Issue #2 | July 25
First Year  @ USI


Paying for College 
This newsletter provides campus resources and financial tips now that you are in college. If you have individual questions, please contact the appropriate office to get more information.
The Bursar's Office
The Bursar’s Office is a student’s one place for billing and payment options. Fall 2019 tuition and fees are now viewable in TouchNet. Students and authorized users can log into TouchNet to view their itemized charges, enroll in a payment plan, or pay in full. Billing statements will be sent on August 1, which will have the student’s tuition, housing, meal plans, and financial aid itemized.

Payment Plans
Students and authorized users may enroll in the fall 2019 estimated payment plan now. This payment plan allows students to begin paying on their account with a minimum of $200 and divide their remaining costs into five monthly installments. Deadline to enroll in July 31. Beginning August 1, the payment plan will require 20% down with four monthly installments or eight bi-monthly installments. There is no enrollment fee or interest on any of our payment plans. Deadline to enroll is August 23.

Authorized Users
We understand many parents are financially supporting their student through their higher education. To help simplify the process and communication, we encourage students to add their parent(s) or guardian(s) as authorized users.

eRefunds
Sign up for eRefunds to ensure your refund is processed safer and faster. Log into TouchNet and click on Direct Deposit to enroll today.

Visit the Bursar’s Office website for more information about TouchNet and our payment plans.
Student Financial Assistance

Student Financial Assistance is dedicated to helping University of Southern Indiana students and their families navigate the financial aid process and educating them in making the best use of all resources available to help finance the cost of their education.

Touch Net
TouchNet is portal available through a student’s MyUSI that gives a student access to their billing statement, sign up for eRefunds (direct deposit), pay their bill, enroll in a payment plan, and view their 1098T form. Students may also create authorized users who can access TouchNet through a separate login. Authorized users may view a student’s billing statement, pay on a student’s bill, or enroll in a payment plan. 
How can I view my bill and pay online? 

How do I set up an authorized user? 

What are my payment options? 

How will my financial aid be applied to my bill? 

Click on FAQs for the answers!
1st Fall bill is due: August 23, 2019
Financial Aid Checklist: 
1. Complete  FAFSA
2. Use the IRS retrieval option on  FAFSA.  This option expedites the processing of your application. 
3. Financial aid awards are calculated once students are admitted and USI receives the  FAFSA .
4. The  Direct Loan , a federal student loan, will be packaged as an offer to eligible students. 
5. Beginning  July 1 , students will need to log on to myUSI and accept, decline, or reduce the Direct Loan. 
6. If you receive results from the  FAFSA  and are interested in applying for federal work study, you may complete a Work Study Resume .  
7. Check your myUSI to see what documents are required in case you are selected for verification. 
8. Provided you have completed all requirements, financial aid will be applied to account balance.
Student Loans
Smart borrowing tips:
  • Figure your total college expenses
  • Subtract "free" money (grant, scholarships, etc.)
  • Subtract all possible sources of cash
  • Make budget cuts where possible
  • BORROW FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS FIRST 
Money Management
Tips for managing your money:
  • Create a budget and stick to it
  • Save and project for future expenses
  • Do "free" things
  • Keep records of expenses
  • Don't overuse ATM, debit, or credit cards
  • Pay credit cards off monthly to avoid paying interest
Budgeting in College
A budget involves two things:
  • A list of income and expenses
  • Essential expenses: housing, utilities, transportation, groceries
  • Non-essential expenses: Cable TV, the latest cell phone, credit card bills 
  • A plan for meeting responsibilities and goals
USI Insider Tips - USI Lingo
*DegreeWorks:*   allows you to track progress toward degree completion (audit), develop semester-by-semester course selections (plans), determine progress toward a different degree program ("what if" audit), and determine a potential grade point average (GPA calculator) based on certain criteria
*Jazz Lounge*  lounge in entry to the David L. Rice Library
*Orr Center*   houses the BURSAR and Student Financial Assistance offices along with Undergraduate Admissions, Registrar, Counseling Center, Honors Program, and Career Services and Internships
*The Shield:*  USI's student publication. Students are responsible for all reporting, writing, editing, and publishing. More information can be found at usishield.com
AUGUST 15-21, 2019

Visit  usi.edu/orientation/welcomeweek  for more details.


Before Welcome Week and beginning your journey as a USI Screaming Eagle, click here to review the New Student Checklist
Saturday, August 17, 2019
GET A JUMP-START ON YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE! As a part of the UNIV 101 course content you are REQUIRED to participate in a portion of Eagle Experience, which takes place the Saturday prior to classes starting.
Reminders and Upcoming Events
Student Development Programs| 812-465-7167 | getinvolved@usi.edu | usi.edu/sdv