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; Liberal Arts; Nursing and Health Professions; Science, Engineering, and Education; and the Division of Outreach and Engagement. It is authorized to confer degrees through the doctoral level.
The University serves almost 10,500 students annually in credit programs and an equal number of students in noncredit and community service programs. There are more than 32,000 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 300,000 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
Mission Statement: 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 part-time, 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 chosen by students 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. The Board of Trustees 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.
Excellence in teaching continues 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 and through distance learning.
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.
In cooperation with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, USI manages 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 the University.
USI 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.
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: 312/263-0456312/263-0456.
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
- Association of University Programs in Health Administration Certification
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Commission on Dental Accreditation
- Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
- Council on Social Work Education
- Engineering Accreditation Commission
- 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
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 Association for Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
- American College Personnel Association
- 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
- Association of Governing Boards
- College and University Personnel Association
- Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Council of International Education Exchange
- Council on Undergraduate Research
- Evansville-Area Personnel Association, Inc.
- Indiana Association for Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
- Indiana Conference of Higher Education
- Indiana Council for Advancement and Support of Education
- Indiana Council for Continuing Education
- Institute of International Education
- International Publishing Management Association
- International Student Exchange Program
- The Chamber of Commerce of Southwest Indiana
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators
- National Association for Printing Leadership
- National Association of College and University Business Officers
- National Collegiate Honors Council
- National Committee on Planned Giving
- Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
- The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- University Economic Development Association
- University Professional and Continuing Education Association
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
Brenden Davidson, Worthington
John M. Dunn, Evansville
Jeffrey L. Knight, Evansville
Amy W. MacDonell, Indianapolis
Ronald D. Romain ‘73, Evansville
Kenneth L. Sendelweck ‘76, Jasper
Ted C. Ziemer Jr., Evansville
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
The University of Southern Indiana is committed to high standards for student academic achievement and conduct, developing a strong faculty, advancing technological innovation, and providing personalized attention to actions and outcomes. Excellence in teaching and learning is a primary goal of the University, as is the encouragement of students and faculty to engage in creative activity, diverse scholarship, applied research, and service and outreach activities. These academic goals are designed to expand knowledge, improve instruction, increase learning, and provide optimum service to the University and the region.
The University offers an array of undergraduate programs and select graduate programs designed to foster an atmosphere conducive to study, teaching, free exchange of ideas, ethical inquiry and responsible citizenry. Essential to fulfilling this commitment is the development of teaching faculty who excel in their roles as educators, creative scholars, and researchers, thereby benefiting the profession, the University, the region, and society. Specific requirements for associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are described in this bulletin.
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
The Applied Engineering Center, which opened in fall 2013, is home to laboratories that will provide USI students and regional industry with access to state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. The laboratories house over $3 million in recently-acquired machinery for the production of assemblies from metal, plastics, and wood products. The automation equipment in the building will be used to teach students and industry about lean manufacturing and process optimization. Regional industries are able to tap into the center’s capabilities through USI’s Center for Applied Research and Economic Development.
The Business and Engineering Center, houses the Romain 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 Business and Engineering Center also provides laboratories for study of the stock market, entrepreneurship, sales, and sales management, and engineering facilities including a design center, a radio-frequency shielded room, and laboratories for physics, vibration, materials testing, soils, and surveying.
The Education Center houses classrooms, laboratories, advising center, and offices for the Department of Teacher Education. University Division offices are also here, along with the Social Work Department, ROTC offices, and Veterans’ Support Services. The Couch-Renner Lecture Hall is located in the Education Center.
The Health Professions Center is a classroom and office building housing the College of Nursing and Health Professions. The 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, an advising center, seminar rooms, faculty offices, 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, and WSWI Radio Station.
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 Honors Program, Information Technology, 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 the Department of Kinesiology and Sport. 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 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 Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center (RFWC) provides a wide variety of programs and services supportive of a wellness lifestyle. The RFWC 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; a rock climbing tower and wall; group exercise rooms; and lockers and showers. Students, faculty, and staff can enjoy leisure time on their own or with University friends.
David L. Rice Library, 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. A coffee shop is located on the ground floor.
The Science Center adjoins the Wright Administration Building and the Education Center. In addition to laboratories and classrooms, the Science Center houses offices for the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education (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 Support Services Building houses Distribution Services, Procurement Services, Risk Management and Safety, Maintenance, and other administrative offices.
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 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, Student Involvement Center, Multicultural Center, Student Development, and Student Publications are located here. The UC also houses the Division of Outreach and Engagement, 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 USI Theatre, Scene Shop, and Costume Shop are located three miles east of campus at 3001 Igleheart Avenue. A Teaching Theatre is under construction on campus and is expected top be complete in Fall 2014
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 of Special Projects and Research Administration; Planning Research, and Assessment; Budgeting and Foundation Accounting; and Internal Audit. The Forum Wing of the Wright Administration Building houses offices for Human Resources, Travel Services, and Information Technology, along with lecture halls and classrooms.
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 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 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 Residentce Life Service Center houses Religious Life, laundry facilities, and the Office of Student Conduct and Resolution Services. |
