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THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
2017 - 2018
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN
MISSISSIPPI
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
2017 - 2018
Name________________________________________________________________
Phone________________________________________________________________
Email_______________________________________________@ usm.edu
Campus Address: 118 College Dr. #_________
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
Staff Contact Information
Athletic Director Phone Email Jon Gilbert [email protected]
Executive Associate AD
Daniel Feig 601-266-6586 [email protected]
Faculty Athletic Representative
Dr. Dennis Phillips 601-266-5578 [email protected]
Compliance
Anthony Martinez, Director of Compliance 601-266-5485 [email protected]
Brian Nolasco, Compliance Coordinator 601-266-4532 [email protected]
SAEP
Kylie Amato, Associate AD of Academics 601-266-5488 [email protected]
Rob Shillito, Assistant Director 601-266-6785 [email protected]
Tim Ilgunas, Academic Counselor 601-266-5472 [email protected]
Raven Tatum, Academic Counselor 601-266-6587 [email protected]
Connor Golden-Sims, Academic Counselor 601-266-6445 [email protected]
Jeff Duplisea, Academic Counselor 601-266-4502 [email protected]
Jamie Jones, Learning Specialist 601-266-4765 [email protected]
Ryan Leonard, Learning Specialist Ryan. [email protected]
Ethan Hutcheson, Graduate Assistant
Ariana Huff, Graduate Assistant
Stina Jacobs, Graduate Assistant
S-A DEVELOPMENT
Melissa Thompson, S-A Development Project Director/SAAC Advisor
Karen Hinton, Program Manager [email protected]
Lauren Lanford, Director of Life Skills
Ashten Holloway, Graduate Assistant
The University of Southern Mississippi
Student Academic Enhancement Program
Mission Statement
To enrich the growth of students through academic guidance, encouragement of personal accountability, mentoring of responsible citizenship, development of independence, and the appreciation of individual talents and abilities; thereby,
empowering students to be positive contributors in a global society.
Talon Awards 2017
Male Athlete of the Year
Ito Smith - Football Female Athlete of the Year
Brittany Dinkins – Women’s Basketball
Male Newcomer of the Year Allenzae Staggers - Football
Female Newcomer of the Year Nichada Satasuk – Women’s Golf
Freshman Athletes of the Year
Cat Repsher – Volleyball and Matt Wallner – Baseball
SAAC Team Service Award – Baseball
Men’s Outstanding Team GPA – Men’s Golf
Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Cameron Tom,
Football
SAAC Individual Service Award – Sarah Bell, Volleyball
Women’s Outstanding Team GPA – Cross Country
Women’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Dana Dillistone,
Cross Country
FALL 2017 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
August 16th Classes Begin
August 18th Last day to add/drop 8 Week 1 classes without academic or financial penalty
Last day to drop first term (8W1) classes without grade of W
August 23rd Last day to add/drop full term course without academic or financial penalty
Last day to drop full term classes without grade of W
September 4th Labor Day Holiday – No day or night classes
September 20th Last day to withdraw from 1st 8-week classes
October 6th Last day of first term (8W1) classes
October 9th Second term (8W2) classes begin
October 11th Last day to add/drop 8 Week 2 classes without academic or financial penalty
Last day to drop second term (8W2) classes without grade of W
October 19th -20th Fall Break – No day or night classes
October 27th Last day to withdraw from a full term class – requires faculty permission
November 1st Last day to file for Spring 2018 graduation without fee
November 14nd Last day to withdraw from 2nd 8-week classes
November 22nd-24th Thanksgiving Holiday – No day or night classes
November 27th-30th Final Exams for night classes
December 1st Last day of classes for full term and 8 Week 2 term
December 4th-7th Final Exams
December 8th Graduation 9:00am & 3:00pm
December 9th Residence Halls close
SPRING 2018 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
January 16th Classes Begin
January 18th Last day to add/drop 8 Week 1 classes without academic or financial penalty
Last day to drop from 1st 8-week classes
January 23rd Last day to add/drop a full term course without academic or financial penalty
Last day to drop full term classes without a grade of W
February 12th-13th Mardi Gras Break – No day or night classes
February 21st Last day to withdraw for first term (8W1) classes
March 9th First term 8 Week 1 classes end
March 12th – 16th Spring Break – No day or night classes
March 19th Classes resume and 2nd 8-week classes begin
March 21st Last day to add/drop 8 Week 2 classes without academic or financial penalty
Last day to drop second term (8W2) classes without grade of W
March 30th Good Friday Holiday – No classes
April 1st Last day to file for summer 2018 graduation
April 5th Last day to withdraw from a full term class – requires faculty permission
April 20th Last day to withdraw from 2nd 8-week classes
May 1st-3rd Final Exams for Tuesday-Thursday night classes
May 4th Last day of classes for full term and 8 Week 2 term
May 7th Final Exams for Monday night classes
May 7th – 10th Final Exams
May 11th Graduation 9:00am & 3:00pm
May 12th Residence Halls close
Southern Miss Athletics
MISSION
In alignment with the educational mission of the University of Southern Mississippi –
We guide and support our Student-Athletes in the pursuit of excellence – academically, athletically
and personally.
We serve as ambassadors and advocates for our Department of Athletics and the University.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Respect
We treat ourselves and others with dignity, kindness and respect.
Positive Energy
We have a positive energy, attitude and outlook.
Focus
We remain focused on the most important use of our time and resources.
Excellence
We strive for excellence in all we do.
Collaboration
We work together to get the job done.
Honor
We are honorable in our thoughts and actions.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Academic Counselors
All student-athletes are assigned an academic counselor in the SAEP. Each academic counselor is responsible for, but not limited to, monitoring each student’s academic progress. This includes each term’s hour requirements mandated by the NCAA, progress toward degree, graduation and GPA requirements mandated not only by the NCAA but also to remain in good academic standing according to USM policies. Academic counselors will monitor class attendance, student athlete conduct and grades each term and provide academic support when needed. The academic counselors will provide guidance regarding class schedules but every student is required to meet with a departmental advisor prior to registration. A student-athlete should never make changes to his/her degree program or class schedule without previously consulting his/her counselor to see how it will affect athletic eligibility.
Advisement/Registration
All schedule changes must be made by the 6th day of class through your academic counselor. Student-athletes must meet with their faculty advisor prior to university scheduled registration to allow time between faculty advisors and academic counselors to go over any issues or concerns with graduation and eligibility within their major. Student-athletes must have their classes signed off on before seeing their academic counselor.
Textbooks
Student-athletes receiving a book scholarship should pick up their textbooks on the 2nd floor of Barnes and Noble (in the Student Union) by the third day of classes each semester. Students that did not receive a required textbook or need to exchange a textbook should take the course syllabus to the Athletic Compliance Office on the 2nd floor of the Duff Center to request books. Any student-athlete whose textbooks were purchased by athletics must return the textbooks to Barnes and Noble by the Friday of exam week or prior to leaving for the semester (whichever comes first). Textbooks not returned by the due date can be charged to the student-athlete’s business account.
Academic Center Hours for Fall and Spring:
Monday – Thursday 8:00am – 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday 6:00pm – 9:00pm (TBD)
Academic Center
The Academic Center is open to all student-athletes. All student-athletes are expected to follow the established rules to provide the best learning environment for all. No food/drinks/candy/snacks are allowed in the Academic Center study areas but may be permitted in academic counselor’s offices at the counselor’s discretion. All cell phones should be on silent or vibrate while in the Academic Center. Failure to abide by the standards set forth by the academic staff will result in notifying the respective coaching staff of the issues. Students are expected to respectfully follow directions of SAEP staff, graduate assistants and tutors at all times.
Study Hall
Student-Athletes may be required to complete weekly study hall hours at the discretion of their academic counselor. The purpose of study hall is to provide a structured environment for student-athletes to be able to efficiently and effectively focus on schoolwork and accomplish academic objectives. The SAEP center provides the following study hall resources: study areas, desktop computers, rentable laptops, free printing services, and tutoring services. Students are required to check in and check out of study hall at the kiosk using their student ID number. Do not sign in anyone but yourself for study hall. Gradesfirst can be utilized to monitor your own study hall time. Tutor sessions may be counted as study hall hours. Utilization of other on campus study/tutoring services (Math Zone, Writing & Speech Center, Etc.) may be counted toward study hall at the discretion of your academic advisor.
It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to make sure required study hall hours and objectives are completed each Friday by 2pm.
Tutors
Requests for a tutor can be made through GradesFirst or the student-athlete’s academic counselor. Appointments can be made to repeat weekly or just as one-time occurrences. Tutors are intended to supplement instruction, not replace class attendance. Student-athletes are expected to arrive on time for appointments with all necessary books, notes, syllabi, etc. and be prepared to discuss what has occurred in class.
Tutors will never compose or type an assignment for a student-athlete. They will also never be present when a student-athlete is completing a test or quiz. All work submitted must be the student’s original work. Appointments must be cancelled at least 2 hours before the scheduled time through the tutor coordinator or the student-athlete’s academic counselor. Students are strongly encouraged to communicate as early as possible if they will not be able to attend a scheduled appointment. Student-athletes are not to contact tutors outside of scheduled tutoring sessions for any reason, including cancellations. If a student-athlete misses an appointment or fails to cancel following the proper procedure, the absence will be reported to his/her coach. The tutoring offered by the SAEP is a privilege that can be taken away if not appropriately used. Academic counselors hold the right to cancel all tutoring for a student-athlete if they no-show for tutoring appointments and revoke tutoring privileges.
Team Travel
The SAEP staff will notify faculty of the dates/times of team travel. However, it is the student-athlete’s responsibility to make arrangements for missed assignments. Student-athletes should take the initiative to notify professors in advance of their competition dates to make these arrangements. Policies for completing missed assignments or tests are the discretion of each professor. If at all possible, make-up assignments should be completed before the due date or at a date agreed upon by the professor. If a professor is not receiving travel excuses from the SAEP, students should contact their academic counselor immediately.
Class Attendance Policy
Student-athletes should attend all scheduled classes except in the following circumstances: team competition, illness or family emergency. Before missing a class due to illness, the team trainer should be notified and the trainer will verify the absence with the academic counselor. In the case of a family emergency, student-athletes should notify the coach, counselor and professors of the absence(s). Class attendance will be monitored by coaches and SAEP staff. If students are late to class, they may be considered absent. Regardless of reason, a student-athlete’s coach will be notified if he/she misses a class.
University Academic Awards
President’s List
Students are placed on the President’s List if they have earned a grade point average of 4.000 (all A’s) on a load of 12 semester hours or more during fall or spring, nine or more during summer, provided they have no grade of Incomplete (I) for the term. Courses taken for pass-fail credit will not be used in computing the minimum academic load.
Dean’s List
Students are placed on the Dean’s List if they have earned a grade point average of 3.500 – 3.999 on a minimum academic load of 12 semester hours or more during fall or spring, nine or more during summer, provided they have no grade of D or below for the term (includes F or Incomplete). Courses taken for pass-fail credit will not be used in computing the minimum academic load.
Athletic Department Academic Award
Athletic Director’s Honor Roll – Awarded to student-athletes who have achieved a 3.000 semester GPA to a 3.499 semester GPA.
Conference Academic Awards
Conference USA Academic Medal: Student-athletes with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or above at the completion of the calendar year. (Spring 2017 - Fall 2017).
Conference USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll: Student-athletes with a cumulative GPA of 3.000 -3.749 at the completion of the calendar year. (Spring 2017 - Fall 2017).
Scholar Athlete Award: Awarded to the top student-athlete in each conference sponsored sport as determined by the Faculty Athletics Representatives. The award is based on academic achievement (GPA - 3.0 or better), athletic achievement and service.
Jim Castañeda Postgraduate Scholarships: Sixteen awards of $4,000 each for graduates of each academic year. The Faculty Athletic Representatives will determine the recipients at the Conference's Spring meetings. At least two awards must go to women and two to men. Recipients of the Conference USA post-graduate scholarships must enroll in a graduate program within three years of receipt of the award.
Academic Integrity The following is from the 2017-2018 USM Undergraduate Bulletin:
Academic Honesty
When academic dishonesty is discovered, the faculty member may give the student a grade of “F” on the work involved or for the entire course. If further disciplinary action is deemed appropriate, the student may be reported to the Dean of Students.
In addition to being a violation of academic integrity, academic dishonesty violates the Code of Student Conduct and may be grounds for probation, suspension or expulsion. Academic dishonesty also includes any submission of false documents such as add/drop forms, substitutions, special requests, etc.
Students on disciplinary suspension may not enroll in any courses offered by The University of Southern Mississippi.
Plagiarism (as defined in the USM Student Handbook)
Plagiarism is scholarly theft, and the unacknowledged use of secondary sources. More specifically, any written or oral presentation in which the writer or speaker does not distinguish clearly between original and borrowed material constitutes plagiarism.
Because students, as scholars, must make frequent use of the concepts and facts developed by other scholars, plagiarism is not the mere use of another’s facts and ideas. However, it is plagiarism when students present the work of other scholars as if it were their own work.
Plagiarism is committed in a number of ways:
1. reproducing another author’s writing as if it were one’s own
2. paraphrasing another author’s work without citing the original
3. borrowing from another author’s ideas, even though those ideas are reworded, without giving credit
4. copying another author’s organization without giving credit
Plagiarism is a serious offense. An act of plagiarism may lead to a failing grade on the assignment and in the course, as well as sanctions that may be imposed by the student judicial system.
Student-athletes are required to report to their Academic Counselor any accusation of academic dishonesty such as cheating or plagiarism. These actions may result in consequences through the Athletic Department (including loss of eligibility), in addition to any consequences imposed by the University.
Online Courses
The University offers a variety of online course options. Student-athletes are expected to maintain the same level of academic integrity in online courses as in traditional courses. All assignments submitted should be the work of the student-athlete registered for the course. Test and quizzes should be completed following the professor’s guidelines as stated in the syllabus. A student-athlete should never receive assistance on a test or quiz from any other person. A student-athlete taking a test or quiz in the Academic Center should notify a counselor that a test/quiz will soon be in progress.
Athletic Eligibility All student-athletes must meet the requirements below to be eligible for competition. Any change to a student-athlete’s schedule, major or minor, has the potential to affect the student’s eligibility. Questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the student’s counselor or a compliance staff member.
NCAA ACADEMIC STANDARDS - GPA & PERCENTAGE TOWARD DEGREE (PTD)
Semester of
Enrollment
Progress Towards Degree
(PTD)
Requirements
GPA
Requirements Additional Requirement(s)
Before 1st semester of enrollment
Must be certified by the NCAA initial Eligibility
Clearinghouse
By 3rd semester N/A 1.800 GPA Pass 24 credits
By 5th semester 40% of Degree 1.900 GPA Declare major
By 7th semester 60% of Degree 2.000 GPA
By 9th semester 80% of Degree 2.000 GPA
*Student-athletes must pass 6 credits each semester and 18 credits between each fall/spring semester.
NCAA REQUIREMENTS PERCENTAGES AND EQUIVALENT CREDITS
40% 60% 80%
120 HOURS 48 72 96
122 HOURS 49 74 98
123 HOURS 50 74 99
124 HOURS 50 75 100
128 HOURS 52 77 103
130 HOURS 52 78 104
132 HOURS 53 80 106
NOTE - 5 year degree programs in International Business and Architecture are on a 5-year chart.
Dress Code
Student-athletes must dress in an appropriate fashion under the discretion of the SAEP staff. The SAEP is meant to be an educational atmosphere and outfits should not be a distraction.
Scholarship
If students have any questions regarding their athletic scholarship, please contact the Athletic Compliance Office. Student-athletes are required to notify the Athletic Compliance Office if they are receiving a scholarship(s) from any source outside the University of Southern Mississippi. For questions regarding account balances, contact Business Services in Forrest County Hall at 601-266-4137. Information regarding grants and loans is available through Financial Aid in Kennard Washington Hall at 601-266-4774.
Athletic Scholarships for Summer or Mini Session
Athletic aid to attend summer school or mini session classes must be approved by the Athletic Director and is not
guaranteed, even for academic year athletic scholarship recipients. To request such aid, student-athletes must turn in
the Summer Aid Request form to their counselor. Students will be notified by the SAEP Staff if their aid has been
approved or denied.
Athletic Aid for 5th Year
Athletic aid for a 5th year must be approved by the Athletic Director and is not guaranteed. To request such aid,
student-athletes must turn in the 5th Year Aid Request form to their Counselor. Students will be notified by the SAEP
Staff if their aid has been approved or denied.
Disability Services Students who have received disability services in the past or who may qualify to receive these services can contact Kylie Amato at 601-266-6785 to coordinate with the Office of Disability Accommodations. A student-athlete should never take any medication, even if prescribed by a physician, without the proper learning disability diagnosis and prior knowledge of your team trainer. See Kylie Amato or your team trainer if you have questions.
International Students International students attend a mandatory orientation in their first semester to assist them in understanding procedures specific to USM International student guidelines. These students are required to check in with USM International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) with necessary paperwork following each trip to their native country. Any questions regarding procedures for international students should be directed to ISSS at 601-266-4841 or http://www.usm.edu/international-services . Most international students’ scholarships are taxed each semester. This fee is added to the student’s university business account and must be paid before the end of term or the student’s schedule for the following term will be dropped. All such taxes are the responsibility of the student and will not be covered by athletic scholarship. Questions regarding the taxes should be directed to ISSS.
Graduation A student is expected to file an application for degree, found on SOAR, one semester prior to his/her anticipated graduation (e.g. file in the fall for a spring graduation). Failure to meet this deadline will result in a late fee and possible exclusion from the printed program. The degree application and other documentation should be submitted to the student’s academic department. Instructions are on the Registrar’s webpage and can be found at http://www.usm.edu/registrar/graduation-commencement.
KEYS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS
SAEP Services
The SAEP offers academic support and advisement to all student-athletes. Communicate with your academic counselor on all matters related to academics. Often, by taking a proactive approach to problems, there is a better chance of resolution.
Class Attendance
Success in the classroom can be directly attributed to class attendance and participation. There is no replacement for attendance but when you are required to miss for team travel, identify a contact person in each class who can be trusted to provide accurate notes and information.
Time Management
Student-athletes should use a planner or electronic calendar to organize their schedules and assignment due dates. Successful students are organized and have a plan that allows them to meet all obligations.
Setting Goals
In order to be successful, you must define what success means to you. Setting goals is laying a plan of desired outcomes and a timeline for completion. By setting goals for yourself, personally and academically, you are motivated to work to meet those goals.
Classroom Etiquette
As a courtesy to faculty and classmates, always arrive on time and remain until class is dismissed by the professor. Once in class, turn off your cell phone and place it out of sight. It is inappropriate to text in class. If the professor allows for laptops in class, use them for class purposes only – not Facebook, Twitter or surfing the web. If a professor consistently goes over the allowed time and it is affecting other classes, then politely address this with the professor after class.
Addressing Faculty
Faculty should be addressed formally, using “Dr., Professor, Mr./Mrs., or Ms.” as appropriate. If you are unsure, “Professor” is an appropriate form of address. Written communication with faculty should be formal and include the name of the course and section in the subject line. When using written communication, use proper grammar and punctuation, begin with a greeting (Dear Professor), identify the course, state the issue and close with a salutation and your name as it appears on the roster – no nicknames. Never include texting shorthand in communication with faculty.
Academic Honesty
It is important to be aware of what constitutes academic dishonesty. A few examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to:
Copying another student’s work.
Taking information from a website or article and failing to use proper citations.
Sharing information on a test in the classroom, on a take home test or an online test.
Submitting your own paper for credit in more than one class.
Purchasing a paper or other assignment and submitting it as your own work.
TIPS
Communicate with faculty regarding coursework and travel.
Back up all assignments on the flash drive provided.
Get the proper rest and nutrition to allow you to perform your best.
ASK for HELP!!
Student-Athlete Affairs
The SAEP mission paints a clear picture of the primary focus of the Student-Athlete Affairs program, encompassing the following areas of development: athletic, academic, personal, community, and career. At Southern Miss, our program is designed to help create and enhance our student-athletes as a “whole person.” We view our student-athletes’ experience at Southern Miss as much more than a four to five-year investment. When student-athletes leave Southern Miss, the knowledge and skills that they have obtained will prove to be invaluable.
Athletic Enhancement
The Student Academic Enhancement Program, along with the Office of Student-Athlete Affairs, strives to provide student-athletes with a strong athletic foundation. We focus on offering both quality athletic programs and an athletic environment in which the well-being of the student-athlete is fostered.
Academic Enhancement
Student-athletes are provided with every opportunity to have a successful academic career. The Student Academic Enhancement Program is designed to provide all of the academic resources and support that our student-athletes will need throughout the course of their career.
Some of the academic services provided by SAEP include:
Structured study hall
Computer labs
Tutorial services
Academic advisement
Assistance with choosing a major
Communication with instructors regarding
academic progress
Academic meetings with student-
athletes
Personal Development
Personal development is an integral part of the Student-Athlete Affairs program. We strive to provide all of our student-athletes with opportunities to learn and grow into their full potential. In order for us to nurture this growth, we offer educational programs in areas such as:
Financial literacy
Etiquette
Personal values
Social media training
Drug & alcohol awareness
Healthy relationships
Stress management
Diversity & inclusion
AP
Community Development
A University built as the center and foundation of Hattiesburg, Southern Miss has the unique opportunity to make a difference in community development. Because student-athletes at Southern Miss are inherently leaders both on campus and within the community, we encourage them to spend ample time volunteering and giving back. Not only do our student-athletes learn the value of service and outreach, but they learn that, through giving, they truly receive.
While our student-athletes participate in many community development activities, they are also strengthening interpersonal and communication skills, developing a better understanding of leadership, and learning the value of community and belonging. It is our mission to instill in our student-athletes the importance of investing their time for the benefit of others.
Career Development Student-athletes at Southern Miss are provided with all of the tools necessary to be successful students, yet we also realize the importance of career preparation. Our career development initiatives focus on identifying, promoting, and encouraging transferrable skills developed within athletics. These skills can directly assist a student-athlete in his or her future career endeavors.
Programming is offered to provide opportunities for career development from freshman year all the way through graduation. This includes seminars focused on major/career exploration, panel discussions with student-athlete alumni, cover letter/resume workshops, and mock interviews.
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
(SAAC)
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at Southern Miss is the voice of the student-athlete body. They exist to better the student-athlete experience, protect student-athlete welfare, and project a positive image for the student-athlete population. The SAAC strives to strengthen the relationship between athletics, the campus community, and the city of Hattiesburg. Membership is open to student-athletes of all varsity athletic teams at Southern Miss. Each team appoints representatives who establish and maintain open lines of communication with their teammates and all student-athletes in order to appropriately express any issues of concern.
2017-2018 SAAC Executive Board:
President – Samantha Reynolds, W. Softball
Vice President – Sarah Bell, W. Volleyball
Secretary – Samantha Papp, W. Softball
PR/Media Secretary – TJ Jerse, W. Tennis
Sargent-At-Arms – Nathan Corchis, M. Golf
Parliamentarian – Kierstin Bradley, W. Soccer
Athletic Council Rep – Sarah Bell, W. Volleyball
C-USA Representative – Valentina Haupt, W. Golf
C-USA Representative – Keon Howard, M.
Football
Community Service Tornado Relief January 2017
COMPLIANCE The Compliance Office is committed to a comprehensive compliance program that educates its constituents, including student-athletes, about the importance of adhering to NCAA, C-USA, and institutional rules. Our goal is to create a “shared responsibility” within the University and throughout the community. Maintaining a commitment to compliance ensures institutional control over the Department of Athletics and furthers the mission of The University of Southern Mississippi.
Student-Athlete Responsibility
1. Know the rules – pay attention in your meetings, read your planner and handbook. If you are unsure about anything, ask before you act!
2. Follow the rules! Following the rules is the only way to protect your eligibility. 3. Register your employment and vehicle with the Compliance Office via ARMS online. Please update
this information throughout the year as the information changes. 4. Educate your friends and family about the rules; the rules apply to them as well! 5. Know who your friends are and avoid associating with those who participate in gambling or other
impermissible activities. 6. File your FAFSA. You may qualify for monetary benefits like a Pell Grant or the Student Assistance
Fund. 7. Stay in control of your academic eligibility! Make sure that you stay in touch with your SAEP Counselor
and department advisor to be sure you are taking the right courses to stay on a path towards graduation.
8. Do not accept extra benefits or preferential treatment from anyone. If you are offered any benefit whatsoever (e.g. free movie pass; discounted meal) from someone outside your family as a result of your status as a student-athlete, your eligibility to continue participating in college athletics may be jeopardized.
ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS
The NCAA defines “Financial Aid” as funds provided to student-athletes from various sources to pay or assist in paying their cost of education at the institution. The following sources of financial aid are among those considered to be institutional financial aid and thus countable against team limits: all USM scholarships, grants, tuition waivers, employee dependent tuition benefits, and loans. An athletics scholarship is a form of institutional financial aid.
NCAA rules mandate that if a student’s athletic ability is considered in any degree in awarding financial aid, such aid shall be countable against team limits and it shall neither be awarded for a period in excess of the student’s eligibility nor for a period less than one academic year. The duration of the award is known as the period of award. At the end of the period of award, it may be renewed for successive years during which a student-athlete has athletics eligibility remaining, but such renewal is not automatic. Student-Athletes will be notified, in writing, prior to July 1 at the end of the period of award whether or not an athletics scholarship will be renewed for the following academic year.
WHAT DOES AN ATHLETICS SCHOLARSHIP COVER?
At USM, a full athletics scholarship provides:
Required textbooks
Tuition and course-related fees (such as the technology fee and laboratory fees)
Room
Board
Costs associated with attendance
Athletics aid will be applied to the student-athlete’s account in the order outlined above. Aid recipients will not be allowed to carry an outstanding balance from the previous term; athletics aid may be used to offset any outstanding balance before it is applied to the current term. Student-athletes who receive scholarship monies in excess of actual on-campus charges (e.g., student living off-campus rather than in dorm room) will receive a refund through the Southern Miss Business Office.
ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS DO NOT COVER:
Health service fees
Housing or library fines
Parking tickets
Other non-mandatory fees from the university
REDUCTION OR NON-RENEWAL OF ATHLETICS SCHOLARSHIPS
An athletics scholarship will not be reduced or cancelled during the period of the award on the basis of the following: athletic ability, performance, illness or injury that affects student-athlete’s participation in athletics or for any other reason based on athletics. However, an athletic scholarship may be immediately reduced or cancelled during the term of the award if a student-athlete:
Fraudulently misrepresents himself/herself by giving false information on an application for admission, letter of intent, or financial aid agreement;
Violates University, Department of Athletics, or team policies;
Becomes ineligible for intercollegiate competition (e.g., failure to meet NCAA progression toward- degree requirements);
Engages in serious misconduct;
Voluntarily withdraws (i.e. quits) from a sport. An athletics scholarship MUST be reduced or cancelled if a student-athlete receives other forms of financial aid that cause him/her to exceed allowable individual aid limits.
Should an athletics scholarship be reduced or non-renewed, either during the period of award or after the period of award ends, the student-athlete has a right to appeal that decision to the Tuition Appeals Committee. In order to request a hearing to appeal a reduction or non-renewal decision, the student-athlete must send a request in writing (letter or email) to The Financial Aid Office, 118 College Drive, Hattiesburg MS 39406. The letter of appeal must be received within 14 days from the issuance date on the notice of the initial reduction or non-renewal decision. The reduction/non-renewal letter will include information regarding the appeals process.
The student will have an opportunity to attend and participate in the hearing in person, or he/she may submit a statement in writing instead. The Committee will make a decision within three days after the hearing and will inform the student-athlete in writing. All decisions are final. Please direct all questions or request for assistance regarding this process to the Compliance Office.
TRANSFER POLICY
Should a student-athlete wish to transfer to another institution, he/she must provide a written request to the Compliance Office. The Director of Athletics, upon the recommendation of the head coach, must grant or deny the request within seven business days of the receipt of the request. If permission is granted, the Compliance staff will generate a Permission to Contact Letter and provide it to the student-athlete.
If permission is denied, the student-athlete, upon written request, shall be provided a hearing pursuant to the appeals process outlined below.
Appeals Process If the student-athlete’s request for permission to speak to another institution is denied or if there is a restriction regarding the transfer, the Compliance Office will notify the student-athlete in writing (via letter or email) of his/her right to appeal the decision. If the student-athlete wishes to pursue the appeal, it shall be the student-athlete’s responsibility to send a written request to the Compliance Office requesting an appeal within three days of notification of the denial/restriction. If the student-athlete appeals, a hearing will be conducted promptly and the student-athlete will be notified of the decision within 15 business days of his/her request for the hearing. The student-athlete will have an opportunity to appear in person at the hearing and the hearing will occur before the Athletics Council Committee, which is a committee composed entirely of persons who work outside the athletic department and is chaired by the Faculty Athletics Representative.
Benefits Available to Student-athletes that Request Permission To Contact Should a student-athlete request permission to contact other schools regarding the possibility of transferring and competing at another institution, Southern Miss reserves the right to restrict support services available to the student-athlete on a case-by-case basis. These services include, but are not limited to, academic support services, access to athletics facilities (e.g. the athletic training room and strength and conditioning area, etc.), and student-athlete complimentary ticket requests.
ATHLETIC AID FOR SUMMER AND MINI SESSIONS Athletic aid to attend summer school or mini session classes must be approved by the Athletic Director and is not guaranteed, even for academic year athletic scholarship recipients. To request such aid, student-athletes must turn in the Summer Aid Request form to their Academic Counselor. Students will be notified by the SAEP if their aid has been approved or denied.
COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS
Students are allowed to request up to four complimentary tickets per game. The tickets will be provided via a pass list. Student-athletes should NEVER sell or trade these tickets for anything of value, or they will become ineligible. Guests are added to the pass list through ARMS (student-athlete tracking system). Student-athletes must answer all questions about their guests in ARMS with specific information or their guests will NOT be added to the pass list.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES Advisement Advisement will take place twice a year. All new students are assigned to academic advisers in their department for assistance in scheduling classes and planning programs of study to meet their individual needs. Assignment of advisers is based on the student’s stated educational major. Student-athletes who are undecided on a major will be advised by their Counselor in the SAEP. Student-athletes receive priority registration of classes so it’s important to complete their advisement on time.
Grade Point Average
A — indicates excellent work and carries 4 quality points per semester hour
B — indicates good work and carries 3 quality points per semester hour
C — indicates average work and carries 2 quality points per semester hour
D — indicates inferior work and carries 1 quality point per semester hour
F — indicates failure and carries no quality points
NA — indicates the instructor reported the student as not attending. The grade is calculated as an F in the student's grade point average.
I — indicates that a student was unable to complete course requirements by the end of the term. If an I has not been removed by the end of the next semester (excluding summer term), it automatically becomes an F.
Academic Standing
An undergraduate student will be allowed to continue in the university as long as the cumulative grade point average (GPA) indicated in the following scale is maintained. A higher minimum allowable GPA is sometimes specified by specific colleges within the university. In such cases, the more stringent requirements supersede those that follow. Likewise, NCAA standards may be higher than those below so it is important for students to discuss GPA issues with their Counselor in order to maintain athletic eligibility.
Total Hours Attempted Minimum Cumulative GPA Required
(Including transfer credit) (Southern Miss work only)
0 - 14 1.50
15 - 29 1.75
30 and above 2.00
If a student fails to maintain the quality of work necessary to make reasonable progress toward graduation, then the student will be placed on academic probation or suspension. The purpose of this policy is to help students reestablish an acceptable level of academic performance.
Academic Probation – 1st step
Academic Probation Continued – 2nd step requires a departmental contract
Academic Suspension – may require you to leave the University
Course Repeats
Students are allowed to repeat 4 courses or 12 hours of courses completed at Southern Miss. Repeats may not be used on grades assigned due to Academic Dishonesty. Additional courses repeated will count in the GPA but not earn hours.
Withdrawing from Courses
Student-athletes must have permission from their Counselor to drop a course to ensure the student’s eligibility will not be impacted. Students may add/drop a course in the first 6 days of class. After 6 days, a course can only be added or dropped with the permission of the faculty assigned to the course. Once the professor has given permission, the request to add/drop must be made, in person, to the student’s counselor.
Transcripts
Official transcripts are available through the Registrar’s Office in Kennard Washington Hall for a fee. Request can be made using the form available online at http://www.usm.edu/registrar/transcripts . Transcripts will not be released to students with financial obligations to the University.
Majors/Minors
Major Field Requirements
All graduates of Southern Miss are required to complete specialized study in a single discipline, which the student elects as his or her “major.” The major serves two main purposes: It provides intellectual depth in the student’s undergraduate education through concentrated study in his or her chosen field, and it gives the student the fundamental knowledge necessary to practice professionally or pursue advanced study in that field. The student should consult the appropriate description and academic advisement degree plan in the Bulletin for information on each discipline’s requirements for a major. http://www.usm.edu/registrar/bulletins
Minor Field Requirements
In addition to the major, the student may (or, if required by his or her major program, must) also choose a minor field of specialization. The minimum hours required for a minor are 18 semester hours in which the student must maintain the minimum university GPA for minor courses. The specific requirements for each discipline’s minor are indicated in the appropriate description in the Bulletin. http://www.usm.edu/registrar/bulletins
SOAR
SOAR is USM’s Online Accessible Records and contains all the student data that is maintained for graduate and undergraduate students. Students should regularly check their SOAR self-service page for their academic status and other detailed information. Some of the information currently available on SOAR includes academic courses, contact information, grades, degree progress report, financial aid, account balance, academic advisor and contact information, enrollment appointment window, transfer credit report, demographic information, etc. Log onto SOAR at https://soar.usm.edu/
iTech offers electronic mail (e-mail) services. All current Southern Miss students, faculty, and staff are eligible to receive an e-mail account at no charge. As a current Southern Miss student, faculty or staff member, you are entitled to one e-mail account, which is kept active for the entire time you are enrolled, employed or as a graduate of Southern Miss. Graduates of Southern Miss get to keep their e-mail account for life. Each student’s University email account is the official mode of communication between the University and all students.
Blackboard
Online courses are courses designed to be offered via the Internet. They have been approved by the University Academic Council or Graduate Council and are as rigorous in content as courses offered in the traditional classroom environment. Online courses require the same commitment of time and energy as classroom courses. Interaction with the instructor is designed into an online course through the use of chat rooms, newsgroups and email, at the instructor’s discretion. Our courses are designed using Web Course Tools (Blackboard). Log onto Blackboard at https://usm.blackboard.com/ .
Transferring Courses
Credit hours transferred from accredited institutions are reproduced on the permanent records of The University of Southern Mississippi.
Acceptance of community or junior college work is limited to one-half of the total requirements for graduation in a given curriculum.
While enrolled at The University of Southern Mississippi, a student is required to obtain written approval from his or her department to enroll in a course(s) at another institution. Without this approval, the course(s) may not apply toward his or her degree.
The University of Southern Mississippi only awards undergraduate credit for noncredit military courses and educational experiences, and for performances on three standardized tests: College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement Test (AP) and International Baccalaureate Test (IP). A maximum of 50 percent of the hours applied to a degree may be earned by a combination of independent study and military experience and then applied toward an undergraduate degree.
Living in the Dormitory
The Department of Residence Life is committed to providing a premier physical, social and cultural environment that encourages and supports the holistic development of the residential student. The department is made up of 27 residence halls, which offer diversified housing options to an on-campus population of more than 3,000 students. Once a student has signed a housing contract, he/she is committed to the cost of the dorm for that academic year or must pay the indicated buy-out cost.
Residence Life at Southern Miss strives to provide a safe environment that allows for the development of student relationships and the building of fun, living-learning communities…an opportunity for friendships that last a lifetime! http://www.usm.edu/reslife/
FIGHT SONG
Southern To The Top
Southern Mississippi to the top! To the top,
So lift your voices high, Show them the reason why,
That Southern spirit will never stop.
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Southern Mississippi all the way,
Banners high,
And we will Fight! Fight! Fight! To victory,
Hear our battle cry!
ALMA MATER
We sing to thee, our Alma Mater,
USM thy praises be.
Southern mem’ries we shall cherish
Loyalty we pledge to thee.
Spacious skies and land of sunshine,
Verdant trees and shelt’ring walls.
Now our hearts lift ev-er to thee
As we praise thy hallowed halls.
CAMPUS SERVICES
Business Services/GoGold
www.usm.edu/businessservices
Phone: 601.266.4137
Location: Forrest County Hall
Office Hours: Monday-Friday; 8:00am-4:00pm
All students who attend the University of Southern Mississippi have accounts created in Business Services. Items such
as tuition, room, dining, textbooks, or bookstore expenses will be charged to the student’s account. Scholarship,
financial aid or payments will be credited to the student’s account. The student’s account balance and all activity can
be viewed in SOAR’s Student Center. All student refunds are processed through BankMobile. BankMobile will mail each
student a Refund Selection Kit which will include a Personal Code. When you receive the kit, you must go to the
website www.RefundSelection.com and choose a refund preference. You may choose one of the following refund
methods: 1) Request your refund to be deposited directly to your existing bank account. 2) Open a BankMobile Vibe
account and receive your refund deposited directly into this account. BankMobile will mail a Go Gold card once an
account has been opened. Refunds will be disbursed in accordance with the Office of Financial Aid’s schedule.
Career Services
www.usm.edu/cs
Phone: 601.266.4153
Location: McLemore Hall Room 125
Office Hours: Monday-Friday; 8:00am-5:00pm
Career Services offers services to enhance the process of examining and exploring career opportunities and finding
meaningful employment. These services include: Career Counseling, Individual Career Assessment, Career Information
Library, Job Search Development Skills, Online Career Center-Eagle Employment, On-campus Interviews, and Career
Fairs & Education Recruitment Days.
Dean of Students
www.usm.edu/dos
Phone: 601.266.6028
Location: R.C. Cook University Union Room 231
Office Hours: Monday-Friday; 8:00am-5:00pm
Dr. Eddie Holloway, Dean of Students
The Dean of Students Office (DOS) strives to be proactive in student development, student leadership, and student
advocacy. Student life programs and services are designed to mirror the academic mission of the institution. Student
growth and development are encouraged, excellence is pursued and the highest standards of integrity are expected
from all students. The DOS is available to assist students, parents, and family members in personal or family crises.
The DOS is also committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment.
Disability Accommodations www.usm.edu/oda
Phone: 601.266.5024
Location: Bond Hall Room 114
Office Hours: Monday-Friday; 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-5:00pm
In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990, Southern Miss Office of
Disabilities Accommodations (ODA) provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. The ODA is
committed to creating a positive campus environment where students with disabilities are encouraged to pursue
careers on the basis of personal interest and ability.
To receive accommodations, the ODA must verify the student’s eligibility for the program, which is usually in the form
of testing.
If you have previously received any accommodations, let your Counselor know immediately, and SAEP will send a
recommendation to the ODA. Accommodations may include: exam modifications, assistive technology, accessible
housing, document conversion, interpreters, note-takers, and readers.
Financial Aid www.financialaid.usm.edu
Phone: 601.266.4774
Location: Kennard Washington Hall Room 101
Office Hours: Monday-Friday; 8:00am-5:00pm
Financial aid is awarded to students based on merit, financial need, or both. Merit-based scholarships are awarded for
academic achievement or for some special characteristic, major, skill, or talent (e.g. athletic scholarships).
Need-based aid is given to students who show they have financial need which is based on the information that
students and parents provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also referred to as the FAFSA. The FAFSA
must be completed each year to determine the sduent’s financial need. The FAFSA application is available for renewal
January 1st and can be completed online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) http://www.usm.edu/international-services
Phone: 601.266.4148
Location: International Center 411
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
ISSS provides assistance to international students in addressing immigration issues, health insurance, and more. They
also provide orientation and programming for these students throughout the year.
iTech Help Desk www.usm.edu/itech
Phone: 601.266.HELP (4357)
Location: Cook Library 103
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
iTech offers a wide variety of technical services at Southern Miss. For questions concerning your Southern Miss e-mail
account, campusID and password reset for SOAR, or wireless internet access, you will need to contact iTech Help Desk.
Parking Management
www.usm.edu/parking
Phone: 601.266.5447 or 601.266.4943
Location: McLemore Hall Room 152
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
Parking Management is responsible for overseeing the multiple aspects of traffic and parking for Southern Miss
campus. This includes control, enforcement, maintenance and improvements of all parking areas on campus, and issue
parking decals. IF YOU WILL BE PARKING ON CAMPUS, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A PARKING DECAL!
Registrar’s Office
http://www.usm.edu/registrar/
Phone: 601.266.5006
Location: Kennard Washington Hall Room 110
Office Hours: Monday-Friday; 8:00am-5:00pm
The Registrar’s Office also provides all students with transcript, verification of enrollment, and manages the graduation
and commencement exercises.
Student Counseling Services
www.usm.edu/counseling
Phone: 601.266.4829
Location: Kennard Washington Hall Room 214
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
The Student Counseling Services provide quality services to Southern Miss students by promoting sound mental health
and the coping skills necessary for successful pursuit of their educational and life goals. Some reasons students may
seek services are feelings of depression, feelings of anxiety, fear of failure, sexuality issues, substance use/abuse, or
coping with the loss of a love one or friend. All services provided are free and confidential.
Student Health Services (USM Clinic)
www.usm.edu/healthservice
Phone: 601.266.5390
Location: Scott Hall (Century Park South)
Office Hours: Mon-Wed 8:00am-5:00pm; Thurs 9:00am-5:00pm; Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
The Southern Miss Student Health Service (clinic) provides students, faculty, and staff with the same services available
at a family doctor’s office. The clinic provides a wide range of services, including laboratory testing, X-ray, pharmacy,
and education services. There are several doctors and a nurse practitioner on staff at the clinic available to meet with
you.
Student Support Services
http://www.usm.edu/success/student-support-services
Phone: 601.266.6910
Location: McLemore Hall Room 201 & 202
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
Student Support Services provides academic assistance, peer mentoring, and individual support to certain eligible
undergraduate students. They provide individuals with tutoring, educational and developmental workshops, and other
activities to promote academic success. All services are provided free of cost to active program participants.
University Libraries
www.lib.usm.edu
Phone: 601.266.6910
Location: Cook Library
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:00am; Sat 9:00am-6:00pm; Sun. 12:00pm-2:00am
The University Libraries includes Cook Library and McCain Library Archives. Students may borrow books, videos, music,
and other research materials from any of the libraries. The libraries also provide access to many online resources,
including articles and e-books which are available to students both on and off campus. In addition to information
resources, the libraries provide services such as laptop rental and one-on-one consultations with a librarian.
Computers are available in each of the libraries offering internet access and applications such as MS Word, PowerPoint,
and Excel.
Writing Center is located inside the University Cook Library Room 112. The Writing Center is a free service to
Southern Miss students who need assistance with a writing project. They offer one-on-one writing instruction
that’s designed to help you become a more effective writer. To schedule an appointment with the Writing
Center, you can contact them at 601.266.4821 or online http://www.usm.edu/writingcenter/
Speaking Center is located inside the University Cook Library Room 117. The Speaking Center is a free service
to Southern Miss students that helps them in preparing for a formal presentation, discussion skills,
interviewing, or a campus speech, the Speaking Center can help you with this process. To schedule an
appointment with the Speaking Center, you can contact them at 601.266.4965 or online
http://www.usm.edu/speakingcenter/simo.html.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
DEPARTMENT OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS DRUG TESTING AND INTERVENTION PROGRAM for 2017-18
Mission: The University of Southern Mississippi’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has developed and implemented a Drug Testing and Intervention Program (“the Program”) for its student-athletes in order to promote their physical and mental wellbeing. The Program is designed to develop and maintain an environment that encourages student-athletes to avoid the use of unauthorized controlled substances, performance-enhancing drugs, alcohol, tobacco and unapproved dietary supplements. Because of the serious nature of substance abuse, the Program also includes significant sanctions and penalties that serve as a deterrent to drug use. The University of Southern Mississippi (“USM”) works in conjunction with the National Collegiate Athletics Association (“NCAA”) in its Drug Testing Programs, both on-campus and during its post-season championship events. While the NCAA’s Drug Testing Programs and USM’s Program are separate and distinct programs from one another, all Southern Miss student-athletes are subject to the rules and regulations of both. Objectives:
1. To protect the mental and physical health and safety of the University’s student-athletes, teams, and competitors;
2. To promote a safe, healthy, and drug-free environment that supports student-athletes in the achievement of their academic and athletic goals throughout their collegiate careers;
3. To educate all student-athletes regarding the physical, medical, psychological, social, and legal consequences of drug use and abuse;
4. To deter student-athletes from drug use, abuse, dependency and experimentation; 5. To protect the integrity of the University and its Intercollegiate Athletics Program by emphasizing
abstinence from the use of unauthorized controlled substances and alcohol; and 6. To identify student-athletes in need of further educational and health-care counseling in order to
help them lead healthier lifestyles during and following the end of their collegiate careers. Drug Testing Committee:
The Drug Testing Committee (“the Committee”) that oversees the operation and administration of the Drug Testing and Intervention Program will be comprised of the USM Director of Athletics, the Senior Athletics Compliance Officer, the Sports Medicine Director, the Faculty Athletic Representative and the Team Physician. The Committee will directly enforce the rules and regulations of the Drug Testing Program, which also includes the oversight of educational and health-care counseling. The Senior Compliance Officer will be the officially designated athletic department administrator to oversee the daily operation of the Program.
University Organization:
1. The Director of Athletics oversees all aspects of the Program (including the Drug Testing Committee) and the procedures by which the University’s Department of Athletics governs the Program.
2. The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Intercollegiate Athletics employs the National Center for Drug Free Sport (“NCDFS”) to assist with the administration of its institutional Drug Testing Program.
3. The NCDFS provides a Drug Testing Coordinator, Drug Testing Representatives for specimen processing, and Drug Testing Representatives to witness and collect the specimens from the student-athletes that were randomly chosen to be tested.
4. Collection of specimens will be at the testing site designated by the Sports Medicine Director. 5. The University’s Director of Athletics will approve the contracts between the Department of
Athletics and the NCDFS. Educational and Health-Care Counseling: The Drug Testing Committee will refer all student-athletes who the Committee determines are in need of possible professional assistance to the USM Student Counseling Services (“SCS”) department for a mandatory assessment. The USM SCS department will perform the mandatory assessment and it will make recommendations based upon its assessment. The Committee and/or Sports Medicine Director will consider the SCS Department’s recommendations before ultimately determining a course of action. If an outside professional source is recommended by the USM SCS department, the Committee will consider the recommendation. Classifications of Illegal, Controlled, and Performance Enhancing Drugs:
1. Anabolic Steroids –Anabolic steroids are a derivative of the male hormone testosterone and they are banned by the NCAA, the United States Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee, and all sports federations and professional athletic organizations. Risks of steroids include, but are not limited to: aggressiveness leading to violence, acne, balding, stunted growth, impotence, psychiatric disorders, atrophy of the testicles, excessive hair growth, kidney disease, liver damage, breast enlargement in males, hypertension, and mood swings. Student-athletes may not possess or use steroids without the prescription of a medical doctor. Pursuant to Mississippi law, it is illegal to sell steroids.
2. Illegal and Controlled Drugs - These substances are generally drugs whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by the government. They may include, but are not limited to, illegal drugs and prescription medications. See Appendix A for the NCAA and USM banned substances list. Please note, synthetic cannaboids are illegal drugs and will be treated as such. Examples of a synthetic cannaboids include, but are not limited to, Spice, K2, JWH-018, and JWH-073.
Alcohol
Use of Alcoholic beverages on the University of Southern Mississippi campus must not violate state, federal and/or local laws. Student-athletes’ use of alcohol is subject to USM’s (institutional) Alcohol and Drug Policy, as well as the Athletic Department’s Drug Testing and Intervention Program.
Southern Miss Institutional Drug Testing Procedure:
1. USM will conduct institutional drug tests periodically throughout the year. 2. Student-athletes with eligibility remaining will be chosen on a random basis by computer
programs—either the NCDFS database or the USM Electronic Medical Record System (“EMRS”). The NCDFS or EMRS will randomly choose approximately 15%--20% of the total amount of student-athletes from all sports to be tested on each test date unless a particular team(s) or student-athlete(s) is unavailable (for a permissible reason(s)). Every effort will be made to conduct the test on a date that all teams are available. During the last few months of the academic year, student-athletes may be chosen for testing through alternative methods if they have not been tested via the random basis using the computer programs identified above.
3. Generally, the University of Southern Mississippi Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will panel test for alcohol, illegal and controlled drugs only. However, USM reserves the right to additionally test for performance enhancing drugs.
4. Student-athletes will be notified on the day prior to the drug testing date, and will be responsible for being present at the assigned time for testing. Student-athletes will report to the chosen facility, and will sign in with the NCDFS representative upon arrival. Failure to appear and provide a urine sample will be treated as a positive drug test.
5. Student-athletes will abide by the rules and regulations of NCDFS drug testing, and will deliver a urine sample in the presence of a NCDFS representative. The sample will be tested for appropriate levels of both specific gravity and ph on-site, and will be properly sent out to a lab by NCDFS representatives. Appropriate Chain-of-Custody paperwork will be signed by the NCDFS representative processor, NDCFS representative specimen witness, NCDFS crew chief, and a member of the Drug Testing Committee who is present. Chain-of-Custody forms sent to the NCDFS Lab will possess only the individual’s drug test number assigned to the drug test, in order to maintain confidentiality and avoid bias.
6. All drug tests and Chain-of-Custody forms will be mailed by certified overnight mail by the NCDFS. 7. Results of all drug tests will be available for the Sports Medicine Director to view on the password
protected website from the NCDFS lab. All student-athlete tests will be identified by the Chain-of-Custody number assigned to the individual’s drug test rather than by name.
8. In addition to the above, all student-athletes are subject to Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing. Head Coaches, with the pre-approval of the Senior Compliance Officer (who is the administrator of the drug testing policy), shall have the authority to select specific student-athletes on their team for immediate testing if the use of a banned substance is suspected. If a student-athlete(s) is selected for Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing, the same protocol for collecting and examining specimen as noted above will be followed, except full-time USM Sports Medicine Staff will be responsible for applying the process rather than NCDFS staff. Likewise, failure to appear and provide a urine sample will be treated as a positive drug test.
Loss of Eligibility:
1. All student-athletes must sign a Drug Testing Consent Form (“consent form”) annually each year prior to athletics participation. The consent form requires each student-athlete to consent to be tested for use of drugs prohibited by NCAA legislation and the Program.
2. The athletics compliance office shall administer the consent form annually to each student-athlete prior to his/her participation in countable athletic related activities.
3. All student-athletes testing positive for any substance found on the banned substance list are subject to a possible loss of eligibility as described in the Penalty/Sanction section of the Program, below.
4. Student-athletes testing positive for alcohol are subject to USM’s Alcohol and Drug Policy, including all disciplinary policies and procedures. In addition to any institutional penalty that may be imposed by USM’s Alcohol and Drug Policy, the Drug Testing Committee reserves the right to take additional disciplinary measures, including but not limited to attending a required SCS Department assessment, suspension, and permanent dismissal from the team.
5. Student-athletes who fail to sign the notification form (as required for NCAA Testing), fail to arrive at the designated collection site without a permissible justification, fail to provide a urine sample according to protocol, leave the collection site before providing a specimen according to protocol, attempt to alter the integrity or validity of the urine specimen, or cause disruption to the drug testing environment thus causing either the Drug Testing Coordinator or the Sports Medicine Director to remove him/her from the premises will be treated as if he/she had tested positive for a banned substance.
Student-Athlete Selection:
1. All USM student-athletes are subject to the Program. Reasonable efforts will be made to ensure that every student-athlete shall be tested no less than once per year. However, due to the truly random selection process used to identify student-athletes for testing discussed in number three below, some student-athletes may not be tested each year. As such, some student-athletes may be selected directly per the selection procedure identified in number four below.
2. The Committee is responsible for selecting the institutional drug testing dates. 3. Student-athletes will be randomly selected for testing by a NCFDS or EMRS computer program.
The NCFDS or EMRS program will select the student-athletes randomly from the squad lists that are provided each semester by the Sports Medicine Director.
4. During the last few months of the academic year, student-athletes that have not been tested during the academic year pursuant to the selection process identified above may be specifically chosen for testing on institutional testing dates in order to reasonably ensure that every student-athlete in every sport is tested at least once per year.
5. Student-athletes who test positive and subsequently have their eligibility restored will continue to be subject to institutional drug testing pursuant to the Program. In addition, all such individuals may be tested per the discretion of the Director of Athletics and the Head Coach of his/her sport.
6. Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing: All Head Coaches, with the pre-approval of the Senior Compliance Officer, shall have the authority to select specific student-athletes on their team for immediate testing if the use of a banned substance is suspected. The Director of Athletics and the Sports Medicine Director shall have the analogous authority for student-athletes in all sports. The Sports Medicine Director and his/her staff shall initiate the Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing if the day of the requested test falls on a day in which random testing is not performed.
7. Additional testing subsequent to a positive drug test: Immediately following a positive drug test, a student-athlete shall be subject to random drug testing at an increased frequency for a period of at least one year. Follow-up drug tests that result in positive results will not be subject to the penalty progression if it is determined the results were due to a residual drug excretion rather than new drug use.
8. Baseline testing: Upon initial enrollment at USM, all new student-athletes will be immediately drug tested. This baseline testing shall be used as an opportunity for the coaches and staff to educate all incoming student-athletes about The Program and our expectations of their behavior as USM student-athletes. Because of the educational nature of baseline testing, a positive test will not be treated as a 1st Occurrence and it will not be subject to the USM Penalty/Sanction section of the Program noted below. Rather, since the student-athlete was likely not enrolled at USM at the time the prohibited substance was used and he/she had likely not been apprised of the terms of The Program, education and possible enrollment in SCS is the appropriate treatment method for all positive Baseline tests.
Student-Athlete Notification:
1. If selected for a drug test, each student-athlete will be notified in person (if possible) by either a member of the Sports Medicine Staff, the student-athlete’s coaching staff, the Director of Athletics, or the Senior Compliance Officer. If the student-athlete cannot be notified in person, he/she will be notified by phone call, text message, or email.
2. The Sports Medicine Director will identify the student-athlete upon arrival to the Drug Testing Site. If the Sports Medicine Director is not able to attend the drug test, either a member of the Sports Medicine Staff or the Senior Compliance Officer will identify the student-athlete(s) chosen for testing upon his/her arrival at the Drug Testing Site.
Specimen Collection:
1. Collection of specimens for institutional random drug testing will be performed by the NCFDS per the NCDFS protocol, whereas collections of specimens for the Reasonable Suspicion Drug Testing will be performed by a full-time member of the USM Sports Medicine Staff if the NCFDS staff is not available.
2. If collection is performed by a full-time member of the Sports Medicine Staff, it will be performed in the following manner:
a. A member of the Sports Medicine Staff will provide the student-athlete with a clean and packaged collection cup, and will ask the student-athlete to wash his/her hands with soap and water prior to collection.
b. The student-athlete will lower pants to the knee area, and will provide his/her sample in the presence of the Sports Medicine Staff.
c. The student-athlete will place the sample at the appropriate testing counter where the specific gravity and ph will be tested using a urinalysis machine.
d. Once the validity of the specimen is registered, the collector will place the appropriate amounts into two collection tubes provided by NCDFS (one for an “A Sample” and one for a “B Sample”).
e. The two samples will be placed into a sealable plastic bag, and the plastic bag will then be placed in a box marked “NCDFS.” The box will have a seal containing the drug testing specimen number placed on its opening, and that number will match the number on the Chain-of-Custody Form.
f. The specimen collection will be sent via overnight mail on the day of collection, unless it is collected on a weekend, in which case it will be sent the following Monday.
Chain of Custody:
1. The Drug Testing Coordinator will deliver the specimen collections to the postal carrier. 2. A laboratory employee will record that the shipping case(s) has been received. 3. The laboratory will confirm the numbered security seal on each container arrived intact. 4. If the specimen arrives without the seal intact, the University will be notified and it may collect
another specimen from the student-athlete whose specimen was compromised. Notification of Results:
1. The Laboratory will notify the Sports Medicine Director that the samples have been tested. The Sports Medicine Director will then be given access to the laboratory’s secured and password protected website to obtain the results.
2. Drug Tests are confirmed by the Sports Medicine Director by matching the number of the student-athlete’s Chain-of-Customer number with the specimen number listed on the secured website. This procedure is done in order to maintain confidentiality of the student-athlete and avoid bias.
3. For all positive tests, the Sports Medicine Director will notify the Director of Athletics, the Senior Compliance Officer, and the student-athlete’s head coach.
4. The student-athlete will then be notified of the positive result by the Director of Athletics, his/her Head Coach, and the Sports Medicine Director.
5. The parents of the student-athlete will be notified via certified mail by the Director of Athletics. 6. If a student-athlete would like to file an appeal, it must be requested in writing to either the Sports
Medicine Director or the Director of Athletics within 48 hours following notification of a positive test. The NCDFS Laboratory will then test the “B Sample” to determine the validity of the first test, if it has not been tested already.
7. The results of the specimen B testing will be considered final. 8. If a student-athlete wishes to appeal a disciplinary decision or procedure, he/she may do so by
filing the request in writing to the Director of Athletics within 7 days after the disciplinary decision
is finalized. All appeals will be considered by the Drug Testing Committee. The Committee will conduct a hearing in a timely manner.
9. The university shall maintain strict confidentiality with regard to drug testing results and any possible appeal(s).
Penalty/Sanction for Positive USM Drug Test Results:
A. All drugs except Street Drugs 1st Occurrence a. Mandatory participation in an official assessment by the USM SCS
department, or an alternative program suggested by the SCS department.
b. Mandatory notification of parents/guardians, if applicable. If the student-athlete’s parents/guardians are living and are involved in the student-athlete’s life, they will be mailed a letter via certified mail by the Director of Athletics informing them of their son’s/daughter’s positive drug test.
c. The student-athlete shall be subject to random drug testing at an increased frequency for a period of at least one year.
d. An additional penalty may be imposed at the discretion of the Head Coach and Athletic Director, including termination of athletic scholarship and suspension or dismissal from the team.
2nd Occurrence a. The student-athlete is permanently dismissed from the
intercollegiate athletics program and his/her athletic scholarship (if applicable) is terminated at the end of the semester.
B. Street Drugs
1st Occurrence a. Mandatory participation in an official assessment by the USM SCS
department, or an alternative program suggested by the SCS department.
b. Mandatory notification of parents/guardians, if applicable. If the student-athlete’s parents/guardians are living and are involved in the student-athlete’s life, they will be mailed a letter via certified mail by the Director of Athletics informing them of their son’s/daughter’s positive drug test.
c. The student-athlete shall be subject to random drug testing at an increased frequency for a period of at least one year.
d. An additional penalty may be imposed at the discretion of the Head Coach and Athletic Director, including termination of athletic scholarship and suspension or dismissal from the team.
2nd Occurrence a. Mandatory participation in an official assessment by the USM SCS
department, or an alternative program suggested by the SCS department.
b. Immediate mandatory suspension of 10% of the team’s contests against outside competition, with partial games rounded to the next whole number (e.g. 12 games results in a suspension of 1.2 games, which rounds down to 1 game; 56 games results in a suspension of 5.6 games, which rounds up to 6 games);
c. Mandatory notification of parents/guardians, if applicable. If the student-athlete’s parents/guardians are living and are involved in the student-athlete’s life, they will be mailed a letter via certified mail by the Director of Athletics informing them of their son’s/daughter’s second positive drug test.
d. The student-athlete shall be subject to random drug testing at an increased frequency for a period of at least one year.
e. An additional penalty may be imposed at the discretion of the Head Coach and Athletic Director, including termination of athletic scholarship and suspension or dismissal from the team.
3rd Occurrence a. The student-athlete is permanently dismissed from the
intercollegiate athletics program and his/her athletic scholarship (if applicable) is terminated.
Failure to Comply With all Counseling Session Requirements:
Failure to comply with all requirements of the SCS Department treatment program or any program to which the student-athlete is referred by the SCS Department may result in additional penalties, which could include an immediate mandatory suspension of up to 10% of the team’s schedule against outside competition, with partial games rounded to the next whole number, in the manner described above. Once a student-athlete has begun the treatment program, he/she is responsible for abiding by the drug counseling program rules. Any absences or deviations from the program will be reported to the Sports Medicine Director or the Senior Compliance Officer.
Positive Drug Test Forgiveness If a student-athlete has previously tested positive for Street Drugs on one or two occasions, he/she has an opportunity to have one positive test removed from his/her record. The student-athlete must be in compliance with the treatment program and must not have any positive drug tests during the three semesters immediately following his/her most recent positive drug test (summer is not a countable semester. To illustrate how this policy works, a student who tested positive in October of his freshmen year may have his prior test forgiven if he has no additional positive tests during the spring semester of his freshmen year and throughout the fall and spring semesters of his sophomore year). Prior positive drug test forgiveness is only available once during a student-athlete’s career. Voluntary Disclosure/Safe Harbor:
A student-athlete who has engaged in prohibited drug use is encouraged to seek assistance from the Athletic Department by voluntarily disclosing his or her drug use to the Sports Medicine Director. A student-athlete may refer himself/herself to the program for voluntary assessment, evaluation, testing and counseling. The student-athlete will be tested for banned substances upon entry into the Safe Harbor Program; any such positive initial test will not result in any penalty or sanction. A student-athlete is not eligible to enter the Safe Harbor if he/ she has been informed of an impending drug test or after having received a positive institutional or NCAA drug test. In addition, a student-athlete is not permitted to enter the Safe Harbor thirty (30) days prior to NCAA or Conference post-season competition. A student-athlete will only be permitted to enter the Safe Harbor Program one time during his/her athletics eligibility at USM. If a student-athlete successfully requests entry into the Safe Harbor prior to any notification of a random test, the duration of an individual’s Safe Harbor will be determined by the Sports Medicine Director, with assistance of the NCFDS and/or the USM SCS department. While in compliance with the Safe Harbor Program’s
treatment plan, the student-athlete will not be included in the list of student-athletes eligible for random drug testing. However, student-athletes in the Safe Harbor Program may be selected for drug testing by the NCAA.
Medical Exceptions:
Medical exceptions will be made for student-athletes testing positive that are currently taking a medication for which they have a valid doctor’s prescription. Examples of these medications include, but are not limited to, Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (“ADD/ADHD”) medications, Pain (narcotic) medications, etc. Any student-athlete who is taking an ADD/ADHD medication must show proof of ADD/ADHD testing prior to beginning the academic year. Any other medication that may fall under the banned substance list for which the student-athlete has a valid prescription should be provided in its prescribed container upon arrival at the drug testing site. Failure to do so will result in a positive drug test.
Counseling:
All student-athletes referred for assistance will attend a mandatory assessment by the USM SCS Department, if eligible. If it is advised and recommended by the USM SCS program that the student-athlete be referred to an off-campus site for counseling, the Committee will consider the recommendation. During the course of the SCS Department’s treatment program, follow-up drug testing may be recommended by SCS staff prior to the student-athlete being released from SCS counseling. If such requests occur prior to release from the SCS treatment program, such follow-up testing will be administered by the USM Student Health Center Staff, NCFDS or the USM Sports Medicine Staff and the results will remain confidential. As such, any positive test(s) will not be subject to the USM Penalty/Sanction section of the Program. Rather, it will be used as a treatment tool by SCS staff in determining continued treatment options.
NCAA Drug Testing Program:
The Department of Athletics participates in the NCAA Drug Testing Program. The NCAA tests randomly for a number of prohibited substances, including but not limited to: anabolic steroids, diuretics, ephedrine, peptide hormones and analogues, and urine manipulators. Any student-athlete(s) who tests positive in the NCAA Program is required to comply with all NCAA disciplinary actions. The penalty associated with a positive NCAA drug test for all drugs except “street drugs” is loss of one year of eligibility and student-athletes are withheld from competition for a full season. The penalty associated with a positive NCAA drug test for “street drugs” is loss of 50 percent of regular season contests in the season following the positive test.
NCAA Drug Testing Policy: The NCAA’s drug testing program involves urine collection on specific occasions and laboratory analyses for substances on the list of banned drug classes developed by the NCAA Executive Committee. This list consists of substances which are considered as “Performance Enhancing” and/or are potentially harmful to the health and safety of student-athletes. These classes of drugs include, but are not limited to, stimulants (such as cocaine), “street drugs” (such as marijuana), and anabolic steroids. The NCAA policies and procedures can be viewed, as well as the banned substance list, at www.ncaa.org.
APPENDIX A
The University of Southern Mississippi
Banned Substance List
Below are the drugs that are included on both USM’s and the NCAA’s Banned Substance List. All student-athletes should consult with the Sports Medicine Director prior to taking any medications included on the list unless prescribed by a doctor. Banned Drugs:
a. Stimulants Amiphenazole Meclofenoxate Amphetamine Methamphetamine Bemigride Methylphenidate Benzphetamine MDMA - Ectasy Bromantan Nikethamide Caffeine Pemoline Chlorphentermine Pentetrazol Cocaine Phendimetrazine Cropropamide Phenmetrazine Crothetamide Phentermine Diethylpropion Picrotoxine Dimethylamphetamine Pipradol Doxapram Prolintane Ephedrine Strychnine Ethamivan and related compounts Ethylamphetamine Fencamfamine
b. Anabolic Agents
Androstenediol Nandrolone Androstenedione Norandrostenediol Boldenone Norandrostenedione Clostebol Norenthandrolone Dehydrochlormethyl-testerone Oxandrolone Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Oxymesterone Dehydrotestosterone (DHT) Oxymetholone Dromostanolone Stanozolol Fluoxymesterone TESTERONE Mesterolone and related compounds Methandienone Methenolone Other Anabolic Agents: Methyltesterone Clenbuterol
c. Diuretics Acetazolamide Hydroflumethiazide Bendroflumethiazide Methyclothiazide
Benzthiazide Metolazone Bumetanide Polythiazide Clorothiazide Quinethazone Diuretics Continued: Chlorthalidone Spironolactone Ethacrynic Acid Triamterene Flumethiazide Trichlormethiazide Furosemide and related compounds Hyrochlorothiazide
d. Street Drugs
Heroin
Marijuana (“THC,” Tetrahydrocannabinol) Synthetic Cannaboids – K2, Spice, JWH-018, JWH-073
e. Peptide Hormones and Analogues) Chorionic Gonadotrophin human growth hormone (HGH, Somatotrophin) Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG) Erythropoietin (EPO) Corticotrophin (ACTH) Sermorelin
Positive Definition:
1. Caffeine - if concentration in the urine exceeds 15 micrograms per milliliter.
2. Testosterone - if the administration of the testosterone or the use of any other manipulation has the result of increasing g the ratio of the total concentration of testosterone to that of epitestosterone in the urine to greater than 6:1, unless there is evidence that this rat io is due to a physiological or pathological condition.
3. Marijuana and THC - if concentration in the urine of THC exceeds 15 nanograms per milliliter.
4. Synthetic Cannaboids – Any positive test, as determined from a sample given by the student-
athlete.
Last updated 6.27.17/df
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