Special Resources

Click on any of the following links for information:

• Advanced Technology Studies
• Distance Learning
• Graduate Student Association
• Indiana University School of Medicine, Terre Haute
• Office of Information Technology and Center for Instruction, Research, and Technology
• Library Services
• Research Support Services
• Student Internships

SPECIAL RESOURCES

Indiana State University has many resources which, as an integral part of the institution, facilitate learning, contribute to the total education and success of its students, and also serve faculty and administrators in performance of their duties and the enhancement of their continuing professional development. What follows are selections of examples of special resources available at Indiana State University.

Indiana State University is committed to the use of advanced information technologies in support of teaching, research, and student learning.  To enhance the academic environment, Indiana State has invested in a number of information technology resources including:  state-of-the-art general use and discipline-aligned computer laboratories; Internet and high-speed campus network connections; including a robust wireless infrastructure; technology-enhanced classrooms; distance learning classrooms; Web and media production services; high performance computing services; course management system (Blackboard); interactive and multimedia design services; and access to a wide variety of commercial and course-specific software.  A complete list of the Office of Information Technology services can be found on-line at http://www.indstate.edu/oit/.

If you have specific student technology questionsyou need answered before you arrive on campus you can visit http://www.indstate.edu/oit/students/index.php for self-help or contact the OIT Help Desk at 812-237-2910. They will be able to answer most of your technology questions or will create a ticket and assign it to the appropriate area for resolution. Once you arrive on campus you can visit the Student Computer Support Center (SCSC) located in the basement of Stalker Hall for all of your student technology needs. The SCSC provides walk-in service to students with no appointment necessary.

As described above, Indiana State University provides students with access to a wide array of institutional computing resources including general use computer labs across campus, dedicated specialized computing facilities for individual programs, and dynamic living and learning spaces. As a laptop university, the purchase of personal laptops is required for undergraduate students and also strongly encouraged for all graduate students.

Indiana State University is committed to the use of advanced information technologies in support of teaching, research, and student learning.  To enhance the academic environment, Indiana State has invested in a number of information technology resources including:  state-of-the-art general use and discipline-aligned computer laboratories; Internet and high-speed campus network connections; including a robust wireless infrastructure; technology-enhanced classrooms; distance learning classrooms; Web and media production services; high performance computing services; course management system (Blackboard); interactive and multimedia design services; and access to a wide variety of commercial and course-specific software.  A complete list of the Office of Information Technology services can be found on-line at HTTP://www.indstate.edu/oit1.

In addition to this list of resources, a technology guide has been created.  This guide was created specifically to assist students with their technology needs at Indiana State University including: connecting to the wireless and wired network; accessing e-mail and Internet services; avoiding viruses and spy-ware; obtaining software; accessing telephone and cable television services; finding a campus computer laboratory; or receiving help with a technology issue.  The Student Technology Guide is available on-line at http://www.indstate.edu/oit1/pubs/techpubs . 

As described above, Indiana State University provides students with access to a wide array of institutional computing resources including general use computer labs across campus, dedicated specialized computing facilities for individual programs, and dynamic living and learning spaces. As a laptop university, the purchase of personal laptops is required for undergraduate students and also strongly encouraged for all graduate students.

Cunningham Memorial Library (CML) is “Your Campus Living Room.” The collections include more than one million print and electronic items and access is provided to an almost countless array of electronic information resources. Students have access to more than 130 public workstations located throughout the five floors of the library.  Public printers, scanners and photocopiers are also available. The Library offers quiet and group study floors, a coffee shop, and a host of individual services to meet your information needs.  Stay connected with the Library through our blog at http://isulibrary.wordpress.com/, our Facebook page [Cunningham Memorial Library – Indiana State University], a Twitter feed [isulib] and a YouTube site [isulibrary].

Hours of Operation:

During the Spring and Fall semesters the library maintains a 24/5 operating schedule with reduced hours on Fridays and Saturdays. For a complete schedule of hours and events see: http://library.indstate.edu/about/calendar.html

Services:

Reference:  Reference assistance may be obtained in a variety of ways during regular Reference Desk hours:

·         in person at the reference desk,

·         by phone at 237-2580,

·         via e-mail at http://library.indstate.edu/tools/questions/

·         or on-line chat (when Reference Desk is staffed) at http://library.indstate.edu/tools/reflive.html

·         contact the librarian who is a subject specialist in your area http://library.indstate.edu/about/staff/subjects.asp

·         check-in with the Weekly Online Research Help Sessions http://libguides.indstate.edu/distancelearning

In addition to Library Reference Services, the Office of Information Technology maintains a student technology support desk in the Library for answers to your IT questions related to campus computing. 

Group Instruction.  The Library maintains a computer classroom for librarian-conducted instruction.  This instruction facility provides 30 individual networked computers, an instructor’s podium workstation, and overhead projection screens to facilitate group training. To receive more information or to make a Library instruction appointment, call 812-237-2604 or visit the instruction Web site at http://library.indstate.edu/about/units/instruction/liohome.html

Individualized Instruction and Research Assistance.  Individuals may request specific, one-on-one instruction and research assistance by appointment with a librarian. Library staff members have compiled more than 80 detailed guides to information on topics of interest to ISU patrons using LibGuides:  http://libguides.indstate.edu/  Online tutorials are also available that address practical concerns of conducting library research, including library and online research strategies at http://library.indstate.edu/tools/tutorials/

Support for Distance Education Courses.  Reference, instructional, and document delivery services are available for Distance Ed students and instructors. Access the library’s services for distance students through the “Services” link on the library Web page, http://library.indstate.edu   A librarian has been designated to assist the distance learning programs. For reference assistance, call 812-237-2580 or 1-800-851-4279; for document delivery or interlibrary loan questions, call 812-237-2566.

iPads and Laptop Computers. iPads and laptop computers are available for in-library use by students. These items can be checked out from the Circulation Desk. For more information, call 812-237-2541.

The Writing Center. In conjunction with the Department of English, the ISU Library provides writing and research assistance to students (including Distance Ed students), through the Writing Center, which is located on the main floor of the library. For hours and other Writing Center information, visit the Writing Center Web site: http://libguides.indstate.edu/writing

Support for Students with Disabilities.   The Library provides a number of ADA-assistive devices to support students with disabilities. A computer with ZoomText capabilities that enlarges print and screen images and reads aloud for the visually impaired. The Library also maintains a study area dedicated to adaptive technology, which includes a Braille display, a reading machine, a special individual monitor for people with retinal degenerative diseases, a head tracker, a multi-colored QWERTY layout with keys four times larger than normal, a voice-to-text program, and software to help people who struggle with reading.

Collections:

Circulating Collections:  With a valid ISU student ID card, undergraduate students may check out Library circulating material for three week loan periods. Graduate students have a 16 week loan period. Digital media, such as CDs, DVDs, and computer games circulate for one week for everyone. The library is also part of the Library Consortium of Vigo County.  Through the online catalog called Fusion, students may access the collective library holdings of CML, the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, and the Vigo County Public Library. 

Electronic Resources:  Journals, subject indexes, e-books and full text databases are available to the ISU community via the library’s Web page menu at http://library.indstate.edu/. For more information on how to use these resources, or suggestions on effective searching of databases, contact the library’s Reference Desk at 237-2580.

Interlibrary Loan. The Interlibrary Loan service locates and borrows books, dissertations, reports, and other materials not available in the ISU library. Copies of electronic journal articles, book chapters, and other print materials may also be requested and are delivered to student’s desktops electronically. Interlibrary loan requests are accepted via the ILLiad system accessible on the library’s home page at http://library.indstate.edu   Students must set up an Interlibrary Loan account. Under “Services” choose “Borrowing” and then “Interlibrary Loan Services.” Additional information can be obtained there or by calling Interlibrary Loan at 237-2566, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m-4:30 p.m.

Class Reserve Material and Electronic Reserves.  Material that supplements classroom instruction may be placed on reserve by faculty or graduate instructors. These can include books, material scanned and available electronically, videos, slides, audiotapes, and CDs. Students may request reserved items at the circulation desk by the call number, faculty member’s name, or course number. An ISU student ID must be shown. Loan periods for reserves vary from two hours to one week. Those materials checked out for two or four hours may not leave the library.

Electronic reserves are photocopies of materials such as journal articles, practice examinations, homework assignments, etc. Electronic reserves are on-line materials and cannot be checked out. Students can access electronic reserves anywhere with a computer and Internet access. To access electronic reserves students must have their student ID and a password from the instructor.

Special Collections.  Located on the third floor of the Library, the Special Collections Department includes Rare Books & Manuscripts, University Archives, and Digital Initiatives. All paper based materials are available for use in the Reading Room Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Major collections include the Cordell Collection of Dictionaries; the Eugene V. Debs correspondence; Indiana literature and history; the Indiana Federal Writers Project Papers; and ISU records, publications, and materials of historical value to the University. The department provides online open access to its digital collections through

·         Sycamore Scholars (http://scholars.indstate.edu/) hosts electronic theses and dissertations, the scholarly writings of ISU faculty and students, and ISU publications.

·         Wabash Valley Visions & Voices Digital Memory Project (http://visions.indstate.edu/), is a collaborative effort of institutions, community groups, and area residents across the Wabash Valley, which documents the history and culture of the region.

·         University Archives.  The University Archives is a repository for all records of enduring value officially made by Indiana State University.  Additionally, materials of historical value related to the function and life of the University are also retained.  The archive preserves the collections for long-term storage and makes materials available upon request to students, staff, faculty, or public citizens for research and reference.  University Archives is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Cunningham Memorial Library (CML) collections include more than 1.4 million items. Undergraduate students may check out most print material for a three-week loan period using their student ID, while CDs, DVDs, and computer games circulate for one week. The library is also part of the Library Consortium of Vigo County.  Through a  search  interface called Fusion, students may access   the collective library holdings of CML, the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, and the Vigo County Public Library. 

Students have access to more than 130 public computers throughout the library. Nine computers are equipped with scanners and one computer has ZoomText capabilities that enlarges print and screen and reads aloud for the visually challenged. New furniture, computer hardware and software enable groups of students to collaborate electronically. Public printers, scanners and photocopiers are also available. Collaborative, group, and individual study areas are offered as well as group study rooms. One study area is dedicated to adaptive technology, which includes a Braille display, a reading machine, a special individual monitor for people with retinal degenerative diseases, a head tracker, a multi-colored QWERTY layout with keys four times larger than normal, a voice-to-text program, and software to help people who struggle with reading. To schedule study rooms call 237-3700. Reference and research assistance is offered at the reference desk. For library hours, call 237-2375, or visit the Web site at http://library.indstate.edu.

Reference Services. Reference assistance may be obtained in various ways: in person at the reference desk, by phone at 237-2580, by e-mail at http://library.indstate.edu/tools/questions/or by on-line chat at http://library.indstate.edu/tools/reflive.html during regular reference desk hours. To access the on-line services, go to the library’s Web site at http://library.indstate.edu and select “Reference Live Chat” or “Email a Librarian” from the left column.

Database Searching. A growing number of e-journals, electronic indexes, abstracts, and full text databases are available to the ISU community via the library’s Web page menu at http://library.indstate.edu. For more information on how to use these resources or suggestions on effective searching of databases, contact the library’s reference desk at 812-237-2580.

Instruction Services. A computer laboratory is available for librarian-conducted instruction. To receive more information or to make an appointment, call 812-237-2604 or visit the instruction Web site at http://library.indstate.edu/about/units/instruction/liohome.html.

Individualized Instruction Workshops. Individuals may request specific, one-on-one instruction and research assistance.  In addition, patrons may find detailed information on library topics using the Library Guides at http://libguides.indstate.edu.  They may also use the self-guided on-line instructions and tutorials on database searching and other topics available at http://library.indstate.edu/tools/tutorials/.  These tutorials address practical concerns of conducting library research, including library and Internet research strategies.

Support for Distance Education Courses. Reference, instructional, and document delivery services are available for Distance Ed students and instructors. Access the library’s services for distance students through the “Services” link on the library Web page, http://library.indstate.edu. A librarian has been designated for the distance learning  programs. For reference assistance, call 812-237-2580 or 1-800-851-4279; for document delivery or interlibrary loan questions, call 812-237-2566.

Interlibrary Loan. The Interlibrary Loan service locates and borrows books, dissertations, reports, and other materials not available in the ISU library. Copies of journal articles, book chapters, and other print materials may also be requested and are delivered to student’s desktops electronically. Interlibrary loan requests are accepted via the ILLiad system accessible on the library’s home page at http://library.indstate.edu Under “Services” choose “Borrowing” and then “Interlibrary Loan Services.” Additional information can be obtained there or by calling Interlibrary Loan at 237-2566, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m-4:30 p.m.

Reserves and Electronic Reserves. Materials that supplement classroom instructions may be placed on reserve by faculty or graduate instructors.  These can include books, material scanned and available electronically, videos, slides, and CD’s.  Students may request reserved items at the circulation desk by the call number, faculty member’s name, or course number.  An ISU student ID must be shown.  The loan periods for reserves vary from two hours to one week.  Those materials checked out for two or four hours many not leave the library.

Electronic reserves are photocopies of materials such as journal articles, practice examinations, homework assignments, etc.  Electronic reserves are on-line materials and are not checked out.  Students can access electronic reserves anywhere with a computer and Internet access.  To access electronic reserves students must have their student ID, a password from the instructor, and Acrobat Reader on their computer (free download at http://www.indstate.edu/oit/readers/acrobat/).

Commuter Laptop Computers. Laptop computers are available for in-library use by commuting students who can check them out for four hours from the circulation desk.  For more information, call 812-237-2541. 

Special Collections. Located on the third floor of the library, the Special Collections Department includes Rare Books & Manuscripts, University Archives, and Digital Initiatives. All paper based materials are available for use in the Reading Room Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Major collections include the Cordell Collection of Dictionaries; the Eugene V. Debs correspondence; Indiana literature and history; the Indiana Federal Writers Project Papers; and ISU records, publications, and materials of historical value to the University. The department provides online open access to its digital collections through Sycamore Scholars (http://scholars.indstate.edu/), which hosts electronic theses and dissertations, the scholarly writings of ISU faculty and students, and ISU publications; as well as through Wabash Valley Visions & Voices Digital Memory Project (http://visions.indstate.edu/), a collaborative effort of institutions, community groups, and area residents across the Wabash Valley, which documents the history and culture of the region.

The Writing Center. In conjunction with the Department of English, the ISU Library provides writing and research assistance through the Writing Center, which is located on the main floor of the library. For hours and other Writing Center information, visit the Writing Center Web site:http://libguides.indstate.edu/content.php?pid=18359&search_terms=writing+center.

Library Hours. For a complete list of hours, including weekend hours and exceptions to regular hours, check the Web site at http://library.indstate.edu/about/calendar.html or call 812-237-2375.

The Office of Sponsored Programs is the pre-award grant and contract office. The primary mission of the office is to assist ISU faculty, staff, and students in obtaining external funds to support their research, creative, service, and other activities. The office also provides University review and record keeping functions for all proposals submitted and funded, and a variety of other administrative tasks. Support to the Institutional Review Board for review of human subject research is also provided. The office offers both source-finding and proposal development assistance. To assist proposal writers in their search for grant funding, the office maintains electronic databases and other sources of information, which describe governmental (public) and foundation/endowment (private) grant programs and organizations. Once a potential grant program is identified, the professional staff in the office can assist with the various phases of proposal preparation and budget and assurance issues, and other topics involved with externally sponsored activities. Persons interested in these services can find this information and more on the Office of Sponsored Programs home page www.indstate.edu/osp

The Consortium for Advanced Technological Studies was organized to offer the doctor of philosophy in technology management. This is an unique organization of five universities having studies in technology including Bowling Green State University; University of Central Missouri; East Carolina University; Indiana State University; and North Carolina A&T State University. The Consortium brings together leading schools/colleges of technology in the United States to capitalize on existing resources and faculty expertise in specialized areas of technology. The Consortium universities have been recognized for providing continued leadership to the technology, management, and applied engineering profession.

Indiana State University offers several courses and degree programs via distance learning. Distance programs are designed for working professionals who cannot commute to campus and for the growing number of individuals who prefer courses delivered via the Internet. Many courses and programs can be completed entirely via distance learning. Other “distance friendly” programs require minimal visits to the ISU campus. For more information about distance learning, contact the Office of Admissions at 800-GO-TO-ISU or http://www.indstate.edu/distance/.

Internship programs off campus and special clinical facilities on campus are integral parts of many degree programs at Indiana State University. They offer the kind of practical on-the-job experience and cooperative links with industry and community agencies which foster the advancement of knowledge. Graduate training and work experience are available in such areas as college student affairs administration, communication disorders, counseling, criminology, economics, education, geography and geology, history, political science, psychology, school administration, and sociology. Among the clinical facilities on campus which are used in the development of specialized skills are the Counseling Clinic, the Porter School Psychology Center, the Psychology Clinic, and the Rowe Center for Communicative Disorders. For more detailed descriptions of these programs and facilities, see individual departmental listings.

The Graduate Student Association is the official representational body for ISU graduate students. This organization works strategically to facilitate and enhance communication between graduate students, ISU administrative offices, and other campus organizations. The association’s functions and operations are currently funded by the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs through the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  The Graduate Student Association participates annually in the research symposium and graduate student orientation. Representatives of the GSA serve on committees which promote and advance the academic interests and experiences of graduate students including assisting ISU with recruitment, retention of graduate students, diversity, and university award selection. Also, the GSA strives to facilitate the professional development of its members by providing scholarship opportunities for attending and presenting at conferences as well as researching.  Additional information about the Graduate Student Association is available at http://www.indstate.edu/gsa/.

Students accepted into the Indiana University School of Medicine may take the first two years of their regular four-year medical program at a statewide campus including the Terre Haute site located on the campus of Indiana State University. The basic sciences are taught during the first two years. The first year program includes courses in biochemistry, concepts in health and disease, gross anatomy, histology, immunology, introduction to medicine, microbiology, neuroscience, and physiology. Clinical exposure is provided to medical students in cooperation with Union Hospital, the Hamilton Center, Terre Haute Regional Hospital, and community physicians. After successful completion of the first year of medical school, students take the second year of courses, which include biostatistics, introduction to medicine, medical genetics, general and systemic pathology, and pharmacology. Medical students then transfer to the Indianapolis campus for their third and fourth years. Several of the third year clerkship rotations and fourth year clinical electives have also been established in community hospitals throughout Indiana, including Terre Haute, as part of the Indiana University statewide system for medical education. This system is presently expanding in the number of students accepted and the number of four-year sites.

In fall 2008, the Indiana University School of Medicine, Terre Haute inaugurated the Medical School Rural Program in which selected incoming students attend all four years at the Terre Haute campus. This program emphasizes early and rapid acquisition of clinical skills, the study of medicine from the perspectives of the rural physician and rural patients, and an understanding of the community context of rural medicine. It is believed that this novel program provides needed physicians to rural communities as well as provides educational opportunities for students from rural areas of Indiana.

Since 1997, Indiana State University and Indiana University School of Medicine, Terre Haute have conducted a joint Bachelors/Medical Degree Program. Interested and qualified high school students from rural counties apply and are admitted simultaneously to college and medical school. Provided that the students maintain a qualifying grade point average and obtain a competitive MCAT score during their four years of college at Indiana State University, they are directly admitted to the Indiana University School of Medicine to complete their four years of medical school. To date, 12 physicians have graduated from this program.  Requests for further information about the Medical Education Program should be directed to Dr. Taihung Duong, director. Information is also available at http://web.indstate.edu/thcme