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RISE to the Top!

An Inclusive 4-Year Certificate Program

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RISE to the Top!

RISE Photo Collage

RISE To The Top! is a fully approved, 4-year, 8-semester inclusive non-degree certificate program for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The program鈥攐ne of only two in the state of 吃瓜头条鈥攑rovides these students an inclusive college experience by incorporating academics, community engagement, employment and student life through all activities.  

RISE To The Top! is a 吃瓜头条 collaboration between the Institute for Disability Studies and the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development.

Mission

The RISE TTT! 吃瓜头条 program is dedicated to creating an inclusive postsecondary education experience for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, supporting their journey to reach To The Top through academics, community engagement, employment readiness, and full participation in student life.

Mary Ann in cap and gownMary Ann wearing her cap and gown as she was one of two pilot program RISE graduates.

 

Program Overview

Classes 

  • One class per semester minimum
  • Courses may be taken for a grade or audited, but a minimum of two courses (4-6 hours total) should be taken for a grade
  • Required to take UNV 110, University Studies, and complete a practicum during last semester of program; rest of class selections are based on students鈥� interests
  • Person-centered planning to develop individualized schedules
  • Student Accessibility Services enrollment

Community Service

  • 10 hours of community service each year (aim to do MORE!)

Campus Involvement

  • One extracurricular activity recommended
    • Over 220 USM student organizations
    • STEP UP to Leadership Council and Special Olympics College 吃瓜头条 are both IDS related
    • Social Events hosted by Aspiring Special Educators Network (ASPEN)
  • On-campus housing available

Sports

  • Fall Semester: Football & Basketball and Spring Semester: Baseball & Softball
  • Sporting events free for students 鈥� show student ID & ticket at entrance of student section; must claim 吃瓜头条 student tickets online.
  • Student extra tickets for family and friends 鈥� up to 2 guest tickets can be purchased for $20 each at Pat Ferlise Center or by visiting southernmiss.com (sit in student section)
  • Student Eagle Club for $20/year.

Student Partner Check Ins

  • Student Partners: Weekly basis for at least 1 hour a week
  • Social Student Partners: Biweekly basis to do a social activity together
  • Support in social, independent living and academic situations

Internships

  • 5 or more internship experiences beginning sophomore year
  • Internship readiness activities first year
JazmynRISE student Jazmyn participates in the legendary freshman Painting of the Eagle Walk.
TaylorRISE student Taylor and Student Partner B take a selfie.
NathanRISE alumni Nathan and Student Partner Kayiana take a selfie.
AspenAspiring Special Educators Network (ASPEN) and RISE students enjoying 吃瓜头条 time.

吃瓜头条

Thank you for your interest in applying to the RISE To The Top! 吃瓜头条 program.  Applications open each fall and students are encouraged to start getting prepared to apply by end of their senior year or the month of May for anyone else.

The Fall 2026 application will open on September 15, 2025.

  • Early Consideration Deadline: December 1, 2025
  • Regular Consideration Deadline: January 15, 2026

(Application will open on September 15, 2025.)

ReaganRISE alumni Reagan wearing her cap and gown as she was one of RISE's two pilot program graduates.
2028RISE Students Class of 2028 stand in front of Lofty Return statue.

Costs

RISE To The Top! Program Costs

*Costs are subject to change & do not include materials or other required expenses for a college student.

RISE To The Top! Program Fee

$3,500 per semester

Application Fee

*One-time fee once accepted into the program

$45                  

Academic Tuition

$429 per credit hour/semester

Non-MS Resident Tuition

*If student lives out of state 

$84 per credit hour/semester

Student Activities Fee

$1.67 per credit hour/semester

Capital Improvement Fee

$2.92 per credit hour/semester

Housing

$2,520-$4,015 per semester 

*4,015 per semester first year due to living in Luckyday Citizenship Hall 

Meal Plan 

*If you live on campus, you will be required to purchase a meal plan. If you commute to campus, meal plans are optional.

$2,140-$2,275 per semester

Parking Pass 

*If student drives self to campus

$162 per academic year

Books/Eagle Direct Textbooks

*You must choose to opt in or opt out of Eagle Direct Textbook Program. More information on Eagle Direct Textbook Program will be provided at orientation if accepted into the program.

$21 per credit hour

Subject to Course Requirement 

 

Staff

Danielle Mullins

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Executive Coordinator For Programming

Laura Malone

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Executive Coordinator for Academics

Aysha Robertson

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Programming Specialist   

Mary Ann Taylor

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Alumni Specialist

Jerry Alliston

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Director

Ann Marie Kinnell

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Director

RISE Staff

RISE staff Laura, Danielle and Jerry take a selfie with IDS colleague Scott and RISE student Taylor.

RISE Staff

RISE staff Danielle, Jerry and Aysha take a selfie while attending the 2025 SEPSEA Conference.

Contact Us

Give Us a Call

Phone: 601.266.4676

Email Us

riseFREEgroups.吃瓜头条

Mail Us a Letter

118 College Drive #5163
Hattiesburg, MS  39406

RISE Logo
Institute for Disability Studies
RISE Logo

 

College of Arts and Sciences

Contact Us

School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development

110 Elizabeth Harkins Hall (EHH)
118 College Dr. #5112
Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Campus

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Email
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Phone
601.266.4317