Other University Offices and Services

Alumni Relations and Volunteer USI

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 eligible for membership in the Alumni Association. Active members play a leading role in the success of USI through career networking, mentoring, recruiting and volunteering. An active membership to the Alumni Association is $50 annually. A lifetime membership is $500. Reduced rates are available for recent graduates, distinguished persons (age 60+), and current students.

We serve as the liaison to 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 – volunteering 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 operates as a full-service in-house creative agency and printing facility. Magazines, brochures, posters, banners, displays, signage, booklets, USI stationery and invitations are just some 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.

Services Available:

• Graphic Design
• Digital Animation
• Illustration
• USI branded stock items
• Press Printing, Digital Printing and Bindery
• Large Format printing
• Custom cut labels and stickers
• Interior and Exterior Graphics and signage

Copy Services – Creative and Print Services provides a staffed Copy Center located in the Publishing Services Center for quick turn, specialty photocopying, high-resolution color copying/printing, large format projects, and a full range of bindery services. The Copy Center also offers a variety of binding and finishing options for reports, presentations, booklets and small publishing runs.

Questions about digital printing and copying should be directed to the Copy Services supervisor at 812-464-1889. Copy projects are ordered using the Copy Services order form online at www.usi.edu/creativeprint/order. Walk-up service also is available. The Copy Center accepts cash, checks, Eagle Access cards, and credit card payment through TouchNet. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Copy Center is closed during USI’s winter break.

USI Satellite Copiers – 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.

University Logo Usage – In addition to producing high-quality design and printing, Creative and Print Services works with the vice president for Marketing and Communications in logo and brand management for the University. Employees, students and off-campus vendors should review and abide by the usage guidelines available at www.usi.edu/brand. Only licensed vendors are allowed to obtain, print and reproduce the USI 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 and review from Creative and Print Services’ director is required to ensure that logo usage is permissible and maintains the integrity of the USI brand.

General guidelines, stock items and custom products, order forms, 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 and Chick-fil-A. 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, Simply To Go, 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 low-fat, 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 or catering@usi.edu. 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 https://usi.sodexomyway.com/index.html. For questions or concerns, please leave a comment at https://usi.sodexomyway.com/contact/feedback

Foundation Office (see Development Office)

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 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. In addition to approximately 200 open-use computer workstations within the building, students may check out laptops and tablets.

The library’s print collection 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. Research Services librarians provide assistance in identifying, locating, and evaluating resources in many formats during most open hours. In addition to in-person visits, users may contact the library’s Research Services staff by telephone, email, chat, or text; contact information is listed on the web site.

The library provides online access to more than 140,000 full-text journals and nearly 300,000 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. A digital microform reader/printer is located on the second floor, and photocopiers and printers are available on the library’s first floor. The children’s literature collection - used by education majors but available for checkout by anyone - is also 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. 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 a Research 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 Library Services counter to provide assistance to library users.

Online Learning

Online learning courses are offered with a variety of delivery methods, as designated by the following section codes:

More information about online learning at USI is available at www.usi.edu/online-learning. Students with questions about online learning can contact Online Learning at 812-465-1010 or email online.learning@usi.edu.

Proctored Exams – Online learning courses may require proctored exams. Please consult the course syllabus or contact the instructor to determine if course exams are proctored.

Exam Proctoring

Online Exam Proctoring – Instructor utilizes an online exam proctoring program. Students are required to have a webcam, microphone and university or government issued ID to complete exams.

Outreach and Engagement

www.usi.edu/outreach
812-464-1989

Outreach and Engagement coordinates and supports outreach activities of the University. We complement the University’s traditional role by providing and facilitating quality educational, research and technical services for people, groups and organizations in Indiana and the Tri-State. These activities support and promote individual well-being, social and cultural enrichment, economic opportunity and regional development. 

Components of Outreach and Engagement are:

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 812-228-5094 or www.usi.edu/outreach/center-for-applied-research.

College Achievement Program

The College Achievement Program (CAP) is a cooperative program between the University of Southern Indiana and participating high schools. CAP allows highly motivated high school junior and senior students to take regular college courses in their own high schools at a reduced rate of tuition.

CAP courses are taught by carefully selected high school faculty who are trained in special workshops by USI faculty members. The CAP courses follow the same curriculum and academic standards as those courses offered on the University of Southern Indiana campus.

The College Achievement Program is accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). For more information, visit www.usi.edu/outreach/cap or call 812-228-5022.

Community Engagement

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. Call 812-682-4488 or visit 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. For more information, call 812-682-3156 or visit www.usi.edu/outreach/new-harmony-gallery-of-contemporary-art

Historic Southern Indiana – Historic Southern Indiana is a region abundant in historical, natural, and recreational resources. Scattered across its hills and valleys are many small towns rich in heritage. This Heritage Area contains numerous sites of historical significance, including Vincennes, Corydon, New Harmony, Madison, and Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood home. Forests, caves, rivers, and lakes offer scenic beauty and recreational activities.

Historic Southern Indiana (HSI) is also the name of the organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing, and promoting these resources. As a community outreach program of the University of Southern Indiana, HSI hosts workshops, produces publications, conducts visitor research, and facilitates and coordinates with many groups and agencies with the goal of creating a sense of regional identity and pride. 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.

Corporate Partnerships

Since its beginning nearly 50 years ago, USI has served regional businesses and organizations by developing partnerships that result in increased productivity and an improved bottom line. Our skilled professionals will meet with you to discuss your needs and identify the best resources to meet those needs, whether from USI or across the country. Our services go beyond traditional training and consulting and include helping you build partnerships with other businesses among similar or vastly different industries.

We develop site-specific and job-specific training to assist you in meeting your core goals: productivity, profit, retention, customer service, and more. We can bring resources from across USI to your site, on campus, or at another location. Call 812-465-1629 or visit www.usi.edu/outreach/corporate-partnerships for more information.

Customized Consulting and Training

USI offers many professional development and technical-skilled training programs developed to meet your specific needs. Request more information to get started on a needs assessment. Together, we will develop the best plan for your employees and company. Call 812-461-5425 or visit www.usi.edu/outreach/lifelong-learning/customized-consulting-and-training for more information.

Lifelong Learning Noncredit Courses

A wide range of noncredit programs for adults, working professionals and kids are available through USI Outreach and Engagement. Lifelong Learning courses are open to anyone in the community regardless of educational background. All courses are presented in a noncompetitive and informal atmosphere where interest in learning is the primary consideration. No grades are assigned and formal admission to the University is not required for course registration.  Courses are available in the following categories: professional development, personal enrichment, fitness and recreation, youth programs, online noncredit courses, software skills, conferences, safety training, and customized consulting and training.

Many Lifelong Learning courses are available for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Certificates are offered for added credibility as professionals continue to grow in their field.

Lifelong Learning courses 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. For our full list of courses, visit www.usi.edu/lifelonglearning, or call 812-464-1989 for more information.

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 Military Science minor 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 office is located in the lower level of the Education Center and may be reached at 812-461-5304. Visit www.usi.edu/rotc.

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. For more information, visit www.usi.edu/outreach/southern-indiana-japanese-school. 

USI@Innovation Pointe

Innovation Pointe, located downtown at 318 Main Street, is Evansville’s high-tech incubator. As the education partner for Innovation Pointe, USI offers credit and noncredit courses, seminars and workshops, facilitation for strategic planning and much more. Facilities include an Innovation Lab, computer lab and classrooms, all with presentation equipment and accommodating groups up to 50. Call 812-494-1829 or visit www.usi.edu/outreach/usi-innovation-pointe for details.

Public Safety (Security and Parking)

Security

Public Safety provides information and offers a number of services related to safety and security on the USI campus. Professional and well-trained Public Safety officers provide 24/7 emergency response, asset protection, and is tasked with the safety of all employees, students and guests on campus. Public Safety closely liaisons with local, state and federal agencies to monitor and stay apprised of any potential threats or issues that may affect the University.

While our Public Safety department is responsible for your safety and security, we believe a campus community partnership is required to keep everyone safe. Public Safety takes great pride in the services we provide to the campus community. We are committed to achieving the highest standards of professionalism and customer service while being dedicated to fostering cooperative relations with the USI community.

The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office provides a law enforcement presence on campus. USI is a dedicated patrol district for the Sheriff’s Office where assigned deputies provide a nearly 24/7 law enforcement presence.

USI Public Safety strongly encourages everyone to download the RAVE Guardian app. Rave Guardian is a free mobile app available for iOS and Android devices that allows USI students, faculty, and staff access to a variety of safety features on their personal devices. The USI features of the app can be activated by anyone with an active USI directory listing. Rave Guardian is available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Public Safety annually publishes the federally mandated Annual Security Fire and Safety report, which contains crime statistics and important information on reporting crimes and suspicious activity. The report also provides information on the transmission of timely warning and emergency notification information related to specific crimes or threats presented to the campus community. Obtain a copy of this important annual report at www.usi.edu/security or contact Public Safety directly (812-464-1845).

Parking

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

All Housing and Residence Life areas have restricted parking, requiring housing students to register their vehicles and display a decal. Visitors to campus apartments must park in visitor areas only. Housing and Residence Life residents are prohibited from parking in campus lots between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on class days. Visit www.usi.edu/security/parking/traffic-and-parking-regulations for all parking and traffic regulations.

Special Events and Scheduling Services

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

In service to the mission and vision of the University of Southern Indiana, Special Events and Scheduling Services promises to ensure a safe environment, develop strong relationships, and provide a knowledgeable, accommodating team that will efficiently create an outstanding event experience for you and your guests.

Special Events and Scheduling Services aims to provide an excellent event experience with exceptional customer service for USI partners, clients & guests, from event scheduling and planning through event execution.

In the management capacity of the University Center (UC West, UC East, Performance Center) and Griffin Center, Special Events and Scheduling Services ensures that facilities and furnishings are of the highest integrity and quality, creating a convenient and pleasant environment for our community.

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

Technology at USI

USI is committed to providing the best technology to help you succeed. Whether it’s in the classroom, labs or in University housing, the technology is here for you to use.

As a student, anything you do online that involves the University will usually start and conclude through the portal we refer to as myUSI. myUSI is your online connection to the University . It is a web-based portal that accesses multiple services on campus. As a USI student, you have your own myUSI account that provides access to your official USI Eagles Email, Self Service, Blackboard, EagleSync, Rave alerts, important University announcements, and much more.

myUSI can be used anywhere you are connected to the internet, and you can start using it now. In addition to accessing the myUSI portal directly at my.usi.edu, you’ll also find a link to myUSI on the USI homepage, usi.edu. To use myUSI, you need two things: your username and password. To get your username, go to myUSI and then click on Activate Account. This will ask you for information only you should know, and then provide you with your username. Next it will let you set your password. To do this, you must have already provided a personal email address during registration. When you request setting your password, the system sends a code to your personal email, and when you enter this code on the screen you can set your new password, and then proceed to log on to myUSI.

USI has started to implement multifactor authentication (MFA) for everyone. If your account has been configured for MFA, you will need an additional item such as your cell phone to logon. More information for setting up and using MFA can be found at www.usi.edu/it/mfa. Using this method, we can greatly increase the security on your account and keep hackers out.

Your password protects your private data, and hackers are constantly trying to find ways to trick you into giving up your password. myUSI is a powerful, comprehensive portal that you’ll use often. A single login to your portal grants you access to many services, and it stores personal information intended only for you. So please use a strong password, change it often, and NEVER give your password to anyone. Always remember to log-off when you’re finished! If you ever suspect something is not right, contact our IT help desk first for guidance.

If you have any difficulties getting your username or setting your password, contact the Information Technology help desk at 812-465-1080, or if you’re on campus, you can stop by the IT help desk in the Forum Wing of the Wright Administration Building, across from Forum II.  

Self-Service is where you register for classes and change your class schedule during registration periods, review financial aid information, view your semester grades, update your address, and manage many other aspects of your academic career - all from the Self Service link.

Your USI email account is accessed by clicking on the Eagles Mail icon. It’s important that you become comfortable with this account, as all University communication will use this account. If you want to use this account on your Android or iOS mobile device, there are links on the myUSI homepage that will show you how to configure your device.

One great benefit of being a USI student is that you have free access to the suite of Microsoft Office products, called Office 365. From the myUSI homepage, access Office 365 by clicking on the orange “O” icon, and then from within the page that loads, look for and click on Install Office 365. You’ll find instructions on how to download and install these applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and OneDrive cloud-based storage and file-sharing. You can install Office 365 on up to 5 different combinations of devices, including desktop computers, tablets and phones. 

Blackboard and EagleSync

You’ll also use myUSI to access Blackboard and EagleSync.

Blackboard is a course management program that many USI professors use for online instruction in both online learning courses and as a supplement to on-campus courses. Through Blackboard you can access course materials from your professor, check class announcements, participate in online class discussions, communicate with fellow students, and make use of other online tools. Visit www.usi.edu/it/blackboard-online-help to learn more about Blackboard. 

EagleSync is another tool you will find on myUSI. EagleSync is a web-based management tool you can use to manage your co-curricular activities.This online tool helps you explore, discover and organize involvement opportunities in the campus community. EagleSync is a great way to connect with student organizations and campus activities.

WIFI Access 

Almost everywhere you go on the USI campus, including campus housing, you’ll find a wifi signal for your use. Each mobile device you want to use on the USI wifi network will need to be registered using the same username and password you use to log into myUSI. While on campus, you can view or modify your existing device registrations by going to wifi.usi.edu.

Your device will first need to join the wifi network dedicated to student use, “USIacademicWIFI”. You’ll need to contact the Information Technology Help Desk at 812-465-1080 to get the password. They can also assist you if you are having problems connecting. You’ll also see the network “USIsecuredWIFI”. This network is reserved for faculty and staff use.

If you are living in University housing, you can access wifi from your room, or if your computer includes an Ethernet port, you can connect to the campus network using a wired connection. A wired connection is faster and more stable than wifi. To use the wired connection, contact the Information Technology Help Desk to have a wall port activated. You will need an Ethernet cable, and if you don’t have one you can purchase one at the USI Campus Store or an electronics store.

The padlock icon next to the network name means that when you send your login credentials you do so with confidence, knowing your personal information is secure.

Computer Labs 

If you didn’t bring a computer with you, you’ll have access to more than 50 on-campus computer labs with more than 1,000 computers for you to choose from. Every academic building has a variety of open computer labs and teaching labs. Open labs are available to all students, while teaching labs are reserved for students in specific courses or degree programs. Labs on campus with extended hours have specialized software installed that is not available in other labs. You’ll also find computer labs on each floor of your residence hall, the Housing and Residence Life main office, and the Residence Life Community Center. All labs are wheelchair accessible.

Computer lab equipment is replaced every 4 years, so you’ll always be working with updated technology. All labs have internet connections, and your account includes free OneDrive cloud storage and file sharing that is part of Office 365, so you can save direct to the cloud and never lose a file ever again.

If you’re in the Rice Library and prefer a mobile device, laptops and tablets are available for you to check out. Ask the checkout desk for availability and specific loan periods.

For more information on campus technology, please visit USI Information Technology at www.usi.edu. For questions regarding myUSI and other IT services, please call the Information Technology Help Desk at 812-465-1080.

University Communications

University Communications is a department within University Marketing and Communications and 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, and assists with 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. Refer to the News Media Policy. University Communications also is responsible for maintaining the University’s official social media channels.

Internal Communications
University Communications employs an internal communications specialist who is responsible for developing and leading an audience-focused internal communications strategy as part of the wider University communications strategy. The internal communications specialist develops and manages relevant platforms for communication and engagement within the University for faculty, staff and retirees; works to inspire, engage and educate internal audiences on the University’s brand narrative, key messages and strategic direction through internal communications activity; and develops and advocates a consistent and impactful narrative around the University story, making it simple, understandable and relevant to key audience groups.

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

The 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.

The Veteran, Military and Family Resource Center 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 contact this office each semester to begin or continue their certification of enrollment process to the Veterans Affairs Regional Office. Veterans who have registered with the VMFRC are eligible to register early; they are permitted to register for classes at noon on the first day of Priority Registration.

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

The VMFRC 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/outreach/veterans for more information.

Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018

In compliance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, section 3679 of title 38, United States Code effective August 1, 2019, the University of Southern Indiana will not impose any penalty on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the University due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or 33 including:

• The denial of access to classes
• Assessment of late fees
• The requirement that a covered individual secure alternative or additional funds
• The denial of access to any school resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) that are available to other students who have paid

The University does require students receiving VA benefits under Chapter 31 or 33 to have the following before the Veteran Military and Family Resource Center will certify benefits.

• Certificate of Eligibility or Statement of Benefits
• Semester VA Education Benefit Request Form
• Any other information necessary to properly certify

For purposes of this policy, a covered individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or Chapter 33, Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.