Orientation in Hattiesburg
Orientation in Hattiesburg
We are excited to welcome you as you start your journey at Southern Miss! New Student Orientation, Golden Eagle Welcome Week (GEWW), and UNV 100 work together to introduce new students to the people, offices, and resources that will make them Ready for Life at Southern Miss and beyond.
New Student Orientation
Orientation Registration for Summer and Fall 2024 is now open! Check your email and Orientation and Transition Programs social media for more information.
Please note: You must set up your SOAR account to register and temporarily disable any pop-up blockers on your browser before registering. You must also submit documentation of two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions below if you need to complete a medical or religious exemption.
Golden Eagle Welcome Week
Before the fall semester begins, new students will participate in Golden Eagle Welcome Week (GEWW). They will get to know their campus, meet new friends, and participate in exciting campus traditions.
UNV 100
UNV 100 is a required course for all new degree-seeking students. This course is a supplement to in-person Orientation. The curriculum is designed to provide academic and campus resources during pertinent times throughout a new student's first semester.
2024 Hattiesburg Orientation Dates
Note: Dates are subject to change.
Freshman Orientation
- May 23 - 24 (Scholarship Orientation, Invitation Only: Honors College, Luckyday, Joe Paul Leadership Scholars, and Academic Excellence Scholarships)
- June 6 - 7
- June 17 - 18
- June 20 - 21
- June 27 - 28
- July 18 - 19
Transfer Orientation
- May 20
- June 14
- July 12
- July 22
Orientation Schedule
Orientation schedules are subject to change.
Day 1 | |
10:30 - 11:30 am | Check-In |
11:45 am - 12:15 pm | Welcome to Southern Miss! |
12:30 - 1:30 pm | Lunch & Information Fair |
1:30 - 3:30 pm | Orientation Programming |
3:30 - 5:00 pm | Small Group |
5:00 - 8:00 pm | Dinner |
8:00 - 10:00 pm | Eagles After Hours |
Day 2 | |
7:00 - 9:00 am | Breakfast & Residence Hall Check-Out |
9:00 - 11:00 am | Orientation Programming |
11:00 am - 2:00 pm | Lunch & Academic Advising |
2:00 pm | Orientation Check-Out Check-out times may vary by academic program |
Day 1 | |
10:30 - 11:30 am | Check-In |
11:45 am - 12:15 pm | Welcome to Southern Miss! |
12:30 - 1:30 pm | Luncheon |
1:45 - 2:15 pm | Information Fair |
2:30 - 5:00 pm | Orientation Programming |
5:00 - 8:00 pm | Dinner |
Day 2 | |
9:00 - 10:30 am | Orientation Programming |
10:30 am - 12:00 pm | Session Rotations |
12:00 - 12:30 pm | Lunch Break |
12:30 - 2:00 pm | Session Rotations |
2:00 pm | Orientation Check-Out |
9:00 - 10:00 am | Check-In & Information Fair |
10:00 - 10:30 am | Welcome to Southern Miss! |
10:30 am - 12:00 pm | Orientation Programming |
12:00 - 1:00 pm | Lunch & Small Group |
1:00 pm | Academic Advisement |
2:00 pm | Orientation Check-Out Check-out times may vary by academic program |
9:00 - 10:00 am | Check-In & Information Fair |
10:00 - 10:30 am | Welcome to Southern Miss! |
10:30 am - 12:00 pm | Orientation Programming |
12:00 - 1:00 pm | Lunch |
1:00 - 2:00 pm | Orientation Programming |
2:00 pm | Orientation Check-Out |
Orientation Experience Fees
Orientation
Orientation fees are nonrefundable and cover the cost of select meals, a Southern Miss t-shirt, materials, and programming for your Orientation session. Orientation fees for students and parent/family members must be paid upon registering for an Orientation session.
Freshman Fees
$100 per student (includes housing)
$75 per person for parent/family members (does not include housing)
Transfer Fees
$50 per student
$50 per person for parent/family members
UNV 100
UNV 100 is a required course; a separate fee will be billed to the student’s account at the start of the fall semester. A portion of this fee covers GEWW.
Overnight Accommodations
Overnight Accommodations for Freshman and Scholarship Orientation
Campus accommodations are available on the first day of Orientation for students attending Freshman Orientation sessions in May, June, and July.
For Students
The $100 orientation fee includes campus housing. While students are not required to stay on campus during their orientation experience, we highly recommend that students stay overnight on campus, as this will allow them to maximize their orientation experience. The benefits of residing on campus include opportunities to connect with other new students, get better acquainted with the campus, and experience life in a residential hall.
During registration, students may indicate if they plan to stay overnight and if they have a preferred roommate.
For Parents/Families/Support Systems
Our friends from Visit Hattiesburg offer an extensive list of accommodation options throughout the Hattiesburg community. Guests can find off-campus accommodation options by clicking here.
Overnight Campus Housing Amenities
Staying on campus during Freshman Orientation is a comfortable, convenient experience that allows students to become better acquainted with campus. Each room is equipped with a microfridge, private bath, two twin beds and desk. Students should plan to bring their own linens - blanket, pillow, sheets, pillowcase, towels and washcloth. All buildings are equipped with elevators and are ADA compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Orientation is for all new degree-seeking students at Southern Miss. Our goal is to ensure that Orientation provides you with all the information you need before the start of the fall semester.
Yes. Orientation is mandatory for all new degree-seeking students at the Gulf Park and Hattiesburg campuses. You must register for Orientation in order to complete registration for classes.
On your Campus Dashboard in SOAR, click "Admissions" on the left side of the page, then select "Orientation Registration."
Students needing a medical exemption should complete this form and upload it through the same portal listed above.
Please note that medical exemptions must be signed by a physician.
Students needing a religious exemption should complete this form and upload it through the same portal listed above.
Absolutely! We encourage students to bring any member of their support system with them. Some students, however, do come on their own.
#1 Begin checking your USM email account.
#2 Log into your SOAR account and complete your Academic and Financial Agreement to remove the hold on your student account.
#3 Be ready to hear from a Southern Miss representative to discuss your class schedule. They will reach out to you via your USM email account.
You must be admitted to Southern Miss in order to register for Orientation. The Office of Admissions can assist you with getting admitted to Southern Miss prior to registering for Orientation. To contact the Office of Admissions, please email admissions@usm.edu or call 601.266.5000.
Yes, incoming freshmen from the Gulf Park campus must attend orientation on the Hattiesburg campus. This experience will offer you the following:
- Variety of dates throughout the summer months.
- Guest programming that highlights ways your family can support you during your collegiate experience.
- Time to connect with other incoming freshmen.
- Opportunities to become acquainted with the Hattiesburg campus.
- Meet the professional staff who can connect you with resources to help you succeed at Southern Miss!
No. If this applies to you and you have an orientation hold on your SOAR account, please contact the Office of Orientation and Transition Programs at orientation@usm.edu.
Fully online students have the option to attend orientation in person or virtually. Please note that your online degree plan must be listed at the Office of Online Learning in order for Orientation to be optional. You must contact the Office of Online Learning at online@usm.edu or 601.266.5518 if you have questions about your next steps.
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services will assist with your onboarding. You can contact them at 601.266.4841 or e-mail them at intl@usm.edu.
Yes! You will have a conversation with an academic advisor who will assist you in finalizing your class schedule.
All freshmen and transfers will meet with an Academic Advisor to help finalize their class schedule for the fall semester.
UNV 100 is a required 1-hour course for all new students at Southern Miss. The Office of Leadership and Student Involvement will contact all Hattiesburg campus students about this course at the beginning of your starting semester.