Columbia Southern University is pleased to have Professional Firefighters Association of Mississippi as a Learning Partner. As a member, this partnership provides a reduced tuition, plus many additional benefits. And, for your convenience, all programs are offered in an online format.
The Learning Partner Program provides exclusive benefits to the employees/members of your organization, as well as all spouses and children. Benefits of the partnership include:
10% tuition discount on all classes and waiver of the Application Fee.
A complimentary evaluation of previously earned college credits and training/professional certifications for consideration of transfer credit.
Complimentary access to our Writing and Math specialists through the Student Success Center.
A dedicated landing page for Learning Partners on the CSU website for prospective students and student enrollments.
About CSU
Columbia Southern University is a completely online university offering associate, bachelor and master degree programs in a wide variety of disciplines. For program information please contact Natasha Willett at Natasha.Willett@ColumbiaSouthern.edu.
House Bill 1590 has passed the Mississippi House of Representatives and is now being considered by the Senate. The bill abolishes the current 10-member PERS Board effective June 30, 2024. All members of the current PERS Board have to be members of PERS. At present eight board members representing the membership of PERS are elected by statewide ballot to serve 6-year terms. The State Treasurer also serves along with one appointee of the Governor. Members of the current board possess decades of experience managing complex organizations and financial matters at the state and local levels. This in combination with their deep understanding of PERS enables them to effectively watch over the complex operations of your retirement system.
The new board would consist of 11 members including seven political appointees: four by the Governor and three by the Lieutenant Governor, none of whom would be required to be members of PERS. The bill also requires the Governor and Lieutenant Governor and Lieutenant Governor to consider recommendations for appointees from the Speaker of the House. The State Treasurer and Commissioner of Revenue would also serve. Your representation on the Board would be reduced to one member elected by retirees and one elected by current public employees.
The current PERS Board announced plans to phase in a 5% increase in the employer contribution rate over the next 3 years to help fund PERS. Two percent of that employer increase was scheduled for this year. House Bill 1590 blocks the increase in PERS funding.
If House Bill 1590 is enacted into law the PERS Board will be controlled by political appointees who have no vested interest in preserving your retirement benefits or representing you. Funding recommended by the current PERS Board and its actuaries will not be provided under this bill.
Message to elected officials- Provide the necessary funding to maintain current retirement benefits, including the COLA for retired, active, and future members of PERS. Maintain the existing PERS Board structure.
