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 Office of the Registrar.

University directory (either online or in print) - The following information may be published by the University: name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address – unless a USI Directory Restriction Request form is filed with the Office of the Registrar 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.: date and place of birth, home address, marital status, majors and minors, degrees, awards received, dates of attendance, most recent educational institution attended, names of parents, 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. 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. 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 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 Section the Student Handbook, 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, Section 3.0 of the Student Rights and Responsibilities: A Code of Student Behavior available on the Dean of Students website at www.usi.edu/deanofstudents for a description of the process.

The University of Southern Indiana is an engaged learning community advancing education and knowledge, enhancing civic and cultural awareness, and fostering partnerships through comprehensive outreach programs.  The campus is dedicated to a culture of civility among students, faculty, and staff.  Academic integrity is vital to the campus mission and culture.  The academic integrity statement serves as an educational tool, defining academic integrity, violations of academic integrity, outlining sanctions for violations and administration of academic integrity policy.   

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
• Assistant Director for Student Conduct – Housing and Residence Life
• Director of Residence Life
• Director of Student Development Programs
• Additional staff members in the University community as deemed appropriate and as trained by the dean of students

The aforementioned 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 University CARE Team comprised of administrators, faculty, and staff who recommend policy changes as needed.

Sexual Violence Prevention and Response

Sexual violence is an issue of concern for both students and their families. Although our campus is generally very safe, unfortunately sometimes assaults do occur at USI, as at any college campus. USI is committed to creating and maintaining an educational environment free of all violence in which all members of the USI community are treated with respect and dignity. All forms of gender-based violence, harassment, and non-consensual sexual activity are prohibited.

Students need to be aware that often assaults happen when alcohol is involved. Someone who has been drinking may not be able to give consent for sexual activity. We encourage students to intervene if they think someone is in an unsafe situation, either by direct action or by letting an university official know immediately. We ask that you encourage your student to program the 24-hr Public Safety emergency number (812-492-7777) in their cell phones for easy access during an emergency.

Any student who has been assaulted is encouraged to report the assault as soon as possible to USI Public Safety, the Dean of Students Office, or to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office. Reporting may be done anonymously through both Public Safety and the Dean of Students and confidential reporting is available at the USI Counseling Center 812-464-1867 and at the Albion Fellows Bacon Center, a local community domestic violence and sexual assault agency, which can be reached at 812-424-7273, 24 hours a day. More information can be found at www.usi.edu/rfw/sap.

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 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 Office of the Dean of Students.

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 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 director of Development.

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 be present at all times.)
• 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 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 in the University Center. A fee of $10 will be charged a student who makes application 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, and to check out materials from Rice Library.

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 Student Handbook). More information on the Eagle Access Card can be found at www.usi.edu/book/studevel/eaccess.asp.

Immunization Notice

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.

To comply with the requirements, you 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 NOT ACCEPTABLE.
• 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).
• Meningococcal Risk Acknowledgement Form (Meningitis):  All students MUST read and sign this form verifying review of information on risks of meningococcal disease (Meningitis), before returning it.  Please follow the link for the Risk Acknowledgement Form.

Acceptable documentation consists of one or more of the following:

• Copy of your 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 your or your family showing the month, day and year during which the vaccinations were administered.

You may be granted an exemption from meeting state immunization requirements under certain conditions, like a medical condition that contraindicates immunization, pregnancy or suspected pregnancy, religious objection, or participation in a current sequence of immunizations. You must provide the University with a written statement signed by your 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. Follow this link to access the Request to be Exempt from Immunization Requirements Form

Appropriate documentation concerning your request for exemption must be mailed, delivered or faxed to the University Health Center prior to the start of your 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)
• the insurance policy must be underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of A- or above, or the endorsement of the student’s government.

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