University of Southern Mississippi

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Institution type	Public

About University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi opened its doors as a small teachers’ college. Today, the University has grown into a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven institution with a proud history and an eye on the future.

Not only is Southern Miss a heaven for the arts, but the University maintains a tradition of success in both academics and athletics offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 180 programs through six degree-granting colleges. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi and Online at Southern Miss.

The Southern Miss’ main campus is a place where learning, research and social engagement take place and the campus provides indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. The campus master plan provides a guide for enhancing the pedestrian experience, preserving historic buildings and providing open spaces. And sustainable practices are incorporated into the construction of new buildings to conserve energy while moving the campus toward the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050.

The University of Southern Mississippi has a vision and aspiration to be a model student-centered public research university that prepares students to thrive in a global society by providing high quality programs and transformative experiences in a community distinguished by inclusiveness.

Campus information

The original campus plan is the work of architect R.H. Hunt of Chattanooga, Tenn., whose design laid out a grand vision for the college. His work is still visible throughout the historic core of campus that encompasses the five original buildings erected for its opening on Sept. 18, 1912.

College Hall, Forrest County Hall, Hattiesburg Hall, the Honor House and the Ogletree Alumni House still stand today as testament to the institution’s legacy and unique campus identity. Besides, the Thad Cochran Center and Union Complex form the hub of student life, housing the main dining facility on campus as well as the university bookstore. The renovation of the old power plant into the Power House Restaurant provides a unique venue with outdoor seating across from Cook Library, where students enjoy a Starbucks coffee shop and lounge area. Adjacent is the Centennial Lawn, an open space where all can enjoy studying or just relaxing.

Southern Miss’ main campus sits on 300 acres in the heart of Hattiesburg. More than 180 buildings dot a landscape that has been transformed into a pedestrian-friendly environment for students, employees and visitors.

From the minute you step onto campus via the Centennial Gateway, there’s a sense of place characterized by history and tradition. From the rustic, industrial feel of the Power House Restaurant to the ultra-modern Trent Lott Center, the campus has a character and charm all its own in the heart of an urban setting.

Accommodation

The Department of Residence Life at Southern Miss offers a safe place for students to live, while making the most of their social and academic lives. With 24 residence halls housing more than 3,000 students, living on campus is convenient and is a great way to get involved.

All residence halls offer controlled card access entry, 24-hour front desk assistants and hall staff on each floor. In addition, University police officers assist with desk operations on a nightly basis and patrol the exterior and interior of the halls.
The Residence Hall Association (RHA) organizes many fun activities to help build relationships and memories that will last a lifetime!
Living on campus means being at the center of classes, student activities and more!
When you live in a residence hall, there’s always a friendly face one door down.
Students who live on campus show a higher scholastic performance and are more likely to graduate than those who live off campus.
The Residence Life staff encourages high academic success by offering programs that help students with study skills, as well as providing them with quiet study lounges. We also provide FREE tutoring in the halls for general courses.

Residence Halls