April 1, 2020
University adopts Pass/No Pass, other Spring Semester policies
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Southern Indiana moved all instruction to online or alternative delivery effective March 23, the first regularly scheduled day of classes following an extended spring break. Given this new mode of course delivery, the disruptions imposed on members of our University, and the mental and emotional impact of these disruptions, the University, in consultation with faculty, has adopted several temporary policies related to grading and other areas for the Spring 2020 Semester. These changes are meant to give students every opportunity to succeed, especially during these times of uncertainty.
In devising the Pass/No Pass and other policies, we evaluated faculty perspectives about educational outcomes; considerations unique to the range of academic programs offered; applicable professional licensing concerns; and academic considerations relevant to students at different stages of their education. We also sought policies that allow us to take into account the unique circumstances that a particular student may have as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the period these policies are in effect, they will govern and control to the extent of any conflict with existing policies, procedures or provisions published in the USI Undergraduate or Graduate Bulletins. Read the full policy.
Information for:
CLASSES AND INSTRUCTION
Due to the extended spring break the University has extended the last date to withdraw from a class without evaluation from March 20 to April 17. The deadline to drop a full semester course with evaluation remains Wednesday, April 29, 2020. This applies only to full semester courses. Contact the Registrar's Office for details.
Students in areas with limited Internet access should contact the Dean of Students Office or call 812-464-1862
Online Learning Student Resources and Support
CAMPUS SERVICES
USI student services, including the Dean of Students Office; David L. Rice Library; Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center; Counseling Center; Disability Resources and University Health Center will be operating remotely until April 6. Check each department website for their virtual services.
USI campus bus transportation will be suspended until further notice.
STUDENT EMPLOYEES
Student employees, including graduate assistants and on-campus interns, should contact their supervisor to determine possible remote work schedules.
UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER
The University Health Center is open for the USI community via video visits or telephone calls. All USI students, facility or staff can still utilize our services Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Schedule your appointment online and put in the notes section if you would like a telephone or a video visit; or call at 812-465-1250 to schedule an appointment.
Visits for individuals on the Office Visit Plan are free of charge, all others will be billed with their insurance.
If you have any questions, call 812-465-1250 or email studhlth@usi.edu.
STUDENT WELLBEING
The USI campus, including University-owned and -operated locations outside of campus, such as Innovation Pointe, New Harmony properties and the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences, will remain open only to authorized personnel beginning at the end of the scheduled workday, Tuesday, March 17 until Tuesday, April 30. Employees are to report to campus April 30. (Date is subject to change.) Authorized employees will be limited, and you will be notified by your supervisor if you are required to fulfill that role. Access to the University will be granted by Public Safety only to authorized personnel at the roundabout entrance on University Boulevard.
WORKING REMOTELY/COMPENSATION
Through April 30, all University employees will continue to receive their normal rate of pay. Employees not authorized to work on campus are required to work remotely. Supervisors will provide assignments as needed and determine authorized personnel. Supervisors should be as flexible as possible, considering the nature of the work and whether the necessary tools and technology are available to allow employees to fully perform their job duties away from campus. In cases where necessary tools and technology are not available to fully perform job duties, alternative assignments will be provided to allow for remote work. Paid time off (i.e. vacation) will still be allowed with supervisor approval.
Employees should also be flexible regarding performing both the duties of their position and potential other assignments as needed and directed by their supervisor.
Resources for Working Remotely
UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER
The University Health Center is open for the USI community via video visits or telephone calls. All USI students, facility or staff can still utilize our services Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Schedule your appointment online and put in the notes section if you would like a telephone or a video visit; or call at 812-465-1250 to schedule an appointment.
Visits for individuals on the Office Visit Plan are free of charge, all others will be billed with their insurance.
If you have any questions, call 812-465-1250 or email studhlth@usi.edu.
Resources are available on the Online Learning website to aid faculty through this transition.
Direct specific questions to your respective dean’s office. Additional communication from the Provost’s Office will be forthcoming as updates are available.
CAMPUS TOURS AND VISITS
The Admissions Office will continue to engage with prospective students and be available for questions daily. Available options are listed below, and we encourage prospective students and their families to take advantage of these opportunities.
- Online chat will be available every day from 8-4:30 p.m. Look for the "Live Counselor Available" graphic on the Admissions webpage
- Links to our virtual tour and access to short videos of current students
- An Admissions presentation will be available to view online each day
- Admissions will be available for prospective students to schedule individual virtual appointments which will allow for real time virtual meetings to learn more about the admissions process.
- The Admissions Office will also be texting updates to students who have given explicit permission to receive text messages. If you have not already given permission to receive text messages, you may do so here.
- Transfer students will have the opportunity to meet with an advisor virtually if they are registered for the Transfer Visit Day, which was to be held on April 3, 2020
SCREAMING EAGLES ORIENTATION
Screaming Eagles Orientation sessions scheduled for Friday, April 18, Tuesday, April 21 and Friday, April 24 are postponed. Incoming students registered to attend these sessions will be contacted by Student Development Programs with options for alternative Orientation dates.
Students registered for postponed sessions will receive instruction from our advising team to schedule virtual advising appointments that will allow them to register for their fall 2020 classes.
At this time, Screaming Eagles Orientations scheduled after April 24 will continue as planned.
CAMPUS PROPERTY
Campus is closed to members of the broader community through April 30 (subject to change). USI trails and campus buildings will not be open to the general public until further notice. University-owned and -operated locations outside of campus, such as Innovation Pointe, New Harmony properties and the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences are closed until further notice.
All University events, including those hosted by registered student organizations or outside groups, are cancelled through August 14.
Spring 2020 Commencement has been tentatively rescheduled for Friday, August 14 for master and doctoral degree candidates and Saturday, August 15 for undergraduate students. This may be subject to change based on timely guidance related to the coronavirus by state and federal health authorities and government officials. Information will be updated at www.usi.edu/commencement
Virtual Events
Some events are being switched to a virtual format. Visit our events page.
All practices, competitions and tournaments for the remaining semester are canceled. All GLVC and NCAA tournaments are canceled.
Athletics camps scheduled for the summer remain in place. Camp organizers will communicate any changes, should they be necessary.
Questions related to USI Athletics should be directed to Jon Mark Hall, athletic director.
CLUB SPORTS/INTRAMURALS
All club sports and intramurals activities during the spring semester are canceled.
All University-sponsored or -led domestic and international travel of any kind is canceled for the remainder of the spring semester.
Summer study abroad programs are canceled.
General Information
Information provided by CDC
What is coronavirus?
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. It was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.
For the latest updates visit the websites of University Health Center or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How does it spread?
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
- The air by coughing and sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
- Rarely, fecal contamination
For the latest updates visit the website of University Health Center or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of coronavirus may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If you have traveled to any of the affected geographic regions and have symptoms, contact a healthcare provider.
For the latest updates visit the websites of University Health Center or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Where can I get more information?
For the latest updates visit the websites of University Health Center or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Information provided by CDC
What do I do if I feel sick?
It is important for the University to receive information about possible cases of COVID-19 in order to assess any immediate or future impact to the campus community. Contact the University Health Center at 812-465-1250.
Call 812-450-6555, 24 hours a day, to talk to a Deaconess triage nurse. If it is determined that you should be seen at a Deaconess facility, the nurse will give you instructions on where to go and what to do. There is a COVID-19 symptom checker in MyChart. Log-in now or use your MyChart app. You can also schedule a FREE Deaconess Clinic LIVE video visit appointment at www.deaconess.com/LIVE. These visits are currently offered at no cost to help screen patients in their homes during this active COVID-19 outbreak.
Call your doctor. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately.
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus, follow these steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Call ahead before visiting the doctor
- Wear a facemask
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid sharing personal household items
- Clean all high touch surfaces daily
- Monitor your symptoms
For more detailed information visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
I may have been exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?
Contact the University Health Center at 812-465-1250 to report.
The CDC has direct guidance for people who have had close contact with a person confirmed to have, or being evaluated for, COVID-19 available online.
I want to get tested for COVID-19. Where can I go?
At the current time, only emergency departments are testing. AND, only IF patients have symptoms and meet travel guidelines. All tests are sent to Indianapolis to be evaluated by the Indiana State Health Department. Call 812-450-6555, 24 hours a day, to talk to a Deaconess triage nurse. If it is determined that you should be seen at a Deaconess facility, the nurse will give you instructions on where to go and what to do. There is a COVID-19 symptom checker in MyChart. Log-in now or use your MyChart app. You can also schedule a FREE Deaconess Clinic LIVE video visit appointment at www.deaconess.com/LIVE. These visits are currently offered at no cost to help screen patients in their homes during this active COVID-19 outbreak.
How do I help prevent the spread of viruses, including coronavirus?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
- Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask
- The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Visit the CDC Prevention and Treatment page for more detailed information.
Should I wear a mask?
The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of becoming infected. The use of facemasks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).
How should I clean and disinfect communal spaces?
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Visit the CDC Prevention and Treatment page for more detailed information.
I feel anxious about coronavirus. What can I do?
Talk to your doctor about your concerns.
Visit the University Health Center website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site to stay up to date with the latest news and prevention information.
If you need to talk to someone, contact the USI Counseling Center or the Employee Assistance Program.
If your question is not addressed above, ask us here.
Weekly Updates
USI Community Update - Monday, April 6
USI Community Update - Monday, March 30
USI Community Update - Monday, March 23
Video Updates
April 8 - President Rochon Q & A with Retirees, Alumni and Donors
April 1 - President Rochon Q & A with Parents and Families
March 31 - President Rochon Q & A with Faculty, Staff, and Administrators
March 25 - President Rochon Q & A with Graduate Students and Undergraduate Seniors
March 26 - President Rochon Q & A with Undergraduate Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen
Recent Messages
Remote work for USI employees extended until April 30
March 31, 2020
Essential information for all members of the USI community regarding the remainder of the spring semester
March 17, 2020
Important COVID-19 update from USI President Ronald S. Rochon
March 12, 2020
The health and safety of the USI campus community is our top priority
March 10, 2020
COVID-19 Travel Update
March 6, 2020
Travel Safe This Spring Break
March 4, 2020
International Program/Travel Suspension
March 2, 2020
Health Alert: Coronavirus Declared Global Health Emergency
January 31, 2020
Resources
Indiana Department of Health Information
Wellbeing Resource Library from Intensive Care Society
USI Center for International Programs
Recent Messages
March 31, 2020
Remote work for USI employees extended until April 30
Today, I am announcing that the University will extend remote work for USI employees with return to campus planned, at this point, for Thursday, April 30. Limited authorized personnel only will remain on campus. This move aligns with the new federal guidance extending social distancing until April 30, as well as ongoing information from the scientific community that these actions can help save lives and protect our health during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
During this time, I want to remind all of you that, first and foremost, we need to be thinking about the safety, health and well-being of ourselves and our families. Beyond the challenges of adjusting to a remote work environment, many of you are faced with additional challenges like assisting with the education of your children and caring for extended family members. Regardless of your situation, this is a stressful time for all of us. I want you to know that we appreciate you. We understand what you are going through. We want you to be safe and well.
Know this, the work you have done and the sacrifices you have made during this transition have not gone unnoticed. I know there will be more challenges as we move forward. But I also know this University community has the grit and perseverance to overcome those challenges. We will get through this-together.
March 17, 2020
Essential information for all members of the USI community regarding the remainder of the spring semester:
The health and safety of the University of Southern Indiana campus community continues to be our top priority. In response to the rapidly changing environment created by the COVID-19 virus, the University is taking further immediate actions.
The move to online or alternative instruction, scheduled to begin Monday, March 23, will now extend through the end of the spring semester. Students with difficulty accessing online coursework should contact the Dean of Students Office.
The USI campus, including University-owned and -operated locations outside of campus, such as Innovation Pointe, New Harmony properties and the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences, will remain open only to authorized personnel beginning at the end of the scheduled workday, Tuesday, March 17 until Monday, April 6. The April 6 date is subject to change. Authorized employees will be limited, and you will be notified by your supervisor if you are required to fulfill that role. Access to the University will be granted by Public Safety only to authorized personnel at the roundabout entrance on University Boulevard.
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING TO CLOSE
USI will close on-campus housing effective immediately in order to facilitate social distancing. Procedures for an orderly move-out and transition, including retrieving essential items, will be provided to housing residents via email and on the Housing and Residence Life website by Wednesday, March 18. All move-outs should be completed no later than Sunday, March 22. Limited exceptions will be made only for students who do not have a permanent residence or cannot return to their permanent residence, including some international students. These students should complete a waiver form available in MyUSI through the housing portal.
All students who vacate housing will have their account credited for unoccupied days from Sunday, March 22 through Wednesday, May 6. After applying the credit, refunds, if applicable, will be received at a later date. Students who vacate housing will have the value of all meal plans converted to Munch Money. Students will have until the end of the fall 2020 semester to use this converted Munch Money.
WORKING REMOTELY / COMPENSATION
During the three-week period of March 17 through April 6, all University employees will continue to receive their normal rate of pay. Employees not authorized to work on campus are required to work remotely. Supervisors will provide assignments as needed and determine authorized personnel. Supervisors should be as flexible as possible, considering the nature of the work and whether the necessary tools and technology are available to allow employees to fully perform their job duties away from campus. In cases where necessary tools and technology are not available to fully perform job duties, alternative assignments will be provided to allow for remote work. Paid time off (i.e. vacation) will still be allowed with supervisor approval.
Employees should also be flexible regarding performing both the duties of their position and potential other assignments as needed and directed by their supervisor.
STUDENT EMPLOYEES
Student employees, including graduate assistants and on-campus interns, should contact their supervisor to determine possible remote work schedules.
EVENTS / COMMENCEMENT
All University events, including those hosted by registered student organizations or outside groups, are canceled for the remainder of the spring semester. The University is postponing Commencement until further notice.
TRAVEL
All University-sponsored or -led domestic and international travel of any kind is canceled for the remainder of the spring semester.
IN CLOSING
I value your continued commitment to our University’s community and its safety. This remains our unwavering goal and objective. Please exercise patience and grace as we navigate these uncharted territories moving forward. Thank you for your work and continued support of our collective efforts.
Ronald S. Rochon, PhD
USI President
March 12, 2020
Important COVID-19 update from USI President Ronald S. Rochon
While there are no cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 on the USI campus, we know there are multiple confirmed cases in the state of Indiana, and we expect that there will be more in the near future. We continue to align our recommendations with, and follow guidelines from, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other city, state and federal agencies.
Nothing is more important to me than the well-being of all members of our campus community. Given the recent escalation of this virus in the state and around the country and world, and with the health and safety of our students and campus community always top of mind.
Spring break for students has been extended one week through Sunday, March 22. While campus will remain open, all in-person courses will be moved to online or alternative delivery by Monday, March 23. Upon resuming coursework March 23, students should log in to Blackboard to find their courses and instructional information. Previously scheduled online courses, including those with a start date of March 16, will continue as scheduled unless otherwise communicated by the instructor. At this time, our plan is for classes to resume in person Monday, April 6.
During the extended spring break and online instruction period, campus will remain open and normal campus operations will continue. All employees are to report to work as usual. Faculty should use this time to move courses online and prepare for online instruction. Resources are available on the Online Learning website to aid faculty through this transition. Faculty should direct questions to their deans.
While these new measures will cause disruption, the risk of inaction outweighs the inconvenience of these temporary measures. The safety of our campus community is always our top priority. We require your cooperation, patience and collaboration to ensure an appropriate response across our institution to this rapidly changing situation.
March 10, 2020
The health and safety of the USI campus community is our top priority
The rapidly changing and escalating outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States and around the globe presents a unique set of challenges for the University of Southern Indiana as well as our community. The University is monitoring the situation daily and is following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Indiana State Department of Health and local healthcare providers. As the number of cases in the United States continues to grow, the University administration is convening regularly with key individuals, departments and resource providers to coordinate a plan of action to keep our community safe and allow classes and business operations to function as normally as possible. We will continue to update the campus community as more information, guidance and resources become available.
The health and safety of the USI campus community is our top priority
March 6, 2020
COVID-19 Travel Update
We have received some follow up questions since the announcement this week of suspension of all University of Southern Indiana-led and sponsored programs for both students and employees to any country the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or U.S. Department of State (DOS) deem a Level 3 risk - avoid all nonessential travel - or higher.
Employees may feel uneasy moving forward with upcoming domestic or international University business trips, even to currently unaffected locations, that were scheduled prior to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. I want to reassure you that you are not obligated to travel. In these cases, please work with Travel Procurement to determine if we can recoup some of the costs or re-appropriate flights, hotels and other bookings for a later date.
For those considering a trip over the next several months (both domestic and international), be aware of the latest travel advisories issued by the CDC. This information is changing rapidly. Of course, your safety should be the most important determinant for travel, but I also ask you to work closely with your dean or vice president to evaluate travel plans and ensure we are making wise use of University resources.
Based on CDC guidance, those who independently choose to travel to countries with a CDC Level 3 travel advisory or higher for COVID-19 must self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to campus. If after traveling to a CDC Level 3 country you get sick with fever, cough, or have trouble breathing, seek medical care and call ahead before you go to a doctor's office or emergency room.
Health providers continue to reinforce that adequate hand washing is the best way to help stop or slow the spread of respiratory infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
March 4, 2020
Travel Safe This Spring Break
There are still a couple days of study left this week, but I know that many of you are already thinking ahead to next week's Spring Break plans. I want to take a few minutes to encourage you to make good choices and be safe.
In addition to normal Spring Break precautions, I'm sure most of you are aware of the added travel risks related to the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Before you travel next week, especially outside the United States, be aware of the latest travel advisories issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and make informed choices about where you are traveling. This information is changing rapidly, so be sure to check for updates prior to your departure. If you feel you may have been exposed to the virus, or have any related symptoms, call the University Health Center at 812-465-1250 when you return to seek advice and treatment before returning to campus or visiting the Health Center in person.
A representative from the University Health Center will also be at today's Safe Spring Break Fair which runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Wednesday, March 4, in University Center East. I encourage all to attend. They will have hand sanitizer as well as printouts with information about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself from it. The Health Center will also have general safe travel tips and information about registering with the U.S. State Department when traveling abroad.
A full list of organizations presenting at the Safe Spring Break Fair:
- AIDS Resource Group Evansville
- Albion Fellows Bacon Center
- Counseling Center
- Public Safety
- Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center
- University Health Center
- Vanderburgh County Health Department
- Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office
Topics will be varied and will include travel safety and illness prevention, responsible alcohol use, personal safety, sexual health, sun safety and general wellness (sleep, stress and self-care).
Have a fun Spring Break, make good choices, be safe and come back healthy for the end of the semester.
March 2, 2020
International Program / Travel Suspension
The University of Southern Indiana is suspending, until further notice, all University-led and sponsored programs to any country the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or U.S. Department of State (DOS) deem a Level 3 risk - avoid all nonessential travel - or higher.
As you are likely aware, there is an ongoing outbreak of a respiratory illness, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), first identified in Wuhan, China. Guidance from the CDC and DOS is being updated frequently, as this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation.
At this time, one University of Southern Indiana student, who traveled in preparation to study abroad in South Korea, has returned to the United States following the suspension of that program by the sponsoring organization, ISEP. Although not required by health officials, the student will self-quarantine for 14 days off campus and will be monitored by the Vanderburgh County Health Department.
While health officials believe the immediate risk of this new coronavirus to the American public is low at this time, everyone can do their part to respond to this emerging public health threat:
- It is currently flu and respiratory disease season and the CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs and taking flu antivirals, if prescribed.
- Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
Further information is available on the University Health Center, U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.
USI has an active task force that monitors possible health concerns, like coronavirus, and will continue to provide education to the campus community as necessary.
January 31, 2020
Health Alert: Coronavirus Declared Global Health Emergency
On Thursday, January 30, the World Health Organization declared the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) a global health emergency. While there have been no suspected or confirmed cases of the virus at the University of Southern Indiana, the University Health Center is urging the entire campus community to be aware of the signs, systems, treatment and prevention of the illness.
The CDC has issued a warning advising people to avoid all non-essential travel to the Wuhan, Hubei Province of China where the newly discovered respiratory virus originated. The virus has been identified as the cause of thousands of confirmed cases of illness and multiple deaths in China, as well as several cases in other countries, including the United States.
University Health Center staff, as well as others at USI, are actively monitoring the situation. At the current time, there are no USI students or faculty studying or teaching abroad in China. USI's Center for International Programs, including Study Abroad, is in contact with international organizations, the CDC and others to deem when travel to the country will be safe again. Several international study abroad organizations have already suspended spring programs in China.
The University Health Center has also added screening questions to its intake process to help identify anyone who might have come into contact with the virus. If you feel that you or someone you know may have come into contact with the virus, seek a medical evaluation immediately and notify the University Health Center or other University officials to help stop any potential spread.
More information about coronavirus, its symptoms, common forms of transmission and preventative steps has been posted on the USI Health Center website. Additional information can also be found at the links below:
CDC: Up-to-date information from the CDC related to coronavirus
Health Department: Information from the Indiana State Department of Health
Flu Cases on the Rise
You may have seen it in the news, or even know a friend or family member who has suffered. Flu season is here. Several local school systems have recently closed to battle flu outbreaks. We can all do our part to stay healthy and stop the spread of flu and other illness during this time of year. More information about flu prevention has been posted on the USI Health Center website.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot. Flu shots are still available at the University Health Center for $25. Insurance is accepted. If you are on the Office Visit Plan (OVP), the flu shot is free. If you are a USI employee on the Anthem Medical Plan, bring your insurance card and receive a flu shot at no cost to you.
The University Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and no appointment is necessary to receive your vaccine. If you have questions, contact the University Health Center at 812-465-1250 or visit online at USI.edu/healthcenter. The Health Center is located in the lower level of the Health Professions Center, Room 0091.