This document provides an overview of resources, policies, and contacts for graduate students at the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It outlines essential resources like the graduate catalog and MyISU portal. It describes the Graduate Student Association and advising process. It also summarizes requirements and procedures for theses/dissertations, graduation, research clearance, and lists key office contacts for various student services and support.

1. College of Graduate and Professional Studies

2. College of Graduate and Professional StudiesOutlineEssential ResourcesGSAAdvisingTheses and DissertationsGraduationResearch: IRB/IACUCStudent ResourcesContacts

3. College of Graduate and Professional StudiesEssential ResourcesAll forms, policies, and deadlines are published on the College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) website. These materials are regularly updated atgraduate.instate.eduThe Graduate Catalog is located on-line. The catalog is the official policy document of the CGPS and contains all essential academic information. The catalog is located athttp://catalog.indstate.edu/index.php. Be sure to select the correct catalog and yearof entry into the program.MyISU. The ISU portal, known as MyISU, serves as a “one-stop” resource for most student services. The portal is used for on-line registration, accessing a searchable schedule of courses, viewing academic calendar, and accessing your student account (including financial aid). Please note that to protect your privacy and to keep you informed, the CGPS will communicate electronically using only the official indstate.edu email.

4. College of Graduate and Professional StudiesGraduate Student AssociationGSA is a student organization that works in partnership with student government (SGA)As an advocate for students, GSA has representation on university committees including Graduate Council and Faculty SenateGSA holds regular meetings and these meetings are announced via ISU’s daily global emailThe organization also hosts social eventshttp://www.indstate.edu/gsa/

5. Academic AdvisingYour academic advisor (likely the same person as your thesis or dissertation advisor) will be responsible for coordinating your “plan of study” aka “contract of study”The “contract” or “plan” maps out which courses you will take in fulfillment of the program requirements as outlined in the graduate catalogBeginning if Fall 2010, all programs will be able to use DARSYour academic advisor can assist you with course selection, petitions/waivers, transfer credit, and other curricular processesCollege of Graduate and Professional Studies

6. College of Graduate and Professional StudiesTheses & Dissertations: ResourcesWriting SupportCGPS supports two assistantships to assist students with thesis and dissertation writing issuesThe Writing Center will assist students for whom English is their nature languageThe LLL Language Lab is able to assist non-native speakersFormatCGPS provides a formatted MS Word template for use by students that conforms to the approved handbook. Submitting a Thesis or DissertationBeginning in Spring 2010, CGPS will accept only electronic theses and dissertations. The instructions and policy are located on line at http://www.indstate.edu/sogs/Students.htm

7. College of Graduate and Professional StudiesTheses & DissertationsSteps in the ProcessIdentify a chair (aka advisor) and form a committeePropose the research, defend the research, and process the approval of proposal formEstablish an appropriate defense date based on the published critical dates and notify CGPS at least one week prior to the public defenseDefend the final document, route the approval form, and submit for format review to CGPSSubmit final approved ETD copy For in-depth information, please review the “steps” document http://www.indstate.edu/sogs/forms/steps_complete_thesis_dissertation.pdfAll students completing a thesis or dissertation are expected to review and understand the responsibilities of students

8. GraduationCollege of Graduate and Professional StudiesAll students must apply for graduation no later than the first month of the intended graduating semesterThe deadline for filing an application for graduation is posted on the College of Graduate and Professional Studies websiteThe graduation application and commencement materials are located at http://www.indstate.edu/sogs/gradandcommencement.htm

9. College of Graduate and Professional StudiesResearch: Human Subjects (IRB) & Animals (IACUC)All graduate students performing research that involves human subjects and/or animals are required to complete Institutional Review Board or IACUC trainingTraining is provided by the Office of Sponsored Programs through CITIAll graduate students must have their research and associated protocols approved by either the IRB (humans) or IACUC (animals)Students completing a thesis or dissertation that requires IRB/IACUC review will not be permitted to graduate without evidence of IRB/IACUC approval

10. College of Graduate and Professional StudiesContacts: Key OfficesAffirmative Action Office 812.237.8954 http://www.indstate.edu/aao/sjohnson65@isugw.indstate.eduAffirmative Action provides students with a variety of professional training opportunities. The office is responsible for the oversight and investigation ofcomplaints of harassment or discrimination prohibited under law.Financial Aid 812.237.2215 http://www.indstate.edu/finaid/finaid@indstate.eduFinancial Aid is responsible for coordinating federal, state, and campus funded aid programs.Center for Instruction, Research & Technology 812.237.2676 http://www.indstate.edu/cirt/cirt@indstate.eduCIRT provides professional development opportunities in the area of teaching and delivers a variety of technology workshops. CIRT also coordinates a mini-grant program.Center for Public Services and Community Engagement 812.237.2334http://www.indstate.edu/publicservice/cpsce@indstate.eduCPSCE provides campus and community programming as well as opportunities to engage in community-based research.Bursar’s Office 812.237.3535 http://www.indstate.edu/bursar/index.htmThe Bursar’s Office is responsible for tuition and fee billing and maintaining all student accounts.International Affairs Center 812.237.2440 http://www.indstate.edu/iac/iac@indstate.eduThe IAC coordinates campus programs (including international travel grants) and works with international student issues including immigration.Office of Diversity 812.237.8513 http://www.indstate.edu/diversity/The Office of Diversity is responsible for coordinating a variety of campus-based activities and programming as well as works with thecampus community to build capacity and promote diversity.Office of Sponsored Programs 812.237.3088 http://www.indstate.edu/osp/osp@indstate.eduOSP provides support for the IRB, IACUC, and grants/contracts. Additionally, OSP sponsors grant writing workshops.Office of Registration and Records 812.237.2020http://www.indstate.edu/registrar/regemail1@isugw.indstate.eduIf you are having significant issues with your academic or university record or need a transcript, ORR is the appropriate office to contact.

11. College of Graduate and Professional StudiesContacts: Distance SupportDistance Learning 812.237.8080 http://www.indstate.edu/distance/Distance learning supports distance education at ISU. If you are experiencing difficulties, please feel free to contact this office directly.OIT User Services. 812.237.2190 http://www.indstate.edu/oit1/userservices/ithelp/it-help@indstate.eduIf you are experiencing technical difficulties including accessing the portal, the OIT help desk can provide assistance on-line, through live-chat or over the phone. Additionally, the user services website contains a variety of trouble-shooting tips and FAQs that are useful for students.

12. College of Graduate and Professional StudiesContacts: CGPSNita Alexander, Student ServicesAdmissions & Curricular/Transfer QuestionsHelen Hoffa, Student ServicesGraduation check out, theses/dissertations, and commencementPam Allison, Administrative Assistantgraduate assistantships and student research awardsSandy Harris, Student ServicesGeneral Q&A

13. QuestionsCollege of Graduate and Professional StudiesIf you have any additional questions concerning any of the policies or proceduresoutlined in this session, please contact the College of Graduate and ProfessionalStudies via email [grdstudy@isugw.indstate.edu]or phone 812.237.3005