Unlocking Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide to USM Alumni Association Benefits
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Alumni Association serves as a vital link connecting graduates to their alma mater and to each other. Established in 1917, the association has evolved from a placement service to a dynamic network offering a wide array of benefits and engagement opportunities for its members. With a focus on fostering a lifelong connection, the USM Alumni Association provides avenues for professional development, personal enrichment, and continued involvement with the university community. This article explores the diverse benefits available to Southern Miss alumni, highlighting how these resources can enhance their lives and careers.
Connecting and Engaging with the Golden Eagle Network
Southern Miss alumni can connect with fellow Golden Eagles through local geographic groups known as Alumni HUBs. USM Alumni Engagement provides valuable and meaningful engagement opportunities for 60,000+ USM alumni. The Alumni Association was established in 1917 as an organization mainly involved in functions relating to placement service, until 1946 when the executive committee recognized the need for a working Alumni Association with organized alumni groups. Southern Miss alumni are encouraged to become active in the Alumni Association through membership in the organization and participation in events and service opportunities available exclusively to alumni of the institution.
Staying Informed and Connected
One of the key benefits of joining the Alumni Association is receiving a subscription to "The Talon," its quarterly magazine. This publication keeps alumni informed about campus developments, alumni achievements, and upcoming events. Staying connected with the university allows alumni to remain a part of the Southern Miss community and celebrate its ongoing success.
Family Benefits and Legacy
The Alumni Association extends benefits to the families of its active members. Children and grandchildren of active members may be eligible for resident tuition rates, making higher education more accessible for future generations of Golden Eagles.
Access to University Resources
Library Privileges
Select University library privileges are extended to Alumni Association members, providing access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. University Libraries provides a dynamic physical and virtual learning environment that supports the intellectual development and creativity of the University community. USM alumni are able to use all three University Libraries and check out books using their Alumni Card. Joseph Anderson Cook Library, Special Collections, the Gulf Coast Library and the Gunter Library at the Gulf Coast Research Lab offer services that meet information needs and support the research, teaching, learning, and service of the University’s faculty, staff, and students. The Joseph Anderson Cook Library contains the principal holdings of books, journals, microforms, music, media, and other materials, which support the research and instructional programs of the University. Cook Library has five floors of book stacks, study areas, and computers. Access is provided to countless books and journals and other resources in print and electronic format. Special Collections offer a variety of historical resources ranging from fifteenth-century illuminated manuscripts to Civil War letters, Civil Rights documents and current Mississippiana. The University of Southern Mississippi’s Special Collections are located in the William David McCain Library, built in 1976. Four units comprise Special Collections: University Archives; Rare Books and Mississippiana; Historical Manuscripts; and the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection. Research services are directed from the Cleanth Brooks Reading Room and are available to the public and University community. The Gulf Coast Library, located on the Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach, has print and non-print materials that support the research and curriculum needs of the students, faculty, and staff. All of the University Libraries’ electronic holdings are accessible to the students on the Gulf Coast, and materials are available for campus-to-campus loan. The Gunter Library, located in the Richard L. Caylor Building, at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) in Ocean Springs provides technical information for the research staff, resident faculty, and students. Please note that at this time, alumni do not have access to student databases.
Read also: Vanderbilt University Alumni
Digital Resources
The Aquila Digital Community is an open access digital repository containing all of the scholarly works created by The University of Southern Mississippi faculty, staff, and students. Aquila also hosts digital journals and newsletters published by the University, as well as information and resources from events hosted by the University. Hosted and managed by University Libraries, The Mississippi Digital Library (MDL) is the collaborative digital library program for the state that provides online access to primary source materials held by repositories in the state of Mississippi. MDL includes materials covering a wide range of subject areas, with contributions from museums, public libraries, historical societies and other cultural institutions throughout the entire state. MDL’s collections represent more than 150 years of history and culture from Mississippi’s Delta to the Gulf Coast.
Campus Access
Your alumni card is your passport to campus. Use it for access to the university arts, and theatre events, all at discounted rates for alumni. It also allows you access to the library and gym discounts. Visit one of the the following Campus Card Office locations to obtain your card. You will need to visit in person and provide your driver’s license.
Wireless Access
Reconnect on campus! The University of Southern Mississippi offers students, faculty, staff and guests access to wireless services.
Exclusive Events and Perks
Alumni Association members receive complimentary admission to the Association’s Eagle Landing pre-game events, providing a festive atmosphere to connect with fellow fans before cheering on the Golden Eagles. They also enjoy exclusive early access to other special events, ensuring they don't miss out on important university gatherings. Vehicle decals are another perk of membership, allowing alumni to proudly display their Southern Miss pride.
Career Development and Professional Growth
We understand that finding mentors and networking opportunities matters for career growth. Learn about the comprehensive career development services and resources available to alumni through USM’s Career & Employment Hub. The Center for Student Success at Southern Miss assists students and families with their transition into the university community and supports students on their journey to graduation. Through high-impact practices and intentional programs, we facilitate the holistic development of academic and personal identity.
Read also: Supporting South High Students
Further Education and Enrichment
Graduate Studies
You might not need to leave USM to get a great graduate degree.
Professional and Continuing Education
Your need for education doesn’t stop when you receive your diploma. That’s why we offer discounts on continuing and professional education and free tuition for senior citizens. If you need continuing education credits or support with professional development, start with USM.
Requesting Transcripts
Are you looking for your transcript to support a job or new degree application?
Discounts and Special Offers
Arts and Entertainment
Rejuvenate with an alumni discount to USM’s varied art, music, and theatre events across all three campuses! Discounted Admission to USM Music, Theatre, and Art Events.
Fitness and Recreation
USM alumni and their immediate family members are eligible for discounted memberships at the Portland and Gorham campus fitness facilities. Alumni are also welcome to participate in any recreational activity or program offered by either center. Rates are very competitive, but are subject to change. Discounted Campus Fitness Center Memberships.
Read also: Explore AUM Alumni Perks
Partner Benefits
Our partners provide generous options to support your financial growth and well-being as you embark on a new career. Partner Benefits.
University Policies and Resources
Technology Access
The university provides Microsoft Office 365 licenses to all current Southern Miss students, faculty, and staff. Microsoft Office is available to all active students for free. In addition to having access to web versions, licensed users will be able to download Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus applications on up to 5 devices (PC, Mac, and/or mobile devices - Android or iOS). After you have established your username and password, you can reset a lost or forgotten password by going to www.usm.edu/itech/campusid.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended deals with one subject only: educational records. The purpose of the law is to define, more precisely than ever has been done, who may or may not see these records. The University of Southern Mississippi may release directory information on students to any interested member of the public unless the student requests in writing that it be withheld. The university has developed and put into writing a policy for handling requests from students and for disclosing personally identifiable information about students. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.
Commitment to a Respectful Environment
The University of Southern Mississippi, in its efforts to foster an environment of respect for the dignity and worth of all members of the university community, is committed to maintaining a work-learning environment free of sexual harassment. It is the policy of the university that no member of its community shall sexually harass another. Any employee or student who violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action, including termination.
Accessibility and Accommodations
The University of Southern Mississippi complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. No otherwise qualified individual with a disability or qualifying condition, solely on the basis on their disability or qualifying condition, will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in the administration of any educational program or activity, including admission or access thereto or in treatment or employment therein by the University of Southern Mississippi. All reasonable accommodations must be approved through Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for students, or the Human Resources director for faculty/staff. Students who need assistance in reasonably accommodating a disability or qualifying condition in the classroom or on campus should contact SAS at 601.266.5024 (Hattiesburg) or 228.214.3302 (Gulf Park); faculty and staff should contact the director of Human Resources at 601.266.4050.
University Press
The University Press of Mississippi was founded in 1970 to encourage the dissemination of the fruit of research and study through the publication of scholarly works. The University Press publishes more than 50 books each year.
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