Spring 2023 - Issue 2
December 23-January 2
Friday, January 6
January 6-22
Welcome Back Weeks
Sunday, January 8
Balancing College
College can be stressful, so finding balance is important. When thinking about wellness, some do not realize there is more to it than just the physical and mental aspects. Wellness is split into eight categories, and you need to have a proper balance of each to reduce stress and health-related issues.

These categories include emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, occupational, social and financial wellness. Financial burdens alone have been shown to cause:

  • Increased absences 
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Sickness (from avoiding doctor visits/bills)
  • Reduced productivity 
  • Reduced concentration

Missing class or failing to complete assignments can cause stress in other areas of wellness. It's important to make sure you have your financial matters in order. If you become unsure, there are resources on campus to help you figure things out.  

Ways to Pay for College
The financial investment in higher education can seem substantial. The key is to look at tuition payment options and decide which works best for you:

  1. Assistance from family members
  2. Scholarships
  3. Financial aid
  4. Working
  5. Student loans
Paying for College
The Bursar's Office
The Bursar’s Office handles student billing and payment, and offers options. Spring tuition is due based on the student's enrollment date and published on the student billing statement. 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 while 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.

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" activities
  • Keep records of expenses
  • Don't overuse debit or credit cards
  • Pay credit card bills off monthly to avoid paying interest
Budgeting
A budget involves two things:
1) A list of income and expenses
  • Essential expenses: housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, etc.
  • Non-essential expenses: cable, the latest cell phone, concert tickets, etc. 
2) 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.

Purchasing Textbooks and Supplies
Students can participate in Archie's Book Bundle, order textbooks (new, used and digital formats) and course materials, including technology, through the Campus Store website.

The Campus Store offers $7.99 UPS ground shipping or free in-store pickup.

University Charge Accounts
Books and supplies can be added to your student account (tuition bill) using your University charge account.

Benefits of Ordering Through the Campus Store
  • Participate in Archie's Book Bundle, a course material and textbook rental program that lowers the cost of course materials and ensures students have their required course materials on the first day of class.
  • Order early and pay later using your University charge account.
  • If purchasing textbooks, better chance of getting used books to save money and price match through Amazon and Barnes and Noble (not private sellers)
  • Download the My College Bookstore App for exclusive coupons, reminders and updates.

Campus Store Contact Information
Tips on Getting Textbooks
Participate in Archie's Book Bundle and rent textbooks through the USI Campus Store
  • You're looking to save money - Save 35-50% on the cost of course materials each term
  • You do not plan on using the textbook after completing a course
  • Receive all your course materials before the first day of class
  • Benefit from a highly personalized concierge service
  • Check your USI email for your book list and compare prices on the Archie's Book Bundle website. The bundle price is based on $24 per credit hour enrolled - for example, if you're registered in 15 hours, your Archie's Book Bundle price is $360.
  • Students who enroll early will receive an email on December 12 about the program. Students who register after that day will get their email 48 business hours following course registration. Students must decide if they are not participating in Archie's Book Bundle by Friday, January 13 at 4:30 pm CT.

Things to think about when purchasing course materials
  • The specific textbook will be beneficial in the future (e.g. another class or career)
  • You highlight and write extensive notes in your textbooks
  • You wish to start and add to your book collection
  • Make sure to know what course material the faculty selected for classes. Different faculty for the same course may use other textbooks.
  • Check the required books with the USI Campus Store before purchasing books from another student. The USI Campus Store has textbook information for each course.
  • Sometimes books change from year to year. Check the ISBN number for the correct year and edition of the book.
  • In some cases, purchasing the book with the access code may be cheaper than online access. Check to make sure the access code is needed.
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
Upper Level Transfer/Adult Students
Students who are transferring with more than 59 credit hours or are 25 years of age or older will complete Screaming Eagles Orientation in three parts. 
Center for Adult Learner Success
The Center for Adult Learner Success exists to serve as an advocate for adult learners interested in pursuing higher education with the University of Southern Indiana. The Center collaborates with academic colleges, Outreach and Engagement, and campus support services to act as a primary University contact point for potential and current adult students.
Past Newsletter Information
Campus Office Information
Check out the following offices for new student and campus information:
Tips & Reminders
Commuter Student Information
Housing and Move-In Information
Classes start Monday, January 9
New Student Checklist
Missed a newsletter issue
Welcome Back Weeks
January 6-22
Welcome Back Weeks offer exciting activities and events designed to welcome new and returning students to campus, help students meet one another and jump-start the Spring Semester at USI. All students are invited to attend activities during Welcome Back Weeks.

More information coming soon!
new.student@usi.edu