Universities Libraries

University Libraries enhance the research and teaching endeavors of the university community through the acquisition and dissemination of information. University Libraries are comprised of the Henry T. Sampson Library and four branch libraries. Occupying a central location on the JSU campus, the Henry T. Sampson Library is a facility of over 150,000 square feet and houses in excess of one million resource items. Included among the collections in the Sampson Library are the following:

• African-American Collection - a major collection of resources by or about African-Americans and Africa.
• Special Collections - a non-circulating collection of documents with major concentrations of resources detailing the history of Jackson State and African Americans.
• Periodicals - the library currently subscribes to more than 1,500 electronic journals with an additional number in print format.
• Government Documents - the library is presently a selective depository for federal documents.
• Media Resources - a number of audiovisual resources are available to enhance classroom instruction.

Library Services

The Department is a client-oriented agency, and offers some of the following services:

• Information Literacy (IL) Instruction - a major initiative that provides instruction in locating, evaluating, and using resources. IL is provided through formal classroom lectures, as well as through individualized instruction. Electronic and printed guides, handbooks, pathfinders and bibliographies made available to patrons, also contribute to the IL initiative.
• Reference Assistance - librarians are available at all times to help patrons locate, select and interpret the appropriate information and resources.
• Interlibrary Loan - resources not held by the library are made available through this service. Some nominal fees may be incurred.

Facilities

The library is furnished to meet the comfort and needs of library users and is fully accessible for those with disabilities, with most of the library collections housed in open access areas. Additionally, the library also provides these specialized facilities:

• Computer Lab - a workstation computer facility is located on the first floor.
• Auditorium - with seating for approximately 150, the auditorium is located on the second floor and is used for campus-based activities.
• Group Study Sections - sections are provided for groups engaged in study.

Library Technology

Electronic library resources are available from campus as well as from remote locations and may be accessed from the library website at http://sampson.jsums.edu. In addition to the online public access catalog, other electronic resources include, indices, abstracts, full text articles and journals, and online books.

Branch Libraries

The branch libraries listed below support the academic program(s) indicated:

• Public Health Library - located in the Jackson Medical Mall, this library supports the College of Public Service, as well as some of the special programs located in the Medical Mall.
• Cleopatra D. Thompson Curriculum Research and Development Center Library - housed in the College of Education and Human Development, main campus, this library provides general support in the education curriculum and the Early Childhood programs.
• Jake Ayers Research Library - housed at the e-Center, the Ayers Library supports the Executive Ph.D. program.

The general public is invited to use any of the Jackson State libraries. Borrowing privileges, however, are reserved for university students, staff, and faculty. Regulations concerning the use of the facility are on the library website as well as in library handbooks and guides.

JSU Global

JSU Global (formerly known as International Studies) is located in Suite 329 of the Charles F. Moore Building. Since September 1993, JSU Global has been leading Jackson State University’s globalization and internationalization efforts. As the central office for Jackson State University’s international programs, JSU Global serves an essential role in the university’s mission to prepare students for global leadership. The unit is also the headquarters for the English as a Second Language (ESL) Institute, facilitates local programming for the International Visitors Center of Jackson and hosts Fulbright Language Teaching Assistants. Students from other countries are encouraged to share the history and culture of their home countries throughout the year, culminating in our annual International Week. Providing students with study abroad experiences and recruiting students from other countries are major priorities of JSU Global. For more information, please contact JSU Global at (601) 979-1611.

Information Technology

The Division of Information Technology (DIT) is responsible for managing the university’s network and communications infrastructure, enterprise resource planning system, and other information technology (IT) services that support all levels of research, learning, teaching, and business. IT consists of three units: Academic IT, Computing and Communications, and Information Systems and Integration, all staffed to deliver customer-friendly support to all JSU sites. DIT offers the following services: campus-wide productivity software, online learning software, desktop support, email, faculty training, wireless, copier, virtual meeting, cybersecurity, mobile apps, and website support. DIT is headquartered at the MS E-center site, 1230 Raymond Rd and has various satellite sites across the campus. For more information, call 601-979-4299 or visit www.jsums.edu/informationtechnology.

Office of Research and Economic Development

The Office of Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University is the conduit for the university’s interactions with the local community, state, nation, and the world in the area of sponsored programs. The achievements of the university’s faculty, staff and students, along with the expertise of the university’s scholars are shared with the broader community. The Division creates, promotes and supports a research environment by helping faculty, staff and students identify opportunities and secure externally funded grants, contracts and cooperative agreements.

Sponsored Programs Unit

The Sponsored Programs Unit (USP) is the centralized unit charged to coordinate research and sponsored program activities campus-wide. The Unit strives to maintain a supportive environment for research and scholarly endeavors, and encourages the faculty and staff to seek external funding to support the mission of the university and to explore alternative means to advance their professional interest. USP seeks to ensure that the most up-to-date funding information is available. To that end, the following services are offered:

1. identifying funding opportunities
2. coordinating proposal and budget development and
3. assisting with project implementation and management.

Center of Innovation

The JSU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIEED) leverages the best of JSU’s STEM, business and entrepreneurial capabilities, as well as collaborative potential to provide students with resources to be creative, innovative and inventive. The CIEED takes advantage of expertise co-location and facilitates the intersection of widely disparate learning and idea generation; a place for constant learning, common vision, as well as teamwork, creativity and innovation.

The CIIED allows for students from all disciplines to learn and grow together as they ideate and create the next business or technology. The CIIED’s Innovation Fellows Program is opened to students who are eager to learn about the next great invention, and who are willing to be change agents for innovation and entrepreneurship as we work to positively impact the economy and innovation ecosystems of Mississippi, the region, and nationally. Students also have the option to intern or obtain community service in the CIEED.

Services are provided to students free of charge. Visit www.jsums.edu/innovationcenter to learn more.

Programming Includes:

• Makerspace (3D Modeling, Prototype Development, Graphic Design and more)
• VR Academy - Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Immersive Learning
• eSports Academy – Gaming
• Coding Academy (Software Development)
• Production Room
• Collaboration Rooms
• Lean Start Up Training
• Pre-Accelerator Program
• Business Coaching and Mentorship
• Technology Transfer Support (Intellectual Property Protection – Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks)
• Innovation Fellows Program

Equipment/Tools/Software Include:

• 3D Printers
• 3D Scanners
• Glowforge Laser Cutter
• Embroidery/Sewing Machine
• Silhouette Cameo
• Lamination Machine
• One Button Studio
• Music Keyboard
• Button Maker
• iMac and PCs
• Interactive Touch Monitors/Boards
• Whiteboards
• Lots of Software–Adobe Creative Cloud, Abelton, SketchUp, Unreal Engine, Gravity Sketch, Un
• Occulus Quest and Rift, ViVe

Mississippi Urban Research Center

The Mississippi Urban Research Center (MURC) seeks to improve the quality of urban life through the conduct of basic and applied research. The Center collects, analyzes, evaluates and disseminates data on critical urban issues to policy makers, service providers, urban planners, educators and community leaders. Additionally, the MURC conducts instructional and training programs for persons working in or expected to pursue careers in urban public service.

College Centers

College of Business

Small Business Development Center

The JSU – SBDC is part of a network of Small Business Development Centers across the nation bringing expert business knowledge to small businesses at no cost. The Vision and Mission of the JSU-SBDC are as follows:

• Vision – “to transform Mississippi one business at a time.”
• Mission – to provide high quality technical assistance to aspiring business owners with the goal of getting businesses open or expanded on a sound business and financial footing.

The Center has a business library that covers a wide range of business-related topics and other resources. Also, clients can access demographic and industry data to help develop their business plan. Contact: JSU – SBDC at 601-979-1100 or via the website: www.mssbdc.org.

College of Education and Human Development

Cleopatra D. Thompson Curriculum Research and Development Center

The Cleopatra D. Thompson Curriculum Center, located in Room 314 of the Joseph H. Jackson College of Education Building, serves as the bridge for relevant PK-12 curricula, technology, and best practices for instructional delivery. The center has been redesigned to support the seamless transition between higher education and PK-12 for our college faculty, pre-service teachers, and all education majors. Faculty, students, and staff have access to a variety of multi-media resources and curricular materials for PK-12 classrooms. Special appropriations were allocated to completely upgrade all elementary and secondary textbooks, literature from various countries, and a variety or resources used by candidates in all academic departments. Students and staff have access to tools and materials for designing and constructing two-three dimensional instructional aids. A readily accessible model library of elementary and secondary curriculum materials and textbooks have been collected to assist teacher training courses and to provide practicum experiences for prospective and in-service teachers through simulated classroom experiences.

College of Health Sciences/School of Public Health

The Jackson Heart Study Graduate Training and Education Center

The Jackson Heart Study (JHS) Graduate Training and Education Center (GTEC) is dedicated to increasing the capacity of graduate Public Health and Liberal Arts students from Jackson State University and medical, nursing, and pharmacology students from University of Mississippi Medical Center to develop “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health”. This is done through the Daniel Hale Williams Scholar program that provides a certificate enrichment curriculum that occurs concurrently with the students’ regular academic program. GTEC aspires to improve the science and practice of keeping the public safe and healthy by empowering graduate students to enhance their ability to improve community health as they matriculate through the program with the potential to assume careers in public health or related fields.

Reducing the gap in public health expertise operating in underserved communities, improving health care delivery, and eliminating or reducing health disparities are important goals of the GTEC experience. GTEC believes that this can be achieved by recruiting public health professionals to take advantage of the training and resources available from the DHW scholar program. Scholars can upgrade their capacity in academic sessions that cover topics such as epidemiology and basic public health skills, and information relevant to public health practitioners.

Jackson Heart Study Community Outreach Center

The Jackson Heart Study is the first large-scale study of cardiovascular disease in African-Americans. Jackson State University is responsible for developing a data center and mobilization of the community. The primary mission of the center is to assure the validity of research findings, provide comprehensive statistical data, in addition to administrative support.

College of Liberal Arts

COFO Civil Rights Education Center

In 1961, the Council of Federated Organizations (COFO) was established as an umbrella organization to unify and meet the needs of an increasing presence of civil rights organizations in Mississippi, including the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and a host of local organizations. In 1963, COFO made 1017 John R. Lynch Street its home, and this office served as the state headquarters for the modern Mississippi civil rights movement. Making voter registration and education a top priority for the Mississippi movement, COFO was instrumental in organizing the 1963 Freedom Vote, the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, and the 1964 Mississippi Summer Project, better known as Freedom Summer.

Institute for Social Justice and Race Relations

The Institute’s mission is to cultivate egalitarian leadership to build a more just and equitable future. It facilitates dialogue within and among local communities so that priorities and solutions flow from the bottom-up and not from the top-down.  The Institute supports research that lays bare the origins of inequality, systemic racism and injustice and identifies mechanisms by which they might be ameliorated or eliminated.  It prepares young people for an egalitarian approach to leadership in which the focus is on the group, not a single leader.

Jackson State reinvigorated the Institute for Social Justice and Race Relations (1) to engage students in critical conversations about issues of social justice, race relations and equity; (2) to support faculty in integrating social justice and race relations in their curricula, teaching methods and research agendas; and (3) to establish viable community partnerships to organize for positive social change.  To accomplish these goals the Institute hosts colloquia, forums, symposia and conferences; develops leadership and organizing skills in students and our community; and provides a platform for faculty to share pedagogy, teaching and research ideas.  The Institute is partially funded by a Title III grant from the US Department of Education.

Interdisciplinary Alcohol/Drug Studies Center

This Center is an interdisciplinary unit which provides graduate education, research and service delivery in substance abuse. The Center has five program components: education, research, training, prevention and intervention.

Margaret Walker Center

Both an archive and museum, the Margaret Walker Center is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of African American history and culture. Founded by Margaret Walker in 1968, the Center seeks to honor her academic and artistic legacy by expanding and promoting its manuscript holdings and oral history collections, interpreting African American history and culture through its museum and exhibits, coordinating public programs on campus and throughout the community, preserving historic structures central to the African American experience, and advocating Black Studies at Jackson State University.

The Richard Wright Center for Writing, Rhetoric, and Research

The Richard Wright Center provides an environment for intellectual engagement outside the classroom. At any stage of the creative and research processes, students and faculty have the opportunity to interact with trained tutors using technology as they develop written, oral, and visual representations of their ideas for an academic audience. Support is provided through individual and small-group tutorials, workshops, roundtables, and class presentations.

University Press of Mississippi

The University Press of Mississippi was founded in 1970 to encourage research and the publication of scholarly work. Functioning as the scholarly publishing arm of the state supported universities in Mississippi, the University Press is governed by a Board of Directors made up of one representative from each of the eight state universities, one representative from the Board of Trustees of Institutions of Higher Learning, and the director of the Press.

JSU Bookstore

The JSU Bookstore, located on the first floor of the Jackson State University Student Center, is operated as an educational facility coordinated with the academic program. The Bookstore is the campus center for the ordering and selling of textbooks and supplementary reading materials. The Bookstore also carries school supplies and a limited quantity of office supplies. It sells University jewelry (including class rings and pins), pennants, stickers and other insignia items. Commencement caps and gowns are ordered through the Bookstore and online. For more information, visit https://www.bkstr.com/jacksonstatestore/home.

JSU Post Office

The Jackson State University Post Office is located on the first floor of Jacob L. Reddix Hall. The Post Office is responsible for the postal service requirements of the students, faculty, and staff of the University. Its primary purpose is to provide an efficient and economical mail system, ensuring timely service for incoming and outgoing mail while operating within established University and U.S. Postal Service guidelines and/or procedures. The Post Office is also committed to improving the image, quality, and delivery of mail. The University zip code is 39217. For more information, visit https://www.jsums.edu/postalservices/.

JSU Development Foundation, Inc.

The Jackson State University Development Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization, was established and incorporated under laws of the State of Mississippi in 1968. Its express purpose is to promote the development of Jackson State University. A Board of Directors composed of eminent community leaders in business, industry and education governs the Development Foundation. The Director of Development serves as the Executive Secretary of the Foundation. Contributions, gifts, and bequests are solicited by the Foundation for the advancement of Jackson State University as an institution of excellence. The accrued interest of funds deposited in the Foundation is expended to provide scholarships for deserving students. Contributions to the Foundation, a tax exempt organization, are deductible.

JSU Alumni Association, Inc.

The Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc., is the official body of graduates and former students of the University organized into local chapters and coordinated by a national board. The major purposes of the Association are to perpetuate the memories of University life and to provide a medium through which the interests of the University may be promoted. Active membership in the Association is open to all graduates and former students of the University upon payment of national dues. The Association is responsible for the promotion of a spirit of fellowship and cooperation among graduates and former students for the welfare and benefit of the University. Some of its activities are special projects designed to enhance interest and support, such as presentation of the Alumnus of the Year Award and the Outstanding Educator Award; the publication of the Alumni Newsletter; and fund-raising programs. The Office of Alumni and Constituency Relations cooperates with the National Alumni Association in implementing the policies and programs.

Institutional Advancement

The mission of the Division of Institutional Advancement at Jackson State University is to work collaboratively to secure financial resources to support its annual fund, student scholarships, faculty/staff development, the endowment, and other institutional priorities and campaign initiatives, strengthen alumni ties and encourage lifelong support of their alma mater, and foster quality communications, internally and externally, to keep stakeholders accurately informed about institutional achievements and our continued educational excellence.

The Division of Institutional Advancement strives to achieve its mission through rigorous fund development, stewardship, alumni and donor relations as well as a university-wide marketing communications focusing on consistent messages and branding, public affairs, publications, and web online communication. These efforts result in building relationships and securing commitments required to advance and sustain the institution’s mission and priorities. Additionally, the division leverages the University's intellectual and programmatic resources by increasing philanthropic investments. 

The Division of Institutional Advancement carries out its mission through the following departments:

• Alumni and Constituency Relations
• Major and Planned Gifts
• Event and Visitor Services
• University Communications and Marketing
• Community Engagement
• Development Foundation

University Communications

University Communications uses print, broadcast, multimedia, social media and marketing channels to convey clear and consistent communication about the university’s achievements and the JSU experience. University Communications also supports academic and administrative departments in such areas as internal communications, event promotion, media relations, graphic design, photography, videography and social media. We can be reached by phone at 601-979-2272.

• Public Relations - Public Relations efforts advance the goals of the university by strengthening awareness, engagement and support among constituents vital to the university’s success. We seek positive media coverage of the university, its people and programs. We also communicate externally and internally about the achievements of JSU, its faculty and students through our publications and news site.
• Marketing – JSU Marketing is working to better serve the JSU community by reframing their policy and will therefore help the university to better reach their overall goals. Our primary focus will be four key areas that include building brand awareness, increasing enrollment, and promotional support of JSU Athletics and The Division of Institutional Advancement fundraising campaigns. It is our goal and pleasure to work with all departments to ensure university brand consistency. Initiatives that fall outside of these key areas should be submitted to one of the emails below for review, referral, and/or approval.

Other Media Outlets

• WJSU–FM - A community resource since June 1, 1976, “Cool and Current” WJSU (88.5 FM) began as a 10-watt station broadcasting from the JSU campus. Now a 24,500-watt entity, the station broadcasts 24 hours daily from the Mississippi e-Center at JSU, reaching Hinds, Simpson, Madison, Rankin and Copiah counties. With membership in National Public Radio, Public Radio International and American Public Media, WJSU offers an intelligent mix of in-depth news, informative talk, jazz and blues. In addition to timely news and timeless music, the station supports community activities and provides practical experience for students majoring in mass communication.
• JSUTV – JSUTV, on Comcast Cable Channel 14, offers local programming including Metro Morning Live, JSU events and programs, sports highlights shows, music performances, arts and humanities, community updates, news, public affairs and weather. JSUTV is an affiliate of the America One Network and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The station is broadcast throughout the Jackson Metropolitan area including Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Warren, and Copiah counties. JSUTV reaches approximately 80,000 households.

Financial Services/Bursar

Financial Services is primarily responsible for the assessment of student tuition, fee payments, and processing student refunds. Students can reach a counselor by phone at (601) 979-2216, or by email at bursarcares@jsums.edu. Students also have the option to be seen through the TIGER QUEUE . The TIGER QUE is a process whereby students can secure their time slot to speak with a Business Office or Financial Aid Counselor using their own personal mobile device. Students will receive text notifications when it’s their turn to be seen. Students may sign into TIGER QUE by:

1. Texting: jackson state univ to 662-233-6473
2. Using the JSU mobile app and clicking “TIGER QUE”
3. Visiting: https://kiosk.qless.com/kiosk/app/home/17713

Housing/Residence Life

The mission of The JSU Housing Department is to create an environment that is conducive to living and learning that fosters an appreciation for diversity in all students, as well as fosters communities that create a sense of belonging and provides active learning environments that stimulate the mind, challenges and encourages academic, personal, cultural and social growth and development by providing, facilities that are technologically sound, well maintained, attractive, functional, clean, safe, economical and adaptable. Currently, seven residence halls accommodate more than 2,000 students who wish to reside on campus. Housing/Residence Life is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the residence halls as well as all activities that occur in residence life, such as learning communities, programming, intramural sports, social activities, and leadership workshops. The Residence Hall Association (RHA) assists with enrichment activities and speaks to the interests and concerns of hall residents. The Housing/Residence Life Office is located in Campbell Suites North.

University Point provides apartment style living for juniors, seniors, and graduate students. This 300 plus bed count residence hall allows students the independence, under supervision, the opportunity to be a part of the campus and the freedom to have their own living area. This suite-style living with build in laundry, kitchen and individual bathrooms.  For more information, visit https://www.jsums.edu/housing/.

Important Numbers

Housing/Residence Life Office
601-979-2326

Alexander East Hall
601-979-2656

Alexander West Hall
601-979-2658

Campbell North
601-979-5537

Campbell South
601-979-5134

Dixon Hall
601-979-2691

McAllister-Whiteside
601-979-2085

Transitional Hall
601-979-6029

University Pointe
601-979-6886

Stewart Hall
601-979-2326

JSU Dining Services

SodexoMAGIC@JSU dining services, under Auxiliary Enterprises' auspice, aims to enhance campus life by providing superior food quality, quality customer service, and efficient dining service management. For meal plan options, please refer to listing under the “Tuition and Fees” heading.

All residential students must have meal plans that are automatically added to the student's account when Housing is assigned. The default meal assignment for freshman residential students is the Tiger Platinum plan. Freshmen cannot alter meal plans, but upperclassmen (sophomore, juniors, and seniors) can. Commuter Meal Plans are voluntary, meaning that it is not mandated or required. Tigerbucks will not be active on a student's account until their registration has been completed with the Business Office. Tiger Bucks can be used at all Sodexo Magic on-campus eateries. Student meal plans can only be adjusted within the first two weeks of the semester. For more information, visit https://jsums.sodexomyway.com/. For more information about Auxiliary Enterprises and Contractual Services please visit https://www.jsums.edu/auxiliary/ and https://www.jsums.edu/contractual/.

Latasha Norman Center for Counseling Services (LNC)

The Latasha Norman Center for Counseling Services is a short-term student support service and is committed to working with JSU students experiencing certain adjustment challenges as they matriculate through their academic program and college experience. The mission is to provide services and activities that can assist JSU students as they transition and seek assistance with building their problem-solving skills, managing relationships, and becoming more independent and confident. The Latasha Norman Center for Counseling Services does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, socioeconomic status, or religious choice.

Jackson State University recognizes and accepts its obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability and require the University to provide reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified disabled students in all University programs and activities.

The LNC practices under the guidance of The American Counseling Association Code of Ethics to ensure ethical counseling practices including confidentiality. For any reason confidential information needs to be disclosed, the LNC requires students to sign a release of information form.

Upon receipt, the LNC will release essential but limited information. For inquiries about services, please call 601-979-0374, or email latashanormancenter@jsums.edu.