Office of Student Outreach and Support

Our Mission and Purpose

Our office serves as a liaison between students, parents and family, faculty and other university departments collaborating for student success.

We are a point of contact for parents and families to communicate their student’s extenuating circumstances and present concerns relative to their student’s personal wellness and academic success.  

Students, Parents, and Family receive each of the following:  

• Information about student rights, responsibilities and appeals processes
• Best practices for communicating with faculty and other university departments
• Guidance to facilitate navigating university policies and procedures to resolve issues that impact academic progression
• Referrals to other campus resources  appropriate for addressing student concerns and promoting student success
• Advice regarding next steps and appropriate documentation for withdrawals (medical, administrative, late-term, etc.)

Students need to attend every class session. We recognize that situations can arise affecting class attendance or submission of an assignment by its due date. It is the student's responsibility to provide an explanation to the course instructor relative to an absence(s). Course instructors state attendance policies and course requirements on the course syllabus. Course instructors (at their discretion) determine whether they will excuse an absence, allow make-up work, change grades or reschedule an exam.

If your course instructor requires documentation to substantiate your situation, complete a Request for Academic Notification.      

CONTACT INFO:

To obtain information, or discuss an issue affecting your progression at Southern Miss, contact us using the campus-specific information listed below. 

HATTIESBURG CAMPUS:

Delores McNair, Assistant Dean of Students for Student Outreach and Support
118 College Drive #5204
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
Office Location: R.C. Cook University Union - Room 221
Phone: 601.266.4025     
E-mail:  ososFREEMississippi or delores.mcnairFREEMississippi

GULF PARK CAMPUS:

Joely Sellers, Associate Director of Advisement and Retention 
730 East Beach Blvd.
Long Beach, MS 39560
Office Location: Hardy Hall Room 231
Phone: 228.214.3334
Email: gulfparkadvisingcenterFREEMississippi or joely.sellersFREEMississippi