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University of Southern Mississippi

Undergraduate School

Mailing Address
118 College Dr
Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406
Phone
(601) 266-1000
School Information
"The University of Southern Mississippi is a community of engaged citizens, operating as a public, student-centered, doctoral-granting research university serving Mississippi, the nation, and the world. The University is dedicated to scholarship and learning, integrating students at all levels in the creation and application of knowledge through excellence in teaching, research, creative activities, outreach, and service. The University nurtures student success by providing distinctive and competitive educational programs embedded in a welcoming environment, preparing a diverse student population to embark on meaningful life endeavors." The university enrolls over 14,600 students, employs over 800 faculty, and offers 189 academic programs. (Source: https://www.usm.edu/university/vision-mission-values.php) (Source: https://www.usm.edu/sites/default/files/groups/office-institutional-research/pdf/usm_fact_book_2017-2018_3-6-18.pdf) (Source: http://www.usm.edu/admissions/profile/)
General Information
The University of Southern Mississippi has offered academic resources in anti-racism to its students. The English department offers a course called Critical Race Theory and Literature. No Critical Race Training sessions are yet required of students. See developments below:

Actions Taken

Political Actions and Support for Anti-Racism
  • In June 2020, the Division of Student Affairs published photos of a Black Lives Protest that was organized by USM's Black Student Leaders group.
Program and Research Funding
  • The Freedom50 Research Group at Southern Miss is trying "to reframe the haunting issue of racism, as branded by the state of Mississippi."
  • The Black Studies Minor at USM "reflects the dual focus of the Center for Black Studies, which promotes classroom instruction and service-learning opportunities that increase students’ knowledge and community involvement with a critical awareness of race, systemic racism, and social justice."
  • USM's College of Arts and Sciences hosts the The Louis Stokes Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation program which is a "multidisciplinary, comprehensive, undergraduate program intended to increase the quantity and quality of underrepresented minority students completing baccalaureate degrees and pursuing graduate degrees in the STEM disciplines."
  • On October 5, 2022, USM News highlighted the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students program which has a chapter at USM and is a "national organization with the mission of increasing the pipeline of minorities in all health professions."
Resources
  • The university provides D&I resources and an anti-racist library guide.
  • The library has an extensive guide to anti-racist resources, including books and TED Talks.
  • USM provided resources specifically for "allyship" and student organizations (and especially Greek life).
  • The Center for Black Studies at USM sponsor "programs featuring scholars, creative artists, and community activists as guest lecturers on wide-ranging topics relevant to the study of Black people and race relations in general." Additionally the center has co-sponsored "online panel discussions to bolster social justice activism on campus, in the wider Hattiesburg community and throughout the state."
  • The Office of Diversity and Inclusion provides a variety of resources that "discuss anti-racism, diversity, social justice, inclusion, civil rights, and more!"
  • USM's Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement "aims to help underserved students as they transition to and through life at Southern Miss!"
  • USM's "Hiring Toolkit for Staff Positions" includes a section on implicit bias which defines the term in part as follows: "Also known as implicit social cognition, implicit bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner."
  • USM provides anti-racist resources for its student organizations and states the following: "We must all work together to combat racism on our campus and in our communities. This resource is designed to give you practical information and tangible steps towards action in your student organizations."
Last updated February 21st, 2024
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