New Student Newsletter

January 6 | Issue #4 | New Student Edition

Starting at USI

This newsletter provides resources and tips to start your time off at USI on the right foot and how to stay safe on campus.

Transitioning to USI

USI  welcomes  you to our campus! For many of you this transition will be smooth and USI is  committed  to offering support and resources for you during this time. For some, there may be things to consider and prepare for to support your transition. Some  suggestions  are to become aware of  transfer shock , take advantage of USI campus resources, and prepare ahead of time for things like textbooks.  Early planning  supports an easier and lower stress environment when you first arrive to campus.

"Transfer Shock" This describes an initial drop in GPA after a student transfers. The drop in GPA  transfer shock  may be partly or almost totally a manifestation of the shock experienced in moving from one institutional culture to another. Don't be alarmed by low initial grades, but do  take action! Starting Mid-Year The first few weeks on campus can be a lonely period, and you may have concerns about forming friendships. When you look around it may seem that everyone else is self-confident and socially successful - the reality is that everyone is having the same concerns . The important thing to remember when meeting new people is the old cliché “be yourself.”

Tips on how to overcoming the transition

Find and develop a support network - Take advantage of academic coaching, campus resources, and Welcome Back Week activities to get acquainted right away. Make friends in each of your classes, so you have study partners. Get involved in at least one extra-curricular right away. The Spring Student Involvement Fair is Wednesday, January 22. Manage your time - USI is a new place with new demands and options, use a planner, review the syllabus, mark important dates and make time to study. Figure out when and where you are most productive to get your work done. Monitor your course load and academic performance - Don't try to overdo it your first semester and take advantage of tutoring or talk to your academic advisor if you're feeling overwhelmed. Visit your professor during office hours.

JOIN THE TRANSFER FACEBOOK GROUP

New Student Checklist

Are you ready for your first semester? Have everything completed? View the New Student Checklist to make sure you are all set.

READ MORE

Setup Your USI Email on your Mobile Device

Want to have access to your USI email on your mobile device? Click the link below to get directions for IOS and Android devices.

LEARN MORE

Staying Safe on Campus

Public Safety : USI Public Safety is a 24/7 office on campus. Public Safety Officers are trained first responders and Emergency Medical Technicians.  Reporting Crimes or Emergencies:  Report all crimes, emergencies, and suspicious behavior to USI Public Safety in a timely manner. The USI Public Safety telephone number should be a speed dial option in your cell phone. The Public Safety number is  812-492-7777 .  Blue Emergency phones : These are the tall, blue, cylindrical structures with a light on top around campus. Pressing the button will immediately connect you to the USI Public Safety Dispatch Center.  RAVE ALERT System:  Are you appropriately enrolled in the RAVE Alert system that provides emergency and timely warnings—via email, text message, and voice message? This system will provide information about emergencies, severe weather, and other incidents impacting the University community.  https://www.usi.edu/public-safety/campus-alerts-and-messaging/ RAVE Guardian App:  This free mobile app, available for iOS and Android devices, allows USI students, faculty and staff access to a variety of safety features on their personal devices. The USI features of the app can be activated by anyone with an active USI directory listing. https://www.usi.edu/public-safety/campus-alerts-and-messaging/ CARE Team:  The USI CARE Team works to identify students in our community who appear to be troubled and intervene before the student reaches a crisis level. C.A.R.E. stands for Campus Action Response and Engagement (CARE) of students in distress. “See Something Do Something” There is an online confidential reporting form available on the  Dean of Student’s Website

LEARN MORE

Campus Resources

USI Counseling Center Orr Center 1051 | 812-464-1867 University Health Center Health Professions 091 | 812-465-1250 USI Religious Life 8115A Wright Bldg. (O'Daniel Apt.) | 812-464-1871 Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center : 812-461-5268 Housing & Residence Life 812-468-2000 Dean of Students Office UC-East room 1229 | 812-464-1862 Public Safety 812-492-7777 Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office : 812-421-6200

USI Insider Tips - USI Fight Song

Fight on, Screaming Eagles! Fly your colors brave and true! Relentless and storied, lead us to glory, fight for the red, white and blue! (RAH! RAH! RAH!) Filled with strength and honor, Show your spirit far and wide. We ever hail thee, on to victory, Our Southern Indiana Pride! U-S-I!

LISTEN NOW

Reminders and Upcoming Events

Stay Connected Join the Class of 2023 Facebook group or the  USI Transfer Student Facebook group Housing and Move-In Information 2019-2020 Housing Important Dates Classes start Monday, January 13 View the Academic Calendar Get textbooks from the USI Campus Store  Review the New Student Checklist Immunization forms due 1st day Contact University Health Center Missed a newsletter issue Read past weeks here Welcome Back Weeks Check out what is happening for new and returning students during the first two weeks of the spring semester. LEARN MORE

USI.edu/sdv getinvolved@usi.edu

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