2018-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 19, 2024  
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog [Archived]

Fees, Financial and Other General Information


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Student Services

Career Center

The Indiana State University Career Center strives to educate and assist ISU students and graduates through their career development, preparing them to meet the challenges of a competitive work environment, and to proactively develop and maintain effective relationships among students, employers, and other relevant constituencies. The Career Center uses a liaison-advising model, with a career advisor assigned to each academic college. Students can meet with a career advisor to address any number of topics including: career and interest assessment, job and internship search advice, resume and cover letter writing, interview practice, networking, and using online job search tools and resources.  Services also include access to employers in many industry areas through career fairs, on campus interviewing, job postings, and networking events.

The Career Center also houses the Student Employment Program, which aids students in finding on or off campus hourly employment including help with the application and payroll process. For additional information, visit the Career Center website.
The Student Counseling Center

The Student Counseling Center works with students experiencing a wide variety of personal problems and conflicts. Difficulties centering around academic achievement and career goals, problems in relationships, questions about sexuality, and feelings of anxiety, depression, alienation, and loneliness are addressed by a staff of counselors and psychologists. In response to requests from individuals, University groups, and departments, the Student Counseling Center offers consultation services on the phone, in person at the center, or at other campus locations. Special workshops and seminars are offered and may be requested to develop skills in such areas as time management, stress management, assertiveness, and effective communication. Free brochures that provide basic information about topics such as stress, sexuality, relationships, self-esteem, and services available on campus are displayed in quantity in the reception area. No appointment is needed for reading these materials or taking free copies. For additional information, visit the Student Counseling Center website.

Health Insurance for Students. The opportunity to participate in a voluntary group health and accident insurance program is not provided to students by Indiana State University. Students covered by a family policy should be aware of any circumstances, such as the date, student’s age, or other conditions that would end their insurance coverage under their family policy. It is important that students understand the coverage provided by the insurance.

Identification Card for Students.

A student identification (ID) card is required as a means of access to many services on campus. The ID card is to be retained by the student for use during any subsequent enrollment. The card remains the property of the University. There is a $15.00 fee for a replacement identification card.

Alumni Association.  Since 1887, the Indiana State University Alumni Association has dedicated itself to providing programming and connecting alumni, students, and friends of the University in lifelong support of Indiana State University.  Providing services to over 75,000 alumni, the Alumni Association is directed by a 32 member board of directors.  The representatives who serve are selected by alumni members on a geographic and/or constituency basis.  The board of directors is responsible for nominating two members of the University Board of Trustees.  Alumni programs include a scholarship program, alumni clubs, reunions, college and departmental alumni events, Homecoming events, and other programs which engage alumni in the life of the University.

Alumni receive communications through the Alumni Update, electronic newsletter, and social media networks.  The Sycamore Ambassadors, sponsored by and working with the Alumni Association, serve as a link between students and alumni.  More information is available at www.indstate.edu/alumni

Annual Security and Fire Report

The Annual Security and Fire Report is published in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and the safety-related requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act. The report contains information regarding campus security, crime prevention, fire safety, personal safety, policies for reporting crimes, and sexual harassment. Three years of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on campus, or in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by ISU, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. To view the most current report, and for more information on police operations, crime statistics, and safety initiatives at ISU, go to the Public Safety website.

Parking on Campus

All students who park a vehicle or motorcycle/moped on any property owned, leased, or used by Indiana State University including University Apartments must purchase and properly display a current and appropriate parking permit from their rear-view mirror.  Permits are available at Parking Services or online at www.indstate.edu/parking/

Safety and Security

Indiana State University Public Safety maintains a 24 hour police operation located at 210 North 6th Street between Erickson and Pickerl Halls.  Police officers employed by the Public Safety Department exercise full police authority, including powers of arrest, on any property owned, leased, or used by Indiana State University.

To report a crime/emergency by telephone, dial 911 from any campus telephone or use the “Help” button on campus Code Blue Phones.  If using a cell phone on campus, dial 812-237-5555.  To report in person, visit the Public Safety Department located at 210 North 6th Street.  To report anonymously, go to the Public Safety web site, www.indstate.edu/pubsafety/ click on Prevention at ISU and go to Silent Witness Reporting.

For more information on police operations, crime statistics, and safety initiatives at ISU please go to the Public Safety website or call 237-7829.

Services for Disabled Persons. Students who request academic accommodations for a documented disability may obtain help through services located in the Center for Student Success. Services include assistance in accessing recorded textbooks for students with visual impairments and reading disabilities. This office also arranges for note takers or interpreters for hearing-impaired persons. Alternate testing procedures may be arranged as needed. Services for persons with disabilities are based on individual documentation of need and the University’s intent to offer appropriate accommodations according to Section 504 and Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. It is recommended that persons with disabilities visit Indiana State University prior to making a decision to enroll.

Testing Services for Students. The University Testing Office serves as a national test center for Indiana State University and the surrounding community. For a list of student services, visit the University Testing website.


HOUSING

University Apartments

Indiana State University offers a variety of living options for graduate students in University-owned apartments that are available for the academic year and summer term. A University-owned apartment complex provides comfortable accommodations for students, single graduate and undergraduate students of at least a sophomore standing. One-bedroom, one-bedroom with study, and three-bedroom apartments are available. Semester cost includes utilities, local phone service, Internet access, and cable TV at an affordable rate. For more information visit the Residential Life website.


Expenses and Fees

All University fees and assessments are established by the Indiana State University Board of Trustees, which reserves the right to make necessary adjustments at any future time.  The right to correct errors is also reserved.

Graduate students who are residents of Indiana pay in-state tuition, academic fees, and a student recreation center fee. Non-Indiana residents pay non-resident tuition, academic fees, and a student recreation center fee. Distance delivery fees are also assessed in conjunction with distance courses. Note that the student recreation center fee is only assessed when six or more hours of on-campus registration is accomplished fall/spring and 3 or more hours of on-campus registration is accomplished summer. Fee information can be found on-line on the Sycamore Express site.

The academic fees are used to help meet the cost of construction and maintenance of buildings, campus, library, laboratories, and to support various student services and activities.

All currently enrolled students are eligible for various personal, social, and cultural activities including the use of services, facilities, and programs provided by Hulman Memorial Student Union and by the Student Government Association, and are entitled to receive the Indiana Statesman, the student newspaper; and are eligible for services at the UAP Clinic – ISU Health Center. Students, if enrolled in the appropriate number of credit hours, can be admitted without further charge to all regularly scheduled home intercollegiate athletic contests sponsored by the Intercollegiate Athletic Department.

The payment of fees is made to the Office of the Controller. Information regarding payment options is available online on the Sycamore Express website for each enrollment period.  Students may use cash, check, Visa or MasterCard to pay for fees and other charges.  Visa, MasterCard or electronic checks may be used when paying on-line.

Residence Classification

The assessment of tuition and fees is based on a student’s residence classification prior to the first day of classes for that semester or term. This initial classification remains for subsequent academic semesters or terms unless and until such classification is changed. An individual could be considered a legal resident of Indiana (i.e., holds a driver’s license, pays taxes), but not qualify as a resident for tuition purposes at Indiana State University. The “University” residence classification must not be confused with a person’s “civil” residence status. In-state residence requires a bona fide permanent domicile in excess of 12 months, as explained in the ISU residency regulations. Holders of undergraduate degrees from Indiana State University, who at the time of graduation were residents of the State of Indiana, shall, for the purpose of subsequent registrations in the University, be classified as residents of Indiana.  Students classified as non-residents (those whose domiciles are outside Indiana) for tuition purposes may petition for in-state status, if they believe they have been incorrectly classified as non-residents. For more information on how to appeal residence classification, refer to the Sycamore Express website.

Schedule of Fees

Rates for tuition and academic fees are determined on a bi-annual basis by the Indiana State University Board of Trustees.  They are announced prior to the start of each academic year.  However, the University Board of Trustees reserves the right to change fees at any time.

Registrations

Students scheduling classes by utilization of the Web system must obtain important financial messages regarding payment responsibilities at the conclusion of their course selection process. Payment information is also published online on the Sycamore Express website of the respective term. Bills may not be generated until after the variable payment plan fee has gone into effect.

Miscellaneous Fee Policies

Returned Check Policy. Students providing paper or electronic checks, which are subsequently returned as non-negotiable, are assessed a $25.00 penalty per check. In addition, once a student has presented three non-negotiable checks, all check writing privileges will be suspended indefinitely.

Admission Application Fee. All applications must be accompanied by a $45.00 nonrefundable application fee.

International Student Application Fee. International students’ applications must be accompanied by a $65.00 nonrefundable application fee.

Auditor’s Fee. An auditor’s fee of $5.00 per credit hour is charged to persons properly qualified who desire to attend one of the classes open for auditing without participating in the recitation and without formal credit.

Official Withdrawal-Refund Policy. Students who participate in registration must initiate an official withdrawal if they elect not to attend any classes during the semester/term for which registration was accomplished.  Students who officially withdraw from 16 week classes through the first week of the semester will receive a 100 percent reduction of academic fees; during the second week, a 75 percent reduction; during the third week, a 50 percent reduction; during the fourth week, a 25 percent reduction; after the fourth week, no reduction. (All days will be counted regardless of whether or not the course meets beginning with the first day of class. This means Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are counted.)  Summer and Eight week classes have a shorter refund time line. Specific refund dates and information can be found on the Registration and Records website.

Dropping Courses–Refund Policy. Students who drop one or more 16 week class through the first week of the semester will receive a 100 percent reduction of academic fees; during the second week, a 75 percent reduction; during the third week, a 50 percent reduction; during the fourth week, a 25 percent reduction; after the fourth week, no reduction. (All days will be counted regardless of whether or not the course meets beginning with the first day of class. This means Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are counted.) Summer and Eight week classes have a shorter refund time line. Specific refund dates and information can be found on the Registration and Records website.

Late Registration Fee. A late registration fee of $100 will be assessed beginning with the first official day of the fall/spring semesters, regardless of course start date. The late registration fee is not charged during the summer term.

Encumbrance. Students who have a financial obligation to the University will have their future registrations encumbered; their records, transcripts, and diploma will not be released.

Variable Payment Plan Fee. Variable Payment Plan Fees are assessed each semester/term according to the schedules published on-line on the Sycamore Express website  for the respective term. There is a $60.00 maximum per semester in the fall and spring, and a $30.00 charge for the summer term.

Internal Collections Process. Students turned over to University Collection Specialists for failure to meet financial obligations:

  • Will have grades withheld;
  • Will have records (e.g., diplomas, transcripts, etc.) encumbered;
  • Will not be able to register for future semesters/terms; and,
  • Will have a $55.00 late fee added to their account.

Change of Schedule Fee. A $30 Change of Schedule Fee will be assessed on days in which a student makes adjustments to their schedule, effective the first start date of the course(s).

Parking Permit. All faculty, staff, and students who own, possess, operate, or have the use of a motor vehicle on any property owned, leased, or used by Indiana State University, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, must purchase and properly display a current parking permit from the rear-view mirror. The University Board of Trustees has established a registration fee. The registration fee may be paid online or at Parking Services, a division of the Public Safety Department.

Parking Fine. The Public Safety Department may assess fines for parking and traffic violations in accordance with Indiana State University traffic regulations.

Replacement of Sycamore Card Fee. A fee will be charged to students who make application to replace their Sycamore Card. The fee is payable at the time a replacement card is requested in the Public Safety Department.

Breakage Fee. Breakage fees are charged for laboratory equipment which is either non-returnable or which is not returned in good condition.

Laboratory/Course/Program Fees. Laboratory and course fees are charged students in certain classes for supplies and equipment usage, and/or special instruction/supervision. Program fees are assessed each semester/term a student is registered in a program that carries a designated program fee.

Library Fines. Library fines are assessed for overdue and lost books/materials.

Graduate Student Cap, Gown, and Hood Fee. Candidates who attend commencement are required to purchase or rent the appropriate cap, gown, and hood for commencement. The Barnes and Noble Bookstore is the exclusive source for commencement regalia.

Applied Music Fee. An applied music fee will be charged for each course in instruments or voice done on the basis of individual instruction with a regular faculty music instructor.

Transcript Fee. A transcript fee will be charged for each transcript of record issued. Transcripts cannot be released without a student’s written consent. Transcripts can be ordered on-line.

Thesis/Dissertation Binding Expense. The binding of the thesis/dissertation is an expense which should be considered by each graduate student when writing a thesis/dissertation.

Financial Assistance

At Indiana State University, financial assistance is available to eligible graduate students.  Assistance may be in the form of ISU graduate assistantships, fellowships and tuition scholarships, other ISU awards (scholarships), or Federal loan assistance.

ISU students in all graduate degree programs who meet award criteria are eligible for ISU assistantships, fellowships, and/or tuition scholarships, and other awards (scholarships). Students interested in these types of financial awards must submit applications to the chairperson of their chosen academic department/program and/or to other chairpersons.

Student Financial Aid

The Office of Student Financial Aid administers a variety of financial aid programs supported through federal, state, and University resources. The primary purpose of the office is to assist students in obtaining funding opportunities to enter and remain enrolled in the University.

General Office Information. The Office of Student Financial Aid provides a convenient location and several options of access for its customers. The office offers students and/or their families walk-in counseling, telephone counseling, and appointments, and can be contacted via electronic mail at isu-finaid@mail.indstate.edu, or by telephone at 812-237-2215.

Expanded office hours are available the first week of classes in the fall and spring semester and on “move in” Saturday before the fall semester begins.

Current and detailed information relating to the Office of Student Financial Aid and its programs, including deadlines and important links are available on the Web. Web information supersedes that of printed material.

Application Process. The first step in receiving financial aid is completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The priority deadline for completing the FAFSA (for Indiana residents) is March 10 annually prior to the start of the academic year, but later applications are accepted. The FAFSA should be completed on-line. Be sure to include Indiana State University’s Federal School Code 001807 when completing the FAFSA.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Central Processing System reviews and analyzes the information provided on the FAFSA and calculates an Expected Family Contribution. The Central Processing System transmits the results to colleges listed on the FAFSA and to the student. The Expected Family Contribution is used by ISU as an index for determining the amount of financial aid for which the student is eligible.

Once Indiana State University’s Office of Student Financial Aid receives the FAFSA data, the data is reviewed to determine whether additional documentation is needed. If additional documentation is needed, a missing item email is sent to the student, and the student’s MyISU Portal is updated with a description of the missing item. If no additional documentation is needed, the Financial Aid Office begins processing aid for the student.

Financial Aid establishes a cost of attendance for students attending the University.  The cost of attendance is comprised of tuition and fees, housing  and meals, books, miscellaneous, and transportation costs.  Once the expected family contribution is subtracted from the cost of attendance, the student’s financial need is determined. Based on the student’s financial need, the appropriate federal, state and institutional aid is awarded from various sources, including but not limited to the following:

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
  • Federal Work Study
  • Federal Perkins Loan
  • Federal Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized)
  • Twenty-first Century Scholar
  • Indiana Higher Education Award portion of the Frank O’Bannon Grant
  • Indiana National Guard Supplemental Grant
  • Sycamore Need-Based Grant

Additional types of aid are listed on the University’s Web site.

Graduate Assistantships

A graduate student holding an appointment as a graduate assistant performs part-time work for the University as determined by the department or unit involved. A student holding admission to a graduate degree or certification program is eligible for appointment as a graduate assistant. Payment is on a bi-weekly basis and a student with a full-time graduate assistant position is expected to perform a maximum of 20 hours of work per week. Standard tuition waivers according to graduate policy are also offered. Summer appointments may also be available.  A student receiving a partial assistantship (one-half) receives a stipend in proportion to the kind of assistantship awarded and has a service requirement of similar proportion.

Standards for appointment are:

  1. The student must have been admitted to a graduate degree or certificate program under a regular admission status.
  2. The student must have completed requirements for the baccalaureate degree prior to the first semester of the appointment year.
  3. The student must be enrolled as a full-time student.  Exceptions will be made for students enrolling in the Ph.D. Technology Management or other ISU-approved consortium programs.
  4. The student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 at the time of award (undergraduate if the first term of graduate work, or graduate grade point average on nine graduate hours after the first term of enrollment, or grade point average of 3.5 on nine graduate hours after the first term of enrollment in the doctoral programs in the Bayh College of Education). At their discretion, however, individual academic units may set higher standards above this minimum requirement.
  5. International students who may be considered for appointments as assistants or fellows as indicated above must meet the above criteria and possess a valid passport and appropriate Visa at the time of award and be in good standing and in compliance with United States Homeland Security and United States immigration laws and regulations.

Departments and academic programs may request an extra-ordinary exception to the GPA stipulation (1.1)  above for newly enrolled admitted full-time students without prior graduate courses by contacting the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies in cases where a student may have a unique skill set, professional experience, or other quality that warrants special consideration.

The Guidelines for Graduate Assistantships are available on the College of Graduate and Professional Studies website.

Tuition Fellowships

Students awarded assistantships are also provided tuition fellowships in recognition of their scholarly accomplishment. Tuition fellowships are part of the financial aid package, but are not related to services. For students awarded full-time assistantships, nine hours of tuition waiver per semester (up to 18 credit hours per academic year), and up to six hours during the summer may be awarded. For half-time assistantships, 4.5 hours of tuition waiver per semester (up to nine credit hours of tuition waiver for the academic year), and three credit hours during the summer may be awarded.

Scholarship/Fee Waiver Awards
A limited number of fee waivers may be awarded by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies on a competitive basis to students who meet the eligibility requirements for assistantships. Academic units in which students are awarded scholarship/fee waivers are expected to monitor such awards regularly and immediately report to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies any violation of these guidelines.  
  1. scholarship/fee waiver awards will be immediately withdrawn from students who: are placed on academic probation, dismissed, suspended, or expelled
  2. violate Indiana State University academic policies (academic integrity, etc.)
  3. a student whose GPA falls slightly below a 3.0 (on probation) may petition their supervisor/chair and the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies to maintain the position for one semester.

Graduate Fellowships

A number of appointments as University fellows may be available each year to qualified graduate students. These fellowships allow the recipient to pursue a full-time course of study with no obligation to the University other than to maintain a high level of academic performance. A student holding admission to a doctor of philosophy, doctor of psychology or masters of fine arts program is eligible for appointment as a University fellow. The standards for graduate assistantships also apply to graduate fellowships.

Other ISU Institutional Award (Scholarships)

Indiana State University and the Indiana State University Foundation offer a variety of scholarships to help make higher education possible for talented and deserving students. Annually, the University awards millions in scholarships and awards, many of which are made possible by the support and gifts of individuals and organizations. STATE’s online scholarship system, The Branch, is the place to go to access these opportunities. It is accessible via the MyISU Cloud. Students must at a minimum complete and submit the General Application annually to be considered for these scholarships.

Other Non-Institutional (Non-ISU) Awards

Veterans Programs

Indiana State University has been approved by the State Approval Agency to teach veterans under Chapters 30, 31, 32, and 106 of Title 38, U.S. Code. Children, wives, and widows of totally disabled or deceased veterans are eligible to receive educational benefits under Chapter 35 of Title 38, U.S. Code. Eligible persons desiring detailed information should address their requests to the Veterans Service Coordinator at 812-237-2540. Basic program information is online.

Visit the Office of Registration and Records website to view the scales used to determine a student’s enrollment status or to certify a veteran’s enrollment status. Questions about status (full-time, three-quarter time, half-time, and part-time) should be directed to the Office of Registration and Records.