Mar 19, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED PUBLICATION]

Other University Offices and Services



Alumni and Volunteer Services

In cooperation with the USI Alumni Association, this office coordinates a variety of programs and services to benefit alumni and students. Anyone who has completed one full-time semester’s work on the campus is entitled to membership in the Alumni Association. Active members play a leading role in the success of USI through career networking, mentoring, recruiting and volunteering.

We serve as the liaison with the USI Student Alumni Association (SAA), which provides a link for students to work with the Alumni Association. SAA is a student-run organization committed to promoting and supporting the establishment of traditions at USI. Members have an opportunity to network with alumni and gain valuable leadership skills while working on SAA programs and activities.

Volunteering at USI has something for everyone–it is a rewarding way to share talents and abilities or develop new skills. Volunteer USI opportunities are available within the University as well as in the Evansville community. Students, faculty, staff, student organizations, or members of the community can assist with one-time events, short-term assignments, ongoing commitments, or be on call as needed.

USI Parents & Families Association helps involve families in the life of the University. It also serves as a resource for parents and families. A gift of $25 to Parents & Families Association helps support various activities for parents, families and students, such as Families Weekend, the Unpack and Unwind Dinner, and Camp Eagle parent sessions.

For additional information, call 812-464-1924 or visit www.alumni.usi.edu, www.usi.edu/alumni/saa, www.usi.edu/volunteer, and www.usi.edu/family

Center for Communal Studies

The Center for Communal Studies (www.usi.edu/liberal-arts/communal-center) in the College of Liberal Arts is a research facility and international clearinghouse that assists classes, students, faculty, and visiting scholars with the subject of communal societies, intentional communities, and utopias. The center facilitates meetings, seminars, and networking among scholars and communities.

The center coordinates its work with the extensive Communal Studies Collection in the Special Collections department of Rice Library, which provides a rich base for research.

The Center for Communal Studies Lecture Series brings noted scholars of communal societies and communitarians to share their knowledge and experience on campus. Each year, the center awards annual prizes to both an undergraduate and a graduate student who submits the best scholarly paper or project on a communal theme.  The center also annually awards a research travel grant.

Creative and Print Services

Creative and Print Services functions as a full-service in-house agency, coordinating the development and production of all University publications and marketing collateral. Magazines, brochures, posters, banners, signs, forms, booklets, stationery, business cards, and invitations are examples of the many items produced by Creative and Print Services for the University community. All publications, whether produced in house or outsourced by the Creative and Print Services office, must be reviewed and approved by the director for quality, content, University brand standards, logo usage, and postal regulations. Any off-campus printing or copying must be ordered through this department and have prior authorization from the director of Creative and Print Services. Projects are initiated using the Creative and Print Services order form online at www.usi.edu/creativeprint/order.

For assistance with publication planning, design, and printing, contact the Creative and Print Services office at 812-464-1954 or by email. Located in the Publishing Services Center on Clarke Lane near Reflection Lake, office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Turnaround Time – Turnaround time for a design and/or printing project varies and should be discussed with the director or assistant director of operations in the earliest part of the planning stage. Allowing realistic production time prevents delays in final product delivery. Four weeks will cover most design and printing projects; however, each project is unique and schedules will vary based on specific requirements for design and production. Creative and Print Services will make every effort to accommodate emergency situations.

Graphic Design – Projects are designed by a professional in-house graphic design staff using current state-of-the-art technology and design software. Pieces are produced with purpose, quality, and economy in mind. Projects are designed to meet USI brand and editorial standards and are thoroughly proofread. Adherence to strict postal requirements is designed into mail pieces. Paper, ink color, publication size, and other details are established prior to proceeding with design and/or printing.

Printing and Bindery – Creative and Print Services’ in-plant facility offers a full range of services. A complete digital workflow is used for print production work. The press area features one-color to four-color offset printing capability, and a full-service bindery to finish jobs to your specifications.

Large Format – High-quality large-format printing capability for indoor and outdoor applications permits on-campus production of large-format posters, banners, displays, window graphics, and yard/boulevard signs. The printer is capable of outputting up to 53” in width on a continuous roll on some materials. Various materials and sizes are available. Foam core mounting, laminating, and sign mounting are available. Projects may be designed by the department’s graphic design staff or the customer may send a file ready to print through Copy Services.

Environmental Graphics – Creative and Print Services provides job management, design, and vendor resources for specialty graphics targeted to outdoor audiences and large-scale projects. Projects such as construction zone wraps, vehicle graphics, specialty displays, ball field graphics, pole banners, oversize banners, sidewalk and pavement graphics and many other types of outdoor marketing have become desirable in recent years. This office is the on-campus production center for projects of this type.

Copy Services – Creative and Print Services provides a centralized, staffed Copy Services Center. Large volume copying (more than 10 copies of each original), specialty photocopying, high-quality color copying, large format projects, and a full range of bindery services are offered through the Copy Services Center located in the Publishing Services Center. University offices can access Copy Services’ high-speed copier as a network printer device from each workstation, improving turnaround time and quality, as well as providing a 20 percent cost-per-copy savings. Instructions for network access can be obtained from Copy Services.

Variable Data Printing: The high-volume, high-speed copier in Copy Services features variable data printing capability to assist departments in producing custom letters or other forms of personalized communication from a digital database. At 110 copies per minute, and the utilization of Copy Services’ staff, this resource is preferable to desktop printers for this work. Variable data projects should be ordered using the Copy Service’s order form on the Creative and Print Services website. Early notice to Copy Services’ staff is recommended for scheduling.

Questions about photocopying and variable data printing should be directed to the Copy Services supervisor at 812-464-1889.

Copy projects are initiated using the Copy Services order form online at www.usi.edu/creativeprint/order. Walk-up service is available for departments, staff and students. The Copy Center accepts cash, checks and Eagle Access cards for payment. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Copy Center is closed during winter break.

Copier Fleet Program - USI’s copier fleet is a centralized program that is managed by Creative and Print Services. All toner, paper, service, and the capital investment expenses are centralized in Creative and Print Services. Departments pay only for per-click usage. Copiers also are scanners and cost-efficient printers, limiting the need for individual printers. Most all provide scan to email functions, some are equipped with fax functions and various finishing options. 

Fleet copiers, both standard and color, are conveniently located throughout campus for faculty and staff and are activated by assigned codes. These copiers are networked, allowing approved department users to also access them from their desktops, benefiting from digital quality, convenience, and confidentiality. Designated student copiers are activated by Eagle Access cards and are located in the UC East main floor, Rice Library main floor and the Convenience Store (C Store) in the Residence Life Community Center. Photocopier acquisition and maintenance contracts are managed by Creative and Print Services.

University Logo Usage - In addition to designing and producing high-quality print pieces, Creative and Print Services works with the assistant vice president for Marketing and Communications in logo and brand management for the University. Employees and off-campus vendors should review and abide by the usage guidelines available at www.usi.edu/brand. Off-campus vendors are required to obtain sanctioned logos through the licensing program administered by a professional licensing firm. Information regarding this process can be found on the website. A selection of USI logos is available for University departmental usage. Permission from Creative and Print Services’ director is encouraged to ensure that logo usage is permissible and high-quality versions are accessible.

General guidelines, stock and custom products, and other useful information can be found at www.usi.edu/creativeprint.

Development Office

The Development Office is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing a comprehensive private fund-raising program for the University of Southern Indiana and its outreach programs under the auspices of the USI Foundation. The president of the University is the official spokesperson on all fundraising matters. The Vice President for Development/president of USI Foundation, in concert with other administrative units, will assess University needs, identify possible private sources for funds to meet those needs, prepare plans for soliciting sector funds, and direct the personnel and financial resources available through the office toward obtaining resources to meet those needs.

One of the Development Office’s primary responsibilities is to provide staff assistance and guidance for the USI Foundation, founded in 1968 as the official gift-receiving agency of the University. As an Indiana not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, the USI Foundation promotes, receives, invests, and disburses gifts for the benefit of the University.

Food Service

The University food service, managed by Sodexo Campus Services, operates in the University Center with seating in the Eagle’s Nest, University Center East and Loft dining room. The Eagles Nest is home to Sub Connection, Chick-fil-A, and Steak ‘n Shake. The University Center East hosts Cyclone Salads, which features bountiful veggie options, Paninis, a variety of soups, and baked potatoes and Fiesta Fuego, a fresh Mexican grill. The Loft, located on the second floor of the University Center West, serves a wide variety of home-style lunch and dinner items seven days a week, breakfast Monday through Friday, and brunch on the weekends during the fall and spring semesters. The Sweets Spot Bakery is located next to the Loft and features freshly baked pastries, donuts, cakes, cookies, gourmet coffee creations and more! Sushi, made fresh daily, is now offered at Cyclone Salads, Fiesta Fuego, both Simply To Go units and the Eagle Xpress Convenience Store. 

Students and staff on tight schedules or in classes in other buildings on campus can purchase bottled beverages, coffee, a variety of fresh-baked goods, salads, and sandwiches, and other convenience food items at Simply To Go in the Health Professions Center and in the main lobby of the Liberal Arts Center – Starbucks is located on the first floor of Rice Library.

Munch Money can be used to purchase anything in food service including Starbucks merchandise but excluding Starbucks gift cards.

Inside of the Wright Administration building, is the renowned frozen yogurt chain, Red Mango. Our award-winning frozen yogurt has it all – calcium, protein, and live and active cultures that are good for you.  Unlike other desserts that contain artificial ingredients or excessive calories, Red Mango frozen yogurt is all natural, nonfat or lowfat, kosher and certified gluten-free. A juice bar is available to further enhance the selection at Red Mango.

A full-service convenience store, the EagleXpress, is located near the McDonald Apartments, offering standard convenience store services, as well as Archie’s Pizzeria with pizza delivery. Munch Money can be used for groceries, Archie’s Pizzeria items, and all other merchandise, such as school supplies and USI apparel.

Catering services for University-sponsored events on or off campus are available. For more information, contact the Catering Services manager at 812-465-1652. Also, contact Catering Services for concessions participation for your club or group. 

For a complete description of services, weekly menus for The Loft, ongoing promotions or specials, and employment opportunities, visit our web site at https://usi.sodexomyway.com/index.html. For questions or concerns, please leave a comment at http://usi.sodexomyway.com/people/feedback.html

Foundation Office (see Development Office)

Information Technology (IT)

Information Technology provides technical presentation and communication resources to support the teaching and learning activities of the University community and its partners. IT clients include USI faculty, staff, students, and partner institutions and organizations. The goals of IT are to provide consultation, planning, and promotion for the effective use of new and existing technologies to support instruction; maintain high standards of service for its clients; deploy University technical resources effectively and appropriately; and collaborate with members of the campus community and other partners on technical issues and activities. For general information about any of the following IT programs and services, visit www.usi.edu/it. Technical support is available by calling the IT Help Desk at 812-465-1080.

Audio-Visual Equipment – Information Technology provides audio-visual equipment to faculty and staff for classroom or other academic use. To avoid scheduling conflicts, 48-hour notice is strongly recommended for video and computer projection equipment and 24-hour notice for all other equipment. Some equipment items may be requested on a semester-loan basis. Equipment is ordered online at www.usi.edu/it.

Blackboard Course Management Software – Information Technology operates and supports the Blackboard course management software that allows course materials and information to be shared on the Internet in a virtual classroom setting. Blackboard is an easy-to-use program for instructors to conduct course activities and distribute documents online such as syllabi, course handouts, video clips of lectures, guest speakers or demonstrations, PowerPoint presentations, send and receive student papers, post grades, generate class announcements or email messages, maintain a class calendar and tasks, generate online quizzes, and manage their own course discussion board. Students can collaborate in online group workspace, create their own web pages, and meet classmates in their course chat rooms. USI Blackboard is accessed through myUSI for enrolled USI students or at blackboard.usi.edu for non-USI students, continuing education students, community partners, and guests.

Computer and Multimedia Presentation – Information Technology deploys computer data projection equipment for faculty to support their classroom and professional activities. Digital cameras are available for checkout to faculty and staff for multimedia projects. DVD authoring through Instructional Technology Services allows faculty an opportunity to store a wealth of notes, data, and images in a readily accessible and compact format for ready retrieval both in and out of the classroom.

Production Services – Information Technology provides a variety of media production capabilities for academic and University-related activities. Assistance is available in the development and design of instructional media including audio and video production, multimedia presentations using PowerPoint, DVD creation, web page design, and videoconferencing. Image scanning services also are available.

Videoconferencing Services – The University uses videoconferencing technology to deliver courses and programs and to facilitate meetings where participants are in two or more locations. Videoconferencing services are available to faculty and staff as well as external groups and individuals. The technology offers faculty and students a cost-effective way to meet with a variety of experts and peers in cities across the globe. IT staff can connect meeting participants by IP video in multi-purpose videoconferencing rooms on campus.

Library Services

The David L. Rice Library supports and extends the academic programs of the University by providing research and instructional materials as well as recreational and general interest materials. During fall and spring semesters the library is open 114 hours a week, including evening and weekend hours. When the library building is closed, the online catalog, and hundreds of web pages - selected and organized to assist in finding high-quality information on a variety of topics - remain available through the library’s web site, www.usi.edu/library/. Remote web access to electronic books and databases is available for currently-enrolled students and currently-employed faculty and staff members. The web site is the most up-to-date source for library hours, special notices, services, and staff contact numbers.

The building has four floors, with substantial student study space and comfortable seating in a variety of configurations; three reading rooms; 30 group study rooms; 12 individual study rooms; and two computer labs for instruction and student use. Additionally, the building provides classrooms on the lower level and casual seating in the coffee shop area. Wireless access is available throughout the building; in addition to computer workstations, students may check out laptops and tablets.

The library’s collection of over 375,000 volumes is available in open stacks, providing easy access to most resources. Approximately 4,000 books are added each year, along with electronic resources, audio-visual materials, and other formats. Reference librarians provide assistance in identifying, locating, and evaluating resources in many formats at the Reference Desk during most open hours. In addition to in-person visits, users may contact the library’s Reference staff by telephone, email, chat, or text; contact information is listed on the web site.

The library provides online access to more than 65,000 full-text journals and over 200,000 electronic books. Electronic resources are accessible within the library, from other computers on campus, and remotely to authorized users. Microform coverage ranges from recent government reports to 1850s newspapers. Digital microform reader/printers are located on the second floor, and photocopiers and printers are available on the main level. A recreational reading area is located on the entry level near the media collection, which is made up of music CDs, audio books, and DVDs.  Children’s books – used by education majors but available for checkout by anyone – are housed on the first floor.

University Archives and Special Collections, located on the third floor, preserve materials about the University’s history and houses distinctive collections. One such collection is communal societies, with substantial information on historic and contemporary intentional communities. Another major collection includes thousands of photographs documenting Southern Indiana from the late 1800s to present day.  Images and documents from this collection and others are being digitized for online discovery and use, viewable at www.usi.edu/library/university-archives-and-special-collections.

Rice Library is also a partial federal government depository library. The library receives a significant portion of what is published by the United States government, which is the largest publisher in the world.  Government documents cover a wide variety of subjects, from career information to the environment and consumer guidance.

The library provides interlibrary loan service, and borrows items from libraries all over the world. Special software is used to enhance and expedite the interlibrary loan process, including speedy desktop delivery of journal articles and book chapters. Eligible USI students, faculty, and staff members may submit online requests via the library’s web site.

Students, faculty, staff members, and community users may check out library materials. The library user may search the online catalog by author, title, keyword, or subject, and identify an item’s location and availability. If an item is already checked out by someone else, a hold may be placed on that item and the user will be notified when it is returned. Users may renew books online, unless an item is overdue or on hold for someone else. Self-service check-out machines on each floor speed the check-out process for books.

As the variety and complexity of information sources has increased - along with the necessity for evaluating their worth - formal research instruction has become even more essential. Instructors may schedule sessions customized to individual course needs by contacting the Instructional Services librarian. Instruction is usually provided in one of the library’s computer labs so that hands-on learning is possible. Library staff members are available at the Reference and Checkout counters to provide assistance to library users.

Online Learning

The University of Southern Indiana (USI) offers many online learning programs and courses via Internet, video conferencing, digital media and other learning technology platforms to accommodate students’ learning styles, work schedules, and other life commitments. USI students have the option to take classes delivered completely online (.NO), online with some campus meetings (.NC), or via videoconference at remote locations (.NR). Students can evaluate their readiness level by taking a free Online Student Readiness Assessment before considering if the online learning option is right for them.  

In addition, USI coordinates its online course offerings with other Indiana colleges and universities through the Indiana College Network (ICN) www.icn.org. The ICN program provides information and assistance to students wishing to take online courses offered by USI and other Indiana institutions.

More information about online learning at USI is available at www.usi.edu/onlinelearning  Students with questions about studying online an contact Online Learning at 812-228-5124 or send an email to distance@usi.edu

Exam Proctoring Services – The Online Learning office offers two online exam-proctoring services to USI faculty and students to accommodate their exam proctoring needs.

  1. On-campus proctoring – Students can take a proctored exam on campus in the Faculty Innovation Studio (Forum Administration Building 0046) every Tuesday from 9am to 4pm or Wednesday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm.  Computer workstations are available to accommodate up to eight students taking computer-based exams concurrently. An appointment needs to be confirmed at least one business day prior to the exam. Contact Online Learning for details.
  2. External Proctor Screening – Students unable to take a proctored exam on campus can propose an external proctor at their locations (such as a librarian, local college testing center, etc.). Please submit the proctor screening form to distance@usi.edu or fax it to (812-465-7131).  

Student Readiness Assessment – Online learning offers a web-based assessment that measures individual student’s readiness level for studying in an online or hybrid learning environment. The results inform students of their learning strengths, potential growth opportunities, and provides recommendations on how to overcome certain areas of weakness. To take this assessment, login to Blackboard and select “Free Student Readiness Assessment” link located under “My Courses.”

Outreach and Engagement

www.usi.edu/outreach
812-464-1829

Outreach and Engagement coordinates and supports outreach activities of the University. Its mission is to extend the resources of the University through education and training programs, assessment activities, consulting, applied research, service learning, and related services which assist in the educational, human resource, and economic development of southern Indiana. Components of Outreach and Engagement are:

Lifelong Learning

Bachelor of Professional Studies Program – The Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program is designed for working adults who want to complete a baccalaureate degree that builds on their previous education, training and work experience. It requires completion of the standard 120 credit hours, including Core 39, but allows flexibility in program design. Call 812-464-1879 or visit www.usi.edu/outreach/bachelor-of-professional-studies for additional information.

USI Nearby – USI Nearby is an outreach program coordinating evening courses at off-campus locations that are convenient to students who live and work in Warrick County, eastside, and downtown locations. Current USI Nearby locations include Castle High School, the National Guard Armory, and Innovation Pointe. For maps and class schedules, visit www.usi.edu/outreach/usi-nearby or call 812-464-1879.

Education Services & Partnerships – Education Services and Partnerships focuses on programs that involve schools and individuals in P-16 education. These include the College Achievement Program (CAP—see the following), STEM initiatives, Super Summer, and other public programs for children, parents, and teachers. For more information, call 812-228-5022.

College Achievement Program – The College Achievement Program provides an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to earn dual high school/college credit in selected courses offered at participating high schools. USI faculty are involved as course liaisons and in facilitating training for high school faculty. For more information visit www.usi.edu/outreach/cap.

Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) – At the request of the Indiana Army National Guard, USI established an Army ROTC program in the fall semester of 2001. The program provides numerous opportunities for qualified students, most notably in the form of full tuition assistance for tuition and fees. The minor in Military Science offers qualified students an opportunity to obtain a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and to serve on active duty, in the Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard. Army ROTC scholarships and other incentives provide qualified students with an opportunity to compete for outstanding financial assistance packages, covering virtually all costs for up to four years of college. The ROTC program is located in the lower level of the Education Center and may be reached at 812-461-5301.  Visit www.usi.edu/outreach/rotc.

Veteran, Military and Family Resource Center – see the Veteran, Military and Family Resource Center section.

Epi-Hab Center for Disability StudiesThe Epi-Hab Center for Disability Studies was created by a grant from the former Epi-Hab of Evansville. The Center focuses on programs in the community, student scholarships, and faculty research. Public programs have included appearances by nationally known speakers and writers on disability issues as well as funding for faculty participation in disability-related conferences. Epi-Hab provides support for the Disability Resources Center by purchasing adaptive equipment for check-out to students with special needs. Information is available at 812-464-1829 or www.usi.edu/outreach/epi-hab-center-for-disability-studies.

Corporate Partnerships– Outreach and Engagement’s Corporate Partnerships established one-on-one relationships with select industries and organization to assess and address business needs. To meet needs, Corporate Partnerships provides connections to near and far subject matter experts, consultants, and USI resources. These long-term partnerships are honed by USI being present at clients’ sites.  We spend time learning the challenges and knowing the people. This dedication to our clients’ success makes USI the first contact for resources, support and training. Call 812-228-5061 or visit USI.edu/outreach/corporate-partnerships for more information.

Continuing and Professional Education – Continuing and Professional Education manages off-campus credit courses at several sites in Southwestern Indiana (USI Nearby) and a wide variety of noncredit programs and services. There are more than 15,000 noncredit registrations annually in business and professional development and computer applications courses; specialized courses for health professionals; fitness; arts and leisure activities; programs for children and parents; personal interest areas including foreign languages; and conferences. Noteworthy management and employee development activities include Management Skills Assessment, certified DDI leadership courses, and on-site and customized programs for employers in most business, professional, and technical areas. Information is available at 812-465-1629 or www.usi.edu/outreach/lifelong-learning.

Many professions, including but not limited to healthcare, social work, and accounting, require annual continuing education hours which may be earned through selected courses and seminars. The University maintains a permanent file of all continuing education hours granted.

Conferences and seminars are held throughout the year. The staff is available to help organizations assess needs and plan, develop, and conduct programs on campus or at other facilities.  Call 812-464-1864 for more information.

Southern Indiana Japanese School – Designed for children of Japanese citizens working in the region, this program provides instruction in Japanese language, culture, and other selected disciplines on Saturdays and after the regular school day. www.usi.edu/outreach/southern-indiana-japanese-school

Opportunity Development

Outreach and Engagement promotes and supports regional economic, social, and cultural development, as well as lifelong learning for individuals, through the following offices and departments.

Center for Applied Research – The Center for Applied Research works with businesses and organizations throughout the region to help leverage the intellectual capabilities of the university. The Center matches faculty, staff, and students with regional businesses and organizations to conduct research, consulting, and other applied projects, ranging from economic impact studies to new product development. This engagement will not only benefit the region, but also will help these individuals in their career development. Opportunities exist for individual faculty and student involvement, as well as class projects. Information is available at 812-461-5442 or www.usi.edu/outreach/car.

USI-NSWC Crane Partnership – This partnership exists to benefit USI students and faculty, NSWC Crane, and the economy of the region. Facets of the partnership include internships, technology transfer, intellectual property development, and STEM services and activities for grades K-12. Information is available at 812-228-5153 or USI.edu/outreach/usi-crane-partnership.

I-69 Innovation Corridor Initiative – USI is the lead convener of stakeholders committed to enhance the economic ecosystem of the region through Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Talent Development. The Brainpower team and the Innovation/Entrepreneurship team have events and programs throughout the year. For more information or to join the collaborative partnership call 812-464-1851.

USI@Innovation Pointe – USI is the Higher Education Partner in the Certified Technology Park centered at Innovation Pointe in downtown Evansville. Services provided include support and coaching for Innovation Pointe clients, facilitation services for businesses and organizations, and credit and noncredit courses. In addition, an outstanding space for facilitated planning and working sessions is available to Outreach and Engagement clients. Call 812-492-4394 or visit www.usi.edu/outreach/innovation-pointe for details.

Technology Commercialization – Partnering with the U.S. Navy, the Technology Commercialization Academy is collaborating on transferring technology to local industry.  In 2015, USI and NSWC Crane renewed their partnership with the signing of a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) by President Linda L. M. Bennett and Captain Jeffrey “JT” Elder. The Eagle Innovation Accelerator serves as a mechanism to further develop students’ commercialization ideas, encourage and support entrepreneurship and promote an environment of job creation.

Community Engagement

Connect with Southern Indiana – Connect with Southern Indiana is a leadership program sponsored by USI focused on promoting active citizenship and developing creative problem solving skills for individuals in the non-profit and for-profit sectors across a nine-county region in Southwest Indiana. The program highlights divergent and analytical thinking, idea generation, communication skills, and social entrepreneurship from a community development perspective.  Participants will meet others from the region with similar concerns and interests, identify areas for collaborative projects, and meet business and civic leaders while developing creative problem solving skills. Call 812-465-7014 or visit www.usi.edu/outreach/connect-with-southern-indiana-leadership-program for more information.

Historic New Harmony – Since 1985, USI’s Historic New Harmony has facilitated cultural and educational programs related to New Harmony’s important historic resources.  In cooperation with Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, USI maintains several properties within the National Historic Landmark District and the National Register District, as well as an extensive collection of artifacts and the award-winning Atheneum which serves as New Harmony’s visitor center.  Tours of the sites are offered.  The many opportunities for faculty, staff, and student engagement include research projects, service learning, and professional and personal development retreats.  Art courses and exhibits are offered through the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art (see below). www.usi.edu/outreach/historic-new-harmony

New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art – The mission of the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art is to provide a non-profit exhibition space, promoting access to contemporary art in Southern Indiana.  The exhibitions are selected based on the three primary goals of providing opportunity, creating dialogue, and building connectivity within the region.  The gallery offers more than 100 regional artists exposure through an active consignment shop.  University of Southern Indiana students can gain hands on experience in a professional gallery setting through internships and fellowships.  The gallery contributes to the cultivation of the cultural environment of New Harmony through privately funded public artworks. www.usi.edu/outreach/new-harmony-gallery-of-contemporary-art

Historic Southern Indiana – Historic Southern Indiana seeks to identify, protect, enhance, and promote the historical, natural, and recreational resources of southern Indiana for the benefit of visitors and citizens alike. This heritage-based outreach program created in 1986 serves the 26 counties between US 50 on the north and the Ohio River on the south. Historic Southern Indiana provides students and faculty in all disciplines opportunities for applied research and professional enhancement in community and regional development, cultural and heritage tourism, interpretation and marketing, and K-12 educational projects. Contact 812-465-7014 or visit www.usi.edu/outreach/historic-southern-indiana for information.

Service Learning – is a course-based experiential learning strategy. It engages students in meaningful and relevant service with a community partner while employing ongoing reflection to draw connections between the service and course content. Service Learning at USI aims to enhance academic learning by challenging students to apply classroom knowledge to real life situations. Service-Learning addresses actual community needs and has the added potential to engage students in ways that other experiential methods may not. Service-Learning:

  • Links course work to real life experiences.
  • Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Increases tolerance for diversity.
  • Enhances interpersonal and leadership skills.
  • Provides opportunities for civic engagement and working with diverse groups and environments.
  • Promotes civic engagement
  • Fosters collaborative relationships between faculty, students, and community-based organizations.

The Service-Learning program provides consultation and support to help faculty, staff, students and community partners plan and execute effective service-learning projects. In addition it:

  • Identifies community needs that can be addressed through service-learning.
  • Supports the integration of service-learning across the curriculum.
  • Builds long-term relationships between the university and community.
  • Offers faculty development opportunities related to service-learning.
  • Recognizes and rewards significant service-learning work.
  • Identifies, helps develop, and promotes service-learning courses.
  • Encourages student participation and coordinates the assessment of student learning. 

Call 812-465-5363 for additional information or visit www.usi.edu/outreach/service-learning-program.

Online Learning

Online Learning is devoted to providing holistic online faculty development, student support services and the expansion of online course offerings. Online Learning embraces quality online education through teaching innovations and learning collaboration to improve the recruitment, enrollment, retention and graduation rate at USI.  For more information visit www.usi.edu/onlinelearning.

Public Safety (Security and Parking)

Security

The public safety officers are responsible for traffic control, preliminary emergency medical care, initial response to other emergencies on campus, security of physical assets and the safety of the University’s employees, students, and guests. They provide their services to the campus and student residences 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the deployment of vehicle, foot and bicycle patrols.

The University of Southern Indiana strives to create and maintain a safe and secure environment on all properties the University owns, leases or manages for official activities. In order to be successful in providing the highest degree of safety and security on the campus and in the residences, it is important for the campus community to follow good safety and security practices. Students and employees are encouraged to know as much as possible about the frequency and type of security breaches which occur on University property. To that end, Public Safety records and annually publishes statistics on crime and security matters, and the University provides timely warnings of crimes or incidents, which may be considered a threat to the University community. A copy of the annual statistical report can be requested from Public Safety.

Further, Public Safety takes a leadership role in campus safety by providing and encouraging the campus community to utilize its services which includes educational programs on campus safety, preventative patrols, crime prevention, and free security escort services. The campus community is encouraged to report any suspicious/criminal behavior or threat. This type of activity can be reported either in person, telephone, through silent-witness email, or by using the emergency telephones. The emergency telephones, which are located throughout campus and the residences, ring directly to the Public Safety Building.

Parking

Non-restricted parking in USI’s campus lots is available to commuters and visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. Campus lots have few restrictions, and those areas with restrictions are marked with appropriate signage.

O’Daniel South, O’Daniel North, McDonald West, and McDonald East campus apartments and Newman, Governors, O’Bannon, and Ruston residence halls have restricted parking. Parking spaces in campus apartments are reserved for residents of each neighborhood (O’Daniel and McDonald). Visitors to campus apartments must park in visitor areas only. Students living in residence halls are restricted to parking lots M & O, the last two rows of parking lot D, and the last full row of parking lot E. Visitors to residence halls must park in campus lots. Apartment and residence hall residents are not permitted to park in campus lots between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. on class days.

Important Telephone Numbers

Security 812-464-1845
University Emergency Telephone 812-492-7777
Parking 812-465-1091

Special Events and Scheduling Services

Special Events and Scheduling Services includes management groups responsible for planning and implementation of special events on campus, electronically scheduling all events on campus (including academic classes arranged by the Registrar’s Office) and facility management for the University Center (UC West, UC East, Performance Center).

Special Events produces major events on campus that are fundamental to the image of the University. These events emphasize University growth, recognition, and appreciation of the accomplishments of students, prospective students, faculty, and employees. Special Events is responsible for implementing functions hosted by the University president, events recognizing special friends, donors of the University, and governmental representatives, student academic honors convocations, USI Foundation meetings, and Board of Trustees meetings. Special Events plans fall and spring Commencement exercises, major speaker events, facility groundbreakings and ribbon cutting ceremonies, employee recognition programs, and markets USI as a summer camp and conference site to student and professional organizations seeking meeting, recreational, sleeping, and dining facilities for multi-day conferences.

Special Events also supports academic colleges and faculty and develops and supports hundreds of programs in the University Center and on campus that focus on faculty objectives, student development, education, diversity, social and economic growth, civil and cultural awareness for traditional and non-traditional  college students, summer conference programs, and off-campus events sponsored by community groups. Additionally, Special Events supports outreach programs of short duration presented by the University for non-credit college students in Southwestern Indiana. The objective of Special Events is to provide quality planning assistance, secure materials, services, room layouts for room set-ups, and provide efficient and effective on-site support for the execution of these events.

Scheduling Services interfaces with student, faculty, administrative staff, and off-campus group meeting/event sponsors to reserve space on campus for their events. Scheduling specialists reserve the most appropriate space for each event based on location, anticipated attendance, and time of year and day. This group establishes reservations and maintains the University’s master calendar of events to ensure continuity of traditional annual events on campus. Registered student organizations also work closely with Scheduling Services to share their visions for upcoming events and to work through the process of finding the appropriate on-campus location to fulfill their event expectations. The scheduling specialist works closely with the student organizations to plan and organize events within assigned budgets. Departmental and student organizations rely on Scheduling Services to post materials that promote their upcoming events through various approved bulletin boards and with table tents in assigned locations. This group also maintains an electronic software program to record all events and activities scheduled in campus buildings and outdoor locations.

The majority of University events are held in the University Center. As well as being home to the USI Campus Store and several University departments, the UC plays a vital role in serving the on-campus meeting, activity and dining needs of students, faculty, staff, alumni, community, and residents from the tri-state area. In the management capacity of the University Center, the department’s goal is to consistently maintain the integrity and quality of the facility and furnishings to provide a convenient and pleasant environment for on and off campus campus communities.

Special Events and Scheduling Services maintains a calendar of major events scheduled in the Evansville community. When contemplating an event, sponsors may call this office to avoid scheduling conflicts.

For additional information, call Special Events and Scheduling Services at 812-464-1930. 

University Communications

University Communications is a department within University Relations and is part of the Marketing and Communications unit. University Communications includes Photography and Multimedia. The goal of University Communications is to reinforce the overall brand of the University and to create an avenue for communication between USI and its various constituents, both internal and external.

University Communications reaches out to University offices to help with editorial development including content for publications, the USI website, marketing, recruitment, video production and social media. University Communications publishes USI Today, the online employee newsletter; illume, the official magazine of the University, Synapse Magazine for the College of Nursing and Health Professions; and newsletters for the other colleges within the University.

The University Communications website www.usi.edu/news includes links to news, press release archives, faculty and staff achievements, the headshot database, university publications, Photography and Multimedia, USI Today, the Editor’s Manual, USI Calendar, campus map and emergency procedures.

Media Relations
University Communications employs a media relations specialist who develops relationships with local, regional and national media. University Communications provides copy and photographs for news releases, media pitches and media events both on and off campus. The office handles all media requests and coordinates media visits to campus as well as providing sources for media stories. Read the News Media Policy. University Communications also is responsible for maintaining the University’s official social media channels.

Photography and Multimedia
Photojournalists take photographs and keep photo records of all facets of the University’s academic and campus events, including athletics. Photographs are used for a variety of purposes including University publications, website, marketing pieces, media requests, and archives. Photography and Multimedia also provides studio services, maintains a headshot database and provides photographs to the public through the use of social media and online galleries. The department also oversees video and multimedia projects for the University. See a full list of services.

Athletic Communications
Athletic Communications reports to University Relations and coordinates with USI Athletics and University Communications to handle all aspects of communication, both internal and external, for the University’s 17 NCAA Division II sports.

For more information, contact John Farless, director of University Communications at jafarless@usi.edu or 812-228-5157.

Veteran, Military and Family Resource Center

Veteran, Military and Family Resource Center – VMFRC assists students with applying for and utilizing Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits.  Assistance is available to all prospective and enrolled USI students who are veterans, servicepersons, dependents, survivors of veterans, and other eligible persons to keep them informed of available veterans’ programs,  from education, personal counseling on a variety of topics, to job placement organizations. VMFRC is an active participant in community activities, hosts the Brock Babb 324 American Legion Post, and organizes job fairs and other outreach initiatives.

This is the certifying office for the enrollment of persons training under the veterans’ programs. All veterans, servicepersons, dependents, and survivors of veterans, and anyone else who may be eligible for veterans’ assistance should contact this office. Students receiving Veterans Affairs education benefits must make contact with this office each semester to begin or continue their certification of enrollment process to the Veterans Affairs Regional Office.

Staff provide outreach, counseling, and academic assistance referral for veterans and servicepersons throughout the academic year.

This office also evaluates, as per the American Council on Education’s recommendations, military experience for University credit. Those wishing to have their military experiences evaluated for possible University credit should contact the Veteran, Military and Family Resource Center at 812-464-1857 for required documentation and requirements. The University of Southern Indiana is in compliance with the Veteran Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, whereby veterans are charged the in-state resident tuition rate.  Visit www.usi.edu/veterans for more information.