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Policies and Statements

VoiceThread Universal is an application built to be fully accessible and compatible with screen readers. For more information, please see VoiceThread Universal.

The links below include information about the accessibility of some of the technologies used in your online courses. 

What is Netiquette?

Netiquette refers to the social expectations and behavior norms for online interactions and communications. In the online learning environment, we should follow common social standards. Developing awareness of netiquette will help you succeed in online communication activities (emails, discussion forums, chat, etc.) and to get the most out of your online courses.     

General Netiquette Rules

  • Be friendly and civil with each other
  • Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes
  • Avoid abbreviation
  • Avoid “text messaging” language (examples; LOL, NP, TY, emoji's, etc…)
  • Avoid “ALL CAPS”  (IT’S LIKE YELLING)
  • Respect others’ privacy and your own (be careful of personal or confidential information)
  • Stay on topic, and write clearly and concisely
  • Run a spelling and grammar check before posting anything publicly 

Netiquette for Discussion Board                   

Visit the Netiquette for Discussion Board video to learn more. 

  • Read other’s posts before making your own
  • Post early in a thoughtful manner
  • Post relevant information and contribute to a civilized debate
  • Refer to others’ posts when replying
  • Cite information correctly

To learn more about citing information correctly, please visit the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) website.

Netiquette for Email

  • Use clear and specific subject lines ( include the class information, section #, class assignment, etc.)
  • Include a proper greeting and closing
  • Be professional
  • Don’t forward or copy another’s email without permission                                               

Civility

As you interact with other people in the online environment, please remember that "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. Any form of discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, will not be tolerated."

Title IX, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence Policy  

The University of Southern Indiana is committed to providing a safe learning, living and working environment free from discrimination. Sexual misconduct and incidents of interpersonal violence deeply interrupt the collegiate experience, and USI is dedicated to ensuring a campus that is free of these types of incidents in order to promote community well-being and student success.  USI encourages individuals who believe that they have been sexually harassed, assaulted or subjected to sexual misconduct to seek assistance and support. 

Confidential resources are available on campus at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the University Health Center (UHC). For a full list of resources, support opportunities, and reporting options, contact Chelsea Keaton, the University Title IX Coordinator, at 812-464-1703, email the office at title.IX@usi.edu, or stop by the Title IX office in the Wright Administration Building, Forum Wing, Suite 171. 

USI’s Data Collection and Privacy Statement

The links below explain how a particular company will be using your information whenever an account is created. Take this into consideration when using this tools in your online courses. 

Academic Integrity

Students have the right and responsibility to pursue their educational goals with academic integrity, which is the hallmark of truth and honesty in an engaged university community.  Please view the Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures. 

Civility Statement

The University is dedicated to a culture of civility among students, faculty, and staff.  The university 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.  If you have experienced discrimination, or know someone who has, you may seek help by contacting USI’s Affirmative Action Officer, Chelsea Keaton, at 812-464-1703 or at title.IX@usi.edu.

Find more information in the Student Rights and Responsibilities: Code of Student Behavior and Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination policy. 

Class Withdrawal & Incomplete Policy

It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop/withdraw from any courses before the deadline. The university does not withdraw students from any classes. Please refer to the USI Academic Calendar for specific dates.  For more information, please visit Registrar’s Office Schedule Changes.

Under special circumstances, students may petition for an incomplete grade. However, it is up to the course instructor to decide if an incomplete will be granted. Students receiving an incomplete grade will need to complete all course requirements by the agreed deadline to avoid an “F” grade.

Disability Accommodations

If you have a disability for which you may require academic accommodations for this class, please contact Disability Resources at 812-464-1961 or email Disability Communications at usi1disres@usi.edu as soon as possible. Students who are approved for accommodations by Disability Resources should request their accommodation letter be emailed to them to forward to their online instructors. Due to the nature of online courses some accommodations approved for on campus courses may not apply. Please discuss this with Disability Resources to clarify as needed. Students who receive an accommodation letter from Disability Resources are encouraged to discuss the provisions of those accommodations with their professors before or during the first week of the semester. If you will be in an internship, field, clinical, student teaching, or other off-campus setting this semester please note that approved academic accommodations may not apply.  Please contact Disability Resources as soon as possible to discuss accommodations needed for access while in this setting.  For more information, please visit the Disability Resources website.

Student Basic Needs

Students who have difficulty affording food on a regular basis or lack a safe place to live and believe this may affect their class performance are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students Office.  A list of resources also is available.

Title IX - Sexual Misconduct

The University of Southern Indiana is committed to providing a safe learning, living and working environment free from discrimination. Sexual misconduct and incidents of interpersonal violence deeply interrupt the collegiate experience, and USI is dedicated to ensuring a campus that is free of these types of incidents in order to promote community well-being and student success.  USI encourages individuals who believe that they have been sexually harassed, assaulted or subjected to sexual misconduct to seek assistance and support. 

Confidential resources are available on campus at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the University Health Center (UHC). For a full list of resources, support opportunities, and reporting options, contact Chelsea Keaton, the University Title IX Coordinator, at 812-464-1703, email the office at title.IX@usi.edu, or stop by the Title IX office in the Wright Administration Building, Forum Wing, Suite 171.