United States University

United States University is a regionally accredited, student-centered university that empowers every student to succeed. We offer an accessible, nurturing and student-focused education experience to any student – regardless of circumstance – who desires progress in their personal or professional lives. Our diverse faculty forge personal relationships with students, mentoring them throughout their entire educational journey. With small class sizes, 24/7 access and support, and scholarship opportunities, USU is an inclusive community of learning dedicated to the personal and professional growth of our students and graduates.

Our students will achieve their fullest potential to live, work and lead within the global community.

United States University provides professional and personal educational opportunities, with a special outreach to underserved groups. Through campus and online courses, the University offers affordable, relevant and accessible undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates in a supportive student-centered learning environment.

United States University believes that education is the key that unlocks opportunity for all people – regardless of ethnicity, economic status or native language. USU provides a quality and affordable education to anyone who desires progress in their life or career – whether they are building on an existing education or seeking a chance to start over. USU’s primary goal is to ensure the success of its students. We know that each student is different, with unique needs and circumstances – whether it be language barriers, busy schedules or financial needs. Our degree and professional certificate programs combine in-classroom sessions and one-on-one support with online learning to offer students flexibility and accessibility. USU offers career counseling at the time of admission, so that students can focus their efforts. Our small class sizes and low student/teacher ratio foster a collaborative, welcoming atmosphere where students can learn and progress – and where no one is left behind. Our diverse and dedicated faculty take into account the individual needs of each student, and forge personal relationships that extend far beyond classroom. USU is committed to providing a foundation for success and an opportunity for lifelong learning to each and every student.

The University is committed to upholding a learning environment in which all members of the community are held to the highest standards of conduct consistent with respect for the law, fulfillment of contractual obligations, consideration for the rights of others, and a high level of personal integrity. All members of the University may face sanctions when not behaving in a manner consistent with the mission and policies of United States University both on- and off-campus.

United States University offers credit bearing programs and courses in semester credit hour system. A semester is composed of two sessions of 8 weeks (a total of 16 weeks). At USU, one credit hour is defined as 15 hours of direct faculty instruction and a minimum 30 hours of out-of-class student work for the 8 weeks session.

USU’s definition of a credit hour is consistent with the federal regulation (CFRs 600.2 and 600.4), which defines the credit hour as “the amount of work represented intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than:

• One hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester or trimester hour of credit, or ten to twelve weeks for one quarter hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time;
• At least an equivalent amount of work as required in paragraph (1) of this definition for other academic activities as established by the institution, including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.”

One hour of direct faculty instruction is equal to 50 minutes of classroom time. In courses in which direct instruction does not apply, a credit hour may be measured by an equivalent amount of work, as demonstrated by student achievement.

For nursing laboratory and clinical courses, one credit is awarded for 48 hours of supervised laboratory or clinical instruction.

The Student Services Department consists of Academic and International Student Advisors. Student Services works with every student to orient them to the University and understand policy and procedures. Among other services, Academic Advisors assist our students to develop and accomplish academic goals, utilize and access student success resources, assisting with Faculty outreach, registration questions, and tutoring services.

Our goal is to guide you successfully through your program and help you get the answers you need along the way. We encourage you to reach out as soon as you have questions about your education. Common areas that we can assist with are:

• Utilizing and accessing student success resources
• Helping you understand policies and procedures
• Assisting with Professor Outreach
• Future registration questions
• One-on-one advising

The United States University Library mission is to support the learning, research, and academic success of the students, faculty, and alumni. Through campus and online information literacy, the library responds to the information needs of the USU community with a supportive student- and learning-centered approach.

The academic curricula are supported by access to online databases subscribed to by the University, and by text-based, recorded, and interactive web-based information literacy training. The comprehensive information literacy training program supports student research: the librarian provides research assistance in person, by telephone, by email, and by webinar; a virtual reference service is also available seven days a week to assist students and faculty.