Association of Office Professionals
Association of Office Professionals
Mission
The USM Association of Office Professionals is dedicated to providing opportunities for communication and relationship-building among staff members of the university.
We facilitate “C-P-R” for the staff members of The University of Southern Mississippi:
C = Community Service
P = Professional Development
R = Relationship-Building
Membership is open to all USM support staff. Associate membership is open to the supervisors of USM support staff, faculty, and administrators. The membership year runs from July 1 to June 30.
Membership benefits include:
- Professional Development
- Networking
- Communications
- Community Service Opportunities
- Career Progression
- Staff Awards/ Scholarships
- Leadership Opportunities
- Membership Appreciation Events
Impact your career. Impact our community. Impact your life.
Meetings are held monthly on Thursdays from 11:30-12:30 in International Center 319/hybrid; Our meeting schedule is listed on the website. For questions concerning our meeting schedule, please contact Mary%20Beth%20Simmons.
Plan, Prepare, Engage Series: Empowered with Staff Council & USM AOP
This session will introduce staff to key roles and opportunities within the Staff
Council and the Association of Office Professionals (AOP) at USM. It will provide
insight into how participating in shared governance through Staff Council or engaging
in professional development through AOP not only advances the goals of the university
but also fosters individual growth in leadership, collaboration, and strategic planning.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the executive board members of each organization,
and learn more about what each organization has to offer staff during the upcoming
academic year.
August 12,2026 | 12:00-12:50 pm | IC 319 |Register Here
Unlock Your Potential: The USM Career Academy in Coursera!
Ready to transform your professional journey with world-class credentials that employers recognize and reward? Our curated Staff Development landing page showcases certificate programs and courses that are especially relevant for our USM staff. For active members of AOP, every course on our landing page counts toward your Professional Standards Program hours with the National Association of Educational Office Professionals!
The Professional Standards Program allows staff members to enhance their professional competencies through academic programs, conferences, and institutes. As a member of The National Association of Educational Office Professionals (NAEOP), individuals can participate in the Professional Standards Program to obtain nationally recognized certificates. In addition, these certificates are accepted for The University of Southern Mississippi’s education enhancement policy per section 5.9 of the employee handbook.
USM AOP is affiliated with the Mississippi Association of Education Office Professionals (MAEOP) and the National Association of Educational Office Professionals (NAEOP).
Learn more about the AOP Scholarship program here. The application period for the AOP Scholarship closes February 15.
