Questions

Students will receive an email that Mid-Term and Final Grades are posted in myUSI. To view their grades, students will log into myUSI and select Self Service. Then, click Student and Student Records. There will be links to Midterm and Final Grades.

One of the easiest ways to support your students is to ask them what they have learned. You can also have them teach you what they have learned. Both activities are considered active learning strategies that promote learning.

If your student shares a concern about their performance, it is always recommended that they arrange a meeting with the respective faculty members. In addition, the University, via Academic Skills, provides tutoring, free of charge. Academic Skills also provides support in Math, Reading, and Writing.

Your student should contact their Academic Advisor to discuss their remaining course requirements and create a graduation plan. Please encourage your student to contact their Advisor with any questions.

The first step is always attendance. If they miss class, they increase the risk of being unsuccessful.

The second step is to ask for help at any point in the semester. There are many support people on campus for your student including Academic Skills for tutoring, Academic Advisors, Faculty, and more. Encourage your student to utilize these resources.

Please visit the Registrar's Website for updates and further information, this site is intended as a guide, not as a definitive answer to FERPA regulations. Updated 9/18/2024.

The following information is taken directly from the USI Registrar's Office Website: https://www.usi.edu/registrar/academic-records/privacy 

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), also known as the Buckley Amendment, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records (those records, files, documents, and other materials that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by an educational agency or institution or by any person acting for such agency or institution). FERPA applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the Department of Education

The following information is taken directly from the USI Registrar's Office Website: https://www.usi.edu/registrar/academic-records/privacy/ferpa-information-for-parents

The Registrar's Office is responsible for maintaining student academic records. The information provided on these pages is provided as a tool to answer your general questions and to guide you in discussions with your student. The information is not intended to include all academic policies and procedures.

Can I access my student's academic records?

At the post-secondary level, parents have no inherent right to access or inspect their student's educational records. The right of access is limited solely to the student.

Can I receive my student's grades?

Mid-term grades, final grades, transcripts, and other indicators of classroom performance are examples of the confidential information that make up part of a student's educational record. This information is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); parents do not have access to it unless the student chooses to provide the information. Students can view their semester grades and unofficial transcript online via myUSI, and share the records with a parent if they choose to do so. If an official transcript is needed, the student can submit a transcript request.

Can I order a transcript for my student?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of education records for all students at the university.  The general principle is that student education records are considered confidential and may not be released to third parties (including parents).  If an official transcript is needed, the student must submit the transcript request.

I pay the bill for my student, why can't I see his/her academic records?

It can sometimes be hard to accept the fact that a parent's choice to pay for their student's education does not supersede the student's right of academic privacy. Even when a third party is financing their enrollment, the right of access still remains with the student. However, an open line of communication can help facilitate the exchange of information between parent and student.

Tuition and Fees (rates for tuition, parking, housing, meals, etc.)
Financial Assistance (grants, loans, federal work study, etc.)
Bursar/Cashier (billing, USI Express Pay, payment plan)

How can I receive an Enrollment Verification for my student?

There are times when formal verification of a student's enrollment, GPA, or a degree earned is needed (for a student loan deferment, good student insurance discounts, coverage on parents' insurance, potential employment, etc.). USI participates in the National Student Clearinghouse, providing enrollment data that is accessible by various loan companies for the purpose of loan deferments. If an enrollment verification certificate is needed for another purpose, the student must initiate the process and authorize the release of their information.

Students typically take between 12 and 15 credit hours per semester, though it is recommended they take 15 credit hours per term to stay on track. This can change depending on the student’s major and/or any transfer credit they bring to USI.

This will depend on the student’s major, some majors require one or the other, and their personal preference. Students will work with their advisor to determine which course is required for their major and course availability.

CMST 101: Introduction to Public Speaking. Course Description: Principles and practices of oral communications with selected experiences in their use. This is your typical speech class where students give four or five speeches in the semesters. The class size is roughly 20 students and everyone gives a speech.

CMST 107: Introduction to Interpersonal Communication. Course Description: Increases understanding of oneself, the many roles one plays in the communication process, and the interpersonal relationships of individuals in society. The course includes nonverbal communication, the role of language in structuring interpersonal situations, and the importance of dialogue in resolving interpersonal conflicts. This class is a lecture course where students study the role of communication in daily life through lectures and exams. The class size can be upwards of 50+ students per section. 

USI offers free tutoring with professionally certified and trained tutors through Academic Skills in various subjects and specific classes. We also offer SI Sessions for several subjects taught by SI Leaders selected and trained by Academic Skills professionals. The Rice Library is also an excellent resource for our students providing free consultations, study rooms, materials, catalogues, and more for your student. 

Our faculty are also excellent academic resources. Every member of our faculty offers office hours for their students and is always willing to work with students one-on-one to help them understand the course material. Encourage your student to talk with their instructor when they need help, this is a great way for them to build relationships that can last a lifetime!

Adding a minor is a great way for your student to broaden their knowledge of a specific area outside of their major. Most minors require 18 credit hours of coursework to complete and some classes may fulfill general graduation requirements as well. Your student should contact their Advisor about the possibility of completing a minor on time and in conjunction with their major.

To declare a minor, students must meet with their Advisor to complete the appropriate forms to add the minor to their academic record. 

Math, English, and Reading placements are based on SAT/ACT scores and transfer credits that are submitted to USI by your student. Academic Advisors have no control over the courses that your student is placed into and USI requires that all students either have placement scores or transfer credit for students to begin their Math and English course sequence. We want your student to succeed and as such we want them in the class best suited for them from the beginning of their journey.

Placement testing is available through the Rice Library Testing Center. This site also provides tips on how students can prepare for the tests, how to interpret the scores, and how to interpret the SAT/ACT scores for placements.

Your student can challenge their placements before classes begin and we often recommend students do so as we know that SAT/ACT scores often do not reflect the best your student can do on an exam. Have your student work with their advisor to determine the best option for them.

A 0.00 GPA in DegreeWorks at the beginning of the academic school year is completely normal. This is simply because your student has not completed any courses at USI to have a USI GPA. 

While they may have dual credits from another college or AP credits, those courses do not factor into their USI GPA as they were earned from another university/college. 

Once your student has completed courses at USI, they will have a USI GPA and you will see that 0.00 GPA become a 4.0 in DegreeWorks!

Once USI receives their dual/AP/IB credits, the Registrar's Office will evaluate them and post them to their DegreeWorks. The student can review their DegreeWorks and discuss the courses with their Advisor.

They're very similar! Both help plan classes and things like that, but advisors do other things like help prepare them for their career and campus life. 

No, we will not. You are welcome to call them.

Students can schedule an appointment with their advisor by using the individual Advising Center's Scheduling Portal found on the Schedule an Appointment page.

Your student and their advisor will have as much contact as your student wishes. Advisors send out regular emails to their advisees about grades, courses, application dates, and other important information about the college and USI. While your student is in our office in meetings, it is our job to offer as much assistance as possible. Sometimes that is having a long meeting over your student’s major, career outcomes, courses, and continued education. Other times it's a similarly long meeting discussing fears - like test anxiety, homesickness, imposter syndrome, etc. We are set up to be their first line of defense, which is why we urge our advisees to visit us and reach out often. We can get them to wherever they need to go, even if that means walking them across campus to the health center when they're sick or down to the Bursar to turn in a check. Further, it's our job to know USI. We can assist your student in not only their academic adventures, but their social ones as well! When getting to know your student, we can suggest events that might interest them: maybe they played lacrosse in high school so the intermural rugby team would be a great fit; maybe they really like cats so let's get them involved with Campus Cats; maybe they're going into nursing so let's give them the link to Stethoscope Siblings. Our aid is vast! 

Your student should meet with their advisor at least once a semester to plan classes.

Ideally, your student should meet with their advisor as often as they feel necessary.

Students must meet with their advisor to complete Change of Major, Add/Drop, and Withdrawal forms.

No, we do not have access to your student's academic account to register them for classes. We recommend courses for your student to take and we can walk them through the process to register for classes; however, we cannot register them for classes ourselves.

Academic Advisors serve as a student’s academic guide, resource coach, and college supporter while they are on campus. They will assist students in choosing a major, understanding their degree requirements, selecting courses they need, and developing a graduation plan. Additionally, they connect students with on- and off-campus resources to help students navigate academic, professional, and personal challenges while acting as their advocate for success. Academic Advisors are well-versed in the opportunities for students on campus and will provide advice based on the student's individual goals and interests. Students are encouraged to meet at least semesterly with their advisor and communicate with them regularly on any questions and issues they may have. 

If your student is living in on-campus housing, they will need to register their vehicle and receive a free parking pass from USI Parking Enforcement. All students living off campus or commuting from home are encouraged to register their vehicle but will not need a parking pass to park on campus. Only campus housing requires a parking pass.

Students get their student ID card as part of their orientation activities prior to attending classes. If students do not receive their ID card as part of orientation, they may make an appointment with the Eagle Access Office by calling 812-464-1859 eaglecrd@usi.edu

More information about ID cards during ORIENTATION can be found here

More information about ID card NOT during orientation can be found here

Students will need to contact the Registrar’s Office of the college/university that they have received the dual credit and request the transcript to be sent to enroll@usi.edu. Most colleges/universities use a clearing house system where you can enter the university name and email address you want the transcripts sent; you would enter University of Southern Indiana, 8600 University Blvd., Evansville, IN 47712, enroll@usi.edu

Archie’s Book Bundle is a course material and textbook rental program that costs $24 per credit hour and will be applied to your student’s account. For example, if your student is in 15 credit hours, their books will cost $360 for the semester. This program can offer savings upwards of 35-50% over your student’s academic career when you consider that the cost of some of their required books and course materials can cost $300 per book. However, the book bundle is not for everyone. Take the time to review the different options and look over the FAQ’s on the Book Bundle Website to learn more.

Yes, students should contact the Office of Disability Resources. Their office offers a variety of accommodations. Some examples include extra time on exams, a reduced distraction area for exams, note-takers, and alternative format textbooks. They also collaborate with several other departments on campus (Public Safety, Housing and Residence Life, Sodexo, etc…) to ensure accessibility for students.

It depends! We have seen students work 10-20 hrs. a week and be very successful and we have also seen students work a full-time job and be a full-time student be successful as well. Our recommendation is to find a job on campus working 10-20 hrs. a week as on-campus jobs understand that school comes first, and employers are very willing to work around class schedules and requirements. This connects your student to campus in a way that allows them to build relationships outside the normal classroom. Plus, most jobs allow your student to do their homework while working. Should your student wish to find an off-campus job, make sure their employer understands that their first job is as a student and that their employer is willing to work around their class schedule, NOT have the class schedule work around the job.

The primary distinction between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) at the University of Southern Indiana (USI) lies in the curriculum requirements. A BA requires four semesters (12 credit hours) of the same foreign language (French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Latin, Arabic, or Chinese). Additionally, BA students must complete one Natural Science course with a lab component.

A BS does not have a foreign language requirement (although students may choose to take a foreign language to fulfill a Core 39 requirement). Instead, BS students must complete one Natural Science course with a lab, plus an additional Natural Science course. Additionally, students must complete a World Languages and Culture course, as well as a Social Science course.

All other graduation and major requirements remain the same for both degrees. Ultimately, the choice between a BA and a BS is a personal decision based on your interests and career goals. For more information, please see: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Degrees - University of Southern Indiana (usi.edu). 

USI faculty have developed Core 39 to help students speak and write well, better understand the world and its cultures, think more clearly, and live according to consistent ideals. The program is based on the premise that students must know themselves and their world before they can become responsible leaders. Through Core 39, USI builds in all students the desire and ability to achieve personal growth and contribute meaningfully to society.

Core 39 provides the foundation for all baccalaureate degrees at the University of Southern Indiana. Core 39 and each student’s major are designed to complement each other. The major provides knowledge that distinguishes us from one another in our diverse walks of life; Core 39 provides knowledge and abilities that all educated people share. The two together help the University accomplish its primary mission of preparing our students to live wisely.

Essentially, the Core 39 builds well-rounded educated individuals!

Eligibility:

• • To be eligible for 21st Century Scholars, students must:
  • Be an Indiana resident
  • Be automatically enrolled (2024 and beyond) or apply in 7th or 8th grade (at an Indiana public or private school accredited by the Indiana Department of Education)
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Be a member of a family that meets income eligibility guidelines.
  • Note: a student in foster care does not need to meet this requirement.

Annual Requirements:

• • ⦁Good Standing - 1.8 GPA required before the completion of 59 credit hours and a 2.0 GPA is required after the completion of 59 credit hours or more.
  • Full Time - Students must be enrolled as full-time students (minimum 12 credit hours) at an eligible Indiana institution to receive the Scholarship.
  • 30 Hours - All 21st Century Scholar students must complete 30 credit hours per academic year to maintain your scholarship. If a student has credit hours in their credit bank in ScholarTrack, then they can use those credit hours to help complete the 30 credit hour requirement.
  • FAFSA - File FAFSA by the state deadline April 15th, every year.

Helpful Contacts:

• • Jake Jenkins, Academic Advisor and Coordinator of Select Populations-- Located in ED1142, Center for Exploring Majors, phone at 812/465-1007, email at jtjenkins@usi.edu
  • Student Financial Assistance Office-- Located in the first-floor lobby of the Orr Center, phone at 812/464-1767, email at finaid@usi.edu
  • Student Financial Success Center- Located in lower level of Corr Center 0095, phone at 812/228-5616, email at financial.success@usi.edu
  • Dean of Students Office-- Located in University Center East, Room 1256 behind Fireside Lounge, phone at 812-464-1862, email at deanofstudents@usi.edu
  • Scholar Support Line - 888-528-4719/scholar@che.in.gov/appeals@che.in.gov/www.Scholartrack.in.gov