Would you send your child to USM? - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Aug 9, 2004

Would you send your child to USM?

Date: Aug 9, 2004

good question--one my wife and i have thought about. got two. one has been here (too close to graduation to transfer) and one just starting. we still have confidence in USM, although we will be very selective in where we steer our younger child to major.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Yadda Yadda Yadda
"Here's a scenario. You've got a bright, ambitious son or daughter. Would you encourage them to go to USM? "

With no slam directed at the faculty of USM, my answer is "no." USM is too close to home. I want the little booger about 5 hours away, minimum! I've been waiting 18 years for this!

It really has little to do with the "situation" in Hattiesburg. If I lived in North Mississippi, I might be encouraging her to attend USM for the same reason I'm now encouraging her to attend UM.

Of course, if Truth4USM/AH can finagle a full ride to Vandy, I'll encourage her to go there

Date: Aug 9, 2004

Depends on what they wanted to major in. For example, if it were nursing or criminal justice, probably not, since those departments are so low on faculty (or are things better than they were in the spring?)

Date: Aug 9, 2004

invictus--i agree on getting them out of the house. my wife and I make them stay in the dorms. part of growing up is moving away, even if across town. USM has some ways to facilitate the "growing up" process in positive ways. my oldest was admitted to some prestigious places--like Washington Univ. in St. Louis. The idea of tuition/board at $32,000 a year--whew!

Date: Aug 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Invictus
" Of course, if Truth4USM/AH can finagle a full ride to Vandy, I'll encourage her to go there "

Hey, I'm busy working on that for my own rugrats!

But, seriously...would I encourage my children to go to USM? Earlier in my life (pre-SFT), I would have said definitely. Luckily, my kids are young enough that I can hope that SFT will no longer be at USM once they reach college age. We'll have to see what's left of USM at that point.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: foot soldier
"Depends on what they wanted to major in. For example, if it were nursing or criminal justice, probably not, since those departments are so low on faculty (or are things better than they were in the spring?)"

Foot soldier,

I am very glad to say that several positive things are happening for nursing this summer. We have a great new COH dean (with a good sense of academic traditions from Tulane), a very savvy Associate Dean for Nursing (from Medical College of Georgia) and most importantly, our GREAT OBSTRUCTOR AND NEMESIS, TH , is leaving.

Dr Thames, Dr. Fos, and Dr. Nugent are dealing with the situation in nursing now, and SFT has approved more full time positions to return to the number of professors that we need. We will be returning to our former glory this year. So, send all the people to us that want to be nurses that you can. We really need more nurses! USM Nursing is going to get much better now.

I just wish it were so for everyone.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Nurse Prof
" Foot soldier, I am very glad to say that several positive things are happening for nursing this summer. We have a great new COH dean (with a good sense of academic traditions from Tulane), a very savvy Associate Dean for Nursing (from Medical College of Georgia) and most importantly, our GREAT OBSTRUCTOR AND NEMESIS, TH , is leaving. Dr Thames, Dr. Fos, and Dr. Nugent are dealing with the situation in nursing now, and SFT has approved more full time positions to return to the number of professors that we need. We will be returning to our former glory this year. So, send all the people to us that want to be nurses that you can. We really need more nurses! USM Nursing is going to get much better now. I just wish it were so for everyone. "

That's great news, USM Nurse Prof!! It's good that some positive actions are taking place. We desperately need good nurses and you all have a great job providing them. I second that last line too and challenge the administration to explain themselves.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Yadda Yadda Yadda
"Here's a scenario. You've got a bright, ambitious son or daughter. Would you encourage them to go to USM? "

Send a child to USM? If things keep moving in the direction they are currently headed, we can send USM to the child - by long-distance learning right on the internet. On the other hand, why not choose another long-distance school with more clout.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Nurse Prof
"
So, send all the people to us that want to be nurses that you can. We really need more nurses! USM Nursing is going to get much better now.
I just wish it were so for everyone.
"

Thanks for this encouraging news. Nursing is one of the fields where graduates can make an immediate positive impact on the quality of life in our area.

A number of years ago, USM had an innovative way to transfer ADN hours to the upper division, involving a placement test. It was probably challenging for the USM faculty, because an ADN graduate who qualified would have already passed NCLEX-RN & hold a license that a junior-level "native student" wouldn't have. At the time, I recall thinking it was awfully forward-thinking. Does USM still have that sort of set-up?

Date: Aug 9, 2004

Thanks for the positive update. I have nothing to do with nursing, but it has been one of my BIG concerns.

Now, can we have a report from someone in criminal justice?

Date: Aug 9, 2004

I sent my child to USM, and she received a fabulous education from a variety of wonderful professors. She treasures her BA in English and her interactions with the Honors College. We continue to cheer the efforts of these great professors and staff members. SFT can not be allowed to destroy what so many worked hard to make it what it once was. And by viewing the posts of those who offer their names - USM is still rich in its faculty voice (okay, SFT doesn't listen to them but we do!). Many of us can't use our names because of such matters as pending litigation, fear of direct reprisal, and what has been evidenced by SFT's taking on personal vendettas against individual if they dare to disagree with him. But, there will hopefully be a day where many of us will proudly out ourselves!! I sent the first one to USM, my second is attending the University of Oklahoma.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

Nope.

Why?

'Cause I'm lucky, and I've got the best deal in academia: my university is a member of the tuition exchange, which will allow my kids to go to any of the member schools (that they can get accepted into) for free.

If they pick USC, Tulane, or Pepperdine, it works out to about $160k per kid. Of course, they have 16 more years until college, but hey, it has an impact on where I decide to work. A BIG impact.

This is slightly better than USM's out of state tuition waiver for alums.

Also, I think my kids should get into the best school they can...this ain't USM.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

miles--given your options i'd agree. didn't have those. usm still has some nice features. i'd out my kids if i went further, but there are still some nice selling points here.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

Oh boy, would I! My child is a well-certified computer systems security analyst. Would love to have him around and interested in the USM scene.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

Luckily, hupefully, this situation will play itself out by the time my little ones go to college. One is five and two more are due to arrive in December. Based on MY experiences at USM and based on my husband's experienes at USM, yes I would encourage them to go to USM. But, this is also depending on the long term effects of what is happening now. If they were going to be attending in the next several years - no, I would not encourage them at all.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

Congratulations, Eagle in Cairo!! All the best!

Date: Aug 9, 2004

Yes, congrats! Twins...wow! All the best!

Date: Aug 9, 2004

Thanks LVN! Thanks Truth! Just please keep your fingers crossed that they may be able to experience the wonderful things at USM that their Dad and I did.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Invictus
" Thanks for this encouraging news. Nursing is one of the fields where graduates can make an immediate positive impact on the quality of life in our area. A number of years ago, USM had an innovative way to transfer ADN hours to the upper division, involving a placement test. It was probably challenging for the USM faculty, because an ADN graduate who qualified would have already passed NCLEX-RN & hold a license that a junior-level "native student" wouldn't have. At the time, I recall thinking it was awfully forward-thinking. Does USM still have that sort of set-up?"

Yes, our grads have jobs immediately and often start at decent wages...about $20-25 per hour. More if they will travel.

Invictus, we do still have what we call an RN to BSN program that is highly popular...we had about 43 RN to BSN students graduate tonight at USM. All but 10 were Highest Honors and Honors. In this program, an ADN student who has passed their NCLEX-RN exam can earn their BSN degree in 3 semesters (they take what the ADN program lacks, or only touches upon lightly...leadershp, management, economics, research, professional ethics and issues). They can attend USM every other Fri and Sat, at Meridian, Hattiesburg, or GulfPark, so they can work while in school. Research has shown that the higher the degree of the nurse caring for you, the fewer errors, fewer preventable complications, and faster discharge rate. So, this is a VERY important program for ALL of us!

I wanted everyone to know that I am a daily reader of this message board...have been since the beginning (Spring 04). I appreciate the more constructive posts, so Thanks those who do that!

Date: Aug 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Nurse Prof
" I wanted everyone to know that I am a daily reader of this message board...have been since the beginning (Spring 04). I appreciate the more constructive posts, so Thanks those who do that! "

Friend "USM Nurse Prof",

Did you attend this evenings graduation? And if so, any news to report?

Date: Aug 9, 2004

Yes - two students ready to enter. One in the arts and one in the sciences. Only caveat would be a change in accreditation status. Both have plans for graduate school and will go out of state for that.

Did anyone see the HA article the other day about a business student who got a perfect score on some national exam or the article a couple months ago about a decent sized group of students out of COST who were heading to Medical School? These are positive things that we occasionally overlook.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Green Hornet
" Friend "USM Nurse Prof", Did you attend this evenings graduation? And if so, any news to report?"

The College of Health graduation was an evening event. A Mississippi Supreme Court Justice spoke, parents were very proud, students were giddy. Faculty filed in, stood, sat, clapped, a few of us sang along with the Alma Mater. Just the usual stuff. But, beyond the usual, Graduation is sort of a sacred thing to me. I remember my own graduations, my own happiness, my family's pride. To relive it over and over helps me focus on the bigger picture...those I help to become nurses, our students. Thanks for asking.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Nurse Prof
" Yes, our grads have jobs immediately and often start at decent wages...about $20-25 per hour. More if they will travel. Invictus, we do still have what we call an RN to BSN program that is highly popular...we had about 43 RN to BSN students graduate tonight at USM. All but 10 were Highest Honors and Honors. In this program, an ADN student who has passed their NCLEX-RN exam can earn their BSN degree in 3 semesters (they take what the ADN program lacks, or only touches upon lightly...leadershp, management, economics, research, professional ethics and issues). They can attend USM every other Fri and Sat, at Meridian, Hattiesburg, or GulfPark, so they can work while in school. Research has shown that the higher the degree of the nurse caring for you, the fewer errors, fewer preventable complications, and faster discharge rate. So, this is a VERY important program for ALL of us! I wanted everyone to know that I am a daily reader of this message board...have been since the beginning (Spring 04). I appreciate the more constructive posts, so Thanks those who do that! "

USM Nurse Prof.,

As a parent of a graduate of the USM nursing program, I can confirm that Nursing at USM was a superb program (at least it was at the time - I don't know how it is currently). As a faculty member, I quickly discovered that the nursing program was, without a doubt, one of the more academically rigorous programs at USM. An examination of the curriculum as perscribed in the catalog will confirm that. I was particulary impressed that the nursing program was designed to train leaders in the profession, and not solely technicians. The USM nursing students were a joy to have in class. From my perspective, USM should highlight its nursing program. It is missing the boat if it does not. Nursing should be at the top of the priority list for a new building.

Date: Aug 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Parent of Graduate of USM Nursing Program
" USM Nurse Prof., As a parent of a graduate of the USM nursing program, I can confirm that Nursing at USM was a superb program (at least it was at the time - I don't know how it is currently). As a faculty member, I quickly discovered that the nursing program was, without a doubt, one of the more academically rigorous programs at USM. An examination of the curriculum as perscribed in the catalog will confirm that. I was particulary impressed that the nursing program was designed to train leaders in the profession, and not solely technicians. The USM nursing students were a joy to have in class. From my perspective, USM should highlight its nursing program. It is missing the boat if it does not. Nursing should be at the top of the priority list for a new building. "

Thanks so much for your good words. It is our hope that we can rebuild and grow, and be the best Nursing School in the South East. As for a new building.... well, who knows? We are taking it one step at a time, and getting some faculty lines back is a good start. I appreciate your positive sentiments.

Hey, the football game is back on....gotta go....

Date: Aug 9, 2004

RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Would you send your child to U

Date: Aug 9, 2004

RE: Would you send your child to USM?

Date: Aug 10, 2004

USM could have it. Check it out ("how to become a member school"):

http://www.tuitionexchange.org/index.htm

It doesn't look like the state has anything to do with it.

Date: Aug 10, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by: LittleSurferGirl
"USM could have it. Check it out ("how to become a member school"): http://www.tuitionexchange.org/index.htm It doesn't look like the state has anything to do with it. "

http://www.tuitionexchange.org/index.htm

Date: Aug 10, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Miles Long
"USM has nothing like this. It would be a great faculty recruiting tool. However, to be a member, there must be some deal in place for children of faculty (and sometimes staff) to attend tuition free. The state won't approve anything like this anytime soon."

You mean "the IHL board won't approve anything like this anytime soon." In fact, USM once had faculty-staff tuition waivers. And most of the community colleges have them. There certainly isn't a state law that I know of prohibiting tuition waivers...