Issue #9| September 11
First Year @ USI
Building Inclusive Communities
Creating an Inclusive Environment on USI's campus starts with all of us!
This edition looks at diversity and inclusion on the USI campus. Did you know USI has a "Vision of Diversity"? How has it been stepping out of your "comfort zone" since your first day on campus? Learn what can you do on campus to respect and include others.
USI's Mission Statement
  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. We prepare individuals to live wisely in a diverse and global community .
USI's Vision of Diversity
At the University of Southern Indiana, diversity means embracing and celebrating the many differences that exist among the members of a dynamic , intellectual , and inclusive community that welcomes the full spectrum of human characteristics, ideas, and world views. We strive to create an exciting, energetic living and learning community in which people with different experiences can learn through intellectual engagement, both within and beyond the classroom.  Diversity stimulates learning, encourages imagination, and benefits everyone —students, employees, and the community. We believe that intellectual and personal development are best supported in a climate that respects differences and provides a sense of belonging and inclusion.

As members of the University community, we are committed to cultural competency and meaningful intercultural relationships within the University and with our community partners. We seek to develop these capacities in the classroom and through recruitment, orientations, open forums, programming and partnerships.  We encourage every member of our University community to embrace this vision and exhibit a strong commitment to attracting, recruiting, developing and retaining students, faculty, administrators, and support staff who mirror the diversity of our global society.
Diversity and Inclusion
What is Diversity and Inclusion?
  • Diversity: combined strength of the abilities, cultures, ethnicity, experiences, gender, religion, and talents each person brings to USI. However, diversity is broader than these categories.
  • Inclusion: appreciating and respecting those distinctive characteristics each member adds to the community. Inclusion is more than just about diversity. Real inclusion is creating a climate where everyone feels valued and appreciated.
Why is it important?
  • This is the best environment for students, faculty, and staff to thrive.
Be Willing to Learn & Leave Your Comfort Zone
'Willingness to Learn' is a desire, wish or readiness to acquire new knowledge and develop.
'Comfort Zone' is a place or situation where one feels safe or at ease and without stress.

Tips for stepping outside of your comfort zone:
  1. Embrace the discomfort - be okay with leaving your comfort zone and challenging yourself
  2. View failure as a teacher -- when something doesn't go as planned, ask yourself "what can I learn from this situation?"
  3. Be honest with yourself - don't make excuses
What You Can Do
  • Speak out - If you witness or are the victim of discrimination, speak out.
  • Learn about other people - meet new people and learn about different cultures and lifestyles. Expose yourself to the traditions, values, and attitudes of others. 
  • Learn about yourself - Learn about the traditions and values that are important to you. 
  • Examine your attitudes - be aware of the ideas, words or actions that belittle others and eliminate them. Speak and act as someone who respects others. 
  • Be informed about issues - stay up to date on issues that address discrimination, bigotry and other complex issues.
  • Celebrate differences - embrace the variety of people and cultures on campus.
  • Be part of the solution - Learn how to respond to important issues. Educate yourself and others about the value of diversity, promote positive social interaction, and have respect for others.
Safe Zone
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  • What is a safe zone: a place or environment in which a person can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any emotional or physical harm
  • USI professors lead Safe Zone Workshops designed to educate students about issues concerning lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.
  • Click here to learn more about Safe Zone training on campus:
Campus Resources
Multicultural Center

Disability Resources

Dean of Students Office
Center for International Programs

Office of Religious Life

Counseling Center
Applications for Emerging Leaders are open. During the spring semester, Emerging Leaders offers freshman students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, make new friends, and contribute to the USI community. To learn more and apply, go to  https://www.usi.edu/student-development/leadership/emerging-leaders . 
Check out the events and activities taking place on campus and in the Evansville community available to new students during their first 40 days at the University
Reminders and Upcoming Events:
  • Stay connected in the Facebook Class of 2022 Group
  • Read past editions of this newsletter
  • Wednesday, September 12 - Honors Program Open House | Orr Center 1070 | 1 - 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 12 - Knowledge for Life Series Presents: Kelsey Timmerman | UC Performance Center | 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, September 13 - Cinema USI: Ocean's 8 |Forum 1 | 9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, September 19 - Career Link | Carter Hall | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Friday, September 21 - Late Nite @ USI - RCFW Center | 9 p.m. - Midnight
  • Wednesday, September 26 - Wellness Fair | Carter Hall | 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m
Student Development Programs| 812-465-7167 | getinvolved@usi.edu