What is Connections?
USU 1010: Connections is a two-credit academic course designed to ease your student's transition to Utah State. Connections is optional but highly recommended to learn exactly what it takes to be successful at USU and beyond. The course ends with a unique luminary procession - a reverse image of the commencement ceremony that will signify the end of their college career - a favorite of many Aggies.
"My instructor was very effective in helping me transition to Utah State University. She helped us know how to read a class syllabus and encouraged us to stay organized. She gave us a taste of different programs we can become involved in, such as the Honors Program, the Service-Learning Program, and the Study Abroad Program."
What Can My Student Expect?
- 2 Credit Academic Course
- Ease into college life at USU
- Discussing the purpose of higher education
- Discussing habits of mind
- Interactive learning
- Navigating online tools
- Find classes and resources on campus
- Class of approximately 30 students
- A faculty mentor
- A peer mentor
2023 Luminary Event at Utah State University
Academics
Along with graduation requirements listed in the catalog, all students must complete university studies requirements, which are tracked in each student's Degree Works profile.
Why Students Need General Education Course
Students and parents sometimes question the need for general education classes that appear to have little relevance to a student's major or career. The data in the table below demonstrates the remarkable overlap between the 21st century job skills and general education outcomes.
Hiring Manager's Desired Skills From Graduates
- Written (78%) and oral communication (90%)
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning (84%)
- Ability to work with numbers and stats (55%)
- Broad knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences (78%)
- Global issues and knowledge about societies and cultures outside the US (23%)
- Ethical judgment and decision-making (87%)
- Information literacy (79%)
- Civic knowledge, skills essential for contributing to the community and our democratic society (86%)
- Solving complex problems (70%) and analyzing and problem-solving with people from different backgrounds (73%)
- Stay current on changing tech/applications to workplace (73%)
General Education Outcomes
- Written (99%) and oral communication skills (75%)
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning (98%) • Quantitative reasoning skills (94%)
- Knowledge of science, mathematics, humanities, and arts (85-92%)
- Knowledge of global world cultures (89%)
- Ethical reasoning skills (75%)
- Information literacy skills (76%)
- Civic engagement and competence (63%)
- Integration of learning across disciplines (68%) and application beyond the classroom (65%)
- Knowledge of technology (49%)
Sources:
Association of American Colleges & Universities National Key findings of Member Institutions
Academic Resources
General Catalog
catalog.usu.edu
Find policies and procedures as well as program and course information.
Degree Finder
usu.edu/degrees
Degree Finder helps students search through over 159 undergraduate degrees to find their perfect fit.
Degree Works
This degree-auditing report shows students' progress toward graduation. It allows them to look at other majors to see how many of the requirements they have fulfilled. It also has a planning tool that can allow students and advisors to plan schedules for future semesters.
Degree Works can be found in the student's Banner account in myUSU.
Finances
Undergraduate Cost of Attendance
Paying for college can be a source of apprehension for both parents and students. Let us take some of the mystery out of the process by explaining the charges you can expect.
Learn more at usu.edu/financial-support/coa
Tuition and Fees
Each year the university publishes a tuition and fee table outlining charges students pay based on the number of credits they take. These charts show not only tuition, but also student fees each student pays per semester to maintain campus services and resources. Some courses also have additional course fees for things not covered by tuition, such as lab supplies or PE equipment.
- In addition to these regular tuition and fees, there will also be differential tuition for certain courses.
- Students who live out of state are charged special tuition-only rates for online courses.
- Charges listed below are per semester. More information can be found at usu.edu/registrar/payment
Credit Load
Because 12-18 credits are the same price, students can save thousands of dollars in tuition and fees by taking 15 credits each semester, rather than 12. Every student is different, but overall, students who take 15 credits have higher GPAs than those who take less.
| Credits | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Credits Per Semester (5 years) | $42,797.80 | $124,963.50 |
| 15 Credits Per Semester (4 years) | $34,238.24 | $99,970.80 |
| Difference | $8,559.56 | $24,992.70 |
Savvy Ways to Finance College
- Complete the FAFSA
- Apply for scholarships
- Meet with a Financial Coach
Financial Aid (FAFSA)
usu.edu/financial-support/financialaid
Complete a FAFSA as early as possible to help you plan financially for the upcoming school year and meet tuition deadlines. The application is free and online at fafsa.gov. Financial Aid Counselors can answer questions about federal aid, and help you and your student navigate the process of paying for college.
Grants
Free money funded by the government.
Federal Work Study
Job-based funding for students with financial need that allows them to earn money to help pay education expenses. FAFSA submission in required.
Educational Loans
Borrowed money that is required to be repaid later on. Student loans, private loans, and parent loans are available to help cover education-related expenses.
Scholarships
usu.edu/scholarships
With a few exceptions, incoming student scholarships have been awarded by the time Aggie Orientation begins. Incoming students were awarded scholarships according to the parameters listed on the admissions page, provided they applied for USU by the deadline. Incoming and continuing students can apply for USU college and departmental scholarships, as well as third party private awards, by accessing the USU General Scholarship Application at usu.edu/scholarships.
Students can check with their local city offices, financial institutions, and employers to see if they offer scholarships
Student Employment
usu.edu/career-design-center
The Career Design Center oversees student employment, and helps students find on-campus, off-campus, and work-study jobs through the Aggie Handshake link in the MyUSU portal. We recommend full-time students work no more than 20 hours per week in order to maintain balance.
Student Money Management Center
usu.edu/smmc
The Student Money Management Center (SMMC) helps students assess where they are at financially, make plans for where they want to be, and what they want to accomplish. Financial coaches provide free, one-on-one counseling sessions to USU students.
Create a Monthly Budget
Increase Your Revenue
Decrease Your Expenses
Create a Yearlong Plan to Pay for College
Learn the Pros and Cons of Student Loans
Learn About Debt Repayment Plans
Scheduling Appointments
usu.edu/smmc
It's normal for students and their parents to have questions about how to finance expenses while in college. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a USU Financial Coach to create a personalized spending plan. Appointments are available in person on the Logan and Eastern campuses, or virtually via Zoom.
Other Expenses
Textbooks and Course Materials
approx. $250 per semester
Aggie Access provides students taking undergraduate courses (level 0000-5999) with all required textbooks each semester for a flat rate of $250 for Fall, $250 for Spring, and $150 for Summer.
Parking
On-campus Permit: $90-300/school year. Visit parking.usu.edu for more information.
Save money by leaving the car at home and using Logan’s fare-free bus system or Aggie Blue Bike’s free bike rental.
Housing and Dining
Prices vary based on room preference and meal plan.
On-campus housing includes city utilities, gas, internet, and free laundry facilities.
Save money by using the Aggie Express account for regular food purchases. around campus.
Account Summary
TouchNet is a 24 hour service offered to students and their families for viewing bills, making payments, and managing their student account. Students can authorize other individuals, such as parents or grandparents, to create their own login credentials to view and make payments on the student’s behalf.
usu.edu/registrar/tuition
Payment Plans
Students may choose to pay monthly installments to cover tuition, student body, and class fees - plus on-campus housing and meal plans - throughout the semester, rather than all at once.
usu.edu/payment-plan
Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation provides wellness and healthy lifestyle-oriented programs, events, and services to USU students.
Aggie Recreation Center (ARC)
Our 105,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility offers plenty of features and gives students a space to recharge the body, and clear the mind.
- 50 Foot climbing wall & rappel ledge
- Indoor/outdoor basketball
- Elevated indoor track
- Weight & cardio rooms
- Lighted sand volleyball
- Fitness studios & classes
Outdoor Programs (OP)
Located inside the ARC, OP offers all of the gear students need for camping, climbing, winter excursions, or a day trip on the water.
Students also get a 35% discount on all equipment rentals.
Our guided trips offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience to meet friends, create long-lasting memories, and explore new adventures.
- Bike & Climb in Moab
- Canoe in Labyrinth Canyon
- Snowshoe in Logan Canyon
- Kayak at Lake Powell
- Ski in Bear River Backcountry
Aquatics
Students have access to a 6-lane, 25-yard lap pool and leisure pool. Campus Recreation also offers swim lessons, CPR, and lifeguard courses.
Club Sports
A competitive outlet for students to test their individual and team skills against club teams from other universities. Sports include baseball, cycling, hockey, lacrosse, rodeo, rugby, ultimate, volleyball, and more.
Intramural
Students can compete with their friends (or make new friends) on campus through our intramural leagues and tournaments. Sports include flag football, soccer, and volleyball, basketball and more.
Fitness & Wellness
For students looking to move their body, we offer group fitness classes (HIIT, Yoga, HIGH Fit, etc.) personal training, and special events.
Nutrition
To expand their nutrition knowledge, students can meet with a registered dietitian, attend workshops, and participate in cooking demos.
E-Sports
Students can play organized video games in a recreational but competitive atmosphere during single-day tournaments and community hours at our Esports Lab.
Student Involvement
USU Student Association (USUSA)
Every student at USU is a member of the student association. As such, they can actively participate in all activities, committees, clubs, events, and initiatives. Participation fosters a sense of belonging and community, develops skills highly sought after by employers, and encourages personal growth and exploration beyond academics. USUSA is an organization made by the students, for the students.
List of Student Clubs & Organizations
Student Government
usu.edu/involvement/student-association- Executive Leadership Board
- Logan Executive Council
- Statewide Executive Council
- Student Events Committees
Spirit Squad
usu.edu/involvement/spirit-squad- Cheer Squad Co-ed
- Mascot: Big Blue
- Aggiette Dance Team
Fraternities & Sororities
usu.edu/involvement/fsl- Alpha Chi Omega
- Kappa Delta
- Sigma Alpha
- Alpha Sigma Phi
- Phi Gamma Delta
- Pi Kappa Alpha
- Sigma Phi Epsilon
- Order of Omega
Annual Events
usu.edu/involvement/events- Weeks of Welcome
- Day on the Quad
- Homecoming Week
- The HOWL
- Casino Night
- Poetry & a Beverage (PoBev)
- Robins Awards
- End of Year Bash
- Traditions Week
Student Clubs & Organizations
involvement.usu.edu/clubs
Cheer with the HURD
usu.edu/involvement/hurd
Renowned nationally, our student section stands out as one of the best, supporting athletic and campus recreation events.
ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO
More than 200 student activities and events per year.
JOIN A CLUB
Over 100 student run clubs with over 6,000 active members.
GET FUNDED
Over $500,000 awarded scholarships and funding yearly.
Earn Service Hours
Over 15,000 hours of service provided across all groups.
Student Involvement & Leadership Office
TSC 326
(435)-797-2912
involvement@usu.edu
involvement.usu.edu
Aggie Blue Leadership Conference
August 19-20, 2024 USU’s premier student leadership conference targeted toward incoming freshmen. For students interested in leadership and becoming student leaders. Registration is $75 and includes meals, t-shirt and other conference supplies.
Student ID Card
USU Card Office
A Passport to Campus
The USU Card is the official ID card of all USU students, faculty and staff. It functions as a library, meal, activities, recreation center card, computer access, health center, print and copy card, and more. It also tracks Dining Dollars and Aggie Express declining balance accounts and meal plans. The USU ID card will be located digitally on a student's phone, but they can pick up a hard copy of needed.
Student Charge Accounts
Get your course materials and then pay all educational expenses at a more convenient time. Students can charge textbooks and other course related materials to their USU ID card through the Campus Store.
The USU Card Office Also Provides
- U.S. Passport Services
- Student Event Ticket Sales
- Aggie Express
- Credit card and ID Card Reader
- Rental Devices
- Dining Dollars
- Meal Plans
Aggie Express & Dining Dollars
Aggie Express and Dining Dollars are debit accounts stored on your student's ID card. Accepted at many locations around campus. Funds carry over from semester to semester. Add money to your student's Dining Dollars and Aggie Express account at the following locations:
- USU Card Office or online at usucard.usu.edu
- Aggie Express deposit machines in the TSC (1st floor by Quickstop) and the Library (left inside entrance by the Information Center)
- For Meal Plan information, see Campus Dining section
Dining Dollars
Get a 10% discount at Logan campus dining locations. Use them at the cafés, convenience stores, food court, and concessions for a quick snack or meal.
Aggie Express
Use Aggie Express at many locations on campus, including the Campus Store, Print and Copy Center, computer labs, outdoor recreation, engineering stores, concessions, catering, and the purchase student event tickets in the Transact Mobile Ordering app.
Career Design Center
Career Design Center
University Inn, 102
(435)-797-7777
career.services@usu.edu
Work Study & On-Campus Jobs
The USU Career Design Center manages Work Study and all on-campus student employment. Visit usu.joinhandshake.com to see the list of all available student jobs on campus.Career Fairs
Over half of USU students get their first professional internship or full-time job in their major from Career Fairs! Visit the Events page on our website to learn when they're happening.Resume Review Drop-Ins
The Career Design Center has daily drop-in hours to help your student edit or craft effective application materials when applying for jobs. Go to usu.edu/career to see updated hours every semester.Career Coaching
USU has professional Career Specialists who are assigned to each college at the university. These Career Specialists are experts on how to effectively launch from college to career in their given field, and can teach your student best practices for making the transition through 1-on-1 career coaching.Map/Transportation
Getting Around
Students do not need a car at USU! Save on parking and contribute to cleaner air by using the many free ways to get around Logan. Many students living in the neighborhoods surrounding campus use the CVTD or Aggie Shuttle to get to campus.
Cache Valley Transit Center (CVTD)
One of the nation’s only fare-free bus systems transports students from one end of the valley to the other for free. Find routes, schedules, and a bus-tracking phone app at cvtdbus.org
Aggie Shuttle
Natural gas-powered shuttles run several routes near and around campus. Track the bus at aggiebus.com
Aggie Blue Bikes
Free bike rentals for students and staff, plus education and expertise to help tune, repair, and maintain bicycles.
Visit the abb.usu.edu