Issue #1 | July 16th
First Year @ USI
Making the Transition to Life @ USI
What is First Year @ USI?
  Welcome to the University of Southern Indiana! We’re glad you decided to join us!   First Year @ USI is a newsletter  specifically designed to help you transition to USI! This publication will be delivered on a weekly basis for the remainder of the summer and through the first six weeks of classes. It will outline some of the most important aspects of being a college student.
 Making USI Your Home!
 This issue will highlight the office of Housing and Residence Life, choosing a place to live in college, and living with roommates. Whether you’re living in an on-campus residence hall or apartment, in an off-campus apartment, or living at home; USI is your home throughout your collegiate career. This newsletter will be your go-to-guide for all the things you need to know during your first year at USI!

Housing and Residence Life
The Housing and Residence Life office oversees all the residence halls, apartment communities, and the living learning communities on campus. The office provides both student staff and full-time staff that live on campus to assist you.

Resident Assistants (RAs) are student staff members selected for leadership skills, their ability to reach out to peers, and their capacity to connect students to the resources they need to be successful. RAs are trained to help you manage any issue that may arise while living on-campus. You will find RAs in all of the various housing areas and they are here to help. 

Area Coordinators (ACs) are professional staff members that live in a specific area of Housing and Residence Life facilities. ACs supervise the RAs, plan and implement programs, manage the area facilities, conduct meetings with students regarding policy violations, and are great resources if you have questions or issues. 
Quick Roommate Tips
  • Discuss what each of you will be bringing to your new home
  • Keep an open mind
  • COMMUNICATE - talk to each other and learn how your roommates prefer to be communicated with
  • If bigger problems arise, take advantage of your resources. Your RA is a great person to mediate conflict
  • During your first two weeks, call home but don't go home
Living On-Campus
Living on-campus allows you to feel connected to USI and prepares you for life beyond college. You will gain independence, meet new people, and be able to sleep in longer! Studies show that students who live on campus get better grades, and are more likely to graduate in four years.
Living Off-Campus
Living in off-campus housing or living at home you also have the opportunity to be independent and connected to USI. Consider broadening your network by meeting new people, and maybe even living with them! The quickest way to meet new people and get connected at USI is to get involved and attend activities on-campus.
USI Insider Tips - USI Lingo
*Archie:*  Archibald Eagle. USI's mascot. 
*Archie's Army:*  the student cheer block at athletic events. 
*C-Store:*  located in the Housing and Residence Life Community Center and houses a small convenience store, pizza delivery, laundry room, and more!
*The Link:*  lounge area between the Science Center and Health Professions. It offers a lounge and food options.
*Quad:*   open green space between Liberal Arts, Rice Library, University Center, and Business and Engineering Center. It is a great place to hang out with classmates and play Frisbee or football.
*Screagle:*  short for Screaming Eagles as used in #ScreaglePride
August 16-22, 2018

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

Saturday, August 18, 2018
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:
Student Development Programs| 812-465-7167 | getinvolved@usi.edu