Student Success
Spark Sophomore Program
What Is Spark?
Spark is a program just for sophomores at Southern Miss, designed to help tackle the “sophomore slump.” Instead of your feeling stuck, lost or confused during your time at USM, we want to help you thrive! Participating in Spark can ease the transition from freshman to sophomore to junior year by encouraging students to make the most of their second year.
Who Can Participate?
Any sophomore student can participate just by attending events on campus! These events will help you gain direction for your future; make a connection to Southern Miss, your peers and the community; and gain awareness about your own strengths and skills. Our goal is to assist you in becoming a more involved and informed student, so you’ll feel confident and prepared to enter your last two years of college.
To complete the Spark program you must be a sophomore, or second year college student. (If you started college in Fall 2021, this program is for you)!
What Is Required (and What Do You Get)?
Simply attend at least one event from each of the following 4 categories, and be sure to track your progress. Once you’ve attended an event from each of the four categories, complete the Spark audit form. At the end of the semester, we’ll confirm your participation and award you with a $200 textbook scholarship to be used on textbooks from Barnes and Noble the following semester.
All event attendance will be tracked and verified. Don’t forget to check in at each event in order to receive credit.
Spring 2023 Events
*More events may be added at a later date! Continue to check the calendar throughout the Spring 2023 semester.
Academic Success |
Thursday, February 2
|
Study Abroad Info SessionCome learn more about the opportunities available to study abroad and broaden your academic horizons. We'll hear from the Office of Study Abroad about how to plan and trip and apply! |
Thad Cochran Center 214 |
| Wednesday, February 15 Time: 4 p.m. |
Library Escape RoomGet familiar with everything you need to know about the USM library in this escape room experience! No need to come with a team, we'll pair you into groups upon arrival. Pizza is provided and prizes are up for grabs to the winning groups! |
Cook Library 206ZSign up in advance by clicking here. |
Tuesday, March 29
|
Getting Back on TrackJoin the Center for Student Success in learning about the best ways to get yourself back on track with your routine and how to make the most of your academic resources. |
Union Room G |
Ongoing on your own time in the Spring '23 semester, deadline is 4/28/23 |
Complete an appointment with The Center for Student SuccessStruggling with time management or study skills? Visit our website and make and appointment with one of our staff members for one-on-one assistance. |
Cook Library |
Ongoing on your own time in the Spring '23 semester, deadline is 4/21/23 |
Complete an appointment with the Writing or Speaking CenterThe Writing and Speaking Centers are a free, valuable resource for all students, be sure to take advantage of their services. |
Cook Library |
Career Focus |
Thursday, March 2
|
Career and Internship FairMeet and network with employers to find internships and career opportunities.To see what employers will be in attendance, visit Handshake. |
Thad Cochran Center |
Tuesday, March 28
|
Dinner with a Dozen EaglesDinner with a Dozen Eagles is a networking dinner for students to meet and interact with 12 Southern Miss graduates from 12 different fields. Dinner is required and registration is required. Student Alumni Association (SAA) members can attend for free, and non-SAA members can attend for $10 that includes a semseter long membership in SAA. |
The Ogletree Alumni House
|
Wednesday, April 5Time: 4 p.m . |
Professional Promise WorkshopMake the most of your interactions with faculty and future employers by implementing helpful professional tips. |
Thad Cochran Center 216 |
Ongoing on your own time in the Spring '23 semester, deadline is 4/21/23 |
Complete a Resume ReviewDo you need help with your resume? Visit career services and meet with a career counselor to get real time feedback on how to make your resume stand out. Visit USM Career Services website for more information. |
Career ServicesMcLemore Hall first floor |
Ongoing on your own time in the Spring '23 semester, deadline is 4/21/23 |
Join Southern Miss ConnectionsSouthern Miss Connections is an online mentoring platform designed to connect students to successful alumni across the country. Create an account using your USM login credentials and reach out to connect to at least two alumni through the platform. Then send screenshots of the outreach to Lauren Bridges at L.BridgesFREEMississippi. |
Southern Miss Connections Website |
Leadership |
Wednesday, February 15
|
Student Involvement FairInterested in getting involved, but don’t know where to start? Come find your match at the student organization involvement fair! Visit usm.edu/LSI for more information. Be sure to check in at the LSI table for Spark credit! |
Thad Cochran Center 2nd Floor |
Friday, February 24
|
Student Leadership SummitApply to attend the Student Leadership Summit and learn more about about leadership tips and tricks to improve your skills! Apply by clicking here. |
Trent Lott Center |
Friday, March 10
|
Allies TrainingThe Southern Miss ALLIES is a network of faculty, staff and students willing to be visibly supportive and affirming of Southern Miss students who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. ALLIES seek to foster a campus climate in which community members, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression may feel safe, supported and respected. Sign up to attend an Allies Training by clicking here. |
Prism Hub 103 |
Ongoing during the Spring '23 semester, deadline is 4/21/23 |
Complete a meeting with a Student Involvement AmbassadorMeet with an involvement ambassador and find your perfect fit for a student organization! To set an appointment, click here. |
LSI Office |
Social Success |
Thursday, February 96-9 p.m. |
SMAC Scavenger HuntJoin SMAC for a search around campus and meet other USM students, too! |
Reed Green Coliseum |
Thursday, March 30
|
Southern Miss Founders' DayJoin Southern Miss faculty and staff for the Founders' Day Celebration Reception following the Student Awards Ceremony at 3 p.m. Snap a picture on the lawn or with the Founders' Day signs and post to social media using the hashtag #USMfoundersday. |
Bennett Auditorium
|
Wednesday, April 57-9 p.m. |
SMAC Karaoke NightShow off your skills and have fun with friends at SMAC’s open karaoke night at The Powerhouse! |
The Powerhouse |
Thursday, April 273-5 p.m. |
Halfway There CelebrationCome celebrate being halfway through with your college career at a party just for sophomores! |
Cook Library |
Ongoing on your own time in the Spring '23 semester, deadline is 4/28/23 |
Southern Miss Eagle SpiritAttend at least one Southern Miss Athletics fall sporting event, take a picture of yourself at the game, and post it to Instagram using the hashtag #SouthernMissSpark.*Note: We will only be able to see your photo if your profile is set to public or if you are being followed by the @USM_success Instagram account. Follow us, and we'll follow back! |
Social Media |
Verifying Your Participation
Once you have completed the requirements of the Spark program, you must complete the Spark audit form. The Center for Student Success will verify your attendance and eligibility for the textbook stipend only after you have completed this form. All spring forms are due on Friday, May 5.
Spark audit forms will be reviewed the week after Spring 2023 exams and you will be notified of your Spark status before you return to classes in August 2023. Scholarships will be awarded and loaded on to your student account by the first day of spring classes to use toward textbooks purchased for Fall 2023 classes.
The textbook scholarship is only redeemable at Barnes and Noble on the Southern Miss campus and you must be signed up for the Eagle Direct textbook program.
 |
|
