Student Resources and FAQs

Changing your major and adding or dropping a minor or certificate can now be done online through your SOAR account!

Instructions

Contacts

• Morgan Lawrence, Academic Advisor, morgan.m.lawrenceFREEMississippi
• Lisa Rieger, Exploratory Studies/Undecided and Complete 2 Compete Advisor, Lisa.RiegerFREEMississippi

The academic catalog management system (Acalog™) contains a number of features to assist you, including advanced search options, intuitive navigation, and a personal portfolio to store favorite programs and courses. Access the bulletin.

The university expects all students, regardless of whether they are enrolled part-time or full-time, to meet certain academic standards. Students must assume personal responsibility for their own intellectual growth and personal development and should take advantage of the opportunities for academic support that the university provides.

An undergraduate student will be allowed to continue in the university as long as their cumulative grade point average (GPA) is at least 2.00. This is the minimum required cumulative GPA at the university for all students regardless of class standing or how many hours the student has attempted. A higher minimum GPA is sometimes specified by specific programs within the university. In such cases, students must adhere to the more stringent requirements as long as they are in those programs.

If an undergraduate student’s cumulative GPA is under 2,0 at the end of the term, they will need to take action (described below) to have their academic hold cleared to return to following semester. 

Academic Probation

After the first semester that a student does not attain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00, they are placed on academic probation at the end of the term. The student is required to complete the Academic Success Plan program, a short non-credit course in Canvas. After successful completion of the Canvas course (which typically takes 1-2 hours) and advisement by their academic advisor, the student may register for the next term.

Academic Probation Continued

While on academic probation, if a student’s cumulative GPA is lower than 2.0 at the end of the term, they will be placed on academic probation continued. The student stays on academic probation continued as long as they earn a term GPA of at least a 2.00.

Academic Suspension

While on academic probation continued, if a student does not attain a term GPA of at least 2.00 at the end of term, they will be placed on suspension. Suspension from the university must be for at least one fall or spring term. Summer terms will not count toward required minimum suspension time.

Academic Standards and Next Steps 

In order to prepare for graduation and your commencement ceremony, USM provides helpful information to assist the completion of this process. Be sure to follow and complete all applicable tasks on the Pre-Graduation page. Visit the Commencement and Graduation Information website for the details.

Student Help
This website is a collaboration among offices all over the Southern Miss campus who are dedicated to helping students make the most of their college experience. Our goal is healthy, happy students who have the resources they need to be successful.

Campus Resources
Find a list of common areas in which you may need help and the offices which are best suited to provide assistance in these areas. If you don’t see the issue you need help with, contact The Center for Student Success for guidance.

Student Resources
The Center for Student Success office put together a list of resources to help students adjust to life at Southern Miss, to support academic and personal growth from the first day through graduation day, and to assist students in making the most of their time at the university.