Spring 2021 - Issue 2
Paying for College
The Bursar's Office
The Bursar’s Office handles student billing and payment and offers options. Spring tuition is due January 22, 2021; however, students may enroll in a payment plan, elect authorized users, and sign up for eRefunds.
Paying your Bill
To pay your University bills, use TouchNet, USI's online portal available through myUSI. TouchNet provides access to your billing statement, allows you to sign up for eRefunds, pay your bill, enroll in a payment plan and view your 1098T form.
Student Financial Assistance
The Student Financial Assistance office is dedicated to helping University of Southern Indiana students and their families navigate the financial aid process and educating them about all the resources available to help finance the cost of their education.
Financial Aid Checklist
1. Complete the FAFSA
2. Beginning July 1, Students should log in to myUSI and accept, decline or reduce the Direct Loan.
3. Provided you have completed all requirements, financial aid will be applied to the account balance.
Student Loans
Use these 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
Student Financial Success Center
The Student Financial Success Center (SFSC) is here to help you answer these questions and walk with you through this exciting time. The SFSC provides virtual peer-mentoring and support services to advance financial literacy and wellness among students and to promote their retention and success.

The SFSC seeks to empower students with the skills and strategies they need to transition from financial stress to financial success. To make your first move toward financial freedom today visit SFSC online to learn more.

Student Financial Success Center Contact Information
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 debit or credit cards
  • Pay credit cards off monthly to avoid paying interest
Budgeting
A budget involves two things:
  • A list of income and expenses
  • Essential expenses: housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, etc.
  • Non-essential expenses: cable, the latest cell phone, credit card bills 
  • A plan for meeting responsibilities and goals
Textbooks and Campus Store
The USI Campus Store staff work diligently to provide quality products and services to meet the evolving needs of our students, guests and the University community. The Campus Store's knowledgeable staff and student workers are ready to help guests find the correct materials for their classes, select appropriate technology and accessories, and purchase Screaming Eagles apparel.

Place a Textbook Order Online
Students can order textbooks and course materials starting December 1 through the Campus Store website. Enter your course and section number to view the materials for each class. The Campus Store offers $6.99 UPS ground shipping or free in-store pickup.

Spring Textbook and Supplies
  • Order your textbooks online early to avoid the rush! You can begin placing orders at USIBOOKS.com beginning Tuesday, December 1 and have them sent directly to your home. You can also order other supplies offered through the Campus Store. Packages will begin shipping out the week of December 14. Shipping for orders over $49.99 is FREE! Contact the Campus Store at 812-464-1717 for questions or visit them online for more information. 

Textbook Options
New, used, rental, and digital formats are available.

University Charge Accounts
Books and supplies can be added to your tuition bill by using your University Charge account.

Benefits of Ordering Through the Campus Store
  • Order online starting December 1
  • Free in-store pick up or $6.99 UPS ground shipping
  • Better chance of getting used books to save money
  • Order early, pay later using your University Charge Account
  • Price match through Amazon and Barnes and Noble
Things to think about when getting course materials

  • Make sure to know what course material faculty selected. Different faculty for the same course may use different materials.
  • Check the required books with the USI Campus Store before purchasing books from another student. The USI Campus Store will have textbook and course material information for each course by Tuesday, December 1.
  • Sometimes books change from year to year. Check the ISBN number for the correct year and edition of the book.
  • Once class starts, look over your syllabus to see what textbooks are being used in the course.
  • If your course is using Blackboard, the syllabus will show how and when textbooks will be used throughout the semester. Please note that your course may not display on Blackboard until closer to the start of the semester or the first day of class.
Tips for deciding whether to purchase or rent textbooks:

Purchase a textbook if...
  • The specific textbook will be beneficial in the future (e.g., another class or career)
  • You highlight and/or write extensive notes in your textbooks
  • You wish to start and/or add to your book collection

Consider renting a textbook if...
  • You're looking to save money
  • You do not plan on using the textbook after completing a course
  • You plan on just skimming/reading the footnotes

Other options...
  • Using an online version of the textbook -- some websites offer free online versions of the textbook
  • Talking to professors --sometimes professors have older versions of the textbooks they are willing to lend to students
Campus Store Contact Information
Campus Information
New Student Orientation
Freshman and Transfer Students Students that are freshman or transfer students with less than 59 credit hours will complete Screaming Eagles Orientation in three parts
These three parts include:
  • Part A: Participate in a Virtual Advising Appointment and Register for Classes
  • Part B: Complete New Student Online Orientation 
  • Part C: Participate in the Virtual Screaming Eagles Orientation
Upper Level Transfer/Adult Students
Students that are transfer students with more than 59 credit hours or are 25 years of age or older will complete Screaming Eagles Orientation in two parts. 
These two parts include:
  • Part A: Participate in a Virtual Advising Appointment and Register for Classes
  • Part B: Complete Transfer/Adult Online Orientation 
Orientation Resources
View campus resources on our Virtual Orientation Resource Fair page.


After Virtual Advising Appointments:  
Please email your advisor or advising center with questions or call and leave a voicemail. A staff member will respond in one business day. If you are unsure of your advising center, check here.  
Safe Return to Campus Plan
Spring Classes Reporting In-Person January 19
Students enrolled in specific classes will attend in-person meetings beginning January 19, 2021. These classes, such as laboratories and studios, have hands-on experiences and will be held on the USI campus. Other classes have clinicals, practicums, student teaching or internship experiences held at off-campus locations. Faculty will instruct you regarding online components of the class. If you have questions, please contact your faculty member or the Provost Office. View the list of In-Person classes reporting January 19

All other classes will start remote and will return to their previously scheduled modalities on February 8.

Find important dates related to the start of the Spring Semester on the Academic Calendar website.

Campus Office Information
Check out the following offices for new student and campus information:
Tips & Reminders