University of Southern Mississippi - Campus and Student Life

Campus and Student Life

Semesters at the university run from August to December and January to May, with a 10-week summer session. There are also two four-week accelerated summer terms.

In Fall 2006, The University of Southern Mississippi dedicated a 4-story, multi-million dollar addition to its R.C. Cook University Union. The Thad Cochran Center is now home to a 2-story Barnes & Noble Bookstore (proclaimed to be the largest college bookstore in the Southeastern U.S.), three ballrooms, a stadium-style theater (currently unfinished), student organization offices, and Southern Miss Dining and Fresh Food Company. There are also several meeting rooms held within the union complex. The Union and Programs team hosts more than a thousand events each year.

At nearly 300, Southern Miss' student organizations appeal to a wide spectrum of interests and are categorized under the following areas: Business, Education and Psychology, the Arts, Games and Athletics, Graduate Studies, Greek Life, Health and Human Sciences, Honors Societies, Liberal Arts, the Military, Religious Life, Residence Halls, Community Service, and Science and Technology. The largest organizations based on student membership include the: Student Government Association, African-American Student Organization, Southern Miss Activities Council, The Legacy Student Alumni Association, and Baptist Student Union.