Student Affairs and Alumni news
Division of Student Affairs Update: upcoming events, impressive student and alumni accolades, student support services and well-being resources, and alumni updates and accomplishments.
White Coat and Honor Code Ceremonies
Accelerated BSN Jackson student Caitlyn Dungee receives dons her white coat with help from program faculty Dr. Marlie Farrar.The season of fall marks a time of change and transition in nature, and the same can be said of the fall semester in the School of Nursing (SON). Students from our Jackson Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program began their classes in late May. After spending the summer in the classroom setting, they celebrated their academic transition into clinicals with a Student White Coat and Honor Code Ceremony in August. The ceremony was held on August 21st, at the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation (MDRS), in Madison.
Accelerated BSN Jackson students read out their commitment to the Student Honor Code prior to donning their white coats on stage.Dr. Sharon McElwain, the SON’s assistant dean for undergraduate programs, was the guest speaker for the event. This was the first SON event to be held at the MDRS venue, and students, attendees, staff and faculty were pleased with venue and location. We plan on having many more events at MDRS, due to the excellent location, accommodating space and service provided by their staff.
Students from our Oxford Accelerated BSN program, began classes in August. These students enter the clinical setting at an accelerated pace, as indicated by the name of the program, and celebrated their academic transition into clinicals with a Student White Coat and Honor Code Ceremony just a short time later in September. The ceremony was held on September 27th, at the Gertrude Castellow Ford Center in Oxford. Dr. Sovent Taylor, the director of the health professions advising office at The University of Mississippi, was the guest speaker for the Oxford event.
Accelerated BSN Oxford student Shunderla "Sheree" Wilson speaks during the White Coat and Honor Code Ceremony.The ceremonies acknowledge the students’ change from the classroom to the clinical setting by having each student cloaked by faculty in their white coat. Before the students are cloaked, they read the commitment statement which reminds students to be accountable to their peers as well as themselves.
Families and friends attended both events to witness their loved one’s commitment to honor within the academic and clinical settings, and symbolic donning of their white coat. Parents, grandparents, partners, children and friends were all excited to see their loved ones honored as they move forward into the clinical portion of their academic journeys. Support is key in the SON, and we enjoy seeing our students supported by their families and friends as they experience growth and transition within our programs.
Accelerated BSN Oxford students sign their names to the Student Honor Code after donning their white coats on stage.The ceremony also focuses on the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) SON’s mission as well as the UMMC SON core values, which is a great reminder that we can all use as we serve our students in their academic journeys to becoming successful nurses.
SON Mission:
To develop nurse leaders and improve health within and beyond Mississippi through excellence in education, research, practice and service.
SON Core Values:
Research - consideration and thoughtfulness with regard to others
Excellence - the quality of being outstanding and superior
Accountability - responsible to somebody and for something
Diversity - intentional inclusion of psychological, physical and social differences of others
Integrity - steadfastly adhering to principles of professional standards
Attention Students
Students: As a reminder, please update your emergency contact information in Workday.
Service learning upcoming events/opportunities
Jackson Heart Walk - Saturday, November 11, Jackson
Turkey Trot Walk & Health Fair - Saturday, November 18, Jackson
Camp Kandu - Saturday, November 18, Florence
Alzheimer's Association - ongoing opportunity, Ridgeland
Compassus Volunteers - ongoing opportunity, Flowood
Evers Care Monthly Food Distribution - ongoing opportunity, Jackson
Jackson Free Clinic - ongoing opportunity, Jackson
Mercy Delta - ongoing opportunity, Rolling Fork
Little Light House School - ongoing opportunity, Jackson
Love Packs - ongoing opportunity, Oxford
Mustard Seed, Inc. - ongoing opportunity, Jackson
Mississippi Blood Services - ongoing opportunity, Oxford
Volunteering at Children's Hospital - ongoing opportunity, Jackson
UMMC Volunteer Reserve Pool - ongoing opportunity, Jackson
Students, check GivePulse for more information and to sign up!
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Spirit Week 2023
The SON held the 2023 Spirit Week September 18th through the 22nd. Spirit Week included themed days, food and fun for all. During Meaningful Monday, faculty, staff and students made an impact by donating non-perishable snacks to the SON school-based clinics. Chillin’ on the Rez served New Orleans style snowballs and ice cream for Tropical Tuesday while everyone enjoyed the fresh breeze outside. Wednesday was the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and based on the amount of Christmas shirts around the school, it is safe to say Christmas was the favorite holiday for Hump Day Holiday. On Thursday we celebrated Hispanic Heritage with our annual Heritage Luncheon. Spirit Week came to an end with Game Day Friday. Students, faculty and staff enjoyed popcorn with delicious toppings and seasonings in the lobby.