Navigating the University of Mississippi Campus: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, boasts a sprawling and beautiful campus encompassing over 3,400 acres with more than 200 buildings. Consistently ranked among the most beautiful campuses in the country, Ole Miss can be a bit overwhelming to navigate for new students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This guide aims to provide comprehensive information and resources to help you find your way around the Oxford campus and the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) campus in Jackson.

I. Getting Around the Ole Miss Oxford Campus

A. Interactive Campus Map

The most essential tool for navigating the Ole Miss campus is the interactive campus map. This map allows you to search for specific buildings, parking locations, and other points of interest. It's an invaluable resource for planning your route and ensuring you arrive at your destination on time.

B. Oxford-University Transit (OUT)

The Oxford-University Transit (OUT) system provides free public transportation to all riders, serving both the city of Oxford and the University of Mississippi campus. This is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around campus and the surrounding areas.

C. On-Campus Transportation Options

In addition to the OUT system, Ole Miss offers various other transportation options, including shuttles and bike routes. These options are particularly useful for reaching the South Oxford Campus or for those who prefer to cycle around campus.

II. Resources for Parents

The University of Mississippi provides several resources specifically for parents, ensuring they have the information they need to support their students. These resources can help parents navigate campus services and stay informed about university events.

III. Dining on the Ole Miss Campus

A. Dining Locations

Ole Miss offers a wide variety of dining options across campus, including restaurants, food courts, and coffee shops. Whether you're looking for a healthy lunch, a quick snack, or a place to relax with a coffee, you'll find plenty of choices to suit your taste and schedule.

B. Faculty/Staff Meal Plans

For faculty and staff, Ole Miss offers flexible meal plans designed to fit busy schedules. These plans often include easy payroll deduction, making it convenient to stay within your budget while enjoying the diverse culinary offerings on campus.

IV. Recreation and Fitness

Staying active is easy at Ole Miss, with several fitness options available to faculty and staff on and near campus. These facilities and programs provide opportunities for exercise, recreation, and overall well-being.

V. Navigating the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Campus in Jackson

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson is a large complex comprised of numerous buildings, clinics, and parking areas. Navigating this campus requires careful attention to directions and parking regulations. The primary address for many UMMC facilities is 2500 N. State St.

A. Directions from I-55

A common route to UMMC involves taking I-55 to the Woodrow Wilson exit (98A). After exiting, turn RIGHT at the second intersection, which is directly after the VA Entrance. This starting point is crucial for accessing various UMMC facilities.

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B. Accessing Children's of Mississippi Hospital - Sanderson Tower

To reach the new Children's of Mississippi Hospital - Sanderson Tower, take I-55 to the Woodrow Wilson exit (98A) and turn RIGHT at the second intersection (directly after the VA Entrance). Then, take an immediate RIGHT onto South University Drive and follow the signs directing you to Children's Parking Garage C. Patients enter through the Sanderson Tower entrance and check in on the first floor using the Kiosk or centralized registration desks. After registering, patients receive stickers and a patient ID band for access to the main elevators.

Alternatively, for some clinics within the Sanderson Tower, after turning right onto South University Drive, patients proceed to the Sanderson Tower lobby to sign in and receive a wristband, patient pass, and directions to the clinic on Level 2.

C. Accessing the Children's of Mississippi Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders

The Children's of Mississippi Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders is located inside Batson Tower. From North State Street, turn onto campus at the stoplight at University Drive (across from Back Yard Burgers). Turn left at the next stop sign, and Garage B will be on your right.

D. Directions to the Children's Safe Center at the Jackson Medical Mall

To reach the Children’s Safe Center at the Jackson Medical Mall from North State Street in Jackson, MS: Turn LEFT on Woodrow Wilson, travel over the railroad overpass. Turn RIGHT on Bailey Avenue. Enter the Medical Mall at the guard gate. Turn RIGHT at the stop sign. Travel to the very end of the building (northeast corner of the Jackson Medical Mall). The address is 350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.

E. Parking at UMMC

Parking at UMMC is available in various garages and lots, each with specific regulations:

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Garage A: Accessible from North State Street by turning onto campus at the stoplight at University Drive (across from Back Yard Burgers) and turning left. Garage A is on the right at the stop sign. Alternatively, from North State Street, enter the UMMC campus at the main intersection in front of University Hospital. Turn LEFT onto West University Drive and enter Garage A on the RIGHT.
Garage B: From North State Street, enter the UMMC campus at the main intersection in front of University Hospital. Take the 1st RIGHT onto West University Drive. At the stop sign, turn LEFT to continue on West University Drive. Enter Garage B on the RIGHT. Alternatively, from North State Street, turn onto campus from the stoplight at University Drive (across from Back Yard Burgers). Turn right on University Drive. Turn left at the next stop sign, and Garage B will be on your right.
Garage C: Accessed by taking I-55 to the Woodrow Wilson exit (98A). Turn RIGHT at the second intersection (directly after the VA Entrance). Take an immediate RIGHT on South University Drive then follow the signs.
Garage D: From Lakeland Drive, enter the UMMC campus via the East University Drive Entrance. Continue south on East University Drive, going straight through the four-way stop. Enter Garage D at the Patient Entrance on the RIGHT.
Lot P: From Lakeland Drive, enter the UMMC campus via East University Drive. Travel south on East University Drive, continuing straight through the four-way stop and past Garage D. Enter Lot P on the RIGHT for easy access to the Pavilion.
Veterans Stadium Lots: Parking for students, staff, and faculty is available at the Veterans Stadium lots. Free parking is also available at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium on North State Street across from the main hospital. A bus service runs approximately every 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic, weather, and construction.
Pavilion Parking: From I-55, take Lakeland Dr. Turn Left on East University Dr. Parking is available outside the Pavilion. Valet parking attendants are stationed at the entrance to the Pavilion.
Limited Parking Areas: Limited parking is available near certain facilities. General parking can be found at various locations on campus and at the Veterans Stadium parking lot.

F. Shuttle Service

A shuttle service connects the Veterans Stadium parking lot with various locations on campus. The shuttles follow a circular route, stopping near hospital buildings and other key locations. However, shuttle service is not available on weekends or UMMC holidays.

G. Specific Location Directions

American Cancer Society Gertrude C. Ford Hope Lodge: Located at 2615 N. State St.
Blood Donation Center: Located inside the UMMC Cafeteria at 2500 N. State St.
Children’s of Mississippi Hospital - Blair E. Batson: Located at 2500 N. State St.
Community Students: Located in Room 13 on the second floor of Apartment Bld at 2500 N. State St.
Subway: Located within University Hospital. Enter University Hospital and follow directions to the central elevators. Subway is at the end of a hallway near the main UMMC cafeteria at 2500 N. State St.
Student Employee Health: From the front doors of University Hospital, follow the long hallway to the left. After the Central Business Office, take the first hallway on the left where Student Employee Health is the second door on the right, room N136 at 2500 N. State St.

H. Directions from Lakeland Drive

Several routes to UMMC facilities originate from Lakeland Drive:

Enter the UMMC campus via the East University Drive Entrance.
Take the 2nd RIGHT onto Central University Drive.
Take the 1st RIGHT onto North University Drive. Parking Lot D will be on the LEFT, in front of the School of Pharmacy.

I. Ronald McDonald House

To reach the Ronald McDonald House, turn into the UMMC campus at the stoplight (across from Back Yard Burgers). Follow University Drive to the left. Turn left at the first stop sight (Garage A will be on your right). A barrier gate marks the entrance to the Ronald McDonald House; a combination is required to raise the gate. The address is 2524 N. State St.

J. School of Health Related Professions

The School of Health Related Professions is located at the corner of Lakeland Drive and Peachtree Street. From State Street, veer right onto Old Canton Road. Turn right on Lakeland, and then right at Peachtree. A toll-based parking lot is adjacent to SHRP.

VI. General Tips for Navigating UMMC

Plan Ahead: Before your visit, consult the interactive maps and directions provided to determine the best route and parking location.
Allow Extra Time: The UMMC campus can be busy, so allow extra time for traffic and parking.
Utilize Shuttle Service: If parking at the Veterans Stadium, take advantage of the free shuttle service to reach your destination.
Contact Information: If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, contact the relevant department at the phone number listed.

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