All degree-seeking students must fulfill departmental, General Education, and general graduation requirements for their particular fields of study. Departmental graduation requirements are course concentration requirements for a major in each field of study, and are listed under the college to which the department belongs. General Education requirements are course distribution requirements for particular degrees, as listed below. Graduation requirements regarding credits, grades, and residence are common to all bachelor's degrees and are described in the section following the General Education listing.
ISU's General Education program is the foundation for degrees in the arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, health professions, pharmacy, and a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) that combines an Applied Technology program with a foundation in general education and a supporting field. As a common foundation, general education is jointly owned by all the colleges even through almost all the courses that fulfill the requirements are taught in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The General Education requirements are organized into twelve goals: three in the skills areas of writing, speaking, and mathematics, and nine in content areas. Students are placed in general education courses on the basis of ACT scores and placement testing. Students in all colleges, including the School of Applied Technology, take the College Board Computerized Placement Test for placement in English and mathematics courses. Depending on the results of placement testing in skill areas and foreign languages, general education comprises 37 to 61 of the 128 credit hours required for a baccalaureate degree.
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must complete all goals. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts and the Bachelor of Music Education must complete all goals except 10B. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Business Administration and the Bachelor of Applied Technology, or the Bachelor of Arts in colleges other than Arts and Sciences must complete Goals 1-9, 10A or 10B, and 11-12. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science degree may substitute 12 hours in physical or biological sciences for Goals 4 and 5, and must complete only two of Goals 6, 7, and 8, and three of Goals 9, 10A, 10B, 11, and 12. Students pursuing the Bachelor of Music degree are required to take six credits of English composition, eight credits of a foreign language, twelve credits in the social sciences, eight credits in the natural sciences, and four credits other than music and foreign languages in the humanities. The General Education Requirements for students admitted to the Bachelor of University Studies degree are individualized, although most students in that program take courses that would meet most goals.
Some goals can be met only by a specified course or sequence of courses. Others allow a small range of choices that accommodate the needs of students with different prospective majors. To meet the quantitative competence goal, for example, students may elect one of six mathematics courses.
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.
Advanced Placement Options: Qualified students may bypass ENGL 101 by three means:
Because Goal 1 courses advance acquisition of writing skills important for academic success, students are encouraged to complete them in timely fashion. Accordingly, ENGL 101 should normally be completed during the freshman year, ENGL 201 by the conclusion of the sophomore year.
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 the prerequisite listed for each course below, and (2) acquaint the student with a significant body of mathematical language, models, and methods. Credits required: 3-4 credits
Courses satisfying the goal:
MATH 120 Essentials of Calculus 4 cr (Prerequisite MATH 111) MATH 121 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I 4 cr (Prerequisite Math 117 or 111 & 112) MATH 140 Mathematics in the Modern World 3 cr (Prerequisite MATH 51) MATH 177 Language of Mathematics 3 cr (Prerequisite MATH 51) MATH 250 Finite Mathematics 4 cr (Prerequisite MATH 111) MATH 252 Introduction to Statistics 3 cr (Prerequisite MATH 111)
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 101 Geology and Human Affairs plus Lab 4 cr GEOL 106, 107 General Geology plus Lab 4 cr GEOL 115 Physical Geography 4 cr PHYS 110 Essentials of Physics 4 cr PHYS 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):
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 crA student may elect to take both of the following courses to satisfy Goals 6 and 7 (see course description):
HUM 101 Introduction to the Humanities 3 cr HUM 102 Introduction 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 Introduction 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 Introduction to the Humanities 3 cr HUM 102 Introduction 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 nation's 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 Introduction to American Studies 3 cr AMST/HIST 121 U.S. to 1865 3 cr AMST/HIST 122 U.S. Since 1865 3 cr
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 Civilization 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
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
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 Introduction to American Government 3 cr
ANTH 100 General Anthropology 3 cr PSYC 111 Introductory Psychology I 3 cr PSYC 112 Introductory Psychology II 3 cr SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3 cr SOC 112 Social Problems 3 cr
Specific requirements are given under Individualized Educational Programs.
The CEEB Advanced Placement Examinations are administered each May, at a cost of $72 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 student's 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, English, Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Physics, and Political Science allow college credits with Advanced Placement scores of 3 or higher. The Art, 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 student's 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 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.
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 3 credits Science (Part A) (CIS 220 equiv.) Economics Macro 4 or 5 3 credits (ECON 201 equiv.) Micro 4 or 5 3 credits (ECON 202 equiv.) English Lang. & Comp. 3 or above 3 credits (ENGL 101 equiv.) Lit. & Comp. 3 or above 3 credits (ENGL 101 equiv.) 4 or 5 6 credits (ENGL 101 & 110 equiv.) Foreign Language 3 4 credits (one Semester) 4 8 credits (two semesters, Equiv. to 1 year of Elementary language) 5 16 credits (four semesters, Equiv. to 2 years at the Elementary and Intermediate language level) 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.)
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 department's major program. Students may earn a maximum of 48 semester credit hours by CLEP subject-area examination with department approval, and scores ranging from 45 to 55 or higher are accepted for credit award.
An "S" grade is entered on a student's 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 $40 to CLEP and $10 to ISU per test. Registration and fee payment 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 credits Info. Systems and Computer Applications 50 3 elective credits Intro Accounting 50 6 credits, ACCT 201 & 202Achievement 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 Human Growth & Dev. 50 2 credits, HEC 200HEC 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 & 259Students 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 121 American History II: 1865 to the Present 50 3 credits, HIST 122History 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 111 50 3 credits, PSYCH 111 or PSYCH 112 Intro Sociology 50 3 credits, SOC 101Psychology 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 112 College Algebra- Trigonometry 55 5 credits, MATH 117The Mathematics Department will accept a score of 55 on the subject-area CLEP Examinations as satisfying the prerequisite for completion 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 105Chemistry 105 satisfies Goal 5 of the General Education Requirements.
Honors courses are designed for students who are motivated to develop their critical and creative thinking in a more personalized atmosphere. These courses are offered in small classes (25 maximum enrollment) by interested faculty, deal with broad and/or interdisciplinary issues, and confront some aspect of the human condition. Innovative teaching and assignments are encouraged, and interaction with faculty and class members is lively.
Honors courses are listed in the Class Schedule and are designated by an "H" on a student's transcript so that employers and graduate schools recognize the student's academic achievements in honors courses. Honors course may be taken as electives or to meet goals requirements.
Questions about honors courses may be directed to the Assistant Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, 236-3204.
Any credits earned through participation in a foreign study program must be evaluated for equivalencies by the student's major department and by the University Registrar. Students should work closely with their adviser, department chair, and Registrar prior to enrollment in any study abroad program to determine which course may transfer for academic credit.
Questions about Study Abroad courses may be directed to Professor Rick Foster, Director of the Program in International Studies, 236-3043.
The Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) degree is an optional University degree for students who complete an Associate of Applied Science degree at an Idaho vocational-technical school. The degree requires compliance with the general University procedures and regulations for all bachelor's degrees, as explained under Academic Requirements in this catalog. Specific requirements come under these two categories: (1) completion of an AAS degree approved by the Idaho State Board of Education and (2) completion of a planned program of academic coursework that is officially approved by the student's assigned Advisory Committee and by the University's Bachelor of Applied Technology Committee. The student's Advisory Committee will consist of at least two members appointed by the Director of Individualized Education Programs: one advisor from the student's AAS technical program or field and one University faculty member-at-large. The two categories are explained below:
Category 1:
Completion of an AAS Program Approved by the Idaho State Board of Education
For all approved AAS programs except ISU's three-year Electronics Systems Technology program, students are allowed a maximum of 50 lower division credits to apply toward the BAT degree. For ISU's three-year Electronic Systems Technology program, students are allowed a maximum of 58 lower division credits plus 18 upper division credits for a total of 76 credits.
Note: Credits allowed for the AAS programs count only toward the BAT degree.
Specific requirements for ISU's AAS programs are given in this catalog under the School of Applied Technology. AAS students at ISU who are interested in coordinating AAS requirements with BAT requirements should consult their technical field advisors and counselors at the Student Services Office in ISU's School of Applied Technology. For additional information and assistance, they should also contact the University's Office of Individualized Education Program, which administers the BAT program.
Students pursuing an approved AAS program at another Idaho institution should first consult their technical field advisors at their institution if interested in coordinating AAS requirements with ISU's BAT requirements. They should apply for admission to ISU before the semester in which they plan to enroll as a BAT student. For additional information and assistance, they should contact ISU's Office of Individualized Education Programs, which administers the BAT program.
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 explanation:
Students who complete ISU's 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 degree's minimum total to 136 credits. The academic coursework must include completion of the following: university general education requirements as specified for the BAT degree under General Education in this catalog; 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 ISU's AAS in Electronics Systems Technology.
Students who complete any other approved AAS program must complete a minimum of 78 credits with a minimum 2.0 g.p.a. in academic coursework. This brings the degree's minimum total to 128 credits. The academic coursework must include completion of the following: university general education requirements as specified for the BAT degree under General Education in this catalog; 12 credits in courses that support the AAS technical field; 36 credits of upper division (300/400) courses. Also, students who earn an approved AAS in a business field may have to take more than 78 non-business academic credits to earn the BAT. Their vocational-technical business credits in the AAS program may come under ISU's academic regulation that limits the number of credits earned in business courses (combining both academic and technical business courses) to 25% of total degree credits when the student is pursing any degree other than a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Courses taken in this category cannot be randomly selected. They must be planned to satisfy BAT general education requirements, to support the AAS technical field and to support the individual student's carefully stated educational and career goals. After completing 15 credit hours of BAT general education requirements, the student is eligible to develop a proposed BAT degree plan of academic coursework for review and approval by advisors and by the BAT Committee. Students are recorded as "declared" BAT candidates after the plan for academic coursework has been officially approved by their assigned Advisory Committee and by the University's Chair for the Bachelor for Applied Technology Committee.
Students interested in pursuing this degree should plan to coordinate the course requirements for the approved AAS program, the academic courses necessary to meet the University's general education goals, and the remaining BAT academic course requirements. They should consult first with their applied technology counselors about requirements for the AAS degree and about general education courses that may meet requirement both in the AAS and in the BAT. When ready to enroll as a BAT student, students need to request assignment to an Advisory Committee who will assist in developing an appropriate plan for the additional academic coursework. The student's BAT Advisory Committee will include at least two faculty members, one in an academic discipline and the other in the student's technical specialization. For assignment to this committee and for further information, students need to contact the Office of Individualized Education Programs. Students may also wish 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
Ms. Bessie Katsilometes, Registration and Records
Mr. Michael Lyons, School of Applied Technology
Dr. Ranaye Marsh. School of Applied Technology Dean's Office
Ms. Rosemary Myers, IEP office (BAT Committee Chair)
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.
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 been planned with and approved by the candidate's 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; satisfactory completion of the BUS graduating senior's self assessment essay; 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:
Mr. Henry Durham, Department of Sociology and Social Work
Dr. Kathleen King, Department of English and Philosophy
Mr. Larry McCullough, Counseling and Testing Center
Ms. Sandra Noakes, Department of Physical Education
Mr. Darrell Scott, College of Business
Dr. Tesa Stegner, Department of Economics
Dr. Don Streubel, Department of Biological Sciences.
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, 399, 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. Courses under the same title and/or course description may be offered no more than three times.
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.
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:
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. For further information, contact:
For information about obtaining Idaho Residency Certification for the University of Utah School of Medicine, contact:
The Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) enables students in the 13 western states (including 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.
To be certified as eligible for this program, the student must write to the WICHE Certifying Officer in his/her state of legal residence for the program application form.
For further information, contact the Certifying Officer for Idaho, WICHE Student Exchange Program:
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) of WICHE provides Idaho residents an opportunity to enroll at resident tuition rates in selected graduate programs in 13 states which are not available in Idaho. Doctor of Arts programs in biology, English, mathematics and political science are available at ISU to graduate students from participating WICHE states. Students pay tuition at the resident rate of the receiving institution, rather than the normal non-resident rate. For further information, contact the:
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a WICHE program that allows undergraduate students residing in 13 participating states the opportunity to enroll in specified programs at Idaho State University at a reduced cost. Interested students must apply for admission by the scholarship deadline date of March 1 in order to be eligible for WUE. Once accepted for admission, students who have indicated that they are from a WUE participating state on their application form and who have a minimum 3.0 grade point average will be considered for a limited number of WUE reduced fee awards.
Idaho State University Tuition Expenses for Approved WUE Students:
Idaho resident semester fees $785.00 Plus One-half of Idaho resident fees $392.50 Full-time fees per semester $1,177.50
Time accrued while receiving WUE reduced fees will NOT contribute towards the length of time required for establishing Idaho residency status.
WUE recipients will receive notification from:
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 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 resident 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 State University's resident center located in Idaho Falls offers students the opportunity to complete several degrees at home. These include 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 Resident 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 the 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.
The use of satellite, microwave, phonelines and television broadcasting to transmit video and audio to and from other locations in Idaho allows ISU, through two video classrooms, to offer some 130 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 ISU's 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.
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 university's 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 Children's 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).
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 participants, 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 Registrar's Office upon written request.
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.
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 agreement. 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 Center 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.
Each degree-seeking student admitted to Idaho State University will indicate 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 student's record. 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 college coordinator of the new major code to be entered on his/her 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 student's record. The student may change his/her status to that of a degree-seeking student by complying with admissions criteria for degree-seeking students. A maximum of 32 credits may be earned under this classification.
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 58 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.
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 (see course schedule for date):
Students may withdraw from individual classes for medical or hardship reasons only. Hardship withdrawals are handled by the student's 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 Medical Director and/or 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 student's 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.
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.
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.
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 student's thesis committee or course instructor. At that time, the committee or instructor will request that the registrar convert the IP to the grade earned.
Instructors will report ordinary letter grades on the grade list. The Office of Registration and Records will affix to the student's 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 student's 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.
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 student's grade point average. No credits are awarded in any course for which a U grade is earned.
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 auditor's 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 student's transcript.
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 student's 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.
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.
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 councill 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.
Scholastic Probation Scale
Credits Attempted Minimum ISU (Including Transfer Accumulative Credits ) GPA 1 through 25 1.75 26 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 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. (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.
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.
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 seniors, 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.
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.
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 ISU's institution-wide accreditation.
Idaho State University's 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.
Idaho State University informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. This Act, with which the institution intends to comply fully, was designated to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings. Students also have the right to file complaints with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office (FERPA), concerning alleged failures by the institution to comply with the Act.
Institutional policy explains in detail the procedures to be used by the University for compliance with the provisions of the Act. Copies of the policy can be found in the Registrar's Office, located in the Museum Building, Room 319. An Office of the Registrar Information Release Policy Checklist is published in each term's class schedule booklet for student reference. Questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be referred to the Associate Director of Registration and Records. A Directory of Records which lists all education records maintained on students by this institution is available in the Registration and Records Office and the School of Applied Technology Student Services Office. Directory information, i.e., the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of registered students are considered public record, and are included in the annual campus directory. Students who do not want their names, address, and telephone number printed in this directory must notify the Office of Registration and Records at the beginning (fall semester) of each academic year.
Idaho State University Academic Information
Revised: April 24, 1996
URL http://www.isu.edu/academic-info/prev-isu-cat/ugrad96/general/ar.html