Student Policies

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Notice of student rights

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access.
   • Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
   • Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   • One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Directory Information

The following information may be made available to the public unless a student restricts its release by written notice. Information restriction request forms are available in the Registrar’s Office.

University directory (either online or in print) - The following information may be published by the University: name, mailing address, telephone numbers, and USI email address – unless a USI Directory Restriction Request form is filed with the Registrar’s Office during the first three weeks of each fall semester.

General requests for student information - When appropriate, the following information also may be made public by the University through printed programs, news releases of awards, etc.: majors and minors, degrees, awards received, dates of attendance, most recent educational institution attended, billing address, participation in officially-recognized activities or sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, USI student ID number, classification, and enrollment status. An Information Release Restriction Request form can be submitted 1) to be effective for only the single term specified; or 2) to remain in place until revoked in writing.

The submission of a student’s Social Security number is voluntary. The University will not use the number, if supplied, for purposes other than routine record-keeping and institutional statistics, without a student’s written permission.

General Behavior of Students

The University of Southern Indiana is charged by the State of Indiana with the responsibility for the development and administration of institutional policies and rules governing the role of students and their behavior. Student Rights and Responsibilities: A Code of Student Behavior contains statements of those University regulations and policies relevant to the academic and co-curricular experience.

The University community is not a sanctuary from the law, and all students of the University are subject to federal, state, and local law. Student Rights and Responsibilities: A Code of Student Behavior forms the basis for student behavioral expectations in the USI community and the greater community at large. The standards of conduct apply to students while on University-owned or -controlled property, when attending University-sponsored events off campus, or when such conduct involves the security or integrity of the University community.

In addition, the University is a forum for the free expression of ideas. The development and enforcement of these standards of behavior is designed to foster students’ personal, social, and ethical development. These standards serve to promote the protection of the rights, responsibilities, and health and safety of the USI community, so that its members may pursue educational goals. See the Student Handbook.

Deception/Falsification/Misrepresentation

Falsification or misuse of records and/or misrepresentation of facts on University forms and documents, including but not limited to, application forms, data sheets, ID cards, fee receipts, may result in disciplinary action and/or cancellation of registration. See the Student Handbook, Section 2.16 of the Student Rights and Responsibilities: A Code of Student Behavior.

Academic Integrity

Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, cheating, submitting another person’s material as one’s own, or doing work for which another person will receive credit will subject a student to disciplinary action which may include dismissal from the University.

The benchmarks of any great university are high academic standards for both faculty and students. For this reason, truth and honesty are necessary to a university community. The University expects both students and faculty to adhere to these principles and to foster them daily. Put simply, this expectation requires each student to do his or her academic work without recourse to unauthorized means of any kind. Both students and faculty are expected to report instances of academic dishonesty. Faculty should explain the special hazards regarding academic honesty in their discipline. Faculty also should plan and supervise academic work carefully so honest effort will be encouraged.

Definitions of academic dishonesty also apply to the use of electronic, photographic, Internet-based, and other media for intellectual and artistic expression. See the Student Handbook available on the Dean of Students website at www.usi.edu/deanofstudents for a description of the process.

Policy on Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Drugs

The University of Southern Indiana prohibits the illegal manufacture, purchase, possession, use, consumption, sale, transfer, exchange, and/or distribution of or being under the influence of drugs and alcohol by students, employees, and visitors on University-owned or -controlled property, including University-owned or -leased vehicles, or as part of any University activity as that term is defined by the University.

The University expects the cooperation and commitment of all students and employees in maintaining an environment free of illicit drugs and illegal use of alcohol. Students and other campus constituents are deemed to be adults responsible for their own behavior and are expected to obey the law and University rules regarding drugs and alcohol. For more information on University drug and alcohol policies, see the Student Handbook.

The Dean of Students is charged with the development and administration of the University of Southern Indiana student conduct process. Under the supervision of the Dean of Students, the following individuals will be charged with the execution of conduct proceedings:

• Assistant Dean of Students
• Director of Housing and Residence Life
• Associate Director of Housing and Residence Life
• Assistant Director for Student Conduct and Outreach
• Housing Area Coordinators
• Director of Student Development Programs
• Additional staff members in the University community as deemed appropriate and as trained by the dean of students

These individuals may conduct meetings and hearings with students who may have violated any University policy, including those found in Student Rights and Responsibilities: A Code of Student Behavior, USI University housing community standards, and USI student organization policies.

Campus policy on drug and alcohol abuse is monitored by the Dean of Students, who in collaboration with the University’s CARE Team, administrators, faculty, staff, and students recommend policy changes as needed.

Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response

The University of Southern Indiana embraces and celebrates the many differences that exist among the members of a dynamic, intellectual, and inclusive community and strives to maintain an environment that respects differences and provides a sense of belonging and inclusion for everyone. In accordance with the Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 and its implementing regulations, the University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including Sexual Harassment in its education programs or activities. This prohibition on sex discrimination includes, but is not limited to, admission and employment. All members of the University community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others, and should be aware that the University is prepared to take prompt action to prevent and correct such inappropriate behavior and to remedy its effects.

The University prohibits all forms of sexual harassment as well as discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (any age as it relates to University programs and services, age 40 or older as it relates to employment), disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other category protected by law or identified by the University as a protected class.

The Sexual Harassment Policy, the Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy, the accompanying complaint procedures, along with important information and resources can be found at www.usi.edu/stopsexualassault.

Questions about the University’s Civil Rights and Sexual Harassment Policies or Procedures can be directed to:

Weapons/Explosives/Hazardous Materials

The President of the United States in October of 1970 signed into law a crime control bill which makes campus bombings a federal crime. The law allows “the full force of the FBI” to move in to investigate bombing attacks instead of waiting for a request from University authorities. The law also makes it a federal offense to transmit false bomb threats and restricts the sale and possession of explosives. The transfer, possession, use of, or sale of weapons, including, but not limited to explosives, fireworks, and firearms (or other lethal weapons) are not allowed on any University-owned or -controlled property. A student who violates regulations regarding explosives, weapons, and fireworks is subject to disciplinary action by the University. This action may be taken in addition to any civil action. (See the Student Handbook)

Policy on Sales and Solicitations

No canvassing, peddling, soliciting, distributing, or posting of any written or printed material by non-University individuals or organizations is permitted on the grounds or in the buildings or on equipment or networks owned/operated by the University without the written permission of the president. Such solicitations that are prohibited include the use of electronic mail and web page solicitations. Any activity in violation of this policy should be reported to the Dean of Students Office.

Students and employees are not permitted to solicit, canvas, or peddle any items, distribute or post any unauthorized material within the buildings or through equipment or networks owned/ operated by the University or on the grounds of the University without the written permission of the president or designate. Such solicitations that are prohibited include the use of electronic mail and Web page solicitations. Any activity that violates this policy should be reported to the Office of the President.

Approved solicitations include the annual United Way campaign and various Foundation and University solicitations. Other activities may be approved for projects and/or programs that are of direct interest and value to the University. Students and employees may donate as generously as they wish, as the University does not imply any obligation on the part of the individual to contribute. Contributions to charitable and welfare programs and activities are entirely matters of individual discretion.

Sales, solicitations, and distributions are permitted by officially registered campus organizations only if they are for the general benefit of the University and/or the community and have received authorization of the president or a designate. Application for approval for sales and solicitations events (including athletic events and events held in Housing and Residence Life areas) may be initiated with the student scheduler. Generally, sales and solicitations are limited to three days in a 30-day period and not more than twice a semester. Authorization to sell on campus does not constitute an endorsement by the University of either the product sold, or the service rendered. The University of Southern Indiana and the USI Foundation do not recognize fund-raising efforts using games of chance, such as raffles, door prizes, half-pots, or bingos as methods for raising charitable funds. Neither the University nor the USI Foundation is a qualified organization licensed by the Indiana Department of Revenue, Charity Gaming Division, to conduct such activities. Student groups and University support groups are encouraged to solicit funds in other ways. For information, contact the Development office.

Sales and soliciting groups or individuals are expected to adhere to the following regulations:

• The use of sound equipment (TV, stereo, amplifiers, public address system) is restricted; permission to use such must be obtained from Scheduling Services.
• Groups must display a printed sign no smaller than 18” x 24” signifying the name of the organization hosting the sale or solicitation.
• For-profit entities must have a retail sales permit available at the scheduled activity. (A currently enrolled student representing the sponsoring group or organization must always be present.)
• Groups or individuals must have written confirmation for the scheduled event available at the scheduled event.

Space in the University Center may be reserved by a registered student organization. The University Center may be used by registered student organizations for conducting campus-wide elections, distributing literature relating to student organizations, recruiting membership for student organizations, and activities, sales, and solicitations.

Failure to comply with the above policy will result in referral to the appropriate disciplinary process and could result in the loss of solicitation privileges. (See the Student Handbook for more information on student organization policies.)

Identification Card for Students

A student identification card (called the Eagle Access Card) is provided to each student. Cards can be obtained from the Eagle Access Card Office located on the lower level of the University Center West. A fee of $25 will be charged to replace an Eagle Access Card.

It is against University regulations for any person to alter in any way the information contained on the Eagle Access Card, or to allow the card to be used by another person (whether a student or not). This card must be carried with the student at all times and must be shown upon request. An Eagle Access Card is required for admission to athletic events, participation in intramurals, admission to the USI Recreation and Fitness Center, food purchases in USI dining locations, and to check out materials from Rice Library. This card can be revoked at any time.

A student who misuses and/or alters an Eagle Access Card, or who fails to present the card at the request of a University official, is subject to disciplinary action. (See the Student Handbook). More information on the Eagle Access Card can be found at usi.sodexomyway.com/my-meal-plan/eagle-access-card.

Immunization Policy

All students entering the University of Southern Indiana for the first time or living in University Housing must meet the immunization requirements of the University and Indiana Code 21-40-5 enacted by the 2007 Indiana General Assembly. Failure to meet the immunization policy may result in the student being administratively withdrawn from their current coursework and will result in a hold being placed on the student’s account, which prevents future registration until immunization documentation is provided.

To comply with the requirements, students must provide current documentation of the following immunizations:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella): The student must be immunized with two doses. First MMR must be given after 1957 and not before first birthday. Second dose must be given at least 30 days after the first. A physician’s written statement of immunity to measles and mumps due to having had the infection or proof of immunity through titers is acceptable. Students born before January 1, 1957 are exempt from the MMR requirement.
• Tetanus/diphtheria (TD booster/Tdap): Vaccination must have taken place within the past 10 years. A tetanus toxoid alone is NOT ACCEPTABLE.
• Meningitis vaccine: Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) two immunizations if given before 16th birthday or one immunization if given on or after 16th birthday.
• Tuberculosis (International Students Only):  All International students (those who are not Citizens or Permanent Residents of the United States) must provide documentation of TB testing prior to the start of their first semester of enrollment at USI. This testing must occur no earlier than 6 weeks before the start of the semester. This test may be done with a TB blood test or a TB skin test administered in the United States by a medical professional. Send medical documentation including your student ID number to the University Health Center (Contact information found below).

Acceptable documentation consists of one or more of the following:

• Copy of the student’s immunization records from high school or another postsecondary institution
• Physicians’ statement showing the month, day and year during which the vaccinations were administered, or infection was experienced. 
• Completion of the USI Student Immunization form with doctor’s signature
• Personal record maintained by the student or the student’s family showing the month, day, and year during which the vaccinations were administered.

A student may be granted an exemption from meeting state immunization requirements under certain conditions, such as a medical condition that contraindicates immunization, pregnancy or suspected pregnancy, religious objection, or participation in a current sequence of immunizations. The student must provide the University with a written statement signed by their physician before an exemption for medical reasons will be considered. Further information may be obtained by contacting the University Health Center at 812-465-1250 or in Room 0091 in the Health Professions Center. Visit www.usi.edu/healthcenter/policies/immunization-policy for the Request to be Exempt from Immunization Requirements Form.

Appropriate documentation concerning the student’s request for exemption must be mailed, delivered, or faxed to the University Health Center prior to the start of their first semester at USI. 

• Fax 812-465-7170;
• Email to immunizations@usi.edu;
• Brought to the University Health Center on the lower level of the HP building; or
• Mailed to University of Southern Indiana, Immunizations HP0091, 8600 University Blvd, Evansville, IN 47712

Health Insurance Requirements for International Students

All international students (F-1 or J-1 visa holders and J-1 dependents) are required to have adequate health insurance while enrolled at the University of Southern Indiana. The University health insurance program offers comprehensive coverage designed for international students who will be billed for the cost of this program at the beginning of the academic year for coverage from August 15 to August 14.

The USI health insurance coverage may be waived if the student already has adequate health insurance. Students must provide an insurance certificate or other documentation in English, showing that health insurance meets the minimum requirements.

Minimum coverage must provide:

• Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
• Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
• Expenses associated with medical evacuation to student’s home country in the amount of $25,000
• A deductible (the amount you pay) not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
• Coverage for August-July (for students beginning in fall) or January-July (for students beginning in spring)
• An insurance policy must be underwritten by an insurance corporation with an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A-I” or above, a Standard and Poor’s Claims Paying Ability rating of “A-” or above, or a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above, or the endorsement of the student’s government.

Contact the Center for International Programs if you have any questions regarding this requirement.