Mar 29, 2024  
2011-2013 Undergradate & Graduate Bulletin 
    
2011-2013 Undergradate & Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED PUBLICATION]

The University



The University of Southern Indiana is a comprehensive public university with a Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor of Indiana. The University offers more than 70 majors through the colleges of Business, Education and Human Services, Liberal Arts, Nursing and Health Professions, Science and Engineering, and the Division of Outreach and Engagement. It is authorized to confer degrees through the doctoral level.

The University serves more than 10,700 students annually in credit programs and an equal number of students in noncredit and community service programs. There are more 29,500 degree recipients.

The University has been developed according to a master plan and is located on a 1,400-acre campus near Evansville, Indiana, a metropolitan area of 350,000 that serves as the fine arts, cultural, commercial, and healthcare center for the Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois Tri-state area. The University strives to be accessible and responsive to regional and state educational needs.

The University Mission

USI is an engaged learning community advancing education and knowledge, enhancing civic and cultural awareness, and fostering partnerships through comprehensive outreach programs. We prepare individuals to live wisely in a diverse and global community. The University’s vision statement is “Shaping the future through learning and innovation.”

The mission and vision statements grew out of a strategic planning process that was approved by the University’s Board of Trustees in July 2010. Through 2015, USI will focus on enhancing experiential learning, improving student success in degree attainment, nurturing a vibrant campus community, providing leadership to the surrounding region and state, increasing diversity, and becoming a 24/7 campus with activities and learning opportunities beyond classroom walls. Learn more about the Strategic Plan at www.usi.edu/strategicplan.

The University was established in 1965 as a branch campus of Indiana State University with a regional mission, in response to a need for public higher education in southwestern Indiana. In 1985, the legislature created the University of Southern Indiana as a separate statewide public university. This change in structure and mission was best delineated by then-Governor Robert D. Orr in his charge to the Board of Trustees at its first meeting.

“You have a statutory mission that is laid out in the bill passed by the legislature, and it is going to take a lot of effort on the part of everyone to live up to those requirements as they have been spelled out by the Indiana General Assembly. This is now a statewide institution, and it is important that this point be emphasized. Heretofore, this has been a branch campus of Indiana State University, and it has been understood to be regional in nature. It was created to accomplish a regional mission… just as other branch campuses around the state. Now this is a state institution in the fullest sense of the word.”

Community leaders have supported the University in providing a solid base for its present success and future growth. The University is expected to grow moderately in the years ahead as it seeks to positively affect postsecondary attainment levels in Indiana. To this end, the University emphasizes programs and services for traditional college-age students as well as for parttime, commuting, and adult learners. It has developed partnerships with high schools and has expanded opportunities for individuals in the workplace. The University is an institution which students choose for the strength of its academic programs and the quality of its student life.

A board of nine trustees, appointed by the Governor, governs the University. This board must include one alumnus of the University, one current student, and one resident of Vanderburgh County. Trustee terms are four years, except the student term, which is two years. The board has powers and duties common to other public postsecondary institutions in the State of Indiana. The 1989 Indiana General Assembly authorized trustees of the University to construct, acquire, operate, and manage student housing facilities and to issue revenue obligations for this purpose. The Commission for Higher Education approved the transfer of ownership of student housing from a nonprofit foundation to the University of Southern Indiana in February 1994. The addition of housing facilities enables students to take full advantage of the educational, cultural, and recreational benefits that a residential campus offers.

Excellence in teaching will continue to be the most important criterion in faculty recruitment. At the same time, the ability to do research, to engage in continuous scholarly and creative work, and to provide service, primarily to the region and the state, will be important additional qualifications.

A major emphasis of the University of Southern Indiana is the delivery of credit programs. The primary curricular offerings include liberal arts, pre-professional, professional, technical, and occupational programs at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The University provides comprehensive outreach and public service programs of short duration including workshops, conferences, seminars, and instructional courses. These programs will increase as the University continues to address economic, social, and cultural needs in the region as well as in the state. USI’s location in Evansville, the center of a predominantly rural region dotted with smaller population centers, gives it opportunities to increase educational access by both traditional means as well as through innovative instructional delivery systems, including active participation in the Indiana Higher Education Telecommunications Systems networks and other technology-based instruction.

The University welcomes appropriate partnerships for providing services to its constituency and cooperates with public and private universities, hospitals, and libraries to achieve this objective. The University participates with area business, industry, social and governmental agencies for research and development related to the problems and concerns of business development, labor-management relations, tourism and recreation, healthcare delivery, gerontology, energy development, and environmental-quality analysis. Community groups often use campus facilities for meetings, programs, services, and instruction.

The University works in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to manage historic properties and tourism programs in New Harmony, Indiana, a community with a rich intellectual and cultural heritage. The community provides opportunities for research and laboratory learning experiences to benefit both the town and USI.

The University provides a comprehensive range of support services for students. These include academic skills development, child care, counseling, financial aid, placement, housing, health services, religious life, student activities, and both recreational and intercollegiate athletics. The University of Southern Indiana participates in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics and is a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

The University admits graduates of commissioned high schools in the State of Indiana who successfully complete college preparatory courses in English, mathematics, science, and social studies with at least a C average. Other students will be considered for admission to the University based on past academic performance and promise for future success.

Accreditation and Memberships

The University of Southern Indiana is accredited by: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504, Telephone: 312/263-0456.

USI also holds the following accreditations:

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
  • Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
  • American Chemical Society
  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Commission on Dental Accreditation; American Dental Association
  • Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Therapy
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • Indiana State Board of Nursing
  • Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
  • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology

The University holds membership in the following:

  • American Association of State Colleges and Universities
  • American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
  • American Association of University Women
  • American Association of University Professors
  • American Council on Education
  • Association for General and Liberal Studies
  • Association of College Conference Centers and Event Directors International
  • Association of College Unions International
  • Association of Fundraising Professionals
  • College and University Personnel Association
  • Council for Advancement and Support of Education
  • Council on Undergraduate Research
  • Evansville-Area Personnel Association, Inc.
  • Indiana Conference of Higher Education
  • International Publishing Management Association
  • The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana
  • National Association for Printing Leadership
  • National Association of College and University Business Officers
  • National Collegiate Honors Council
  • National Committee on Planned Giving
  • Indiana Council for Advancement and Support of Education
  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Information on how to contact any of these agencies is available in the office of the Provost.

University Board of Trustees

The University is governed by the Board of Trustees, composed of nine citizens appointed by the Governor of the State of Indiana. The trustees meet every other month.

Trustees

Ira G. Boots Evansville
W. Harold Calloway Evansville
John M. Dunn Evansville
Jeffrey L. Knight Evansville
Amy W. MacDonell Indianapolis
Lauren K. Raikes ’11 Speedway
Ron Romain ’73 Evansville
Steven J. Schenck ’72 Fishers
Ted C. Ziemer Jr. Evansville

The officers of the board are Chair, John M. Dunn; Vice Chair for Finance/Audit, Ted C. Ziemer Jr.; Vice Chair for Long-Range Planning, W. Harold Calloway; and Secretary, Amy W. MacDonell.

Officers of the University

Linda L. M. Bennett, President
Ronald S. Rochon, Provost
Cynthia S. Brinker, Vice President for Government and
University Relations
Mark Rozewski, Vice President for Finance and Administration

Academic Programs

Baccalaureate degrees normally may be completed in four years by a student attending classes on a full-time (15 or more hours/semester) basis. Associate degrees normally may be completed in two years by students attending classes on a full-time basis. Some programs lead to certificates rather than diplomas, and the length of these programs varies.

All associate and baccalaureate degree programs include two major components: 1) University Core Curriculum and 2) specialization. Specific requirements for each program are described in this bulletin.

Requirements for graduate programs may be found in the graduate studies section. Master’s degree programs are designed primarily for working professionals. Courses frequently are scheduled in the late afternoon or evening hours to accommodate students who hold full-time employment. Some graduate courses are available as partial or complete distance education. Master’s degree programs are designed to be completed in two years of full-time study or three to four years of part-time study. The Doctoral of Nursing Practice (DNP) program can be completed in a year and one-half of full-time study or three years of part-time study.

Public and Professional Services

In addition to its academic programs for students, the University offers many cultural, recreational, and social programs to students and the general public. Continuing education classes, musical productions, guest lectures, athletic events, and theatrical performances are open to the public.

Many faculty members perform research services and are consultants to schools, business, industry, and governmental agencies. Information is available in the Office of News and Information Services.

University Facilities

Thirteen major buildings, plus apartments and suite-style residence halls housing about 3,000 students, are on the 1,400-acre campus, located west of downtown Evansville.

The Support Services Building, located near the USI Foundation Office, houses Distribution Services, Procurement Services, Risk Management and Safety, and other administrative offices.

The Health Professions Center is a classroom and office building housing the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Indiana University School of Medicine Evansville is located on the third floor of the facility. Features of the Health Professions Center include the 450-seat Mitchell Auditorium, the Charles E. Day Learning Resource Center, a dental hygiene clinic and dental laboratory, lecture rooms, classrooms, instructional laboratories, seminar rooms, and faculty offices. Space in the lower level includes the Food and Nutrition Laboratory, Telehealth Center, classrooms for health services, a human performance laboratory, and the Student Health Center.

The Liberal Arts Center offers state-of-the-art instructional areas and offices for the College of Liberal Arts. Included are the Kenneth P. McCutchan Art Center/Palmina F. and Stephen S. Pace Galleries, Helen Mallette Studio Theatre, Clifford and Ruth Kleymeyer Lecture Hall, Anna Lee Hamilton Music Studio, Scripps-Howard Center for Media Studies (which includes the William R. Burleigh Media Resources Center, the Scripps-Howard Digital Arts Laboratory, and the Scripps-Howard Video Production Complex), Cynderella McDowell Miller Foreign Language Laboratory, a distance learning classroom, WSWI Radio Station, and several classrooms equipped with instructional technology to enhance learning.

The Robert D. Orr Center is a classroom and office building housing many of the student services departments. Offices of the English Department are located there, along with the Offices of Admission, Student Financial Assistance, Registrar, Counseling, Graduate Studies and Sponsored Research, the Computer Center and Telecommunications Services, Career Counseling, Career Services and Placement, and the Business Office, including the Cashier. Students may pay fees and cash checks at the cashier’s window on the lower level.

The Physical Activities Center (PAC) provides instructional space for physical education and recreation programs as well as offices for the Athletics Department and Physical Education Department. Included in the building are the aquatics area, specialized physical education and service facilities, classrooms, locker rooms and team rooms, and multi-purpose activity areas. The PAC has a seating capacity of 3,600 and serves as the home court for indoor sports programs.

The Recreation and Fitness Center provides a wide variety of programs and services supportive of a wellness lifestyle; a 44,000 sq. ft. addition to the building opened in 2009. The RFC features a state-of-the-art exercise and weight-training area; two wooden courts for basketball, volleyball, and badminton; an elevated four-lane jogging track; an activity room for group exercise classes; and lockers and showers. The addition has a rock climbing tower and an eight-foot-tall climbing wall. It also has two group exercise rooms, a game room, rooms dedicated to stretching, a larger cardio room, a combat room withpunching bags and wrestling mats, a health assessment room, and additional office space. Students, faculty, and staff can enjoy leisure time on their own or with University friends.

The Science Center adjoins the Wright Administration Building. In addition to laboratories and classrooms, the Science Center houses offices for the Pott College of Science and Engineering (for Engineering, see the Business and Engineering Center). The Torrington Science Research Laboratory and the Black Beauty Coal Chemistry Laboratory provide state-of-the-art instructional areas for chemistry. The Torrington Wing of the Science Center has classrooms, labs, and offices.

The Science Center is connected to the Education Center, where classrooms, laboratories, and offices for the Bower-Suhreinrich College of Education and Human Services are located. University Division offices are also here, along with the Social Work Department, the Honors Program, and ROTC offices. The Couch-Renner Lecture Hall is located in the Education Center, and a greenhouse is on the floor above the lecture hall.

The Technology Center houses offices for the Art and Theatre faculty, and provides classrooms and other facilities for programs of those departments. The Ceramics Center and the Art Studio are located adjacent to the Technology Center.

The University Center is located strategically in the center of campus where students and faculty may convene for informal meetings, meals, study, social activities, recreation, open discussions, or formal campus occasions. With a major new expansion (University Center East) that opened in spring 2011, the University Center provides space for student organization offices, conference rooms, lounge facilities, food services, and the University Bookstore. Offices for the Dean of Students, Conference and Meeting Planning (including the Student Reservations Office), Student Involvement Center, Multicultural Center, Student Development, and Student Publications are located here. The UC also houses the Division of Outreach and Engagement including Bachelor of General Studies, Center for Human Resource Development, Center for Continuing Education, Center for Education Services and Partnerships, Center for Applied Research, Service Learning, and Historic Southern Indiana. Also in the new facility are Special Events and Scheduling Services, International Programs and Services, and the Center for Academic Creativity.

Carter Hall, located on the upper level of the University Center West, accommodates groups for seminars, workshops, meetings, luncheons, dinners, or dances. The University Suite and Renner, Couch, and NBD Bank meeting rooms are on the UC West upper level as well.

The USI Theatre, Scene Shop, and Costume Shop are located three miles east of campus, off Barker Avenue at 3001 Igleheart Avenue. Classes in theatre are conducted there.

David L. Rice Library, the “heart of campus” named for the first president of USI, houses the University’s library collections, including reference materials, the general book collection, periodicals, media, and the University Archives and Special Collections. The building features group-study rooms, three reading rooms, and a variety of seating choices. Computers are available to patrons, and laptops may be checked out by students for in-library use. The facility is easy to navigate with seating and group-study rooms concentrated along the outside edges of each floor. The library occupies the top four levels, and the lower level of the building has classrooms. A coffee shop is located on the ground floor by the quad entrance.

The Byron C. Wright Administration Building houses administrative offices including those of the President, the Provost, Business Affairs, and Government and University Relations. Also located here are offices for Alumni and Volunteer Services, Budgeting and Foundation Accounting, and Internal Auditing. The Forum Wing of the Wright Administration Building houses offices for Human Resources, Instructional Technology Services, Travel Services, and Office of Planning, Research, and Assessment. Three lecture halls are located on the lower level and there are also classrooms and conference rooms in the facility.

The Publishing Services Center provides space for News and Information Services, including news bureau and photography; and for Publishing Services, which includes graphic design, photocopying, printing, and bindery. A centralized copy center with enhanced copying and bindery services is located here as well.

The O’Daniel and McDonald Apartments provide apartment-style housing for students. Four residence halls – Fred C. Newman Hall, Frank O’Bannon Hall, Henry and Betty Jane Ruston Hall, and Governors Hall – offer enclosed suite-style housing with computer labs and meeting rooms. The Robert J. Fair Residence Life Center, located in the McDonald complex, contains Housing and Residence Life staff offices and a computer laboratory. The Residence Life Community Center, opened in 2008, has a 1,500 square foot lounge with comfortable furniture, tables and chairs, a fireplace, laundry facilities, computer lab, and direct entry to Eagle Xpress and Archies Pizzeria. The Residential Life Service Center houses Religious Life, laundry facilities, and the Office of Student Conduct and Resolution Services.

The Business and Engineering Center, which opened in fall 2010, houses the College of Business and the Engineering Department. Along with classrooms, laboratories, and faculty offices, the facility features nearly 11,500 square feet of common space intended to encourage collaboration by allowing students and faculty to continue conversations begun in class or interact with those in other areas of study. The BEC also provides laboratories for study of the stock market, entrepreneurship, sales, and sales management, and engineering facilitiesincluding a design center, radio-frequency shielded room, and laboratories for physics, vibration, materials testing, soils, and surveying.