Q Why should I choose The University of Mississippi for studying science, engineering and mathematics?
A The University has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. It is the oldest public institution of higher learning in Mississippi and was the state's only comprehensive university for 110 years. It ranks No. 1 n the state in the number of Rhodes Scholars produced. Ole Miss was one of the first public universities in the nation to offer engineering education, beginning in 1854.

Today, the School of Engineering hosts the federally funded Marine Minerals Technology Center and the Center for Computational Hydroscience and Engineering, and the privately funded Center for Wireless Communications.

The Biology Department offers courses and research opportunities in a range of specialities from physiology and genetics to aquatic ecology. Students also have access to the Biological Field Station's more than 700 acres of streams, wetlands, and experimental ponds, which provide unsurpassed opportunities for aquatic research and education.

The Physics Department houses the National Center for Physical Acoustics and offers educational and research opportunities in a wide range of fields, including biophysics and nuclear and high energy physics.

The Mathematics Department strives for excellence in teaching. Four of the faculty members have received university teaching awards. The department has a strong research component. Grants have been awarded to the department from the National Science Foundation, Department of Education, Office of Naval Research, and the Eisenhower Foundation within the last two years. Graduates of the department work as doctors, scientists, educators, and in business.

The Chemistry Building, Coulter Hall, is a modern facility with more than 85,000 square feet of labs, classrooms, and offices. Major instrumentation for teaching and research includes several Fourier-transform NMR spectrometers computer-controlled mass spectrometer-gas chromatography systems, and dedicated lines to the University's Cray Supercomputer.

Q As a minority, why should I choose The University of Mississippi?
A The University has made great strides in diversifying its campus with a precedent-setting increase in minority enrollment in the new millennium, as well as a growing number of minority faculty and staff members, many of whom hold key leadership positions. Currently, African American students constitute 16 percent of the School of Engineering's enrollment. In recognition of its ballooning minority enrollment and the diversification of its programs, the University's Graduate School won the prestigious Award of Excellence in Graduate Admissions for Minority Students in 1990.

In addition to The Learning Development Center and The Wellness Center, there are organizations designed especially to promote the interaction and success of minority students, including

• the IMAGE Program (Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education)
• the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Black Student Union (BSU)
• the Faculty and Staff Mentoring Program

Q Can I afford an Education at The University of Mississippi?
A Yes! Ole Miss was rated by Money magazine as one of the most affordable educations in America. The University's tuition is comparable to that of other Mississippi public universities and is considerably lower than other state universities.

The University provides performance-based IMAGE scholarships. In addition, minority students may apply for The American Student Scholarships ($500 and up). Also available are scholarships such as The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant Program, the Mississippi Resident Tuition Assistance Grant, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants, Academic Excellence Scholarships, and State Student Incentive Grants.

In the School of Engineering are the John G. Adler Engineering Fellowship and Scholarships, the Brevard Fellowship and Scholarships in Engineering, the Neel-Schaffer Minority Scholarship in Engineering and the Douglas Scholarship.

These are a few of the many opportunities for financial aid available to potential IMAGE students. Loans and departmental scholarships are available as well.

Q What about my social life? What's there to do at Ole Miss?
A The Ole Miss Student Union is a popular gathering place for both staff and students. The Union houses the food court, game room, convenience stores, lounge areas, student government offices, and some administrative offices.

The Thomas N. Turner Health Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) Center offers 153,000 square feet of recreational space, including four basketball courts, three volleyball courts, two weight rooms, 12 racquetball courts, and a heated 65-meter swimming pool.

Social activities especially for minorities include Ebony Elegance Modeling Board, University Gospel Choir, sororities (Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Zeta Phi Beta), and fraternities (Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma, Omega Si Phi, and Kappa Alpha Psi). Nearly 200 student organizations provide a wide variety of opportunities to participate in campus life.

Q What's life in Oxford like?
A USA Today named Oxford as one of the top six college towns in the nation, and Oxford was included in the book The Best Small Towns in America. Oxford is much heralded for its small town charm, a spirit of community, and feeling of safety. The city offers a variety of dining, movie theaters, and other entertainment. The Oxford Mall and historic downtown square offer a potpourri of specialty shops and department stores. Within the immediate area of Oxford are more than 100 churches and places of worship of every denomination and sect.

Q Where do currently enrolled University of Mississippi IMAGE Students come from?
A IMAGE Students come to The University of Mississippi from throughout Mississippi and from surrounding states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Alabama, Georgia, and Illinois.