Academic Resources and Support Services

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

Math, Study Skills, and Subject-Based Tutoring

Math, writing and subject-based tutoring are available with our peer tutors, who are trained and supervised by professional staff to offer personalized, one-to-one help in numerous subject areas. Peer writing consultants can provide students with guidance and feedback on their writing assignments at any stage of the writing process. In-person tutoring is available Monday through Friday, and online tutoring is available in certain subjects. A schedule of specific subjects and times can be found at usi.edu/university-division/ academicskills/tutoring. For additional questions, call 812-464-1743.

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 to coursework to help students make successful transitions to a university setting.

Academic Advising

Academic Advising is an ongoing educational process that connects students to the University. It’s a dynamic and interactive process by which students can define and implement sound educational strategies that are consistent with personal values and career goals. And, it’s a critical component of the educational experience for USI students. Advising is delivered by administrative staff and/or faculty in the undergraduate colleges. The four undergraduate advising centers and Center for Exploring Majors serve as an initial hub for students in their first year and for some transfer students. Students eventually transition to a faculty advisor as they progress through their academic program. Advisors help students select courses, explore and change majors, submit graduation paperwork and everything in between. They provide systematic communication regarding academic policies, procedures and deadlines and can connect your student to faculty and programming in their respective area of academic interest. It is essential you encourage your student to take responsibility for their education by meeting regularly with their academic advisor. For more information, visit USI.edu/university-division/ usiadvisingcenters/advising-centers.

Career Counseling

Students who are exploring or rethinking their major and career options are encouraged to utilize University Division'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 the Center for Exploring Majors 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, check out a laptop or 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. Check out USI.edu/ library

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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.

TRIO: 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 (being a Pell Grant recipient or 21st Century Scholar are strong indicators of eligibility); 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.