue but don’t know which office to call? Below is a list of common questions and the offices which are best suited to provide assistance in these areas.
Issue |
Southern Miss Office |
|
|---|---|---|
Student Loans |
Financial Aid |
|
Housing Assignments |
Residence Life |
|
Southern Miss E-mail |
iTech |
|
My Student Account |
Business Services |
|
Application Status |
Admissions |
|
Add/Drop Classes |
Registrar |
|
Sorority Recruitment |
Greek Life |
|
Meal Plans |
Eagle Dining |
|
Parking Decals |
Parking Management |
|
| Campus Directory | http://www.usm.edu/directory.php 601.266.1000 |
