Issue #2 | July 23
First Year  @ USI


Paying for College 
The Bursar's Office
The Bursar’s Office is a student’s one place for billing and payment options. Beginning August 10, students may view their fall 2018 billing statement, which will be emailed to all enrolled students and authorized users. Fall tuition is due September 25, however, students may enroll in a payment plan before September 25. Students who enroll in the payment plan between August 10 and August 31 will have the option to pay 25% down with three equal payments. Between September 1 and September 25, students who enroll in the payment plan must pay 50% down with two equal payments. There is a $35 enrollment fee when you enroll in the payment plan. To learn more about the payment plan and payment options, please visit the Bursar’s website .  
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: September 25, 2018
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 10 , 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 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 | usi.edu/sdv