University Services

Eli M. Oboler Library Building

The University Library offers the graduate student an excellent environment for study and research. The library contains special study rooms, seminar rooms, a special map collection, instructional material center, periodical and book collections, and micro-reading facilities.

The general collection consists of 360,000 volumes of books, 3,400 subscriptions to periodicals and serials, with a periodical backfile of 60,000 volumes. In addition, there are 400,000 government documents in paper and over a million such documents in microform. ISU was designated a federal depository for publications in 1908 and an Idaho state publication depository in 1972. There are several special collections including the outstanding Glenn E. Tyler Collection of 22,000 books and manuscripts on the history of science and medicine, the Reformation, and ancient history. More than 100 rare volumes exist in this collection including the collected sermons of Calvin on the Book of Job, printed in 1584. The library currently subscribes to 108 print indexes and holds some 5,500 volumes of such indexes. Complete database searching facilities are available in which a full spectrum of on-line databases are used. Other services are reference, interlibrary loan and photoduplication.

Computing Services

The Computer Service Center, located on the lowest level of the Business Administration Building, provides computer time, consulting, programming services, workshops, on-line tutorials, and generalized software packages such as statistical and simulation systems for students and faculty. The Center also provides support for small and large software systems used for research activities that are unique to the department or college. The Academic User Services staff consists of six full-time computer professionals with a variety of backgrounds, and all assist faculty with their computerized research needs.

There are seven Microcomputer Labs located in four different locations on campus equipped with DOS-based microcomputers, Apple Macintosh computers, and X-Terminals. The Computer Services labs are staffed seven days a week. In addition, several departments and colleges maintain computing facilities for student use. A variety of software and services are available, including database software, electronic mail, graphics, ISU On-Line Library Catalog, Pascal, statistical and simulation packages, and a variety of CD-ROM applications. Modem access is also avail. To use the Microcomputer Labs, you must have a Novell LAN account, available for a $10.00 per semester fee ($5.00 for summer session.)

The library catalog is on-line to over 700 workstations on campus which enables students and faculty to search the library's holdings quickly for materials needed for their studies or research.

Student Health Center Services

The ISU Health Center provides quality health care and pharmacy services at affordable cost. With respect to medical care, office calls are free to all students who pay full ISU fees whether or not they elect to carry ISU Student Health Insurance. The optional ASISU Student Health Insurance is designed to provide comprehensive health care coverage. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, x-rays, and laboratory work are available at greatly reduced rated. Part-time students (paying for at least one credit) and spouses of full-time students receive medical care for a minimal clinic fee. Students are seen on a walk-in basis or by appointment for most medical services.

The Student Pharmacy provides low-cost prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter medications at reduced costs. Students may wish to transfer prescriptions to the Student Pharmacy while they are attending ISU. All ISU students, both full and part-time can use the Student Pharmacy.

Counseling and Testing Center

The Center for Counseling and Testing Services provides personal counseling and individual assessments to assist students in coping with psychological, emotional and interpersonal stress. Crisis intervention and consultation with concerned faculty and staff regarding student's needs are two other important services available. Counseling staff also teach course such as stress management, career and life planning, and self-fulfilling behavior. In addition, many personal development groups are offered each semester on such topics as assertiveness, couples communication skills, interpersonal communication skills, self-esteem, grief, etc. Women's and men's support groups are also part of the Center services. Most services are on an appointment or sign-up basis. Individual counseling, personal development and support groups are available to and free for ISU students paying full-time fees, and faculty and staff.

The Center administers over 50 national and several institutional tests, including those for graduate school and professional school admission such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT), Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT), etc., teacher certification (NTE), and professional certification exams (Real Estate, Social Work, Dental Hygiene, etc.).

Other Student Services

In addition to the services mentioned above, general student services available on campus are: the Academic Skills Center, which offers programs in study skills, reading, writing, mathematics, and English for speakers of other languages, and includes individualized instruction, tutoring, and workshops; the Career Planning and Placement Center, which provides career guidance to students and alumni in both individual and group settings; the Center of Services for Students with Disabilities, assisting students with accommodations for disabilities; the ASISU Early Leaning Center/Baby U, which provides child care for children six weeks of age through elementary school while their parents attend classes or work at the university; the International Students Advisor, providing support and guidance to ISU's international students; the Student Employment Center assisting student seeking employment while enrolled at the university and providing lists of summer employment opportunities for Idaho and other states; the ISU University Bookstore, which carries a selection of textbooks, computers, office supplies, ISU clothing, and general interest books.

Recreational Services

There is a wide complement of recreational opportunities for students at ISU. The Recreational Facility in Reed Gym, and the Holt Sports Arena provide indoor running tracks, indoor tennis courts, racquetball courts, swimming pools, weight and exercise rooms, and a full component of special exercise classes. The ISU Fitness/Wellness Center, located in Reed Gym, helps students maintain desired levels of health and fitness through a wide variety of classes, including high and low impact aerobics, aquacise, and aerobic theatre. In addition, a highly regarded Outdoor Program is available to members of the university community. The office for the outdoor program is located in the Student Union Building. Throughout the year activities and classes are organized in such outdoor pursuits as canoeing, kayaking, cross country skiing, rock and mountain climbing, hiking, camping trips, and river float trips. In addition, equipment may be rented for wilderness trips at nominal cost from the Wilderness Equipment Rental Center in the Student Union. The Student Union Crafts Shop, located in the lower level of the Student Union Building, offers a wide variety of workshops and classes in most craft areas to students, faculty, staff, and community in a casual learning environment.