Where is The University of Mississippi-DeSoto?
The University of Mississippi-DeSoto in Southaven is located at 5197 W.E. Ross Parkway. For directions and a map, click here.
How many students are enrolled at the UM-DeSoto?
Approximately 800 students are enrolled at The University of Mississippi-DeSoto, including
graduate students.
Where do UM-DeSoto students come from?
Everywhere! However, the majority of UM-DeSoto students generally come from Northwest
Mississippi and the Mid-South community.
Does UM-DeSoto offer day classes?
Yes—and evening, independent and online, and study abroad. Lots of options!
Is the UM-DeSoto on the quarter system or the semester system?
The University of Mississippi-DeSoto observes the same semester system as the main campus at Oxford: two 16-week class sessions per academic year. Three summer sessions and three intersessions are also available. Full-time undergraduate status requires that students take at least 12 hours per semester. At the graduate level, full-time means taking at least 9 hours per semester. Day and night classes are offered.
Do I have to enroll full-time?
No. Students may enroll full-time or part-time in daytime or evening classes. Most evening classes meet one night a week. Students who wish to apply for scholarships should be aware that most academic scholarship awards require full-time status (12 credit hours or more for undergraduates).
Are there residential facilities (dorms) for UM-DeSoto students?
No; however, UM-DeSoto students may rent apartments in several conveniently located apartment complexes near the DeSoto Center.
How much time outside of class is a student expected to spend studying?
Professors generally recommend that the student spend approximately two to three hours of outside study for one hour of class time. This is certainly dependent on the course and the individual student.
Will my diploma say The University of Mississippi on it?
Yes.
All off-campus students must be admitted to The University of Mississippi before they will be allowed to register for courses.
Can I attend The University of Mississippi-DeSoto after graduating from high school?
No, not immediately after high school. You must complete the freshman and sophomore-level classes required for a bachelor’s degree at a community college since The University of Mississippi does not offer freshman or sophomore-level classes on its regional campuses.
How do I apply to The University of Mississippi-DeSoto?
The first step is to complete an application for admission. MS students must also submit a nonrefundable $25 application ($40 for out-of-state students). New nonresident applications received without an application fee will NOT be processed. DO NOT SEND CASH. Make checks payable to The University of Mississippi or pay with debit/credit card online.
Applications may be processed on-line or obtained by calling The University of Mississippi-DeSoto at 662.342.4765. If you prefer, you may pick up an application in the UM offices in the DeSoto Center located at 5197 W.E. Ross Parkway.
Request official transcripts from each college or university attended (to be sent directly to The Office of Admissions, 145 Martindale Student Center, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677). If you are currently enrolled at another institution, follow up with a completed transcript showing final grades.
If your official ACT or SAT scores are not included on your transcript(s), send them to the Office of Admissions.
When should I apply for admission?
Undergraduate students are advised to submit the application for admission and supporting documents at least 20 days prior to the date of registration. However, applicants are advised to submit the application for admission well in advance of the period in which enrollment is sought. In fact, applications are accepted as early as one year prior to the desired enrollment.
Priority application deadlines for all graduate applicants (in the US) are: July 1 (Fall), November 1 (Spring), April 1 (First Summer Term), May 1 (Second Summer Term). Some programs may have earlier deadlines for application.
What are the admission requirements for transfer students?
After completing a minimum of 60 hours of transferable course work (including core requirements listed below) at a regionally accredited community college or other institution of higher learning, students may apply for admission to The University of Mississippi-DeSoto. To be eligible for admission, transfer students should have earned a 2.0 overall grade point average on all courses attempted with the exception of vocational/technical or other courses not acceptable for transfer. Every attempt on repeated courses is counted. Applicants must list all colleges attended on the application for admission, and official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted. (Failure to provide information about prior college attendance is grounds for disciplinary action including immediate dismissal from the University.)
Applicants should contact the academic counselor in the UM-DeSoto main office to determine whether or not the courses taken at the schools from which they are transferring can be used to meet the requirements for a specific major. The last 32 hours of course work to fulfill bachelor’s degree requirements at The University of Mississippi must be completed at UM.
How long does it take to reach an admission decision?
The University admits students on a rolling basis as files become complete. After the Office of Admissions receives your application, an official transcript(s) (sent directly from your school(s) to the Office of Admissions), and your results from the ACT or SAT, a decision is mailed to you in most cases in about three weeks. Processing may be noticeably slower from mid-December through late January when University offices are closed for two weeks and the files of applicants for the Spring semester receive first priority.
What are the requirements for admission to graduate programs?
Typically, students applying to graduate programs should have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, a grade-point average of 2.75 on the last two years of undergraduate work, and a 3.0 on all graduate work already completed (on a 4.0 scale).
The decision to admit an applicant to pursue graduate study at The University of Mississippi is based upon evaluation of both qualitative and quantitative information. All applicants must provide a completed application form, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and records of previous academic achievements. Some degree programs may require additional credentials.
Graduate applications will not be processed without appropriate test scores (i.e., GRE/GMAT/ Praxis/TOEFL). Students may not enroll in 600 level courses unless they are already admitted or currently enrolled in graduate school.
Are there additional admission requirements for international students?
Yes. International applicants may use the standard application and receive additional
information later, or for faster processing, contact the Office of International Programs (ipadmiss@olemiss.edu) and request a special packet that includes complete information
on requirements and the additional forms needed for admission of international students.
Are there any exceptions for admission?
A mature student who has been out of school for at least three years and cannot present an acceptable high school record may apply for admission as a special student. Special students will be admitted under full status after successfully completing at least 12 semester hours at UM with at least a 2.0 GPA. Important Note: Special students are not eligible to receive financial aid while they are classified as such.
If students apply for a certain semester and they don't attend that semester, do they have to reapply?
Yes.
Can I just take a course for personal enrichment if I don=t meet admission requirements?
Please contact the main office at The University of Mississippi-DeSoto at 662.342.4765 to discuss this possibility.
Must I send a transcript from a college where I have only taken one class?
Yes.
When will I be advised?
Upon admission to the University, you should contact the Academic Counselor at 662.342.4765 or southaven@olemiss.edu to set up an appointment time to be advised. Generally, all academic credits from an accredited college are transferable. However, all of your previously earned credits may not satisfy specific requirements for a particular major. The Academic Counselor can answer all questions related to transferability.
Which of my hours from another college will transfer to The University of Mississippi in Tupelo?
All academic hours earned at a regionally accredited institution are acceptable as transfer hours if they are not technical, vocational, or remedial. The academic advisor and/or division chair determines the applicability of hours toward a degree.
Can full-time military personnel transfer hours to UM-DeSoto?
The University of Mississippi offers credit for training and experience in the Armed Services to currently enrolled students. Those wishing to receive this credit must furnish the Office of Admissions with a DD214 (discharge papers), a DD295, or a Certificate of Achievement. The academic advisor and dean will determine applicable credit toward a degree.
Does The University of Mississippi-DeSoto have an orientation program?
Yes, UM-DeSoto has an orientation program. Orientation is a time for you, our incoming transfer and graduate students, to become better acquainted with the Southaven facility and the University. We recognize that you have a college experience behind you and, thus, very specific concerns. Because UM-DeSoto is different from your previous setting, orientation is mandatory.
What happens during orientation?
During orientation students participate in individualized sessions that inform them of all facets of the University. You will have the opportunity to get your parking permit and student identification card; find out about computer and library resources; receive information about billing, deadlines, and campus policies and procedures; meet current students and other incoming students who share similar interests and concerns; and get answers to all of your questions about getting started at The University of Mississippi-DeSoto.
How do I sign up for orientation?
Information is sent to newly admitted students prior to the start of each semester.
| Resident | Nonresident | |
| Undergraduate (per credit hour) | $191.75 | $ 440.25 |
| Undergraduate (three-hour course) | 575.25 | 1,320.75 |
| Graduate (per credit hour) | 255.75 | 587.00 |
| Graduate (three-hour course) | 767.25 | 1,761.00 |
| Late Registration Fee (nonrefundable) | 25.00 | 25.00 |
| Registration fee for enrollment after start of class | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| Administrative fee | 25.00 | 25.00 |
Costs are estimates for the 2006-07 school year.
For more information, go to www.olemiss.edu/depts/financial_aid.
When do I have to pay for tuition and fees?
You will receive a bill as soon as you have registered for classes. Payment options will be included in that mailing from the Bursar.
What is the University’s withdrawal/refund policy?
Students electing to drop and/or add classes, after having been officially enrolled, must come in and complete a DROP-ADD FORM indicating the change to be made. Deadline dates for withdrawals are listed in the academic calendar. LINK: http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/registrar/#acad_cal
Refunds are computed based on the time of official notification of withdrawal on the following schedule. A full refund will be granted if the class is cancelled.
| Withdrawal | Refund Due |
| Before first class meeting | 100% of tuition* |
| Before second class meeting | 60% of tuition |
| Before third class meeting | 20% of tuition |
| After third class meeting | None |
Is financial aid available?
Yes. About 75% of students attending The University of Mississippi receive some form of financial assistance to offset the costs associated with attending college. Available assistance includes need-based and non-need-based scholarships, federal and state grants, low-interest loans, and federal work-study.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Applicants for need-based aid (US citizens or permanent residents only) should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are encouraged to submit a completed FAFSA early in the spring (the recommended priority deadline is February 15). If applying for aid, you should also request a Financial Aid Transcript from all institutions previously attended, whether or not you received financial aid while enrolled.
How do I apply for University scholarships?
To learn how to apply for scholarships at The University of Mississippi-DeSoto, click here.
What about the Phi Theta Kappa scholarship?
Although UM-DeSoto students may be considered for this scholarship, it is awarded by Student Financial Aid on the Oxford campus. To learn more, click here.
Are there opportunities for on-campus jobs?
Yes. Check with the main office on the Southaven campus to discuss employment opportunities.
What are the facilities like at The University of Mississippi-DeSoto?
The University of Mississippi-DeSoto recently underwent a $7.5 million expansion, completing Phase II of the building's original design concept. The new wing is an exact replica of the existing three-story facility on the right side of the DeSoto Center. It houses 30 new offices, over 20 classrooms, and a distance learning quad which includes five surrounding classrooms. The wing is also home to a new biology lab for partner institution Northwest Mississippi Community College.
For more information on UM-DeSoto facilities, click here.
What is the parking situation on campus like?
A closed-circuit TV system provides security for the building as well as the parking area. Handicapped parking is available. All students must register their vehicles and obtain parking permits. These may be purchased during Orientation.
Is there a library on campus?
University of Mississippi students may check out books from the DeSoto Center Library with a
valid photo I.D. The UM-DeSoto office provides a verified list of currently enrolled students to the
Northwest Mississippi Community College librarian. DeSoto Center library hours are Monday-
Thursday 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon. An
ERIC and on-line computers are available in the DeSoto Center library for student use. Business
Source computers supported with CD-ROMs are available for research in the library.
University of Mississippi-DeSoto students may check out books from The University of Mississippi Library on the main campus in Oxford through the interlibrary loan system with a valid University of Mississippi library card. Information about interlibrary loans and a library card is available at The University of Mississippi-DeSoto Center office, The University of Mississippi Library on the main campus in Oxford, and online at the following web address: http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/ general_library/.
Are computers available for student use?
Yes. A computer lab with 24 PCs, a teaching station and two networked printers are available to
instructors and students. The computer lab is internet, ftp file, and telnet connected to the main
campus. The lab is located in Room 304 of DeSoto center. Please request lab time through our
office to prevent scheduling conflicts. The lab is reserved on a "first come first serve" basis;
therefore, students will need to provide a 3.5" floppy disk or flash drive for saving personal
assignments. Please do not eat, drink, or smoke in the lab. The lab should be returned to its
original state after use. Additional policies and procedures for the computer lab are posted.
Is there a bookstore on campus?
Not at this time, but textbooks can be pre-ordered online in the weeks before the start of a new semester. Books that are pre-ordered will be available for pick-up at The University of Mississippi in Tupelo during the first week of classes. Click here to learn more about ordering your textbooks.
What activities and organizations are available to students on the UM-DeSoto campus?
Organizations on campus include Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society, the Association of Student Social Workers, Mississippi Association of Educators, and Student Ambassadors.
Is there a cafeteria on campus?
No. Vending machines are located on the 3rd floor of the DeSoto Center. Students must
consume food and beverages prior to returning to classrooms. No food or beverages are
allowed in classrooms. Smoking is not permitted inside the building.
What is the web address for UM-DeSoto?
The URL for The University of Mississippi-DeSoto is www.olemiss.edu/southaven.
Is there someone I can contact if I have more questions?
There certainly is! Please contact James Edwards at jredwar1@olemiss.edu or 662.342-4765.
Campus Visit
Fall Visit Day
Spring Visit Day
Transfer Students Open House
Maps and Directions
DeSoto County