Academic Resources and Support Services

30 Academic Skills has everything your student needs to enhance his/her success as a college student. This office offers academic support in a variety of academic areas for all students. Learning assistance programs include:

Math, Study Skills, and Subject-Based Tutoring No appointment is needed for most tutoring, although appointments are available with the Learning Assistance Specialist and study skills tutors. For writing assignments, peer writing consultants can provide students with guidance and feedback at any stage of the writing process. If students cannot visit the Writers’ Room (ED 1102), they can email their papers to the Online Writing Lab at owl@usi.edu for feedback.

Supplemental Instruction This academic support program provides regularly scheduled out-of-class review sessions to all students in a targeted course. Facilitated by an SI leader (a student who has successfully completed the course), the sessions provide an informal environment to review notes, discuss readings and prepare for exams.

Academic Peer Coaching Students may request appointments with academic peer coaches who are also college students themselves. The academic peer coaches can assist students with study skills enhancement, including note-taking and test-taking strategies and successful time management. The academic peer coaches can also assist new students with motivation and overall approach in order to help students make successful transitions to a university setting.

Academic Advising Academic advising is an ongoing educational process that connects the student to the University. Faculty and staff academic advisors represent and interpret University policies and procedures to the student and help the student navigate the academic and organizational paths of the institution. USI students have certain responsibilities in regard to their academic progress, including: • Being knowledgeable about policies, procedures and requirements published in the USI Bulletin and class schedule • Determining a course of study and satisfying the requirements defined in the USI Bulletin and degree audit • Scheduling and appearing promptly for appointments with an advisor, when necessary • Preparing for an advising session by having a list of questions and courses (and alternatives) • Following through with appropriate action after the advising meeting • Accepting responsibility for the academic decisions to be made It is essential you encourage your student to take responsibility for their education by meeting regularly with their academic advisor.

Career Counseling Students who are exploring or rethinking their major and career options are encouraged to utilize University Division Advising’s career counseling services. Through interest assessments and other resources, staff members help students clarify their interests and skills and identify the major and career options that closely match their goals. Appointments are tailored to students’ specific needs and concerns. Students may schedule a career counseling appointment by calling University Division Advising at 812-465- 1606 or visiting us on the first floor of the Education Center, room 1142.

David L. Rice Library Named for USI’s first president, the David L. Rice Library is the go-to spot on campus for students to study, access their online course materials, get items their instructors put on reserve, check out a laptop, iPad, or Galaxy tablet, collaborate with classmates, find a good book to enjoy, charge their electronic devices or recharge themselves with a nap! Parents can relax too, knowing that the library offers many services to help your student succeed, and that she or he can get great advice. Check out USI.edu/library.

Honors Program The Honors Program at USI is designed to offer enhanced opportunities for students who show promise of outstanding academic achievement. Participation in the program exposes students to a wide range of intellectual and academic experiences, provides enriching extracurricular activities, promotes rewarding interaction between students and Honors Program faculty and gives students the opportunity to form lasting friendships with other students committed to academic excellence. The Honors Program Office, located in Orr Center room 1070, has a student lounge designed to provide students with a space to study, meet other students or take a break and enjoy fresh coffee. For more information, visit USI.edu/honors or call 812-464-1833.

Student Support Services (SSS) Student Support Services (SSS) is one of eight grant-funded TRIO programs offered through the U.S. Department of Education. At USI, SSS helps motivate 140 eligible students to successfully complete their degree. SSS provides

students with free, comprehensive services through classroom instruction, academic skill development, academic assistance and career development, personal and financial aid counseling, mentoring with upper classmen, one-on-one tutoring and experiences designed to enhance the collegiate experience. To receive assistance, students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and: • Meet limited income criteria (receive a Pell Grant); and/or • Be a first-generation college student (neither natural parent residing in the household with the student has a four-year college degree); or • Have a documented learning or physical disability recognized by the American Disabilities Act and be registered with Disability Resources. Students must show an academic need and be willing to take full advantage of all support services offered by the program. To learn more about this program or receive an application, call 812-465-1606 or email UDAdvise@usi.edu.

Disability Resources (DR) Disability Resources (DR) coordinates services and academic accommodations for USI students with disabilities to ensure equal access to facilities, programs, services and resources at the University. Students with disabilities seeking accommodations (such as extra time on exams, accessible textbooks, note takers, etc.) are encouraged to submit documentation of their disability to DR at least 60 days prior to the date they will need accommodations. If you are uncertain as to the documentation needed, call 812- 464-1961 or visit USI.edu/disabilities. Disability Resources is located in the Science Center, room 2206. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Veteran, Military and Family Resource Center The Veteran, Military and Family Resource Center at USI assists veterans and their families as they navigate the educational benefits offered by the Department of Veteran Affairs and the United States Military branches. The Veteran, Military and Family Resource Center is located among many other student service offices and leisure activity locations in the Education Center. Their lounge features a computer lab, specialized counseling, educational programs, workshops and seminars to help veterans complete their degrees and reach their goals successfully. In addition to educational resources, it also serves as a haven where veteran students can spend their downtime, participate in discussions and enjoy camaraderie with others who share similar experiences. For more information, call 812-461-5302 or go to USI.edu/veterans.