Veterans who continue their education at The University of Southern Mississippi will have added assistance with the implementation of some new procedures for class registration.

Earlier registration times will be available for Southern Miss students who receive Veterans Administration benefits, beginning at 8 a.m. March 26 when they will be eligible to sign up for summer 2009 term classes. For these same students, early registration for the fall 2009 term will begin at 8 a.m. April 9.

Registration for summer classes begins March 30 for all other students.

Southern Miss President Martha Saunders believes the initiative is needed after hearing of difficulties that some veterans face in furthering their education.

“After talking with one of our state lawmakers recently about this issue, it occurred to me that we could do more to make things easier for our veterans,” said Saunders. “Early registration will enable our V.A. students, who are all on a tight timeline, to expedite their education.”

This semester, Southern Miss has approximately 400 students who fall into this category between the Hattiesburg and Gulf Coast campuses.

Southern Miss Registrar Greg Pierce says these students have been notified by e-mail and should check their SOAR accounts to view the new registration times. Students are typically given specific registration times so that everyone is not on the system at the same time.

“These designated registration windows will provide this group the opportunity to register for classes in a more accelerated manner than normal. The sooner they get registered, the sooner they get their benefits in order,” Pierce said. “It’s part of our commitment to assist these students in accomplishing their academic goals.”    

Students with questions may contact the Registrar’s Office at 601.266 5006 for more information.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities.  In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world.  Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.