Dear Students,
Welcome to the 170th academic year of the University of Mississippi. It is a great time to be an Ole Miss Rebel!
To our freshman and incoming transfer students: you are joining Mississippi’s flagship university at a time of outstanding advancement and momentum, especially as we embrace our rising status as a top Carnegie R1 research university, an academic powerhouse and a welcoming environment for students from all over. During your time here, you’ll build lifelong friendships, develop a deeper understanding of yourself and no doubt have many enriching and enjoyable experiences. Get to know people around campus, including your professors and all the staff who are so integral to the successful operation of the university. I encourage you to work hard and also maintain a healthy, balanced life. Thank you for joining us as the newest members of the Ole Miss family!
To all our student body: higher education is a life-transforming experience. Our educational goal at Ole Miss is for you to attain the academic skills that will contribute to your career success and as a lifelong learner. Take full advantage of all the amazing cultural and academic opportunities that Ole Miss and Oxford have to offer. Whether it is a study abroad experience, volunteering in a community, a challenging lecture, a show at the Ford Center, the multitude of athletic events or the Double Decker Festival, there are so many wonderful activities to learn and grow from.
If you’re new to campus, please start your fall semester by attending the annual Fall Convocation Tuesday evening, Aug. 22, at The Pavilion at Ole Miss. It is a great way to kick-off your college journey and meet classmates. Award-winning author and social justice advocate Bryan Stevenson will give the keynote address.
As we begin this new academic year, I strongly encourage you to take time to become familiar with the UM Creed and really take ownership of it. As our country continues to struggle with acts of violence, hatred and bigotry like we have recently witnessed in Charlottesville, the Creed serves as our guide so that we can have respectful discussions and approach each other with dignity and civility. Our Creed embodies our commitment to the principles and values that we uphold every day, including integrity, respect, accountability, fairness and commitment to excellence.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at chancellor@OleMiss.edu and stay connected by following my Twitter account, @UMchancellor. You are valued members of our university and form the heart of our campus community. Thank you for choosing Ole Miss. I look forward to seeing you around campus and at events. Best wishes for the coming year!
Hotty Toddy!
Jeffrey S. Vitter
