About

USM is proud to be the most diverse university in the state of Mississippi with a student body that reflects our larger community. We are committed to the principles of shared communal engagement among people who represent diverse backgrounds, identities, beliefs, experiences, and goals, and we welcome you to our university.

Founded as a teachers’ college in 1911, Southern Miss upholds a deep respect for education as pathway to growth and opportunity for all the members of our community who represent many different walks of life. We recognize that diverse perspectives are fundamental for acquiring and preserving knowledge, understanding and solving problems, making discoveries, and fostering creativity and art that enhances the lives of Mississippians, U.S. Americans, and people around the world.  

These principles of diversity and inclusion are part of who we are as a university; they are written into our institution’s mission, values, and vision:

We value "an inclusive community that embraces the diversity of people and ideas." We also value "a campus culture characterized by warmth and mutually-supportive connections among students, faculty, staff, and alumni."

 

We strive to prepare our "students to thrive in a global society by providing high quality programs and transformative experiences in a community distinguished by inclusiveness."

 

At Southern Miss, we recognize that we are enriched by our diversity and sustained interaction that promotes understanding across our differences. We affirm that everyone in our community, whether student, staff, or faculty, has a right to be treated equitably regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

We hope this website will serve as a starting point to discover some of the resources—including information, services, student organizations, and academic programs—that are part of our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Southern Miss To The Top! 

The Creed at Southern Miss I belong to a community of scholars at The University of Southern Mississippi. I will demonstrate integrity and determination in all academic pursuits. I will appreciate the value of differences among people, customs and viewpoints and oppose hatred, bigotry and bias toward others. I will exhibit behavior and choose language that demonstrates respect for fellow members of the Southern Miss community. I will respect others by honoring their rights, privacy and belongings. I will value human dignity in my academic, social and employment settings. I commit to exhibiting civil behavior, demonstrating responsible citizenry, and doing my part to achieve a positive and secure living and learning environment for all.