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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions Parents May Have     Q: College is vastly different from high school.  How can my child prepare for the transition? A: A wonderful resource you can view is: Starting College Right: THE OFFICIAL MANUAL.   Q: What degrees does USI offer students? A: USI offers the following degrees: Asssociate Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Science Graduate Visit ACADEMICS for more detail. Q: How many credit hours are required for a 4-year degree? A: Programs vary at USI.  A minimum of 124 credit hours are needed for a 4-year degree. Q: What are the five schools within  USI? A: USI is comprised of the following schools: Bower-Surheinrich College of Education and Human Services College of Business College of Liberal Arts College of Nursing  Pott College of Science and Engineering Technology Q: Are any resourses available to help students select a career? A: The Career Counseling Office in the Orr Center provides career counseling for students.  A one credit (8 weeks) career planning class (GENS 111) is available to all students as an elective.  Within University Division, career exploration software is available.  Professors are also good sources for career information.   Q: What is the University Core Curriculum and why does my child need to take these classes? A: The University Core Curriculum (UCC), a program with 50 semester hour minimum, is a selection of college courses that are required for all 4 year degree-seeking students (25 semester hour minimum for students seeking a 2 year degree).  The UCC helps students learn to live wisely and to become more well rounded, stronger human beings through classes that stimulate critical thinking and information processing.    Q: Is it possible for a full time student to work and still maintain respectable grades? A: Full time students working 15-20 hours AT MOST have time to study and keep a respectable grade point average.  There are 168 hours in a week.  Students enrolled in 15 credit hours need AT LEAST 2 hours for every hour they are in class to study.  A solid eight hours of sleep per night will add to 56 hours/week.  Meal preparation, laundry, social & family time, commute time (misc.) is also added into the equation.   Per week: In class time:  15 hours Study time:      35 hours Sleep                  56 hours  misc.             +  44 hours                           150 hours   The number of hours left in the week would be 168-150 = 18 hours.  NOT MORE THAN 15-20 hours per week for a full time student is recommended.   Q: My student has been admitted to the USI OPTIONS program.  What is it? A: Please click here for more information: OPTIONS

Questions Students May Have   Q: I don't know what I want to study at USI.  What should I do? A: Don't fret; you are not alone.  The Career Counseling Office in the Orr Center provides career counseling for students.  A one credit (8 weeks) career planning class (GENS 111) is available to all students as an elective.  Within University Division, career exploration software is available.  Professors are also good sources for career information.  Click here to access a tool to assess your career interests: The Career Key Q: How do I find out about when and how to register? A: Please click on the following: NEWSLETTER Q: How do I find out about USI events and academic stuff? A: Check out the following: the Sheild your USI mail  signs around campus USI website Q: When do I need to declare a major? A: Students can remain undeclared at University Division for up to 62 earned hours (sophomore status or less). Q: What is the quickest way to raise a grade point average (GPA)? A: Repeat (second time only) a "D" or "F"  with an "A" or a "B".  As you earn more hours, GPA becomes harder to raise.   Q: What GPA do I need to declare a major? A: You will need AT LEAST a 2.0.  Some majors require a much higher GPA, depending on the program.   Q: I wish to transfer classes from USI to another university.  How do I know what will transfer. A: The recipient college (the college where you wish to transfer) dictates what equivalent courses will apply to a program or go toward general electives.   Check with the Registrar's office of the other school FIRST before you transfer.  Generally, USI classes with a grade of "C" or better will transfer.     Q: I wish to transfer classes to USI from another university.  How do I know what will transfer. A: In general, regular courses with a grade of 'C" or better transfer.  If a transferred class doesn't have have a USI course equivalent, it will transfer as a general elective.    Q: I got an "F" in a class at USI.  I plan to take it at another university to get a better grade. A: Only the credit will transfer, not the grade. Your USI transcript will sill have an "F".   Q: Why not take the courses I NEED, not developmental courses. A: Advancing without the necessary skills will cost you both time and money.  It is not only smart, but also efficient to take developmental courses.  They boost your confidence so that you can succeed without repeating classes.