Tips on Purchasing Textbooks |
|
Things to think about when getting course materials
- Make sure to know what course material faculty selected for classes. Different faculty for the same course may use different textbooks.
-
Check the required books with the USI Campus Store before purchasing books from another student. The USI Campus Store will have textbook information for each course by Saturday, August 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 text-books are being used in the course.
- If your student's course is using Blackboard, the syllabus will show how and when textbooks will be used throughout the semester. Please note that their course may not display until closer to the start of the semester or the first day of class.
- In some cases, it maybe cheaper to purchase the book with the access code rather than the online access only. Before doing so, make sure the access code is needed.
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)
- Your student highlights and/or writes extensive notes in your textbooks
- Your student wishes to start and/or add to their book collection
- Consider renting a textbook if...
- They are looking to save money
- They do not plan on using the textbook after completing a course
- They plan on just skimming/reading the footnotes
- Other options...
- Sharing a textbook with a classmate/friend taking the same course
- 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 that they are willing to lend to students
- Borrowing/checking out the textbook from the library if they have the version of the textbook available
|
|
Technology Services
- FREE computer configurations (WiFi, email, Office 365 install, OS updates)
- Trade-in program to help offset the cost of a new computer
- FREE one-on-one training
- Expert recommendations based on major
Pending approval from the in-store application process, students may choose to utilize available financial aid toward the purchase of a computer. Please contact the Campus Store for more information.
Additional Services
- Textbook buyback
- Fax machine
- UPS shipping location
- Stamps
|
|
|
Secure WiFi is available across USI's campus. However, WiFi is not as reliable as a wired connection and USI recommends NOT taking a test on WiFi. Students, please do not bring other WiFi devices on campus such as WiFi printers or hot spots – these cause interference with the campus WiFi and degrade the service for everyone. |
|
USI provides a Per Page Fee Printing system. Print jobs sent to the print system can be released at any printer, students can send a document to the system from their Eagles email. Students pay for prints using their Flex Money, then
|
|
Microsoft Office 365
The University has subscribed to Office 365 in order to provide students and employees with a free copy of the Microsoft Office suite, which students can use on up to five devices. Your student's subscription will remain valid as long as they are a student at USI.
|
|
Blackboard is a course management system used by USI faculty and students. Your student can access course materials their professors make available and participate in class discussions online. To access and learn more about Blackboard, click below. Please note that some courses may not be available until the first week of class.
Information Technology will be hosting virtual Blackboard and Zoom Tutorials during Welcome Week. Students can visit the Welcome Week website for virtual program information.
- Monday, August 24 at 6 pm: Blackboard Training for Students
- Tuesday, August 25 at 6 pm: Zoom Training for Students
- Wednesday, August 26 at 10 am: Blackboard Training for Students
-
Thursday, August 27 at 10 am: Zoom Training for Students
|
|
Information Technology (IT) |
|
The USI Information Technology (IT) department has a help desk that includes phone, email, on-line, and walk-in computer support for all students, faculty, and staff at the University of Southern Indiana.
Computer Help Desk: If your student is experiencing problems with their computer, they can schedule an appointment and bring it to the IT Help Desk. The Help Desk can assist with virus and spyware removal and hardware diagnostics. For best service, please call to schedule an appointment. Although this is a free service for current USI students, it is not a drop off service.
Help Desk Contact Information
-
Email: it@usi.edu
- Phone Support: 812-465-1080
-
Visit: IT Help Desk website
- Location: Forum Wing (FA) 41
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 - 8 p.m. (limited support)
|
|
1) Enroll in Classes
Students submit their Personalized Enrollment Form received via email. If your student cannot locate their email, they can complete this form to begin the enrollment process.
Please have your student email their advising center with questions or call and leave a voicemail. A staff member will respond in one business day. If your student is unsure of their advising center, check here.
2) Complete New Student Online Orientation
3) Participate in Virtual Orientation Meetings and Programs
USI is offering a variety of virtual orientation meetings and programs to prepare new students and their families for the upcoming school year. These activities will give your student the opportunity to get to know other students and our orientation leaders, hear from faculty and staff, and get your questions answered.
|
|
All new students interested in participating in Chamber Choir, Women's Choir, or Jazz Band must audition to be placed in a music group. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, these auditions are being held online.
If your student is interested in the Chamber Choir or Women's Choir contact Dan Craig, associate professor of music, dcraig@usi.edu.
If your student is interested in the Jazz Band contact Thomas Drury, instructor in music, twdrury@usi.edu.
|
|
Student Return to Campus Update |
|
The University of Southern Indiana campus reopened Monday, July 6. Detailed information about the University's Student Return to Campus Update, developed by the USI COVID-19 Task Force and approved by President Rochon, can be found online. All employees and students are asked to review the plan prior to returning to campus.
As the University prepares for this transition, the health and safety of the USI campus community continues to be our top priority. We continue to monitor the rapidly changing and ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 daily and follow the recommendations and guidance from the State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Indiana State Department of Health and local healthcare providers.
Information for students is now available online. Please have your student monitor their USI email for updates.
|
|
Campus Office Information |
|
Check out the following offices for new student and campus information:
|
|
Virtual Camp Eagle: August 7 - 8 |
|
New students are invited to participate in Virtual Camp Eagle on August 7-8. Join us in our fun and interactive online adventure on Zoom and participate in challenging team-building activities, educational sessions, and learn more about USI. It is free to participate. Limited spots are available. Learn more and register online at USI.edu/campeagle
|
|
Screagle in the Spotlight - Raegan Richardson |
|
How have you made USI your Home?
Hi Screagles! I am Raegan Richardson a sophomore public relations and advertising major. I am from Salem, Indiana which is about two hours from Evansville. I am currently working as the First Year Experience Assistant in the Student Development Office. I will be helping with Welcome Week and I am beyond excited to get back to campus.
In high school I was the girl that was involved in everything. I was constantly on the go and found every club to join. When I came to USI, I knew I wanted to do that same thing. My freshman year I lived in a Living Learning Community (LLC). It was so fun being able to live with people I had classes with and being able to study together! I met some of my best friends in the dorm and I am so thankful that those friends helped make USI my second home!
The, first semester I participated in Service Saturday, which was a wonderful experience, volunteering at the local Red Cross. But it really took until my second semester to find “my” groups. I joined the Emerging Leaders Program and I met so many wonderful students who became good friends. Now in my sophomore year, I plan to be a mentor for that program. I am so excited to meet new students and grow my leadership skills! I also joined Delight Ministries. This group was so fun and uplifting. I was always hanging out with girls from Delight- going shopping, getting food, or just having someone to listen, those girls were, and still are there for me! Second semester really made me think that the college experience is all about what you put into it. I could have stayed in my room 24/7 and never joined anything, but I knew that wasn’t for me; I had to get involved. That would be my biggest piece of advice to any incoming or current student in college. College is all what you make it, you get out what you put into your experiences! Get involved and make USI your home away from home. Welcome to Screagle Nation, it truly is the best!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
