Campus Life
Student Organizations
International Student Organization (ISO): ISO is dedicated to supporting and enhancing an inclusive global campus environment among international and American students. ISO serves as the umbrella student organization to provide advocacy, social activities, leadership opportunities and field trips for international students and those interested in global cultures. All international students automatically become members of ISO upon their admission to Millsaps, but all students who wish to learn more about global culture are welcome. ISO works closely with the Millsaps International Buddy System (MIBS), Student Body Association (SBA), International Perspectives Program (IPP) and BOBA (Bringing out the Best of Asia) to bring international and domestic students together to encourage cultural understanding
Millsaps International Buddy System (MIBS): MIBS connects volunteer upperclassmen from Millsaps with international students to welcome them and help them with their transition here. MIBS provides services such as room preparation, transportation around Jackson, tours of Millsaps and Jackson, and activities throughout the school year. The goal of MIBS is to help international students transition to life on campus and in the Jackson community.
Bringing Out the Best of Asia (BOBA): BOBA is the Asian Student Organization of Millsaps College. BOBA promotes diversity and brings life to different cultural practices through cooking classes, cultural celebrations, and badminton tournaments, and is open to all students interested in Asian cultures.
Programming
International Student Organization (ISO): ISO is dedicated to supporting and enhancing an inclusive global campus environment among international and American students. ISO serves as the umbrella student organization to provide advocacy, social activities, leadership opportunities and field trips for international students and those interested in global cultures. All international students automatically become members of ISO upon their admission to Millsaps, but all students who wish to learn more about global culture are welcome. ISO works closely with the Millsaps International Buddy System (MIBS), Student Body Association (SBA), International Perspectives Program (IPP) and BOBA (Bringing out the Best of Asia) to bring international and domestic students together to encourage cultural understanding
Millsaps International Buddy System (MIBS): MIBS connects volunteer upperclassmen from Millsaps with international students to welcome them and help them with their transition here. MIBS provides services such as room preparation, transportation around Jackson, tours of Millsaps and Jackson, and activities throughout the school year. The goal of MIBS is to help international students transition to life on campus and in the Jackson community.
Bringing Out the Best of Asia (BOBA): BOBA is the Asian Student Organization of Millsaps College. BOBA promotes diversity and brings life to different cultural practices through cooking classes, cultural celebrations, and badminton tournaments, and is open to all students interested in Asian cultures.
Shuttle Service
Millsaps provides a variety of activities designed to help international students experience American and, in particular, Mississippi culture. Our small size and unique liberal arts environment enable international students to quickly become immersed in local culture and assume leadership roles on campus if desired.
Cultural Café: The International Student Organization (ISO) hosts regular events throughout the school year that explore global issues through presentations by international students and students who have studied abroad. The entire campus is welcome to participate.
Intercultural Festival: ISO, MIBS, the Student Body Association (SBA) and Student Life cohost the Intercultural Festival each spring. A campus-wide event, the Intercultural Festival features activities such as cultural presentations, exhibits, dance, bands, as well as international cuisine, fashion, and crafts. The purpose of the festival is to celebrate Millsaps’ diverse campus community.
Off-Campus Trips: ISO provides off-campus trips each semester to introduce international students to Jackson, MS and the surrounding area. Transportation is always provided and many trips are free. Previous excursions have included:
- New Orleans Day Trip
- Fishing, Kayaking, Hiking and Cookouts
- Mississippi Delta and Blues
- Mississippi Museum of Art
- Reservoir Sailing and BBQ Trip
- Fondren After 5 Event
- Mitchell Farms Pumpkin Patch Trip
- Dinner at Local Restaurants
- Shopping at the Oriental Market
- Thanksgiving in Jerusalem at Galloway Church
- Outlet Mall Shopping in Pearl, MS
The Millsaps International Buddy System (MIBS) leaders also provide transportation off campus as needed.
MIBS leaders also give international students rides to and from the airport before and after breaks.
Campus Resources
International Student Admission and Services: Staff is available during the week to answer questions regarding immigration and travel issues. You may contact them at internationaladmissions@millsaps.edu.
New South Residence Hall Kitchen: International students have access to cooking and cleaning supplies in New South Residence Hall kitchen. Even if you live in a different dorm on campus, your I.D. card will allow you to access that kitchen and the supplies.
Writing Center: The Millsaps Writing Center serves all writers in the Millsaps community. Our tutors are eager to work with writers at all stages in the writing process and all writing levels and abilities. From a first essay to a senior seminar project, a conversation with a Writing Center tutor can help writers reach goals, refine ideas, and develop helpful writing habits.
Center for Career Education: The center encourages student growth and career development as part of the total educational experience. By building connections with employers, graduate/professional schools, and the campus community, the Career Center continues the College’s commitment to excellence and success for each and every student. If you are looking for a job, internship, or need help on a resume, the Center for Career Education is here to help.
Information Technology Services: ITS provides network, computer, and telecommunications support for the entire Millsaps campus. This includes network hardware and software, desktop hardware and software, campus networking, email, wireless connectivity, and more.
Library: The Millsaps-Wilson Library contains approximately 35,000 square feet with a variety of comfortable study areas, including 15 group project rooms, music and media rooms and a variety of classrooms and meetings rooms. The library contains a 209,900 volume collection that is searchable via the online catalog. During fall and spring semesters, the library is open Sunday Noon-1am, Monday – Thursday 7:50am – 1am, Fridays 7:50am – 6pm, and Saturdays 10am-5pm.
Academic Advisors: Each new student is assigned to an academic advisor upon enrollment at Millsaps. After filing a formal declaration of major, students are assigned to an advisor in their major area/s.
Academic Support Services: The Assistant Dean for Support Services supports students with academic advising, registration, requests for withdrawal or leave of absence, and any other issues related to academic success at Millsaps. Students needing assistance locating academic support should start with this office.
Post Office: Students can buy stamps, mail packages, and send express mail through the on-campus Post Office on the 1st floor of the Campbell College Center.
Health Care and Insurance
Health Care
If you need health care while at Millsaps, you have several options which are listed below. Please check with the Wesson Health Center or your International Student Advisor if you have additional questions.
Wesson Health Center: Your first and primary resource for health care is Millsaps’ Wesson Health Center. The Center provides basic health care to all Millsaps College students and is located on the first floor of the Campbell College Center, just inside the College Center’s south entrance. An experienced Registered Nurse coordinates services and care for 28 hours per week. The University of Mississippi Medical Center assigns physicians to the center for approximately 10 hours per week. Regular office visits are free of charge, but costs are applied to lab tests and immunizations performed in the center.
Hours:
Monday – 8:30am – 1:30pm
Tuesday – 8:30am – 2pm
Wednesday – 8:30am – 3:30pm
Thursday – 8:30am – 2pm
Friday – 8am – 1pm
After Hours Care: When the Wesson Health Center is closed, you will need to go to an after-hours clinic such as the ones below. Be sure to look these up on the internet since their hours change periodically.
Baptist Medical Clinic in the Belhaven Building (within walking distance of campus)
1200 N. State Street, Lower Level Suite 10, Jackson
601.362.7280
TrustCare Express Medical Clinics
4880 I 55 N, Jackson
601.487.9199
MEA Primary Care Plus North Clinic
5606 Old Canton Rd, Jackson
601.957.3333
Specialty Physicians: US Physicians who specialize in a particular type of care often require a referral from a primary care provider or after-hours clinic in order to see you. The ISP health insurance reimbursement is greater if you use a doctor that is part of the ISP preferred provider network.
If you must visit a doctor’s office, please try to find a physician in the ISP insurance network to save cost. You can find network physicians at http://intlstudentprotection.com/making-a-claim/what-to-do-if-you-need-healthcare/.
Be prepared to provide your medical insurance information and card when you check in. A member of the doctor’s staff will ask you for a medical history before you are examined. The purpose of this is to obtain background information needed to treat you and to determine if there are any medications which should not be used. When asked to complete the history, be as exact and honest as possible, as these records will be used to determine your treatment. Medical records are private information, and cannot be released without your explicit permission.
For Emergency Care: If you need emergency care, please contact the emergency rooms at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), Baptist Hospital, or St. Dominic Hospital. Keep in mind that emergency room care is more expensive than visiting an after-hours clinic and should only be used for emergencies.
Counseling: Counseling appointments can be made by telephoning 601.974.1227 to schedule an appointment. You may also drop by the Office of Student Life in person to schedule an appointment. Appointments usually last about an hour but may be scheduled for 30 minutes also. All counseling is offered free of charge and is confidential.
Health Insurance
As an international student, you have invested a considerable amount of time, energy, and money to come to the United States to study. A major medical problem could be unexpected and costly for you. Additionally, the US health system is a private payer system, rather than a government-sponsored, universal system of health care coverage like systems in many students’ home countries, and costs are often much higher.
For this reason, all Millsaps international students must enroll in the International Student Protection Plan (ISP) Trail Blazer Plan (Pioneer Plan for athletes) prior to arrival on campus. ISP provides medical and dental insurance for accidents and sickness during students’ enrollment at Millsaps, and fees for this insurance are included in tuition. ISP covers mainly major illnesses and accidents, and students may still have to pay out-of- pocket costs even with insurance for minor claims. For this reason, international students may choose to purchase additional supplemental private insurance as well.
Housing and Storage During Breaks
Immigration Information
Below you will find detailed information about immigration and Visa information. For additional information or clarification, please direct all questions to Millsaps’ Designated School Official (DSO) Darya Bontempo at bontedr@millsaps.edu
International Student Employment
As an international student on an F-1 visa, you have the benefit of certain employment and training opportunities. It is important for you to understand student employment regulations and to abide by them at all times. Your immigration status is your responsibility – make sure to check StudyInTheStates to stay informed about current immigration rules and regulations. If you ever have a question about employment while on an F-1 visa, contact the Office of International Initiatives at 601-974-1052.
(F-1 Student Employment Based on Economic Hardship section moved to bottom of page)
Living in Jackson
Driving in Mississippi
MIBS leaders will assist you in getting to and from the airport, or you may take Uber or local taxi. MIBS also provides shuttles to Wal-mart and the grocery store during the school year Transportation is also provided for off-campus programs events offered by ISO and Millsaps Student Life. However, some students may still choose to purchase a car and obtain a driver’s license. Below, you will find web resources and instructions to enable you to drive in Mississippi.
To drive in Mississippi, you will need either a Mississippi driver’s license or a valid license in your home country and a valid international driver’s license. Please contact the International Student Advisor or visit the website below if you need assistance acquiring a driver’s license.