Host Partner Feature: University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi (UM) has been a longstanding partner with the Global UGRAD Program. We caught up with Olivia George, the International Student Advisor (and also an alumna of UM), to learn more about UM and how UGRAD students impact the university community.

How have Global UGRADs impacted your campus and local community?

Vaibhav Nahata (Nepal, Spring 2022) volunteering with a children’s outdoor education organization

Our UGRAD students have been excellent examples for our campus, embodying not only UGRAD values but also the values present in our UM Creed, which prompts students to uphold fairness, civility, academic and professional integrity, and stewardship of our resources. Over the past few semesters, UGRAD students have partnered with our local elementary and middle schools through our IEP program to share their culture with young children and teach them about their language, customs, traditions, and more. They broaden the horizons of our residents and connect our state to cultures around the globe. UGRAD students are always an amazing example of how students can impact local communities despite being here for a short time, and I see them as key actors in inspiring not only our campus, but also our state, to grow and connect to the world.

What type of campus extracurriculars and community service opportunities are available to students?

Souphaphone Thammavongsa (Laos) and Hilda Perez (Dominican Republic) volunteering at an elementary school during the Fall 2023 semester

We have a lot of nationality and culture-based student organizations across campus, many of which are heavily involved in our international student programming. Our office directly oversees the Global Ambassador program, which pairs new international students with UM student mentors who plan group-based activities throughout the semester. We also have an International American Student Alliance who host campus-wide events designed to connect international students with campus. The UM Office of Global Engagement plays an active role in programming, collaborating frequently with our Athletics Office and other campus partners to provide fun events each semester, ranging from trips to local museums, the zoo, NBA games, picnics, and more! During holiday breaks, we also plan excursions such as our annual trip to New Orleans, Louisiana! Additionally, community service is an integral part of our university and its mission. Students can volunteer through various student organizations such as the Lyceum Locker which provides free school supplies; the Grove Grocery, an on-campus food pantry; or the Green Grove organization, which keeps our campus clean during football season. Many of our UGRAD students also volunteer at the local Oxford Community Market and Garden or at our local library. Our Intensive English Program has a class dedicated to service projects at local retirement homes and schools that all students are welcome to get involved in.