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School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development

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RISE to the Top!

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Mary Ann in cap and gownMaryAnn wearing her cap and gown as she was one of two pilot program RISE graduates.

 

RISE To The Top! is a fully approved, 4-year, 8-semester inclusive non-degree certificate program for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.  The program provides these students an inclusive college experience by incorporating academics, community engagement, employment and student life through all activities.  

RISE To The Top is a Southern Miss collaboration between the Institute for Disability Studies and the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development.

Program Overview

Classes 

  • One class per semester minimum
  • Courses may be taken for a grade or audited, but a minimum of two courses (4-6 hours total) should be taken for a grade
  • Required to take UNV 110, University Studies, and complete a practicum during last semester of program; rest of class selections are based on students’ interests
  • Person-centered planning to develop individualized schedules
  • Student Accessibility Services enrollment

Community Service

  • 10 hours of community service each year (aim to do MORE!)

Campus Involvement

  • One extracurricular activity recommended
    • Over 220 USM student organizations
    • STEP UP to Leadership Council and Special Olympics College Southern Miss are both IDS related
    • Social Events hosted by Aspiring Special Educators Network (ASPEN)
  • On-campus housing available

Sports

  • Fall Semester: Football & Basketball and Spring Semester: Baseball & Softball
  • Sporting events free for students – show student ID & ticket at entrance of student section; must claim Southern Miss student tickets online.
  • Student extra tickets for family and friends – up to 2 guest tickets can be purchased for $20 each at Pat Ferlise Center or by visiting southernmiss.com (sit in student section)
  • Student Eagle Club for $20/year.

Student Partner Check Ins

  • Student Partners: Weekly basis for at least 1 hour a week
  • Social Student Partners: Biweekly basis to do a social activity together
  • Support in social, independent living and academic situations

Internships

  • 5 or more internship experiences beginning sophomore year
  • Internship readiness activities first year
JazmynRISE student Jazmyn participates in the legendary freshman Painting of the Eagle Walk.
TaylorRISE student Taylor and Student Partner B take a selfie.
NathanRISE alumni Nathan and Student Partner Kayiana take a selfie.
AspenAspiring Special Educators Network (ASPEN) and RISE students enjoying Southern Miss time.

Admissions

Thank you for your interest in applying to the RISE To The Top! Southern Miss program.  Applications open each fall and students are encouraged to start getting prepared to apply by end of their senior year or the month of May for anyone else.

The Fall 2026 application will open on September 15, 2025.

  • Early Consideration Deadline: December 1, 2025
  • Regular Consideration Deadline: January 15, 2026

Apply Now

(available on September 15, 2015)

ReaganRISE alumni Reagan wearing her cap and gown as she was one of RISE's two pilot program graduates.
2028RISE Students Class of 2028 stand in front of Lofty Return stature

Staff

Danielle Mullins

Danielle%20Mullins

Executive Coordinator For Programming

Laura Malone

Laura%20Malone

Executive Coordinator for Academics

Aysha Robertson

Aysha%20Robertson

Programming Specialist   

Danielle Mullins

MaryAnn%20Anthony

Alumni Specialist

Danielle Mullins

Dr.%20Jerry%20R.%20Alliston

Director

Danielle Mullins

Dr.%20Ann%20Marie%20Kinnell

Director

RISE Staff

RISE staff Laura, Danielle and Jerry take a selfie with IDS colleague Scott and RISE student Taylor.

RISE Staff

RISE staff Danielle, Jerry and Aysha take a selfie while attending the 2025 SEPSEA Conference.

Contact Us

Give Us a Call

Phone: 601.266.4676

Email Us

riseFREEgroups.Mississippi

Mail Us a Letter

118 College Drive #5163
Hattiesburg, MS  39406

RISE Logo
Institute for Disability Studies
Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development
RISE Logo

 

College of Arts and Sciences

Contact Us

School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development

110 Elizabeth Harkins Hall (EHH)
118 College Dr. #5112
Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Campus

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Email
bisFREEMississippi

Phone
601.266.4317

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