University of Southern Mississippi Academic Calendar 2026-2027
Looking for important The University of Southern Mississippi academic calendar dates? Below you'll find registration periods, semester information, finals, commencement, and planning resources.
Stay Organized at University of Southern Mississippi
Keep your University of Southern Mississippi classes, assignments, registration dates, exams, and important academic deadlines organized in one place. Course Sync helps you build a personalized semester plan so you can stay ahead of deadlines, reduce stress, and stay focused throughout the entire academic year.
Important Academic Dates
Fall Semester
Fall Semester Begins
August 24, 2026
Fall Add/Drop Deadline
August 31, 2026
Fall Withdrawal Deadline
Friday, November 27, 2026
Fall Finals Week Start Date
Monday, December 7, 2026
Fall Finals Week End Date
Thursday, December 10, 2026
Spring Semester
Spring Semester Begins
Tuesday, January 19, 2027
Spring Add/Drop Deadline
Tuesday, January 26, 2027
Spring Break Start Date
Sunday, March 7, 2027
Spring Break End Date
Sunday, March 14, 2027
Spring Withdrawal Deadline
Friday, April 30, 2027
Spring Finals Week Start Date
Monday, May 10, 2027
Spring Finals Week End Date
Thursday, May 13, 2027
Other Important Dates
Commencement Date
Not Listed
Summer Semester Begins
Tuesday, June 1, 2027
University Overview
The University of Southern Mississippi is a public research university with campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, Mississippi. Southern Miss is known for its programs in business, nursing, education, engineering, marine science, polymer science, and the arts. As an R1 research university, students have opportunities to participate in undergraduate research, internships, study abroad, and community engagement. Southern Miss follows a semester-based academic calendar with full-term, intersession, and accelerated eight-week courses. The Office of the Registrar publishes the official academic calendar with important dates for registration, classes, academic deadlines, final examinations, and commencement.
Semester Overview
Fall Semester
The Fall 2026 full semester begins on August 24, 2026. Students should review the academic calendar before classes begin to understand registration deadlines, add/drop periods, university holidays, withdrawal deadlines, and final examination schedules. Students enrolled in eight-week or intersession courses should also monitor session-specific deadlines.
Spring Semester
The Spring 2027 full semester begins on January 19, 2027 and concludes with final examinations in May followed by commencement activities. Students should monitor spring break, registration appointments, withdrawal deadlines, and graduation milestones throughout the semester.
Summer Semester
Southern Miss offers full summer terms along with Summer Session I and Summer Session II. These sessions allow students to complete prerequisites, accelerate graduation, participate in internships, or reduce future course loads. Each session has its own registration schedule and academic deadlines.
Registration Overview
Students register according to the university's published registration schedule after meeting with their academic advisor. Registering early helps students secure required courses before sections fill and ensures they remain on track toward graduation
Finals Overview
Fall 2026 full-term final examinations are scheduled for December 7 through December 10, 2026. Spring 2027 full-term final examinations are held at the conclusion of the semester in May. Students should review the official exam schedule before making travel arrangements.
Graduation Overview
Southern Miss holds commencement ceremonies following the completion of the fall and spring semesters. Graduating students should monitor official announcements regarding graduation applications, degree audits, and ceremony schedules.
What Actually Works
Add every important academic deadline to one calendar
Review every course syllabus during the first week
Meet with your academic advisor before registration begins
Apply early for internships, research, and study abroad opportunities
Begin preparing for final exams before exam week
Check the official academic calendar regularly for updates
FAQ
When does the Fall 2026 semester begin at the University of Southern Mississippi?
The Fall 2026 full semester begins on August 24, 2026.
Where can I find the official University of Southern Mississippi academic calendar?
The Office of the Registrar publishes the official academic calendar with semester dates, registration periods, academic deadlines, holidays, final examinations, and commencement information.
Does the University of Southern Mississippi offer accelerated sessions?
Yes. Southern Miss offers full semesters, intersession courses, and multiple eight-week sessions throughout the academic year, each with its own academic deadlines.
Why should I check the University of Southern Mississippi academic calendar throughout the semester?
Reviewing the academic calendar regularly helps you stay informed about registration deadlines, add/drop periods, withdrawal dates, holidays, final examinations, and commencement so you can better organize your semester and avoid missing important deadlines.
Semester Experience
Early Semester
Use the first week to finalize your class schedule, review every syllabus, organize assignment deadlines, and note important academic dates. Students planning internships, research projects, or study abroad should begin preparing applications early.
Mid Semester
Mid-semester often combines exams, registration, advising appointments, and major projects. Meeting with your academic advisor before registration opens helps ensure steady progress toward your degree.
Final Weeks
As final examinations approach, complete major assignments before exam week whenever possible. Graduating students should verify that all graduation requirements and commencement responsibilities have been completed.
Final Thoughts
The University of Southern Mississippi academic calendar is more than a list of important dates. It helps students coordinate coursework, research, internships, registration, and graduation throughout the academic year. Reviewing it regularly can help you stay organized and avoid missing important academic deadlines.
Important Note
Academic calendars may change because of administrative updates or unforeseen circumstances. Always use the official University of Southern Mississippi academic calendar as the final authority for semester dates, examination schedules, commencement, and other important academic deadlines.
