Academic Requirements
The graduation requirements are those common to all bachelors degrees. The General Education Requirements are course distribution requirements for particular degrees. Departmental graduation requirements are course concentration requirements for a major in particular field of study. Graduation and General Education Requirements are listed below. Departmental graduation requirements are listed under the college to which the department belongs.
General Education Requirements
To express ideas in clear, logical, and grammatically correct written English. Criteria for courses: Courses in expository writing fulfill this requirement. The skills learned in these courses are those that are readily adaptable to any situation in which one must communicate in writing. Writing courses designed to meet the special needs of one discipline do not fulfill this requirement. Credits required: Variable, depending on whether the student is placed in ENGL 51 (non-credit), ENGL 101, or ENGL 201. Goal 1 is satisfied when the student has passed ENGL 201 with a grade of C or better.
Placement:
Qualified students may bypass ENGL 101 by three means:
To express ideas clearly, correctly, logically, and persuasively in spoken English. Criteria for courses: Courses which fulfill this requirement are those in which students develop skills appropriate to formal and informal, public and private oral discourse. Students study and practice the principles of interpersonal communication, small group dynamics, expository speaking, argumentation, and persuasion. Courses designed to meet the special needs of one discipline do not fulfill this requirement. Credits required: 2 or satisfactory completion of a proficiency examination administered by the Department of Communication and Theatre. Courses satisfying the goal:
SPCH 101 Principles of Speech 2 cr
To gain an understanding of mathematics as a language in which to express, define, and answer questions about the world. Criteria for courses: Courses which fulfill the requirement (1) require a basic high school algebra background as defined by a placement exam or satisfactory completion of MATH 111 or 117, (2) demonstrate the power and beauty of mathematics as a creative process, and (3) acquaint the student with a significant body of mathematical language, models, and methods. Credits required: Satisfactory score on departmental placement examination or passing grade in Mathematics 111 or 117, AND 3 credits.
(Note: On February 6, 2003, the Registrar discovered that four lines were missing from this document as compared with the printed 1993-1994 catalog. It is unknown how this came about, or how long it was this way, but it is known that from time to time the computer improperly transfers text, providing a horizontal line and the words "Transfer Interrupted!" in place of about 2-4 lines of text. Possibly this happened here, and the text was not recovered. The text discovered to be missing is shown here in red.)
Courses satisfying the goal: MATH 120 Essentials of Calculus 4 cr MATH 140 Mathematics in the Modern World 3 cr MATH 250 Finite Mathematics 4 cr MATH 252 Introduction to Statistics 3 cr
To understand how the biological sciences explain the natural world. Criteria for courses: Courses in the biological sciences which fulfill this requirement (1) examine the processes by which scientific knowledge is gained, (2) introduce the basic concepts and terminology of the biological sciences, and (3) explore how scientific knowledge influences human society. Credits required: 4 credits. Courses satisfying the goal (choose one):
BIOS 101, 102 General Zoology plus Lab 4 cr BIOS 103, 104 General Botany plus Lab 4 cr BIOS 120 Biology and Human Concerns 4 cr BIOS 201 Heredity and Its Implications 4 cr
To understand how the physical sciences explain the natural world. Criteria for courses: Courses in the physical sciences which fulfill this requirement (1) examine the processes by which scientific knowledge is gained, (2) introduce the basic concepts and terminology of one or more of the physical sciences, and (3) explore how scientific knowledge influences human society. Credits required: 4 credits. Courses satisfying the goal (choose one):
CHEM 105 Architecture of Matter 4 cr GEOL 106, 107 General Geology plus Lab 4 cr GEOL 115 Physical Geography 4 cr PHYS 110 Essentials of Physics 4 crPHYS 152, 153 Descriptive Astronomy
plus Lab 4 cr
To understand the creative processes, the aesthetic principles
and the historical traditions of one or more of the fine arts.
Criteria for courses: Courses in the fine arts disciplines which
fulfill this requirement (1) demonstrate the creative processes
and the aesthetic principles artists employ, (2) demonstrate how
art both reflects and shapes human and artistic values, (3)
introduce students to the work of major artists. Performing and
studio courses do not fulfill this requirement. Credits
required: 3 credits
Courses satisfying the goal (choose one):
ARCH 261 Survey of Architecture 3 cr ARCH 262 Survey of Architecture 3 crARCH/AMST 263 History of American
Architecture 3 cr
ART 108 Introduction to Visual Arts 3 cr
AMST/ART/ History and Appreciation of
M C 210 Photography 3 cr
ART 221 Survey of Art 3 cr
ART 222 Survey of Art 3 cr
ENGL/THEA 205 Art of the Film I 3 cr
MUSC 105 Introduction to Music 3 cr
AMST/MUSC 106 American Music 3 cr
P E 201 Survey of Dance 3 cr
THEA 101 Appreciation of Dramatic Arts 3 cr
A student may elect to take both of the following courses to satisfy Goals 6 and 7 (see course description):
HUM 101 Intro to the Humanities 3 cr HUM 102 Intro to the Humanities 3 cr
To understand how major works of literature explore the human
condition and examine human values. Criteria for courses:
Courses which fulfill this requirement (1) emphasize major
writers and major genres, (2) emphasize how literary artists
contribute to understanding the human condition. Courses devoted
to the study of a single literary figure, a single genre, or a
single national literature do not fulfill this requirement.
Credits required: 3 credits.
Courses satisfying the goal (choose one):
ENGL 110 Intro to Literature 3 cr ENGL 115 Major Themes in Literature 3 cr ENGL 255 World Literature 3 cr ENGL 256 World Literature 3 cr
A student may elect to take both of the following courses to satisfy Goals 6 and 7 (see course description):
HUM 101 Intro to the Humanities 3 cr HUM 102 Intro to the Humanities 3 cr
To understand how major philosophies influence human thought and behavior. Criteria for courses: Courses which fulfill this requirement (1) examine a broad range of topics leading to or issuing from major philosophical questions, (2) emphasize the works of major philosophers. Credits required: 3 credits. Courses satisfying the goal:
PHIL 151 Western Thought 3 cr
To understand the history and culture of the United States.
Criteria for courses: Courses which fulfill this requirement
stress the interaction of ideas, events, and environment which
have been significant in molding the nations culture and history
through time. Courses which consider one or two narrow aspects
of American history or culture do not fulfill this requirement.
Credits required: 3 credits.
Courses satisfying the goal (choose one):
AMST 200 Intro to American Studies 3 cr AMST/HIST 121 U.S. to 1865 3 cr AMST/HIST 122 U.S. Since 1865 3 cr
To understand cultures other than that of the United States.
Criteria for courses: Courses which fulfill this requirement (1)
concern themselves with one or more significant contemporary or
past cultures other than that of the United States, (2) are
broad studies of that culture, and (3) integrate intellectual,
cultural, and historical developments of the culture. Studies of
one aspect of a foreign culture do not fulfill this requirement.
Credits required: 3 credits.
Courses satisfying the goal (choose one):
ANTH 237 People and Cultures of the
Old World 3 cr
AMST/ANTH 238 Peoples and Cultures of the
New World 3 cr
LANG 207 Contemporary European Culture 3 cr
HIST 101 Foundation of Western
Civilization 3 cr
HIST 102 Development of Western
Civilizaton 3 cr
HIST 251 Latin American Civilization 3 cr
HIST 252 East Asian History 3 cr
HIST 254 Middle Eastern Civilization 3 cr
HIST 255 African History and Culture 3 cr
and/or
To develop communication skills in a foreign language and an understanding of its cultural context. Criteria for courses: Courses which fulfill this requirement are those that (1) stress spoken and written communication in a single foreign language; (2) examine the languages grammatical structure in comparison with English; (3) treat the foreign language as a significant aspect of civilization; and (4) foster an appreciation for the cultural heritage of people from a different ethnic environment. Credits required: 8 credits in a single language or satisfactory completion of a proficiency examination administered by the Department of Foreign Languages. Non-native speakers of English, i.e. students who grew up in a non-English speaking country and learned English as their second language fulfill Goal 10-B by passing ENGL 101 and 201. Courses satisfying the goal (choose one language):
LANG 100-110 Elementary Latin 8 cr LANG 101-102 Elementary French 8 cr LANG 103-104 Elementary German 8 cr LANG 105-106 Elementary Russian 8 cr LANG 108-109 Elementary Spanish 8 cr LANG 251-252 Intermediate French 8 cr LANG 253-254 Intermediate German 8 cr LANG 255-256 Intermediate Russian 8 cr LANG 258-259 Intermediate Spanish 8 cr
To understand how political and/or economic organizations,
structures, and institutions function and influence human
thought and behavior. Criteria for courses: Courses in
government and/or economics which fulfill this requirement (1)
examine significant economic or political institutions; and (2)
demonstrate the function and prcesses of those institutions
through methods of these social sciences. Courses which focus on
narrow aspects of the economic or political systems or which are
of a current, topical nature do not fulfill this requirement.
Credits required: 3 credits.
Courses satisfying the goal (choose one):
ECON 100 Economic Issues 3 cr
ECON 201 Economic Principles and
Problems 3 cr
ECON 202 Economic Principles and
Problems 3 cr
AMST/POLS 101 Intro to American
Government 3 cr
To understand how people function within society. Criteria for courses: Courses in sociology, psychology, and/or anthropology which fulfill this requirement (1) emphasize individual or group behavior, and (2) demonstrate central analytical approaches used in these social sciences. Courses which focus on narrow aspects of sociology, psychology, or anthropology or which are of a current topical nature do not fulfill this requirement. Credits required: 3 credits. Courses satisfying the goal (choose one):
ANTH 100 General Anthropology 3 cr PSYC 111 Intro Psychology I 3 cr PSYC 112 Intro Psychology II 3 cr SOC 101 Intro to Sociology 3 cr SOC 112 Social Problems 3 cr
Specific General Education Requirements
In addition to required courses in their major field of study, all students graduating from Idaho State University with a bachelors or associates degree must complete specified General Education Requirements. These General Educatin Requirements vary from one college to another. Specific General Education Requirements in each college, together with requirements for particular major fields of study, are detailed in the appropriate section relating to each college. The following goal statements provide a reference for the description of General Education Requirements for each degree.
Bachelor Degrees
Bachelor of Arts
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete all Goals (i.e., Goals 1-9, 10A AND 10B, and 11-12), while those in other colleges must complete Goals 1-9, 10A OR 10B, and 11-12. Bachelor of Science Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree must complete Goals 1, 2, and 3; Goals 4 and 5, or 12 hours in the physical or biological sciences; two of Goals 6, 7, and 8; and three of Goals 9, 10A OR 10B, 11, and 12.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Studies
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies must complete Goals 1 through 12. Specific requirements for this degree are given under the College of Arts and Sciences.
Bachelor of Applied Technology
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Applied Technology must
complete the same goals as those pursuing the Bachelor of
Science: Goals 1, 2, and 3; Goals 4 and 5, or 12 hours in the
physical or biological sciences; two of Goals 6, 7, and 8; and
three of Goals 9, 10A OR 10B, 11, and 12. Specific requirements
are given under Individualized Education Programs.
Bachelor of Business Administration
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Business Administration degree must complete Goals 1-9, 10A or 10B, and 11-12. (Note that certain goals may be met by specific College of Business requirements: Goal 3 by MATH 120; Goal 11 by ECON 201 and 202.)
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree must complete Goals 1-9 (note that for art majors, Goal 6 must be met with courses outside the Department of Art and Pre-Architecture), 10A, 11, and 12. (Note that students pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree do not need to complete Goal 10B).
Bachelor of Music
(Basic Non-Music Requirements) English Composition - 6 cr, Foreign Language (French and/or German) - 8 cr, (Voice majors are strongly encouraged to elect two years of foreign language.) Social Sciences - 12 cr, Natural Sciences - 8 cr (including at least one laboratory course), Humanities (not counting foreign language or music) - 4 cr (Speech 101 recommended.) Electives (other than music) - 9 cr. Bachelor of Music Education Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music Education degree must complete Goals 1-9, 10A, 11, and 12.
Bachelor of University Studies
The general education requirements and specific graduatin requirements for students pursuing the Bachelor of University Studies degree are determined individually through a process of formal admission to this program and formal approval by the students assigned advisory committee. Specific requirements are given under Individual Education Programs.
Associate Degrees
The requirements for the following degrees are found under the designated college or department:
College of Arts andSciences:
Associate of Arts in General Studies
Associate of Science Degree
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
College of Business
Associate of Science
College of Health-Related Professions:
Associate of Science in Radiographic Science
School of Applied Technology:
Associate of Technology
Associate of Applied Science
Other Means of Satisfying General Education Requirements
Goals 1-3 must be satisfied as stated above. Goals 4-12 can be satisfied by six hours in the subject field for the goal in which that subject is specified if the courses are compatible with the goal. A course may not satisfy two goals.
General Education and Major Field Requirements
If a students major program requires a course which also is approved for general education that course may fulfill both general requirements and major field requirements.
Other Requirements for Degrees
Major Concentration
Departmental graduation requirements are satisfied by 24-50 semester hours in the major concentration. Some degree programs may require more than 50 hours in the major. In general, the number of credits in excess of 50 credits earned in a major field must be reflected by that same number in the total number of credits required for graduation. The number of hours and particular courses required or recommended vary by department and are more fully described in this catalog under department headings.
Minor Concentration
A minimum of 18 semester hours with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 is required in the minor concentration. Not all departments offer a minor. Those that do may require more than the minimum number of credits and they may specify some of the courses required. Consult departmental catalog entries for more information. The minor program at ISU is optional for all students and more than one minor may be declared. The student declares the minor(s) when the major is officially declared.
Requirements for Double Major
A student may be given a double major degree (one degree in two
fields within the same college) by meeting the following minimum
requirements: (a) satisfying all required credits for both
majors; (b) satisfactory completion of the general education
requirements of the university pertaining to the degree sought.
Requirements for Second Degree
A student may be granted a second degree by meeting the following minimum requirements: (a) a minimum of 32 hours of resident work beyond the accumulated number of credits earned at the time of completion of the first degree; (b) satisfaction of upper division requirements in the major field as recommended by the department and approved by the dean of the college in which the second degree is to be granted; and (c) satisfaction of lower division courses required by the department beyond the general education requirements fulfilled by the first degree; and (d) a student who wishes to earn two degrees concurrently must meet the requirements set forth for a second degree and General Education Requirements for each degree (a minimum of 160 credits).
Graduation Requirements
Residence Requirements
Of the last 40 credits applied to meet graduation requirements, 32 must be taken in residence at Idaho State University. Resident credit is allowed for work taken at ISU Adult Education Centers. At least 16 upper division credits directly applicable to the major area of study and/or the degree sought, exclusive of electives, must be taken while in residence on the ISU campus. Certain pre-professional curricula allow completion of the fourth year in a professional school. In these cases the last 32 credits of work taken before transfer to the professional school must be in residence on the ISU campus.
Credit Requirements
At least 128 credits are required for graduation with bachelors degree. At least 36 of the credits counted toward graduation must be in upper division courses carrying 300 or 400 numbers. Sixteen of these credits must be earned in courses in the department of the students major concentration. Of the credits transferred from a junior college no more than half the number required for graduation in a given four-year curriculum or the first four years of a longer program may be applied to meet the requirements of the curriculum. (70 credits will be allowed for Idaho Junior College transfer students.)
Transferred courses with grades of D may be used to meet course requirements for graduation unless the department in which the student is majoring requires that the courses be retaken. The department may refuse the application toward graduation of any transfer course in which the student has received a D grade. Graduation requirements may be met by no more than the number of credits in certain groups as listed below.
-- 48 credits by examination
-- 2 credits in experiential learning
-- 16 credits of correspondence courses (see Alternative
Credit Opportunities for specific Information)
-- 32 credits in business or courses commonly available
in a school of business, unless the student is earning
a Bachelor of Business Administration.
-- 8 credits in organized music (Music majors may count 8
credits of organized music as free electives in
addition to 50 credits)
-- 8 credits in non-sectarian courses in religious
education
-- 8 credits in physical education activity courses
-- 8 credits in speech and drama activity
-- 4 credits in autotutorial foreign language courses.
It is further stipulated that not more than a total of 12 credits from the last five of the above may be counted. Candidates for bachelors degrees may elect to fulfill degree requirements as outlined in any one catalog in effect during their dates of registration for university credit at ISU with the following exceptions:
An accumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher is required for graduation. Certain allowances in the calculation of the average may be possible when a curriculum is changing or courses are repeated. In addition, a grade point average of at least 2.0 is required for all courses taken at ISU and those required by the department in which the major or minor is sought. Individual departments may require a higher grade point average.
Honors
Students who secure minimum grade point averages of 3.33 and also are in the top 10% of their respective colleges graduating class are designated as graduating with honors. Those in the top 5% graduate with high honors. Honors designations must be approved by the students major department and dean.
Application for Graduation
Students planning to graduate should apply for graduation no less than one semester before all requirements are completed. To obtain applications for graduation and to pay the $20 diploma fee, contact the Office of Registration and Records. The application should be completed by the student and left with the graduation clerk in the registrars office. Students who apply on time will be notified by the registrars office of any course or credit deficiencies. The graduation application must be approved by the students major department chairperson and the college dean before the diploma will be granted.
Alternative Credit Opportunities
Students at Idaho State University have the opportunity to earn undergraduate credit for prior learning through a wide variety of means:
-- College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement
Program (AP)
-- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
-- Credit by Challenge Examination
-- Credit for Military Service
-- Experiential Learning Assessment (ELA)
-- Correspondence Courses
A maximum of 64 credit hours granted through any combination of the means listed above may be counted toward a baccalaureate degree. Credits earned through any of the above means affect total credits toward a particular degree but generally do not impact the students grade point average. Grades for all said credits, except challenge and correspondence, are recorded as Satisfactory (S). The student is responsible for providing ISU with an official copy of grades/scores from the appropriate school, testing or reporting agency. An explanation of each program is given below. Additional information on these programs can be obtained by contacting the:
Office of Registration and Records,
Museum Building
Room 319
Box 8196,
Pocatello, Idaho, 83209,
(208)236-2661.
College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Program
Idaho State University affirms the principle of advanced placement and acknowledges the accomplishments of students who have taken college level courses in high school. The university encourages participation in the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Program.
The CEEB Advanced Placement Examinations are administered each May, at a cost of $65 per test, at most high schools. For more information about the tests, students should contact their Advanced Placement instructor or high school counselor. The tests and students ratings are sent to the university at the individual students request.
ISU accepts Advanced Placement examinations in art, biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, English, foreign language, history, mathematics, music, physics and political science. The Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Political Science allow college credits with Advanced Placement scores of 3 or higher. The Art, English, Economics, History and Music Departments require scores of 4 or higher in order for credit to be granted. Departments may allow advanced placement credits in their major program for AP students and may judge that an Advanced Placement examination satisfies specific General Education Requirements offered through the Department.
An S grade is entered on the students record for credit earned in this way. Credit for AP examinations transferred from another institution is subject to evaluation based on the rules and regulations of Idaho State University.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCORES REQUIRED FOR CREDIT
Acceptable Credit Awarded
Dept/Subject Area Score Course Equiv.
Art 4 or 5 9 credits
(ART 101-102;
or 103-104;
or 108 equiv.)
Biology 3 or above 8 credits (BIOS
101-102;
103-104 equiv.)
Chemistry 3 5 credits
(CHEM 121
or 107 equiv.)
4 or 5 10 credits (CHEM
121, 122, 126 equiv.)
Bus/Comp 3 or above 6 credits
Science (CIS 120 & 140 equiv.)
Economics
Macro 4 or 5 3 credits (ECON
201 equiv.)
Micro 4 or 5 3 credits (ECON
202 equiv.)
English
Lang. & Comp. 4 or 5 6 credits
(ENGL 101
& 110 equiv.)
Lit. & Comp. 4 or 5 6 credits
(ENGL 101 & 110
equiv.)
Foreign 3 8 credits (Equiv.
Language to 1 year of
respective language)
4 or 5 16 credits
(Equiv. to 2 years of
respective language)
History
European 4 or 5 6 credits
(HIST 101-102 equiv.)
American 4 or 5 6 credits
(HIST 121-122 equiv.)
Mathematics
Calculus AB 3 or above 4 credits
(MATH 121 equiv.)
Calculus BC 3 or above 8 credits (MATH
121-222 equiv.)
Music
Hist. & Lit. 4 or 5 3 credits (MUSC
105 equiv.)
Theory 4 or 5 2 credits (MUSC
101 equiv.) or 8
credits (MUSC 103-104
equiv.)
Physics 3 or above 6 credits (PHYS
211-212 equiv.)
Political Science 3 or above 3 credits (POLS
101 equiv.)
College Level Examination Program
Elective credit only is granted toward graduation for achievement of satisfactory scores on any of the four CLEP general examinations: humanities, natural science, mathematics, social science/history. A student may earn a maximum of 32 elective semester hours toward a degree on the basis of the general examinations. Scores on the general examinations range from 200 to 800. The point of test proficiency shall be fixed at 500 for the purpose of granting credit.
Subject-area CLEP examinations may satisfy specific goals in the General Education Requirements at the discretion of the departments whose courses satisfy those goals. Similarly, at the discretion of the department, credits earned on the CLEP subject-area examinations may be allowed towards that departments major program. Students may earn a maximum of 48 semester credit hours by subect-area CLEP examination with department approval. Currently, subject-area CLEP examination scores ranging from 45 to 55 or higher are accepted for credit award.
An S grade is entered on a students record for credit hours earned through CLEP examinations. Credit for CLEP examinations transferred from another institution is subject to evaluation based on the rules and regulations of Idaho State University. CLEP examinations will not be released on an official ISU transcript to other agencies or institutions until the student has successfully completed 15 academic credit hours at ISU. CLEP credits cannot be granted for college courses previously taken.
Both general and subject-area CLEP examinations are given at the Counseling and Testing Center, Graveley Hall, 3RD Floor South, Box 8027, Pocatello, Idaho 83209, (208) 236-2130. Information may be obtained from, and applications addressed to, the Center. CLEP tests are administrated once a month (except for December), on the third Thursday of the month, at a cost of $38 to CLEP and $7 to ISU per-test. Registration and payment of test fees must be completed four weeks before tests are administered.
SUBJECT-AREA CLEP SCORES REQUIRED FOR CREDIT
Acceptable Credit Awarded
Dept/Subject Area Score Course Equiv.
BUSINESS
Intro Marketing 50 3 elective credits Intro Business Law 50 3 elective credits Intro Management 50 3 elective creditsInfo. Systems and
Computer Applications 50 3 elective credits
Intro Accounting 50 6 credits,
ACCT 201 & 202
Achievement of an acceptable score on the subject-area CLEP examination in Accounting can be used to meet core requirements in the College of Business upon faculty review of test results.
EDUCATION
Intro Educ Psych 50 3 credits, EDUC 323 Human Growth & Dev. 50 2 credits, HEC 200
Admission to the Teacher Education Program is a prerequisite for Educ 323 for elementary education and secondary education majors. HEC 200 is a core course in the Teacher Education Program.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
College French
Level 1 (2 semesters) 45 8 credits,
LANG 101 & 102
Level 2 (4 semesters) 55 8 credits,
LANG 251 & 252
College German
Level 1 (2 semesters) 45 8 credits,
LANG 103 & 104
Level 2 (4 semesters) 55 8 credits,
LANG 253 & 254
College Spanish
Level 1 (2 semesters) 45 8 credits,
LANG 108 & 109
Level 2 (4 semesters) 55 8 credits,
LANG 258 & 259
Students who have studied French, German or Spanish or lived in a foreign country and have spoken the language can receive credit by CLEP examination to be applied to their transcripts with an S grade (16 credits maximum). These credits do not fulfill Goal 10B of the General Education Requirements. Foreign students or U.S. students who were raised in a Spanish or other foreign language speaking home cannot apply their respective language to fulfill Goal 10B through CLEP examination.
HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCES
American History I: Early
Colonization to 1877 50 3 credits, HIST 121American History II:
1865 to the Present 50 3 credits, HIST 122
History 121 or History 122 satisfies Goal 9 of the General Education Requirements.
Intro Macroeconomics 50 3 credits, ECON 201 Intro Microeconomics 50 3 credits, ECON 202
Economics 201 or Economics 202 satisfies Goal 11 of the General Education Requirements.
General Psych 50 3 credits, PSYCH 111
or PSYCH 112
Intro Sociology 50 3 credits, SOC 101
Psychology 111 or Psychology 112 or Sociology 101 satisfies Goal 12 of the General Education Requirements.
SCIENCE/MATHEMATICS
College Algebra 55 4 credits, MATH 111 Trigonometry 55 1 credit, MATH 112College Algebra-
Trigonometry 55 5 credits, MATH 117
The Mathematics Department will accept a score of 55 on the subject-area CLEP Examinations as satisfying the Departmental Placement Examination portion of Goal 3 of the General Education Requirements; however, the three-hour credit requirement of Goal 3 is not satisfied by CLEP examination.
General Chemistry 50 5 credits, CHEM 121
or CHEM 107 or
4 credits, CHEM 105
Chemistry 105 satisfies Goal 5 of the General Education Requirements.
Credit by Challenge Examination
Registered students may obtain credit for course-specific examinations by procuring a petition from the deans office in the college of the students major and by obtaining the appropriate signatures. Credit and grades obtained by examination are not used in determining the load or grade point average for the semester in which the examination is taken; they are used in calculating the accumulative grade point average. When an examination for credit is taken, whatever grade is made is recorded. A student may complete a total of 48 credits by examination toward a degree. The cost of credit by examination is $15 per credit hour payable to the ISU Cashiers Office prior to the examination.
Credit for Military Service
Credit will be given for military courses according to recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) Service Guide. In the case of former military personnel, the high school GED test will be accepted for admission, but college level GED tests receive no credit. (See the military science section of this catalog for further information.) Students must provide documentation of their military schools, training, and service by providing copies of their DD214 papers, and/or copies of official certificates showing completion of courses, or an officially signed DD295 Form which is the Application for Evaluation of Learning Experiences During Military Service. to the:
Office of Admissions
Museum Building Room 319
Box 8270,Pocatello, Idaho 83209
(208) 236-2475
Army personnel who entered active duty on or after October 1,
1981, can possibly obtain an Army Ace Registry Transcript System
(AARTS ) transcript. They may obtain transcript request forms
from their Army education center counselors or write directly
to: AARTS Office, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas 66027-5010, including
their social security number. The AARTS transcript is an
official record of all military educational experience and
credit granted through the credit recommendations of the
American Council on Education.
Experiential Learning Assessment
Experiential Learning Assessment (ELA) is a process by which a student may be awarded credit for experiential learning that is considered college equivalent learning and is demonstrated/verified in a portfolio. The university allows a maximum of 32 credits through this evaluation process. Interested students are advised to contact the Office of Individualized Education Programs, Administration Building 107, ISU Box 8093, Pocatello, ID 83209; (208) 236-3939.
Correspondence Courses
Correspondence study in Idaho is administered by the University of Idaho in cooperation with Idaho State University. An annual catalog is provided to the ISU Office of Registration and Records and is available to students interested in correspondence study. A maximum of 16 credits of correspondence study may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree at ISU. A student should not enroll for more than 18 credits, including correspondence courses, in any one semester. Grades obtained through correspondence are not used in determining the grade point average for the semester in which the courses are taken; they are used in calculating accumulative grade point average. It is the students responsibility to contact the respective department to determine whether correspondence courses can be utilized to fulfill requirements for the students particular major. This permission must be given in writing in the form of a petition approved by the department chairperson.
Individualized Education Programs
The Office of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) administers three university-wide programs: Experiential Learning Assessment (ELA), the Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT), and the Bachelor of University Studies (BUS). This office and its programs operate under the direction of the Academic Vice President. It is located in the Administration Building, Room 107, Campus Box 8093, Pocatello, Idaho 83209, (208) 236-3939.
Bachelor of Applied Technology
The Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) degree is an optional University degree for students who complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in a BAT-approved applied technology program. This degree requires compliance with the general University procedures and regulations for all bachelors degrees, as explained under Academic Requirements in this catalog. Specific requirements come under these two categories: (1) completion of a BAT-approved AAS degree program and (2) completion of a planned program of academic coursework that is officially approved by the students assigned Advisory Committee. This Advisory Committee will consist of at least two members appointed by the Director of Individualized Education Programs: one from the students AAS program faculty and one University faculty member-at-large. Specific requirements under the two categories are explained below:
Category 1:
Completion of a BAT-approved AAS Program.
ISU's BAT-approved AAS programs include the following:
Civil Engineering Technology
Computer Programming/Systems Technology
Drafting/Design Technology
Electromechanical Drafting Technology
Electromechanical Technology
Electronic RF/Telcom Technology
Electronic Systems Technology
Instrumentation Technology
Laser Electro-Optics Technology
For all BAT-approved AAS programs except the three-year Electronics Systems Technology program, students are allowed 50 lower division credits to apply toward the BAT degree. For the three-year Electronic Systems Technology program, students are allowed 58 lower division credits plus 18 upper division credits for a total of 76 credits. Requirements for ISUs AAS degrees are given under the School of Applied Technology. Note: Credits allowed for the BAT-approved AAS programs count only toward the BAT degree.
Category 2:
Completion of a Planned Program of Academic Coursework.
Students are required to complete a formally approved plan of academic coursework. The plan must include at least the minimum requirements identified in the following: Those who complete a two-year BAT-approved AAS must complete a minimum of 78 credits with a minimum 2.0 g.p.a. in academic coursework. This brings the degrees minimum total to 128 credits. The academic coursework must include completion of the following: university general education requirements as specified under General Education; 12 credits in courses that support the AAS technical field; 36 credits of upper division (300/400) courses.
Those who complete the three-year AAS in Electronic Systems Technology must complete a minimum of 60 credits with a minimum 2.0 g.p.a. in academic coursework. This brings the degrees minimum total to 136 credits. The academic coursework must include completion of the following: university general education requirements as specified under General Education; 12 credits in courses that support the AAS technical field; 18 credits of upper division (300/400) courses. The general education requirement in mathematics (Goal 3) is met through the AAS in Electronics Systems Technology.
Courses taken in this category cannot be randomly selected. They must be planned to support the AAS technical field and to support the individual students carefully stated educational and career goals. Students are recorded as declared BAT candidates after the plan for academic course work has been officially approved by their assigned Advisory Committee and by the Universitys Chair for the Bachelor for Applied Technology Committee.
Students interested in pursuing this degree should complete a BAT-approved AAS and take academic courses that fulfill the university's general education goals. They should consult first with their applied technology counselors about requirements for a BAT-approved AAS degree and about general education courses that meet requirements both in the AAS and in the BAT. When ready to take academic coursework, students need to request assignment to an Advisory Committee who will assist in developing an appropriate plan for the additional academic coursework. The students BAT Advisory Committee will include at least two faculty members, one in an academic discipline and the other in the students technical specialization.
For assignment to this committee and for further information, students need to contact the Office of Individualized Education Programs. Students are also encouraged to consult individual members of the University's Bachelor of Applied Technology Committee:
Mr. Mike Echanis, Admissions Office
Mr. Pete Fallesen, School of Applied Technology Trades
Division
Dr. Mahmoud Fouad, Department of Economics
Dean Gordon Jones. School of Applied Technology Dean's
Office
Ms. Bessis Katsilometes, Registration and Records
Mr. Michael Lyons, School of Applied Technology
Ms. Rosemary Myers (BAT Committee Chair), IEP office
Mr. Darrell Scott, College of Business
Dr. Steve Shropshire, Department of Physics
Ms. Debbie Thompson, School of Applied Technology Student
Services
Dr. Russ Wahl, Department of English & Philosophy.
Bachelor of University Studies
The Bachelor of University Studies (BUS) is an individualized
degree granted by Idaho State University when the student has
complied with the following policies, procedures, and
requirements: formal application for admission to the program;
at least a 2.5 accumulative grade point average, including
transfer credits; successful completion of an approved
individualized program of study that has ben planned with and
approved by the candidates assigned advisory committee;
successful completion of not less than 24 semester hours
approved by the assigned advisory committee and taken after
admission to the program; satisfaction of university residence
and credit requirements for undergraduate degrees.
The student must apply for admission to the BUS Program after consultation with professor Rosemary Myers, Director of Individualized Education Programs and Chair for the Bachelor of University Studies Committee. Orientation to BUS and application instructions are available at the IEP Office.
Students are also encouraged to consult with other members of the BUS Committee:
Dr. Henry Durham, Department of Sociology and Social Work
Dr. Mahmoud Fouad,Department of Economics
Dr. Kathleen King, Department of English and Philosophy
Mr. Larry McCullough, Counseling and Testing Center
Ms. Sandra Noakes, Department of Physical Education
Dr. Lee Schwendig, College of Business
Mr. Darrell Scott, College of Business
Dr. Don Streubel, Department of Biological Sciences
All University Courses
Departments in colleges of the university may offer any of the following courses during a semester or summer session subject to adequate student interest.
299-g499 Special Topics 1-6 credits.
These are topics not covered in the regular offerings. Title,
course description, and number of credits are announced in the
class schedule. A student may apply a total (from the entire
university) of six credits toward graduation requirements.
493 Senior Thesis 4 credits.
This is a course supervised by a committee of at least two
faculty members, approved by the chairperson(s) of the
department(s) involved. The thesis topic may be
interdisciplinary, with four credits conferred by one or more
departments. It is open only to seniors, to be taken only once
for credit. Prerequisite: Invitation by (or permission of)
chairperson(s) involved.
Special Cooperative Programs
In addition to regular programs, Idaho State University students may be eligible to participate in any one of a number of special cooperative programs, both in-state and out-of-state. For specific information on requirements for pre-health professions programs see the section on pre-health professional programs under the College of Arts and Sciences.
Dental Education
Idaho Dental Education Program (IDEP): Idaho state residents are eligible to participate in the Idaho Dental Education Program. The program, a cooperative effort of the Creighton University School of Dentistry and Idaho State University, provides Idaho residents with the opportunity to attend their first year of dental school at Idaho State University. Students will spend their second, third and fourth years in Omaha; For further information, contact:
Dr. Steven W. Friedrichsen, Chair
Idaho Dental Education Program
Box 8088
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID 83209.
Medical Education
WAMI: (Washington/Alaska/Montana/Idaho) Regional Medical
Education Program:
This program is designed to enhance the training capability of the University of Washington School of Medicine by using facilities of Washington State University, University of Alaska, Montana State University and the University of Idaho. Currently 15 Idaho residents are accepted into the WAMI program each year. For further information, contact the coordinator of the WAMI medical program at the:
University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho 83843
or
Dr. Ronald W. McCune, Chair
Health Professions Advisory Committee
and Professor of Biochemistry
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID 83209.
University of Utah College of Medicine:
Each year four Idaho residents are admitted to this medical education program through a cooperative agreement between Idaho and Utah. Idaho also provides a support fee to the University of Utah for each Idahoan admitted to the program under this agreement. This program is presently administered by the WICHE office of the State Board of Education. For further information, contact:
Dr. Ronald W. McCune, Chair
Health Professions Advisory Committee
and Professor of Biochemistry
Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho 83209.
Veterinary Medicine
WOI (Washington, Oregon, Idaho)
Regional Program in Veterinary Medicine:
A cooperative effort among Washington, Oregon and Idaho, this program (WOI) is centered at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. Depending on legislative appropriations, a certain number of Idaho residents (usually 11) are admitted to the program each year; Idaho provides a support fee to the program for each Idaho student admitted. For further information, contact the:
College of Veterinary Medicine
Office of Student Services
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington 99164
or
Dr. Ronald W. McCune, Chair
Health Professions Advisory Committee
Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho 83209.
Student Exchange Programs
The Professional Student Exchange Program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) enables students in the 13 western states and North Dakota to enroll in professional programs in other states when those programs are not available in their home states. Students accepted in the program pay resident tuition at public schools (or one-third the standard tuition at private schools) and their home states pay a support fee to the admitting school to help cover educational costs. Exchange areas supported by Idaho include medicine (support limited to four students per class at the University of Utah School of Medicine), optometry, and occupational therapy. For further information, contact WICHE Student Exchange Program:
Office of the State Board of Education
Room 307, Len B. Jordan Building,
650 West State Street,
Boise, Idaho 83720
Graduate Education Program
This WICHE program provides Idaho residents an opportunity to enroll at resident tuition rates in selected graduate programs in Alaska, Montana, Oregon and Washington which are not available in Idaho. Students pay tuition at the resident rate of the receiving institution, rather than the normal non-resident rate. For further information, contact the:
Office of the Graduate Dean
Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho 83209.
Western Undergraduate Exchange
The Western Undergraduate Exchange is a WICHE program which allows students residing in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming the opportunity to pay reduced fees at post-secondary educational institutions in these participating states. Once accepted for admission, students who have indicated WUE on their application forms will be considered for a limited number of WUE reduced fee awards. WUE recipients will receive notification from the ISU Admissions Office, Museum Building, Room 319, P.O. Box 8270, Pocatello, Idaho 83209, (208) 236-2475.
Idaho State University Tuition Expenses for Approved WUE Students:
Idaho resident semester fees $646.00Plus
One-half of Idaho resident fees $323.00 Full-time fees per semester $969.00
WUE applicants may not establish Idaho residency while in the Western Undergraduate Exchange Program, and for registration purposes will still be considered non-residents. Questions about the WUE program should be directed to the:
Office of Admissions
1-800-888-4781
Academic Outreach
Academic Outreach
Arts & Sciences, Room 242
Box 8015
(208) 236-4569
The Office of Academic Outreach is the central clearing house for information concerning Idaho State University's off-campus academic courses. This office coordinates off-campus and evening courses for the Colleges of Arts & Sciences and Health-Related Professions. The Colleges of Business, Education, Engineering, and Pharmacy conduct outreach activities through their own colleges. Academic Outreach at ISU is provided through four off-campus residence centers located in Boise, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and Sun Valley-Wood River and includes special services designed to meet student needs for resource materials in connection with specific course work. In addition, ISU sponsors courses for academic credit in several other Idaho locations as well.
Idaho Falls Residence Center
350 University Place
1776 Science Center Drive
Idaho Falls, ID 833404
(208)536-1385
Idaho State University's residence center located in Idaho Falls offers students the opportunity to complete several degrees at home. These inclde associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees. In Idaho Falls, students may complete all of the general education courses required for several undergraduate degrees. Additionally, electives, non-credit professional and personal development classes of short duration are offered.
The ISU Residence Center in Idaho Falls is located in University Place at the end of Science Center Drive in Freeman Park. The facility is shared with both University of Idaho and BYU/Ricks and includes limited classrooms, computing labs, an auditorium, the Idaho National Engineering Technical Library and administrative offices. ISU serves a diverse group of students, including returning students, community college transfers, graduate students and those interested in personal and professional growth. Many have been, and continue to be, enrolled part time so they may continue to earn a livelihood. ISU currently enrolls more than 1,500 students each semester in Idaho Falls.
Twin Falls Education Center
College of Southern Idaho
Evergreen Building, Suite B-40
Twin Falls, ID 83303
(208)736-2101
In 1981, as part of Idaho State University's mission to serve southern Idaho students, a residence center was established in Twin Falls. Recently, the center was moved to a new location on the College of Southern Idaho campus in the Evergreen Building. Two professional staff members are available to advise reentry students from the Magic Valley and CSI associate degree transfer students as well as acting as general advocates for commuting ISU students.
Upper level and graduate level academic courses are offered each semester from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Health-Related Professions. Complete degree programs offered include the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Corporate Training, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Education/Business Education, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Physical Education and Master of Health Education. In addition, a minor in business is available, as well as non-academic courses, workshops and seminars in the area of professional development.
Full-time university professors and highly qualified local instructors ensure that the quality of ISU courses offered in Twin Falls is equal to that found on the Pocatello campus. An evolving interactive telecommunications system offers classes broadcast live from Pocatello to CSI in the Magic Valley. Enhancing ISUs education services to southern Idaho is a daily commuter bus to Pocatello with intermediate stops between Twin Falls and the Pocatello campus.
Telecommunications
Developing technologies are providing Idaho State University with many new exciting capabilities in the field . . . called Distance Learning . . .
The use of satellite, microwave, phone lines and television broadcasting to transmit video and audio to and from other locations in Idaho, allows ISU, through two video classrooms to offer some 70 hours a week of live interactive college classes. These are printed in the class schedule. Direct visual and verbal interaction between students in classrooms miles apart holds tremendous instructional potential and reflects ISUs commitment to provide high quality educational programs statewide. Idaho State University also coordinates reception of teleconferences via satellite on a daily basis for faculty, staff, a local public school district, and the entire Eastern Idaho community, as well as audio only conferences. ISU has originated several nationwide teleconferences on health related topics.
ISU also uses traditional videotape to deliver a pharmacy curriculum nationwide. Additionally the University is taking advantage of Pocatello's commercial cable system to program an educational access channel, in cooperation with the local school district.
Office of Continuing Education and Conferences Communiversity Program
Each year the Office of Continuing Education and Conferences works with faculty, administrators, and staff at Idaho State University, as well as area residents in professional, business, educational and service organizations to develop, plan and administer a wide variety of educational experiences. Throughout the region OCEC is known as the Communiversity Connection.
The general mission of the OCEC is to provide leadership and high quality support services for noncredit continuing professional education and lifelong learning activities for all ages held throughout the universitys service territory, with special emphasis in health related professions and arts and sciences. Program sites include Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Ketchum/Sun Valley, Soda Springs and many smaller communities throughout Southeastern Idaho. Offerings include all types of meetings, short courses, teleconferences, support for community-based projects, seminars, institutes, youth enrichment programs, customized training and conferences. The OCEC administers the National Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Program in conjunction with the International Association for Continuing Education and Training. More than 15,000 people participate annually in 400 activities.
Recent examples of constantly expanding Communiversity programs served by the OCEC include the National Academy of Paralegal Studies, Annual Idaho Conference on Health Care, Camp YES (Young Explorers in Space), Idaho State Summer Music Camp, Idaho State Childrens Chorus, High School Summer Honors Program, High School Foreign Language Festival, Insurance Continuing Education, Professional Selling Institute, Statewide Continuing Education Conference for Idaho's Cosmetology Industry, Small Library Summer Institute, Training Updates for Small Quantity Generators of Hazardous Wastes, Idaho Science Alliance, AJN Nursing Board Review Course, and coordination of teleconferences such as those produced by the National University Teleconference Network (NUTN) and the PBS/Adult Learning Systems (ALS).
CEU Program
The Continuing Education Unit is an internationally accepted method for quantifying the value of noncredit continuing education activities (defined as quality instruction that does not carry academic credit). Each contact hour in an approved workshop, inservice, conference session, short course or training program is recorded as 1/10 CEU. These do not accumulate for college credit. Noncredit continuing education programs which offer CEUs are most frequently sponsored by associations, agencies, educational institutions, business and industry for the benefit of members, registered participnts, employees, etc. It communicates to participants the value that the sponsoring group places upon professional development, information updating, retraining and lifelong learning. There is a $5.00 recording fee per participant to create a permanent transcript that is then available through the ISU Registrars Office upon written request.
Conference and Institute Coordinating Services
Conference Coordinating Services can assist academic and nonacademic personnel in delivering a variety of programs to a broad range of audiences. Programs can be held on campus, at facilities in Pocatello, or at a site anywhere in the state. Comprehensive services are available to off-campus as well as on-campus individuals and groups, and include program planning, bid preparation, brochure preparation, marketing, direct mail and customized mailing list development, financial administration, registration services, arrangements and logistics, and evaluation. Fees are based upon size of the group, length of the program, and the amount and type of services required. Additional Information For a list of noncredit course offerings, to make suggestions for course offerings or potential instructors, or other desired information, write or telephone:
Office of Continuing Education and Conferences
Box 8062
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID 83209
(208)236-3155
Grading and General Information
Academic Advising
The Supplemental Academic Advising Center (S.A.A.C.) is a service available through the Office of Enrollment Planning and Academic Services. Its purpose is to serve freshmen who are either undecided about a major or who need a little extra assistance. The Program additionally serves students admitted at Level 1 and those admitted under an admissions contract. The Center attempts to contact incoming freshmen to provide them with academic advising services. Incoming freshmen who have not been contacted by the S.A.A.C. or by an academic department about academic advising are welcome to contact the Cener at (208) 236-3277 for advising or referral. It is located in Room 316 of the Administration Building. Some departments assign advisors to incoming freshmen. Other students are assigned to the S.A.A.C. If students are unsure about whether an advisor has been assigned to them, contact the S.A.A.C. for information.
Declaration of Intent to Major
Each degree-seeking student admitted to Idaho State University will declare an intent to major in a subject field in which a degree is offered by the university. As a part of the admissions process, the student will select from a coded list of majors the one which most appropriately applies to his/her educational goal. If a student intends to pursue a double major or to seek two degrees, the student will select both of the codes for the two majors or for the two degrees. The major code (or codes) will be entered by the Admissions Office on the students permanent record file. The student will be considered a pre-major in the field selected. A student may elect to change an intent to major by notifying the new college coordinator of the new major code to be entered on his/her permanent record.
Each non-degree-seeking student admitted to Idaho State University will declare himself/herself by selecting the code for this non-degree-seeking status. This code will be entered by the Admissions Office on the students permanent record file. The student may change his/her status to that of a degree-seeking student by notifying the Office of Admissions.
Application for Status as a Major in a Field of Study
When a degree-seeking student has completed the prerequisites for majoring in a field of study, the student should apply to the appropriate department or college for admission to status as a major and be accepted as a major by the department or college no later than the time at which s/he has acquired 90 semester credits. Failure to do so will block subsequent registration as a degree-seeking student. No student may graduate from the university without having been accepted as a major by the appropriate department or college.
The student will initiate the application for status as a major by filing an application form with the appropriate department or college. A student who is pursuing a double major or a double degree must apply to both of the appropriate departments or colleges. A student may change his/her status as a major by applying to and being accepted into the appropriate department or college for the new major.
Change of Program and Withdrawal Procedures
Any change in the program for which a student is registered must be made through the Office of Registration and Records.
Before the Withdrawal Deadline:
Students may withdraw from a class or from the university. To initiate a withdrawal from a class, a student must obtain a drop/add card from the Office of Registration and Records. To withdraw from the university, the student must obtain a withdrawal permit from the Office of Registration and Records and obtain all appropriate signatures.
After the Withdrawal Deadline:
Students may withdraw from individual classes for medical or hardship reasons only. Hardship withdrawals are handled by the students academic dean. The procedure is the same as the petitioning process for considering extraordinary curricular or admissions problems. Students withdrawing must do so prior to the beginning of closed week each semester.
Medical Withdrawals
Medical withdrawal because of illness or disability is initiated through the Medical Director of the Student Health Services. In addition to an interview with the Medical Director, the individual requesting withdrawal is required to present a written summary of the problem as well as documentation such as a letter from the attending physician describing the problem or a hospital discharge summary. The request for a medical withdrawal and supporting information is then considered by the University Medical Withdrawal Committee which may grant or deny the request.
Medical Readmission
Students who have withdrawn for medical reasons may be requested to petition the Medical Withdrawal Committee for readmission. Readmission is based upon consideration of: (1) reports of treatment, (2) letters of recommendation, and (3) personal interview by the Medical Director.
Mandatory Medical Withdrawal
In those instances in which, for medical or psychological reasons, a students behavior is disruptive of the institutional purpose or environment, or a threat to the well-being of himself/herself or others, the student may, after due process, be mandatorily withdrawn from the university as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Credit or Credit Hour
This term, sometimes referred to as semester credit or semester hour, is a unit of academic work. One credit is defined to require fifty minutes in class each week for one semester (or the equivalent). One semester credit hour in academic courses requires (1) fifty minutes in class each week for one semester (which assumes approximately twice this amount of time in study and preparation outside the classroom), or (2) approximately two and one-half hours in laboratory each week for a semester, or (3) equivalent combinations of (1) and (2). For purposes of equivalency calculations a semester is assumed to be sixteen weeks. Short term courses of one week (five days) or more require time in class, laboratory, and preparation equivalent to the above for a total of 40 clock hours per credit.
Number of Credits
Students ordinarily enroll for 16 to 18 credits a semester. However, they may be enrolled for a larger or smaller number with permission of the dean. A smaller number may be required in the case of a person who is employed. To be eligible for participation in student activities, a student must be enrolled for at least 8 credits.
Course Grades
A five-letter grading system is used to describe the instructors evaluation of a students performance in each course:
A - excellent performance
B - good performance
C - adequate performance
D - marginal performance
F - unacceptable performance
Credits for courses in which an A, B, or C grade is earned are always acceptable toward graduation. Credits for courses in which a D grade is earned are acceptable towards graduation unless specifically excluded for a particular course or degree. No credits are awarded for any course in which an F grade is earned. At the beginning of each course, the instructor should inform students of the criteria to be used in judging their performance.
Other grading symbols used are: I-incomplete; IP-thesis work in progress; W-withdrawal after the close of the registration period; P-NP-the pass-no pass option; and S-U-satisfactory/unsatisfactory performance. Each of these grades has special conditions which are described below.
Incomplete Grades
An incomplete grade, I, may be awarded at midterm or semester end. At midterm, an I indicates the student, through illness or other excusable absence, has missed so much work the instructor cannot assign a regular grade. An incomplete grade may be given at the end of the semester only when a student has satisfactory performance to within three weeks of the end-of-semester examination period. An incomplete grade at mid-semester is not the final grade. It may not be awarded for withdrawal from the university unless the withdrawal is within the above three-week period. If an I grade is given, the instructor must send the student and the dean of the college in which the student is a major a written statement describing what the student must do to remove the incomplete.
A specific deadline for completion of the course work should be negotiated between the student and instructor. In no case may the deadline exceed six years. At the end of the negotiated period, the instructor will request that the registrar convert the I to the grade earned. An I not removed after six years will automatically become an F or U grade which cannot be improved without repeating the entire course. If, during that six-year period, a student applies to graduate or to transfer credits to another university, an unremoved I will be converted to an F or U grade.
Withdrawal Grades
A student may withdraw from a course in the first ten days of a semester and no transcript entry will reflect his/her ever having been in the course. From the end of the registration period to the end of the withdrawal period, a student may withdraw at his/her option. After the withdrawal period, a student may withdraw from individual courses only by the procedure described in the preceding sections which discuss withdrawal procedures. In both cases above, a W grade will be recorded. If a student simply ceases to attend without formally withdrawing from the university, an F grade will be recorded for each affected class. A student may be withdrawn from a course or receive a reduced grade resulting rom disruptive classroom behavior.
In-Progress Grades
The number of credits awarded for a graduate thesis and other courses varies from department to department, and students frequently spread the registration for those credits over several semesters. An IP grade to indicate work in progress is automatically recorded for such credits until the entire thesis or other approved coursework is approved by the students thesis committee or course instructor. At that time, the committee or instructor will request that the registrar convert the IP to the grade earned.
Pass/No-Pass Grades
P/NP grades are given in courses taken under the pass/no-pass option. This option is offered as an inducement for students to take courses outside their major curriculum. The following restrictions apply: the option is available only to undergraduate students; the option must be declared at the original registration of classes, not later; credits earned under the option will not satisfy specific graduation requirements except that they may be counted towards total credits required; students taking a course under this option must comply with the established prerequisite or obtain the permission of the instructor; students may not register for more than one P/NP course per semester.
Instructors will report ordinary letter grades on the grade list. The Office of Registration and Records will affix to the students transcript a P for letter grades A, B, C, or D, or an NP for a letter grade of F. The P or NP may be changed on the transcript to the original letter grade only on the approval of the students college scholarship requirements committee. The intent of this provision is to accommodate students who declare majors which require one or more courses previously completed on the P/NP option.
No credits are awarded for any course in which an NP grade is earned.
Departments must designate in the class schedule those courses offered for P/NP option.
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
S/U grades are awarded in such courses as religion, student teaching and special projects to which the regular performance grades are not applicable. The use of S/U grades must be specifically approved by the University Curriculum Committee. All students in such courses are graded either S or U. There is no method for incorporating these grades into a students grade point average. No credits are awarded in any couse for which a U grade is earned.
Auditors
An auditor is a person who is permitted to attend a course without participating in the discussions or submitting work for a grade. Permission to audit must be attained for all classes not listed for audit in the class schedule. Such permission is given by the instructor and academic dean. This request will be made by petition. Students must then make payment of an auditors fee. The fee is waived in the case of regularly enrolled students. The audit fee is the same as for part-time credit hours. Attendance as an auditor does not entitle one to credit or admission to examination. Auditor privileges are extended in the cases of activity or laboratory courses only by university petition. If, in the judgment of the instructor, an auditor has not attended sufficiently, the audit will not be recorded on the students transcript.
Grade Point Average
Numerical grade points for each course credit are assigned as 4 for an A, 3 for a B, 2 for a C, 1 for a D. No grade points are assigned for any other letter grades. A grade point average (GPA) is computed each semester by dividing the sum of the products of grade points and credits for each course by the sum of the credits for the courses. Only course grades of A, B, C, D, or F are included in this computation. An accumulated grade point average (Accum. GPA) is computed by the same process, but the students entire record, including transfer credits, is covered by the computation. Courses in which an F grade is earned must be repeated if that course is required for graduation. Courses in which a D grade is earned must be repeated if the major department so requires. Also, a student may elect to repeat a course provided he/she has not completed a course for which that course was prerequisite. If a course is repeated, the latest grade is used in computing grade point average.
Grades for Transfer Courses
When students transfer credit to Idaho State University, the university reserves the right to reclassify credit designated as correspondence, extension, credit by examination and repeated credit according to its own policy governing the acceptance and limitations of such credit. Grades transferred from other institutions will be converted to the equivalent grades at Idaho State University by the registrar. Where there is a question as to whether transferred courses satisfy specific departmental requirements, the head of the department concerned will make the interpretation.
Transfer students may be required to repeat transfer courses in which a grade equivalent to a D or F was received.
Midterm Grades
Only D, F, U, NP, or I grades are reported at midterm. Students receiving such grades will be notified by mail. Those grades are not recorded on the students transcript and are not used in grade point average computations.
Examinations
Regular final examinations are held during an examination period at the end of the semester in accordance with a schedule published by the registrar. They shall not be rescheduled outside of the period, nor to a different time within it except by permission of the counsel of Academic Deans. No examination shall be longer than the scheduled time. Special examinations may be arranged for individual students within the examination period. Except in the case of sickness or other unavoidable cause, the student is required to pay a fee of $5 to the Business Office to take a special final examination. A student who is absent from a regular final examination without valid excuse receives an F. If the excuse is valid and the work of the semester is satisfactory, the student receives an incomplete, which may be removed by taking a special final examination.
Closed/Final Week Policy
Any final examination must be conducted during the officially scheduled time slot except in laboratory courses or sections where the final examination may be conducted during the last regularly scheduled class session. Any exception to this policy may be allowed only on an individual student basis, to be arranged between the professor and the student. Other required tests or quizzes on which the professor bases any part of the course grade are prohibited during the 7 calendar days immediately preceding the first day of final examinations week except in performance sections, night classes, 8-week courses, and summer sessions.
Academic Study Day Policy
The University annual calendar includes two academic study days each semester. The academic study days are scheduled during the two calendar days directly following Closed Week and directly preceding Final Examination Week. When the last two calendar days directly following Closed Week fall on Saturday, Sunday, or both, those days will be designated as academic study days. No undergraduate classes are held during academic study days. For academic study days falling on Monday through Friday, faculty will schedule office hours. Scholastic Probation and Dismissal At the end of any semester or summer session, undergraduate students may be placed on probation if the accumulative ISU grade point average does not meet the minimum requirement as stated in the scholastic probation scale.
Scholastic Probation Scale
Credits Attempted Minimum ISU
(Including Transfer Accumulative
Credits ) GPA
1 through 6 1.00
7 through 32 1.60
33 through 64 1.80
65 and up 2.00
Students on scholastic probation who attain a GPA of 2.0 or higher during the next or subsequent semester after being placed on probation, but whose accumulative GPA is still below the minimum required for their rank, remain on academic probation.
Students on scholastic probation who attain an accumulative GPA higher than the minimum required on the scholastic probation scale are automatically removed from probation.
A student on probation will be dismissed at the end of any probationary semester or summer session in which the student obtains a GPA of less than 2.0 unless the grades earned in that semester or summer session are sufficient to take the student off probation. Students will be notfied at mid-semester as to whether they are doing D or F work in any class. The students advisors will also receive this information so they may work with the students to try to prevent probationary status. (Refer to Academic Dismissal and Reinstatement under Petitions, below.)
A student who has been academically dismissed under scholastic probation rules may not take any course for credit at Idaho State University. Such a student is allowed to audit courses with approval of the instructor and academic dean. This request shall be made by petition. Graduation, Progression, and Probation Requirements for Students in the School of Applied Technology. See the School of Applied Technology section of this catalog.
Petitions
A student may petition to the appropriate college dean or committee for consideration of problems of curricula or admission which are not covered by stated procedures. Curricular petitions must:
1)include a recommendation from the students advisor,
2) a recommendation by the chair of the department offering courses in the subject field or by a special committee overseeing the requirement, and
3)catalog copy of descriptions of courses transferred from other institutions if the course is to be considered in a test of course equivalency.
All copies of the petition are to be advanced to the Registrars Office for action after all signatures are affixed. Decisions may require several weeks, and notice of the result will be mailed to the student. A student may petition:
a. When a student changes to a radically different
curriculum, lower division courses which are not
required in nor appropriate to the new curriculum may
be eliminated from computation of grade point averages
for the purpose of determining probation or graduation
at the discretion of the dean who has responsibility
for the new curriculum.
b. Elimination of computation of courses from grade point
average by petition also results in the elimination of
the corresponding course credits.
c. This adjustment will not be made until the conclusion
of one semester in the new curriculum.
d. Courses that satisfy the general education
requirements in the university cannot be removed from
GPA computation.
2. Academic dismissal and reinstatement. Students will be
notified at mid-semester as to whether they are doing D or
F work in any class. The students advisors will also
receive this information so they may work with the students
to try to prevent probationary status. Following dismissal,
under the scholastic probation ruling, a student on first
dismissal may be reinstated after a one-semester layout by
petitioning the college dean. A student on second dismissal
may be reinstated after a one-year layout by petitioning
the college dean. No more than two reinstatements will be
permitted. A third dismissal is final. Students seeking
reinstatement prior to expiration of the mandatory layout
period may petition their Dean. The summer session does not
qualify for a semester layout.
3. Substitution of departmental requirements. A student may
petition to substitute courses in lieu of departmental
requirements. The course or courses the student wishes to
substitute must be approved by the departmental
chairperson.
4. Substitution of the general education requirements. A
student who transfers from another institution may petition
to have courses with similar content but different titles
than those offered at ISU substituted for courses listed in
the general education requirements. Petitions must be
approved by the department chairperson of the discipline in
which the course being petitioned is offered.
5. General education requirements deficiencies. A transfer
student may petition to waive a maximum of one credit hour
in the area of humanities, social science, or natural
science to fulfill the general education requirements. This
normally pertains to students transferring to Idaho State
from an institution which uses the quarter system rather
than the semester system.
6. Pass-No-Pass option. A student may petition to have a P or
NP converted to a letter grade. The petition must contain
the grade assigned in the class and must be signed by the
class instructor. (See Section on Pass-No Pass Grades.)
Class Rating
Sophomore. To be rated a sophomore, a student must have 26 hours credit.
Junior. To be rated a junior, a student must have 58 hours credit.
Senior. To be rated a senior, a student must have 90 hours. The classification under which a student registers at the beginning of the academic year will continue through the year.
Course Numbering System
Courses numbered 1-99 do not carry academic credit. Courses numbered 100-199 and 200-299 are lower division courses for freshmen and sophomores, respectively.
Courses numbered 300-399 and 400-499 are upper division courses for juniors and senios, respectively. Courses above 300 are open without restrictions, except specific prerequisites, to students who have completed 58 credits. Other students may take such courses on approval of the instructor, advisor, and dean. No one, juniors and seniors included, may take any upper division course if the basic requirements in English have not been completed or if high school deficiencies have not been removed.
Courses prefixed by a g may be taken by students in the graduate school for graduate credit. In such cases additional work will be required. Graduate students should register for such courses under a 500 number, e.g. ART g441, Painting and Composition, would be indicated as ART 541. Courses numbered 600 and above are open only to graduate students. Courses with odd numbers usually are given the first semester; those with even numbers, the second semester. Courses numbered 101-102, etc., continue through the year. A course covering the same subject matter in either semester has an odd number.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all meetings or classes in which they are registered. Each instructor may, consistent with departmental policy, establish such specific regulations governing attendance as may seem suited to a particular course. No one is authorized to excuse a student from a class meeting except the instructor in charge of the class. No student may be absent from the campus in connection with extracurricular activities more than sixteen college instructional days per semester. No one extracurricular activity may take students away from the campus more than twelve college instructional days.
Student Outcomes Assessment
All undergraduate academic programs at four year public institutions in Idaho are required to assess student learning in the major and general education programs. Similar requirements for assessment also appear in the new guidelines issued by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges which provides ISUs institution-wide accreditation. Idaho State Universitys goal is to encourage students to develop abilities and acquire knowledge that will be of lasting benefit in their personal and professional lives. To ensure that this goal is met, a program of student outcomes assessment has been implemented to improve the teaching and learning process. Comprehensive information that includes student performance and student opinion is vital to the success of the assessment program. To provide this information, undergraduate students in the academic division may be required to participate in a variety of assessment activities which may include formal and informal examinations, interviews, surveys and follow-up studies after graduation.