Student Life

Emphasis at the University is on learning, including the learning which continues beyond the classroom and laboratory. A wide variety of organizations and activities, plus numerous cultural opportunities, contribute to the total education of a student. More than 100 student organizations provide co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and represent a wide range of interests, including academic/professional organizations, programming, political, religious, multicultural, special interest, service, Greek letter organizations (sororities and fraternities), honor societies, student government, and music and drama groups.

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center offers personal, substance abuse, and life direction counseling and referral services to all currently enrolled students. The goal of counseling is to help students function more effectively in the educational environment by assisting in overall personal development, including the facilitation of emotional growth, improvement of interpersonal skills, adjustment to college life, and the exploration of options to aid in the resolution of personal issues. Staff also facilitates referrals to community support groups and agencies, and offers presentations and workshops to the University community.

Students may call the Counseling Center at 812/464-1867 or stop by the office in the Orr Center, Room 1051, to make an appointment. All counseling relationships are confidential.

Dining Facilities

The University dining facilities are operated by Sodexo Campus Services. Dining options are offered in Burger King, Archie’s Pizzeria, Sub Connection, Salsa Rico, and Cyclone Salads on the main floor of the University Center, The Loft on the upper level of the University Center, and Starbucks in Rice Library. In addition, Sodexo operates Eagle Express Convenience Store, located in the Residence Life Community Center, and two Simply To Go units with sandwiches, salads, and beverages: one in the Liberal Arts Building and one in the Health Professions/Science Center link. Catering services are available for meetings, programs, and events. For additional information on meal plans, catering services, or employment opportunities, contact the food service office, UC 019, 812/464-1859, or visit us on the web at www.usifood.com.

Disability Resources

Disability resources are offered through the Counseling Center to help students overcome or compensate for obstacles related to a physical, emotional, or learning disability. Some of the resources available to students include: assistance in obtaining alternative textbooks, test accommodations, sign language interpreter services, note-taker supplies, referral to an academic coach and peer tutoring, access to resource literature, and referral to community agencies. Staff assist faculty by distributing information through group educational presentations and individual consultations, and by coordinating with other offices to ensure provision of reasonable and appropriate accommodations to students with disabilities.

For example, the University ensures that sign language interpreter services will be provided at no cost to hearing-impaired students who require this service in order to benefit from and participate in their educational programs.

To facilitate the availability of staff and funds, students are asked to register for the disability resources in the Orr Center, room 1051, at least 60 days prior to date needed, and must provide specific professional documentation of need. 812/464-1961 or TTY/TTD 812/465-7072.

International Programs and Services

The primary mission of the Office of International Programs and Services is to enhance the international dimensions of the University and to facilitate opportunities for all students to acquire skills necessary to succeed in a global society. The IPS Office is responsible for international recruitment and retention and the delivery of information, services, and programs designed to meet the unique needs of international students and scholars. The IPS Office also is responsible for the development and administration of USI study abroad programs in 60 countries. International Programs and Services organizes weekly events for the Global Community Program in Ruston Hall and works closely with the International Club and other organizations on campus to provide activities and programs designed to increase international awareness, acceptance, and understanding of peoples and cultures from all corners of the globe.

Multicultural Center

The University of Southern Indiana’s Multicultural Center enhances the personal and academic success of students by preparing them to be responsible citizens in a multicultural society. The goals of the Center are to:

• Foster and provide a warm, welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for diverse populations at USI;
• encourage, promote, and assist the academic and social integration of underrepresented students into the University through programs and services offered by the Center and through partnerships with other campus entities;
• create opportunities for cultural interaction between students, the campus and the community at large to promote cultural awareness and sensitivity; and
• provide outreach opportunities to underrepresented groups and underserved communities to seek higher education.

The Vision Statement for the Center is to develop diversity awareness within students to build a bridge between college life and future multicultural experiences.

Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness

The Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Department is the combination of the intramural sports, fitness, and student wellness programs. The University encourages the lifelong pursuit of an active, healthy lifestyle, and enhances student development by providing healthy activities, as well as leadership and employment opportunities. The offices are located in the Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center (RFWC).

Recreation and Fitness — Recreation and Fitness offers programs designed to promote a healthy lifestyle and meet the physical, social, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional needs of students and employees. Some of the services and programs provided by Recreation and Fitness include fitness consultations, facility orientations, incentive programs, and open recreation. A valid USI Eagle Access card is required to participate. Guest passes are available for purchase at the RFWC welcome desk. Recreation and Fitness staff can be reached in the Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center, or by calling 812/461-5268.

Intramural Sports — The Intramural Sports program offers a wide array of recreational activities which provide competition suitable for students regardless of physical capabilities. Participation in the intramural, special events, and outdoor adventure programs enriches social relationships, develops an understanding of sports, and aids physical and mental improvement. Intramural staff can be reached in the Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center or by calling 812/461-5268.

Student Wellness — The Student Wellness program develops, implements, and coordinates health and wellness education activities for the University community. The staff of Student Wellness is located in the Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center, 812/461-5483.

USI Recreation facilities include —

Religious Life

Religious Life provides religious guidance and worship opportunities for students, faculty, and staff, and is located in the O’Daniel Apartment complex (corner of O’Daniel Lane and Clark Lane). Its goal is to communicate ways to stay active in faith life while at USI. To find out more about the religious organizations on campus and area worship information, go to www.usi.edu/ministry.

Housing and Residence Life

The Department of Residence Life houses approximately 2,800 students who live, study, and work in this dynamic community. Housing and Residence Life is committed to supporting and enhancing the educational mission of USI by providing programs, services, staffing, and facilities that support academic success. Students live in quality facilities, including one- and two-bedroom furnished apartments with full-size kitchens, as well as two-bedroom, two-bath residence hall suites.

Housing facilities also provide several amenities, including

• full-size kitchens or kitchenettes
• basic expanded cable service
• local phone service
• Internet access including both wired and wireless connections
• computer labs
• fully furnished apartments and suites
• shuttle service
• air conditioning
• laundry facilities
• convenience store
• all utilities
• on-site security
• 24-hour on-site staff supervision

Living Learning Community programs also are available. Currently, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs jointly offer 11 Living Learning Communities, which are housed in Ruston and O’Bannon halls, with the exception of the sophomore experience which is in the apartment area. Each Living Learning Community is developed around a common academic discipline or interest area. The Living Learning Communities require a separate application, and are as follows:

• Honors
• Global Community
• Business
• Emerging Leaders
• Nursing and Health Professions
• Science and Engineering
• Elementary Education
• Liberal Arts
• Social Work
• Exploring Majors
• Sophomore Year Experience

Contact the Housing and Residence Life Office via telephone at 812/468-2000 for details, via email at living@usi.edu, or visit the Housing and Residence Life web site at www.usi.edu/res.

Student Development Programs

(Student Organizations, O’Daniel Leadership Academy, Orientation, Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, Activities Programming Board, and Freshman Programs)

The Office of Student Development Programs fosters an active and comprehensive campus life experience through the coordination and advisement of over 100 student organizations in the areas of program planning and organizational development. Staff members assist students in getting involved in campus events and organizations and provide support and guidance to the Greek governing organizations, individual Greek chapters, and affiliated organizations through advising, leadership development, program planning, and organizational development.

Student Development Programs provides opportunities for students through O’Daniel Leadership Academy, a comprehensive leadership program. The academy includes Student Leadership Conference; Leadership USI; Corporate Leadership Conference; Leadership, Education, and Development Series (LEAD); and annual leadership awards.

In addition, this department assists students in making the transition to the University through the development and coordination of new, transfer, and adult student orientation programs, fall welcome week, and Freshman Programs. Freshman Programs is a set of programs and services available to all new students. This program was designed to help freshmen achieve success in college.

Student Development Programs is located in the University Center and can be reached at 812/465-7167, or visit the web site at www.usi.edu/sdv.

The O’Daniel Leadership Academy helps develop tomorrow’s leaders—today! Based on the philosophy that people will be called upon to be leaders at some point in their life, USI created the Joseph E. O’Daniel Leadership Academy. It is designed to enhance the personal and professional skills long associated with leaders: initiative and motivation, goal setting, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, self-confidence, teamwork, conflict management, and self assessment. The Leadership Academy challenges and empowers students to become aware of their leadership skills and helps them feel confident in their ability to lead and make changes. For more information about academy programs or to register for programs, visit the web site at www.usi.edu/leadership.

Freshman Programs helps students become successfully integrated into the USI culture and student body, develop the skills and drive necessary to excel in their college courses, recognize their responsibility and potential to give something of value to their community, know that they are a valued member of the campus community, and achieve a greater sense of their potential. To achieve these goals, staff members provide a variety of services and programs, including calling new students during their first semester, serving as the point of contact for new students and their parents, sponsoring a living learning community, and providing educational programs.

The Panhellenic Council is the local governing body of women’s social fraternities at USI. It oversees recruitment, scholarship, service, and philanthropic activities.

The Interfraternity Council is the governing body of men’s social fraternities. It oversees recruitment, scholarship, service, and philanthropic activities.

The Activities Programming Board (APB), composed of seven major committees, is responsible for programming student activities for the campus community. Coffee houses, movies, lectures, concerts, Chill Out, and Homecoming are just a few events coordinated by APB. For more information on APB’s activities or how to become a member, visit the web site at www.usi.edu/apb or www.facebook.com/activitiesprogrammingboard.

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the representative body of currently-enrolled students. It is composed of elected members of the student population and includes an executive board, seven administrative vice-presidents, 18 representatives from the five academic colleges, 11 members at large, and a seven-member University Court. SGA serves as the voice of all students to the Board of Trustees, faculty, administration, and USI community. All students, by virtue of their registration at the University of Southern Indiana, are members of SGA and are encouraged to attend General Assembly meetings. For more information, call the SGA office at 812/464-1873 or see the web site at www.usi.edu/sga.

Student Publications provides opportunities for students who wish to become involved in some phase of campus publications as writers, designers, photographers, and sales staff. The student newspaper The Shield is published weekly. Interested students are encouraged to contribute to the success of The Shield. Students from all disciplines are welcomed.

WSWI

WSWI – The Edge, a non-commercial radio station, is owned and operated by the University. The Edge can be heard on multiple platforms, including 820-AM, 90.7 FM HD-2, the edgeradio. org, channel 12 in student housing and on smartphones via the Radiolicious app. The station’s main format is alternative rock, and also with news and sports. Students from all disciplines are welcome to be a part of The Edge’s programming. Positions are available for disc jockey, news writing and reporting, sports broadcasting, marketing, promotion, and underwriting.

Scripps Howard Video Complex

The Scripps Howard Video Complex houses a television production facility and the student cable television channel, SETV-12. The facility includes a fully equipped, three-camera television studio, camcorders for field shooting, and Apple computers for video editing. Student productions include the live newscast Access USI, USI home basketball game telecasts, entertainment shows, and Radio/Television class assignments. SETV-12 airs these programs along with movies and student organization announcements.