Dear Students,
Welcome to the 167th academic year for The University of Mississippi, the state’s flagship university. Whether you are a returning student or new to campus, we are delighted to have you here! On behalf of the faculty, staff and alumni, thank you for choosing to be a part of the Ole Miss family.
This university has a proud tradition and great momentum for the future. Our academic reputation continues to grow, enthusiasm is soaring for the upcoming football season and although official counts won’t be complete for a couple of weeks, we are certain you are part of our largest student body ever.
But growth – particularly that as rapid as we have experienced in recent years – brings challenges, including a few inconveniences. Construction fences and equipment in several areas of campus have blocked off old routes and may require us to find new ways to class or work. Parking spaces may be harder to find as we work to expand our infrastructure to accommodate ever-growing numbers of students, employees and visitors. Please allow a little extra time to get from place to place and be patient as we build for the future. I also encourage you to use public transportation as much as possible to help relieve the congestion on our streets.
As you go through this academic year, don’t settle for simply attending classes and doing the minimum to get by. Our academic environment and unique community offer many options to transform your life through the collegiate experience, research and travel opportunities, and countless ways to serve others. Get involved in this community and make a difference in the lives of others. Not only will you make a positive impact, but you’ll be richly rewarded with a changed perspective on life.
Your time here will be filled with exceptional moments, from building lifelong friendships to taking a class that sparks an interest and sends your life down a whole new path. Your success matters to us. Please get to know your teachers and the dedicated staff members and administrators across campus. We will do all we can to help you grow and achieve your goals.
Finally, I urge you to incorporate the core values of the UM Creed into your daily life and truly embrace the spirit of this university. The Ole Miss spirit is about caring for one another as family; hence, we refer to our campus community as the “Ole Miss family.”
Welcome to the family, and best wishes for the coming year!
Daniel W. Jones, M.D.
Chancellor
