News Summary
The University of Mississippi’s MPower Orientation Program will undergo significant changes this fall to combat declining enrollment and retention rates. Established in 2015, the program focuses on leadership development for first-year students. With a drop in participation, the university plans to diversify offerings and introduce new activities like the ‘Days of Champions’ initiative to enhance engagement. The updated program aims to be more inclusive and enjoyable, fostering a stronger sense of community among incoming students.
Oxford, Mississippi – The University of Mississippi’s MPower Orientation Program will undergo significant content changes this fall in response to declining enrollment and retention rates. Founded in 2015, MPower aims to develop leadership skills among first-year students, but recent trends have indicated a need for restructuring to enhance its appeal and effectiveness.
Participation in the MPower program has seen a marked decrease in recent years, with 326 students registered in 2023, down from 261 in 2022. Notably, last year’s attendance saw only 217 students check in, and by the final day of the program, less than 100 attended the scheduled sessions. The dwindling participation emphasizes the urgency for the upcoming adjustments aimed at attracting a wider range of students.
The MPower initiative, coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs’ Ole Miss Student Union staff, typically charges a fee of $200 per student, although fee waivers are available for those facing financial hardships. The program offers various benefits to enrolled students, including meals, early residential move-in times, and opportunities to connect with peers through mentor-led activities intended to facilitate collegiate success.
As part of the restructured content offerings, MPower plans to enhance student retention by diversifying its program itinerary. The revamped programming is set to include activities that are accessible not only to registered MPower participants but to all students on campus. This inclusive approach aims to foster greater engagement and interaction among the student body.
A pivotal component of the new offerings will be linked to the “Days of Champions” initiative. This series of events, designed to bolster campus engagement and the social network for incoming students, will allow greater involvement as students prepare for the academic year.
The “Days of Champions” will feature a range of activities designed to encourage social interaction before classes commence. Among the planned events are pep rallies, a booth at RebFest, and various late-night activities, all emphasizing fun and informal opportunities for students to connect.
The revamped “Days of Champions” will culminate on Friday, August 29, 2024, followed closely by Welcome Week, which begins on Sunday, August 31. This timeline is intended to maximize participation and foster a sense of community among students before the start of classes.
MPower also receives supplemental funding from the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation, along with support from various campus divisions and departments. The combination of resources and restructuring aims to create a more engaging program that resonates with the needs and interests of the student population.
MPower’s coordinators are focused on making the program less structured and more enjoyable to positively influence student impact and campus culture. By expanding accessibility and introducing various social engagement activities, they hope to reestablish MPower as a vital component of the University of Mississippi’s freshman experience.
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