for transfer students - Dean of Students - Illinois State University

PARENT 

FAMILY 

& 

FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS 

2012–2016 

GUIDE

From the president 

October 2012 

Dear Illinois State University Parents and Families, 

Welcome to Illinois State University, Illinois’ first public university. 

Illinois State is a distinctive institution that combines tradition and vision to provide your son 

or daughter with the premier undergraduate educational experience. Our traditions include 

individualized attention from our faculty and staff members, and an environment rich in academic, 

cocurricular, and cultural opportunities. Our vision holds the promise of the finest in 

facilities and technologies that keep in step with our competitive, rapidly changing world. I 

invite you to visit Illinois State often and to become involved with our campus community. 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Office of the President 

421 Hovey Hall 

Campus Box 1000 

Normal, IL 61790-1000 

(309) 438-5677 

President.IllinoisState.edu 

Parent and Family Services has developed this Parent and Family Guide with you, the University 

parents, in mind. The guide contains important phone numbers, descriptions of 

campus programs and services, and information on the Bloomington-Normal community. 

I hope you will find it a useful reference. 

Sincerely, 

Al Bowman, president 

President Bowman’s Top 10 Reasons to Attend Illinois State—2012 

1. Illinois State’s graduation rate soared from 59 percent to 70 percent over a five-year period, a feat matched by only five other public 

research universities in the country. 

2. At 85.1 percent, Illinois State’s freshman-to-sophomore retention rate is at a historic high. 

3. Risk Management magazine has recognized the Katie School of Insurance and Financial Services, in the College of Business, as one 

of the top three schools in the nation for the number of graduates in insurance and risk management programs. 

4. Illinois State is ranked fifth in the nation as a Peace Corps Master’s International School. The Peace Corps Master’s International 

Program, in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been in place since 1997 and offers graduate programs in applied economics, 

political science, and sociology. 

5. Gamma Phi Circus, in the College of Applied Science and Technology, is the oldest collegiate circus in North America. The nonprofit 

organization was created to allow Illinois State students to practice and perform circus arts and develop leadership skills. 

6. Theatre alum Jane Lynch’s star performance as host of the Emmy Awards was just one more reminder of the value of a College of 

Fine Arts education at Illinois State University. 

7. The College of Education was recently awarded a $1.39 million Transition to Teaching grant from the USDOE Office of Innovation 

and Improvement. There were only 17 of these awarded nationwide, and the college received the only award in Illinois. 

8. The Mennonite College of Nursing now has a high-tech, state-of-the-art simulation lab and virtual hospital unit for its outstanding 

students whose board exam pass rates continue to be some of the highest in the nation. 

9. Milner Library is now providing students with new study resources that include leisure and study seating; increased wireless access 

points; collaboration stations; dedicated podcast rooms; e-books and journals; open access to music, videos, and movies; and visually 

stimulating art. 

10. Illinois State’s Tim Glover won back-to-back NCAA National Championships in 2011 and 2012 for the javelin. 

The Parent and Family Guide is prepared by the Dean of Students Office—Parent and Family Services

Table of contents 

2012–2016 academic calendar.................2 

Parent resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Parent and Family Services................... 3 

Joining the Parents Listserv.................. 3 

Student Enrichment Fund.................... 4 

University Housing Services...................5 

University housing.......................... 5 

Room assignment policy..................... 5 

Room changes............................. 6 

Limited access policy........................ 6 

Noise policy............................... 6 

University Housing Services FAQ............. 6 

Mail Service................................ 7 

Off-Campus Housing. .......................8 

Off-Campus Housing FAQ ................... 8 

Campus Dining Services......................9 

Campus Dining Services FAQ................ 9 

Office of the University Registrar..............10 

Registrar Service Center.................... 10 

Academic Records and Evaluation Services .... 10 

Transcript Services......................... 10 

Veterans Services .......................... 11 

Office of the University Registrar FAQ ........ 11 

Division of Student Affairs...................13 

To be an Illinois State student ............... 13 

STATE your Passion....................... 13 

Dean of Students Office .....................14 

Community Rights and Responsibilities....... 14 

Diversity Advocacy......................... 14 

Leadership and Service..................... 14 

Student and Community Outreach ........... 15 

Students’ Attorney ......................... 15 

New student orientation .................... 15 

Student clubs and organizations ............. 15 

Fraternity and Sorority life .................. 15 

Registered Student Organizations .............16 

Registered Student Organizations FAQ....... 16 

General involvement questions 

your student should consider............. 16 

Redbird Athletics...........................17 

Weibring Golf Club........................ 17 

Campus Recreation.........................18 

Campus Recreation FAQ ................... 18 

Student Counseling Services. ................19 

Student Counseling Services FAQ ............ 19 

Student Health Services. ....................20 

Medical clinic............................. 20 

Nurse Consult............................. 20 

Pharmacy................................. 20 

Immunizations............................ 20 

Student Health Services FAQ ................ 21 

Student insurance......................... 22 

Student insurance FAQ..................... 22 

Other support services ......................23 

Disability Concerns Office.................. 23 

Disability Concerns Office FAQ.............. 23 

Office of Parking and Transportation ......... 23 

University College..........................24 

Academic Advisement...................... 24 

Developmental Math ....................... 24 

New Student Seminars..................... 24 

Orientation and Transition Services .......... 24 

TRiO/Student Support Services.............. 24 

University College Testing Services........... 25 

Julia N. Visor Academic Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

University College FAQ..................... 25 

General academics ........................... 26 

Academic good standing.................... 26 

Academic warning ......................... 26 

Academic probation........................ 26 

Dismissal................................. 26 

Academic reinstatement.................... 26 

Requirement to declare 

a major at 75 hours...................... 26 

New Start ................................. 27 

Bone Student Center........................28 

Other student services. .....................29 

Honors Program........................... 29 

Honors Program FAQ ...................... 29 

International Studies and Programs.......... 29 

International Studies and Programs FAQ...... 29 

University Calendar........................ 30 

Care packages............................. 30 

Career Center..............................31 

Comprehensive individualized 

career assistance........................ 31 

Four–year planner ......................... 31 

eRecruiting ............................... 32 

Career fairs............................... 32 

Internships ............................... 32 

Employer Advisory Board/ 

Student Advisory Board.................. 32 

Graduation and Commencement..............33 

Graduation ............................... 33 

Commencement........................... 33 

Graduation and Commencement FAQ ........ 34 

Alumni Relations...........................35 

Programs for current students ............... 35 

Homecoming............................. 35 

Alumni Center............................ 35 

Programs for recent graduates............... 35 

Advice for parents..........................36 

Homesickness............................. 36 

Writing.................................. 36 

Visiting.................................. 36 

Changes.................................. 36 

Helping .................................. 36 

Worrying................................. 37 

Responsibility............................. 37 

Trusting.................................. 37 

Talking with your student about alcohol ...... 38 

Campus safety.............................39 

Campus safety FAQ........................ 39 

All about finances ..........................40 

Financial Aid Office........................ 40 

Financial Aid Office FAQ................... 40 

Redbird Card............................. 41 

Redbird Card FAQ......................... 41 

Student Accounts Office .................... 43 

Important phone numbers...................45 

Educating Illinois ...........................50 

A little redbird told me... 

STATE your Passion is the 

University slogan. With our focus 

on undergraduate learning, 

Illinois State University is a 

wonderful environment to foster 

talents and build on individual 

strengths and abilities. 

parent and family guide 2012–2016 

1

2012–2016 academic calendar 

2012 fall semester 

August 13–19 (M–SU) ............Registration 

through iCampus 

August 20 (M)................. Classes begin 

September 3 (M)...........Labor Day holiday 

October 13 (SA). ..... First half semester ends 

October 15 (M)... Second half semester begins 

November 17 (SA). ....... Thanksgiving break 

begins at noon 

November 26 (M)............ Classes resume 

December 8 (SA)........... Last day of classes 

December 10–14 (M–F)...........Finals week 

December 14 (F)........... Fall semester ends 

December 15 (SA)............Commencement 

2013 spring semester 

January 7–13 (M–SU).............Registration 


January 14 (M) ................ Classes begin 

January 21 (M) .. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday 

March 9 (SA)......... First half semester ends; 

spring break begins at noon 

March 18 (M). ... Second half semester begins 

May 4 (SA)................ Last day of classes 

May 6–10 (M–F).................Finals week 

May 10 (F)............. Spring semester ends 

May 10–11 (F–SA). ..........Commencement 










December 2 (M). . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classes resume 


December 9–13 (M–F)............Finals week 






January 13 (T)................. Classes begin 






May 5–9 (M–F) ..................Finals week 

May 9 (F).............. Spring semester ends 

May 9–10 (F–SA). ...........Commencement 










December 1 (M). . . . . . . . . . . . . . Classes resume 


December 8–12 (M–F)............Finals week 












May 4–8 (M–F) ..................Finals week 

May 8 (F).............. Spring semester ends 

May 8–9 (F–SA)..............Commencement 


August 10–16 (M-SU) .... Registration through 

iCampus 

August 17 (M) . ............... Classes begin 

September 7 (M) . .........Labor Day holiday 

October 10 (SA) ...... First half semester ends 

October 12 (M) . . Second half semester begins 

November 21 (SA) ........ Thanksgiving break 


November 30 (M) . .......... Classes resume 

December 5 (SA) .......... Last day of classes 

December 7–11 (M-F) ............Finals week 

December 11 (F) .......... Fall semester ends 

December 12 (SA) ...........Commencement 

Spring 2016 spring semester 

January 4–10 (M-SU) ..... Registration through 

iCampus 



March 5 (SA) . ....... First half semester ends; 


March 14 (M). ....Second half semester begins 

April 30 (SA) . ............ Last day of classes 

May 2–6 (M-F) ..................Finals week 

May 6 (F) . .............Spring semester ends 

May 6–7 (F-SA) .............. Commencement 

2 Illinois StatE university

Parent resources 

Parent and Family Services 

Parent and Family Services is a unit of the Dean of Students Office. Parent and Family 

Services at Illinois State University works to: 

• Enhance and facilitate communication between Illinois State University and the parents/ 

family members of Illinois State students to foster a greater level of mutual understanding, 

• Act as a link between parents/family members and Illinois State by serving as a vehicle through 

which parents/family members may ask questions and offer suggestions about the University 

• Sponsor programs, services, and publications that meet the needs of parents/family members 

to involve them in the University community. 

• Support the programs, services, and mission of Illinois State University. 


Parent and Family Services 

Dean of Students Office 

142 Bone Student Center 


Normal, IL 61790-3090 

(309) 438-5951 

ParentServices@IllinoisState.edu 

DeanOfStudents.IllinoisState.edu 

Join the Illinois State University Parents Listserv 

Have you ever wondered how you might benefit from the knowledge and experience of other 

Redbird parents when a question regarding your student arises? The Parents Listserv allows you 

to ask questions and receive feedback from parents who have gone through similar situations. 

Parents Services staff will also send periodic University updates and information through the 

listserv and Facebook. 

Directions on joining and leaving the listserv are below. 

Joining 

1. Go to Listserv.ilstu.edu/Lists. 

2. Scroll down to the isuparents-l group. 

3. Click on the rectangular icon to the right of the group name. 

4. Enter the required information in the email address box and the name box. 

5. We recommend that you do not change the preselected settings. 

6. Click the Subscribe button. 

7. You will receive an email asking you to confirm that you wish to be included on this list. 

When you click to confirm in that email, you will have officially joined the list. 

Leaving 

1. Go to Listserv.ilstu.edu/Lists. 

2. Scroll down to the isuparents-l group. 

3. Click on the rectangular icon to the right of the group name. 

4. Enter the required information in the email address box and the name box. 

5. Click the Unsubscribe button. 


Our new $50 million Student 

Fitness Center and McCormick 

Hall is a 170,000-square-foot 

facility with gymnasiums, an 

indoor track, weight rooms, a pool, 

exercise rooms, classrooms, and 

a climbing wall. 


3

PARENT FAQ 

What transportation is available 

to and from Illinois State? 

Students can board buses or trains 

in Normal. A train schedule can 

be picked up at the Amtrak depot 

in Uptown Normal about three 

blocks from campus. Buses leave 

daily from the Bone Student Center 

for the Chicago area as well as 

locations east and west on Interstate 

74. Tickets and schedules can 

be obtained at the Bone Student 

Center ticket office or by calling 

(309) 438-5444. 

Where can my student get a 

check cashed or use an automatic 

teller machine (ATM)? 

Your student can cash checks at 

the box office in the Bone Student 

Center but must have a current ID. 

There is a nominal fee for this service 

and a $50 limit on each check 

cashed. Two-party checks are also 

accepted but only from a parent or 

guardian. There are ATMs located 

at the Bone Student Center and 

the Alamo II as well as local banks. 

Check with your bank for locations 

near campus. 

Student Enrichment Fund 

Funded by gifts from parents, alumni, and other members of the ISU family, the Student Enrichment 

Fund provides resources to help students engage in many life-enriching opportunities on 

campus, in the community, and around the world. Funds will also be used to buy books for 

students who otherwise could not afford them, emergency necessities for students in crisis, and 

so that Parent and Family Services staff can respond to the needs of parents and families as your 

student progresses through college life. Gifts to the Student Enrichment Fund will help students 

engage in positive character-enhancing experiences and encourage them to realize their potential 

as leaders and citizens in the multicultural and cross-cultural world of the 21st century. The Student 

Enrichment Fund supports student involvement in the American Democracy Project, Registered 

Student Organizations, and other cocurricular activities in support of academic and life 

goals. Our goal is to provide students with the necessary tools and support for success while they 

are on our campus, and to equip them to lead successful and inspiring lives upon graduation. 

To make a gift today, please contact Gary Redding, director of Development for Student Affairs at 

(309) 438-4312. Gifts can also be made at IllinoisState.edu/Giving. 


You should be proud. It’s OK to brag a little. 

By now a lot of people know your student is attending 

one of the top public universities in Illinois. 

But don’t let the conversation stop there. 

Tell them why you are proud that your student chose 

Illinois’ first public university, Illinois State. 

You see, a little redbird told me… 


University Housing Services 



Office of Residential Life Building 


Normal, IL 61790-2600 

(309) 438-8611 

Housing.IllinoisState.edu 

Haynie desk 

(309) 438-4517 

Vrooman/Hewett 

and Manchester 

(309) 438-4519 

Watterson desk 

(309) 438-0249 

University housing 

The University On-Campus Housing Policy requires students to live in university housing their 

first two years out of high school. Students who have been out of high school more than two 

years are exempt from the University On-Campus Housing Policy. While University Housing 

Services operates complexes designed to accommodate both “required to live on campus” and 

“non-required to live on campus” students, housing is not guaranteed for non-required students. 

Please see a brief description of the options below. 

Wilkins desk 

(309) 438-1639 

Wright desk 

(309) 438-4429 

Cardinal Court 

(309) 438-6008 

Shelbourne Drive, Fell Street, and School Street apartments 

University Housing Services operates Shelbourne Drive apartments and Fell and School apartments 

as an option for students who are not required to live on campus. Shelbourne Drive 

primarily houses students who are married or in domestic partnerships, students with dependents, 

graduate students, and qualifying upper-class students. Fell and School apartments are 

available specifically for qualifying upper-class students. 

Residence halls and Cardinal Court 

The residence halls and Cardinal Court are primarily for students required to live on campus, 

with a limited amount of spaces available for upper-class students. Students interested in these 

options should contact the Housing office for additional details. 

To learn more about on-campus housing options, visit Housing.IllinoisState.edu or call 

(309) 438-8611. 

Room assignment policy 

Illinois State University reserves the right to make assignment of space, to authorize or deny 

room and roommate changes, to consolidate vacancies, and to require a student to move from 

one room or residence hall to another. The University further reserves the right to require a 

student to vacate their space on a temporary or permanent basis for failure to meet financial 

obligations to the University, exhibiting behavior not conducive to the living-learning environment 

established in the residence halls, or failure to remain in good standing with the University. 

The charges outlined in Section III.F. of the “University Housing Contract Terms and 

Conditions” will apply. Residents who withdraw from the University are required to vacate 

their space within three calendar days. 

It is the policy of the University to assign roommates without regard to race, religion, national 

origin, or sexual orientation. Students of the opposite sex will not be assigned to, nor may 

they reside in, a room together. The University makes available online at the end of July room- 


Over the last five years, 

Illinois State incoming freshman 

ACT scores have averaged 24. 


5

assignment notices to advise students 

of their assigned space and roommate 

within a residence hall. 

Residence hall applications for new 

freshmen and transfer students are not 

processed until applications for admission 

have been approved by the Office 

of Admissions. University admission 

and enrollment do not guarantee eligibility 

for university housing. 

Room changes 

Room changes may be made after the 

10th day of classes each semester. 

The student may request a room 

change through the professional staff. 

These requests will be considered after 

the student demonstrates a serious 

attempt to adjust to the room situation. 

When requesting a room change, it is 

the student’s responsibility to provide 

the professional staff with the hall name 

and room number to which he or she 

desires to move. Should all spaces be 

filled, only one-on-one room changes 

can be made. Residents are responsible 

for officially checking out of their rooms 

with a staff person when completing an 

approved room change. 

For further information the student 

should contact housing staff. Room 

changes not preapproved by the professional 

staff are in violation of University 

Housing policy. 

Access to Residential 

Buildings 

The outside doors to all residence halls 

and Cardinal Court are secured at 

all times. Residents must swipe their 

University ID to enter their assigned 

building. Guests must be registered 

with the front desk and/or night security 

staff depending on the time of 

day. For more information on guest 

registration, please refer to the rights 

and responsibilities section on 

Housing.IllinoisState.edu. 

Noise policy 

University Housing Services is committed 

to creating and maintaining an 

environment within their spaces that 

allows for a reasonable degree of order 

and a maximum degree of personal 

freedom and privacy. Students may be 

asked at times by other residents or 

staff to adjust the sound/noise level in 

their rooms to reduce the disturbance 

to others around them. Students need 

to be considerate and flexible. 

On floors designated as Quiet Lifestyle, 

any prolonged (30 seconds or 

more) and/or blatant noise (sound that 

enters another student’s room) during 

the established quiet hours is a violation 

of the guidelines for that floor. 

More specific information concerning 

quiet floors can be found under 

Themed Living-Learning Communities 

at Housing.IllinoisState.edu. 

University Housing 

Services FAQ 

What if my student has a problem with 

his or her roommate? 

It is not uncommon to have minor 

differences arise between roommates. 

They are encouraged to try to work out 

those differences through open, direct 

dialogue. 

If necessary, a resident assistant (RA) 

or a professional staff member can help 

facilitate that dialogue. Occasionally 

roommates are unable to resolve their 

differences and a room change becomes 

necessary. The professional staff member 

will help assess the situation, and 

if needed, facilitate a room change. 

My student was a leader in high school. 

Are there any opportunities for getting 

involved in campus housing? 

Residence halls offer a variety of ways 

to get involved in campus life through 

participation in the Association of Residence 

Halls (the central governing unit 

for on-campus living), area government 

(the government for their residential 

area), and Diversity Coalitions (an organization 

that identifies and addresses 

the cultural and educational needs 

of students living on campus). These 

opportunities are publicized in campus 

housing early in the fall and spring 

semesters. 

Why are most freshmen and sophomores 

required to live on campus? 

Illinois State University places a high 

value on the residence hall experience 

and, insofar as space is available, 

requires students to reside on 

campus for their first two years out of 

high school. University Housing offers 

opportunities for students to become 

involved in the campus community 

as leaders and members. On-campus 

students experience living with others 

who come from different religious, 

ethnic, socioeconomic, and racial backgrounds. 

On-campus living also helps 

expand students’ horizons by providing 

cocurricular activities and programs 

that augment the classroom experience. 

What about safety on campus? 

University Housing Services and students 

are partners in regard to safety. 

We rely on residents to lock their doors, 

report unusual or suspicious behavior, 

and abide by the housing policies and 

procedures. In turn, University Housing 

Services provides card-swipe access, 

smoke-free living, security cameras in 

designated locations, staff rounds, 

a smoke detector in every resident’s 

room, and fire alarm system tests. 

What is the policy regarding overnight 

guests? 

Guests are allowed 24 hours a day, seven 

days a week (except on the Restricted 

Visitation Lifestyle floors). However, 

through the “Roommate Bill of Rights,” 


Mail service 

Sending mail to on-campus students 

Below are the proper address formats for students living in residence halls and Cardinal Court. 

Please use this ZIP-plus-four code when sending mail or packages to your student; it will be delivered 

directly to their residence. DO NOT USE “Illinois State University” in the address, because this 

will add another step to the sorting process and will delay delivery by one or two days. 

Student’s name 

(Room number) Adams Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2898 


(Room number) Cardinal Court (Building letter) 

700 Gregory St. 

Normal, IL 61761-1592 


(Room number) Clay Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2898 


(Room number) Haynie Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2637 


(Room number) Hewett Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2612 


(Room number) Jefferson Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2581 


(Room number) Madison Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2581 


(Room number) Manchester Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2969 


(Room number) Marshall Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2581 


(Room number) Monroe Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2898 


(Room number) Pickering Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2581 


(Room number) Randolph Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2581 


(Room number) Smith Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2898 


(Room number) Van Buren Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2898 


(Room number) Wilkins Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2492 


(Room number) Wright Hall 

Normal, IL 61761-2493 

Sending mail to off-campus students (apartments) 

Below is the proper address format for students living in off-campus apartments. DO NOT 

USE “Illinois State University” in the address or “61790” as the ZIP code, because this will add 

another step to the sorting process and will delay delivery by one or two days. 


Street address and apartment number 

Normal, IL 61761 

which is provided by hall staff, roommates 

discuss and establish their own visitation 

hours for guests in their room. University 

Housing Services does not condone, nor will 

it allow, cohabitation in the rooms. Furthermore, 

a resident may only have a guest(s) 

in the room—overnight or otherwise—if the 

roommate(s) is in complete voluntary agreement. 

Under no circumstances should a resident 

ever feel pressured into leaving her or 

his room because of a guest. If visitation 

conflicts persist, the resident should contact 

the on-site professional staff. 

I pay the bills, so why do you send information 

to my student instead of me? 

Once the student arrives on campus, correspondence 

from University Housing Services 

is sent to the student at his or her on campus 

address. It is up to the student to share pertinent 

information with you. This is part of 

learning to be responsible for oneself and 

ensuring no breach of confidentiality between 

the University and student. 

Once the school year starts and my student 

moves in, whom should I contact if I have 

questions or concerns? 

There are full-time professional staff members 

who live in every residential area. These 

staff members are available to assist residents 

and to talk with parents. Names and phone 

numbers of all the staff are available through 

the area reception desk and/or the main 

housing office. You can also contact University 

Housing Services at (309) 438-8611 with 

questions or concerns. 


Our freshman returning rate is 

very high, with more than 85 

percent of freshman returning 

for the following year. 


7

Off-Campus Housing 

As students consider their off-campus living options, the Dean of Students Office’s Student 

and Community Outreach Unit can help. Students can attend informational sessions or meet 

with staff one-on-one to discuss any questions or concerns they have about finding an apartment, 

signing a lease, living with roommates, responding to a landlord conflict, paying utilities, 

and more. The Off-Campus Housing Database (och.DeanOfStudents.ilstu.edu) is available 

to help students find apartments, find a roommate, or post an apartment for sublease. 

Staff can even provide worksheets to aid in the apartment searching process and inventory 

walk-thru sheets to use when moving in and out. 

Student and Community Outreach and the Students’ Attorney also offer lease reviews. Students 

are encouraged to have their lease reviewed before signing, so they fully understand the 

terms of the lease. This quick appointment can prevent much trouble later. 

Frequently Asked Questions 


Student and Community 

Outreach Unit 



Normal, IL 61790-3090 

(309) 438-5951 

StudentAndCommunity 

Outreach@IllinoisState.edu 


Can I use my financial aid to pay for my off-campus living expenses? 

Many students use their financial aid to pay for rent, utilities, groceries, or other living expenses. 

You should speak with Financial Aid to confirm the amount of financial aid you will be 

receiving, as this may dictate the monthly rent you are able to afford. 

How do I find a roommate? 

The Off-Campus Housing Database has a place where students can post for a roommate 

needed and as a roommate available. 

How much does it cost to live off campus? 

The average cost of rent is $500 to $600 per person, but the cost can vary dramatically. Rent 

can be as low as $350 per person or as high as $900 per person. The amount is impacted by 

the number of amenities included with the apartment, such as a private bathroom, furnishings, 

or utilities. In addition to rent, be sure to consider the cost of food, parking and transportation, 

and any utilities not included in your rent. Students are cautioned to only sign a 

lease for an apartment they can truly afford. 


We have 186,276 alumni 

worldwide. 

I won’t be on campus the entire year; can I get a shortened lease? 

Lease lengths are usually 10 months or 12 months beginning in May, June, July, or August. 

Students often sub-lease an apartment to or from another student. Students are encouraged to 

speak with staff from Student and Community Outreach to discuss the details of the situation. 

They can make specific recommendations. 

Who should I rent from? 

There are a variety of companies managing off-campus student housing, from large companies 

with many properties to an individual renting a single house. Whom you rent from will 

depend largely on what your needs are for your apartment. Proximity to campus, access to 

public transportation, cost, amenities, roommates, and security may all be factors to consider 

when selecting a place to live off campus. Staff at Student and Community Outreach can help 

you get started with your search. 


Campus Dining Services 

Campus Dining Services FAQ 

What is a Campus Dining meal plan? 

Any student, living on or off campus, may purchase a meal plan. All students who live in the 

traditional residence halls must purchase a meal plan. Students living in Cardinal Court or off 

campus have the option of purchasing a meal plan. Campus Dining Services operates two dining 

centers on campus: Watterson Dining Commons and Marketplace at Linkins DiningCenter. 

Students may eat in either location. The student’s Redbird Card allows access to dining centers. 

In addition, each meal plan includes flex dollars that may be used for food purchases in the Bone 

Student Center restaurants, the on-campus Subway restaurants, Airport Lounge in the Center for 

the Visual Arts, the Business Bistro in the State Farm Hall of Business, Jamba Juice in the Student 

Fitness Center, the Cafe at Cardinal Court, and the residence hall vending machines. 




Normal, IL 61790-2610 

(309) 438-8351 

Dining.IllinoisState.edu 

What are the advantages of a Campus Dining meal plan? 

Campus Dining Services offers the utmost in variety and flexibility. Regardless of where they 

live, students may eat anywhere on campus. Residential dining facilities are open continuously 

from 7 a.m.–10 p.m. on most weekdays. A meal plan adds convenience—no cash needed! 

If my student has an allergy or special dietary need, whom do I contact for assistance? 

If your student has a special nutritional need, Campus Dining has a registered dietitian who 

can assist with food choices and provide nutritional counseling. We can accommodate a variety 

of health issues, including food allergies and intolerances as well as special diets. Contact 

CampusDining@IllinoisState.edu to request an accommodation. 

Is it possible to send a birthday cake or treat to my student away at school? 

Your student will not have to miss out on birthday cakes and holiday treats. We have a program 

called Treats that enables you to order decorated baked items to celebrate those special days. If 

you have questions about the Treats program, check the information at Dining.IllinoisState.edu. 

We look forward to serving you! 


Parents of meal plan holders 

may have a free meal anytime 

they’re on campus—just make 

a reservation. 


9

Office of the University Registrar 


Office of the 

University Registrar 

First floor Moulton Hall 


Normal, IL 61790-2202 

(309) 438-2188 

Registrar@IllinoisState.edu 

www.Registrar.ilstu.edu 

Registrar Service Center 

107 Moulton Hall 


Normal, IL 61790-2202 

(309) 438-2188 

(309) 438-8652 (fax) 

The Office of the University Registrar facilitates and supports excellence in education by maintaining 

and providing academic records, managing Student Information Systems, interpreting 

and enforcing university policies, and providing quality service for prospective, current, and 

past students. 

Registrar Service Center 

The Registrar Service Center is the primary in-person location and public service area for the 

Office of the University Registrar. This area provides numerous services to students, including 

registration information and assistance, resetting PIN numbers, enrollment verifications, 

and providing academic progress summaries and transcripts. The center is open 8 a.m.–4:30 

p.m., Monday–Friday. 

Academic Records and 

Evaluation Services 



Normal, IL 61790-2202 

See adjacent text for phone listings 

Transcript Services 


Normal, IL 61790-2207 

See adjacent text for phone listings 

Veterans Services 



Normal, IL 61790-2204 

(309) 438-2207 

(800) 366-2478 (toll free) 

Veterans@IllinoisState.edu 

Veterans.IllinoisState.edu 

Academic Records and Evaluation Services 

This area is open for phone calls year-round from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday: 

Records Maintenance......................... (309) 438-2198 

Evaluation Services.......................... (309) 438-2282 

Transcript Services 

Illinois State University academic transcripts may be ordered online via the National Student 

Clearinghouse, or in person. We cannot accept phone requests. We accept cash, check, money 

order, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express as a method of payment. For more 

information, visit www.Registrar.ilstu.edu/Transcripts. If there is a financial hold on the transcript, 

we will not be able to fulfill the request. Questions regarding a financial hold should 

be referred to the Student Accounts Office at (309) 438-5643. 

Transcript Services........................... (309) 438-2188 

Transcript fax............................... (309) 438-7023 

Veterans Services 

Veterans Services provides assistance to all student-veterans and eligible dependents with the 

issuance of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits. Veterans Services is open from 9 a.m.– 

noon and from 1–4 p.m., Monday–Friday (fall/spring), and Monday–Thursday (summer). 


Office of the University Registrar FAQ 

How do students at Illinois State University register for classes? 

Students at Illinois State University register by using the my.IllinoisState.edu portal, a 

computerized registration system. Information pertaining to registration can be accessed at 

Registrar.IllinoisState.edu. Students with registration questions may also call the Registrar 

Service Center at (309) 438-2188. 

What are academic progress alert grades? 

The academic progress alert provides midsemester progress reports to all undergraduate students 

in each full-semester, 100-level course in which they are enrolled. The progress report, 

available on my.IllinoisState.edu, lists the grades earned and attendance information. Students 

are encouraged to discuss their academic progress with their instructors and advisers. 

What is directory information? 

Information classified as directory information may be verified without written consent of 

the student. The following categories have been designated by the University as directory 

information: 

• Name 

• Address (local, home, email) 

• Phone number (cell, home) 

• Date and place of birth 

• Major field of study 

• Grade level 

• Dates of attendance 

• Target graduation date 

• Weight and height of members of athletic teams 

• Enrollment status (undergraduate or graduate/ 

full time or parttime) 

• Degrees (including date awarded), honors, and 

awards received 

• Most recent previous educational agency 

or institution attended 

• Participation in officially recognized activities 

and sports 

Students who do not want such information to be released need to complete a Request to 

Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form in the Registrar Service Center, 107 Moulton 

Hall, prior to the first day of classes. 

Many agencies require verification of information that has not been designated as directory 

information. A written request from the student authorizes release of such information. This 

request must include a description of the information to be released, the address to which it is 

to be mailed, the student’s university identification number (UID), and the student’s signature. 


Illinois State has 21,080 students. 

What does withdrawing from a course mean? 

If a student chooses to end enrollment in a course, they must drop or withdraw from the 

course. If action is taken by the end of the 10th day of the classes, the course is removed 

from their schedule/record. If action is taken after the 10th day but before the end of the 

eightth week of classes, a withdrawal grade of WX is placed on their record. A WX grade does 

not affect a student’s grade point average because it is assigned before a grade can be determined. 

Detailed information on policies for withdrawing from a course can be accessed at 

www.Registrar.ilstu.edu. 


11

How is the grade point average (GPA) calculated? 

Instructors assign grades on a letter scale with each letter having a numerical value. These 

numerical values are grade points. For each credit hour, the student receives grade points as 

indicated: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, and F=0. Grades of I (incomplete), WX (withdraw), CR/CT 

(credit), and NC (no credit) are not used in the computation of grade point average. 

To determine semester grade point average, divide the sum of grade points earned for the 

semester by the sum of credit hours attempted. The result is the semester grade point average. 

To determine cumulative grade point average, divide the sum of all grade points earned by the 

sum of all credit hours attempted. The result is the cumulative grade point average. You can 

find detailed information regarding GPA and probation status in the Undergraduate Catalog. 

How can a student request enrollment verification for an insurance company, a loan deferment, 

an agency, etc.? 

Students may obtain an official enrollment verification letter from the Office of the University 

Registrar. Students can download a verification request form that can be brought, mailed, or 

faxed to the Registrar Service Center (Moulton 107). Processing these forms generally takes 

one to two business days. If you have any questions, call (309) 438-2188, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m, 

Monday–Friday. 

Please note: Students are not considered to be officially enrolled at Illinois State University 

until after the 10th day of classes for a given term. Official enrollment verification cannot be 

obtained until that time. 


You can walk from one end of the 

campus to the other in approximately 

15 minutes. 

What must a student do to begin or to continue receiving veterans’ educational benefits for 

which he or she may be eligible? 

Prior to arriving for classes, first-time 

recipients of VA educational benefits 

may wish to contact Veterans Services for 

information regarding appropriate forms 

and/or materials to bring to this office 

for assistance with the completion and 

submission of appropriate applications. 

Veterans Services can verify a student’s 

enrollment to the VA as soon as the 

student has registered for classes and a 

Request for Benefits form has been completed. 

Continuing students are advised to complete advance registration as soon as possible 

each semester and then come to Veterans Services to fill out that semester’s Request for Benefits 

form. Timeliness on the part of the student is necessary to avoid delays in pay. 

If the student is eligible for paid tuition through the Illinois Veteran Grant or the Illinois 

National Guard Grant, what procedure should be followed? 

Both of these are state grants. Eligibility requirements and application procedures are 

explained on the applications and on the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) 

website at www.collegeillinois.org. Illinois Veterans Grant applications can be downloaded 

from this website. They can also be obtained from either Veterans Services, 112 Moulton Hall, 

or from any Illinois state-supported college or university. The Illinois National Guard Grant 

application is available online. It is important to note that upon approval of either of these 

grants, an eligibility letter will be mailed to the applicant. A copy of this letter MUST be submitted 

to the Financial Aid Office, Campus Box 2320, Normal, IL 61790-2320, in order for the 

grant to be applied toward the student’s tuition bill. 


Division of Student Affairs 

The Division of Student Affairs works to influence the campus culture to achieve student 

engagement, inclusion, and pride in Illinois State. We are committed to assisting students by 

providing individualized attention and developing the values of character, conscience, civility, 

and citizenship; a commitment to diversity; and individual and social responsibility. 

Student Affairs provides leadership in creating a distinctive, supportive, and excellent learning 

environment that promotes the University’s mission. We provide quality cocurricular 

services, programs, and facilities that augment the formal education of students and maximize 

students’ involvement in the educational process. Student Affairs works to accomplish this 

mission in collaboration with the University community. 

Student Affairs serves as the umbrella for many campus services, programs, and facilities 

that complement the formal education of students and promote their growth as leaders. A listing 

of the University departments that provide services within the Division of Student Affairs 

is included on this page. 

To be an Illinois State student 

We expect students at Illinois State University to recognize the strength of personal differences, 

while respecting institutional values. Students are encouraged to think and act for themselves, 

as that is the purpose of higher education. However, we expect students to understand that the 

University has non-negotiable values in which it believes strongly. These values include: 

• Character • Citizenship • Conscience • Civility 

• Individual and social responsibility 

• An appreciation of diversity 

These values are the hallmark of the University and will be protected diligently. Each person 

has the right and ability to make decisions about his or her conduct. Just as important, each 

person has the responsibility to accept the consequences of those decisions. When individual 

behavior conflicts with the values of the University, the individual must choose whether to 

change his or her behavior to meet the standards of the community or to leave the University. 

Copyright 2001 by the Division of Student Affairs and Student Dispute Resolution Services 


Division of Student Affairs 



Normal, IL 61790-2100 

(309) 438-5451 

(309) 438-3288 (TTY) 

StudentAffairs@IllinoisState.edu 

StudentAffairs.IllinoisState.edu 

STUDENT AFFAIRS 

DEPARTMENTS 

Bone Student Center 

BoneStudentCenter.IllinoisState.edu 


Dining.IllinoisState.edu 

Campus Recreation 

CampusRecreation.IllinoisState.edu 

Career Center 

CareerCenter.IllinoisState.edu 



Disability Concerns 

DisabilityConcerns.IllinoisState.edu 

Health Promotion and Wellness 

Wellness.IllinoisState.edu 

Student Counseling Services 

Counseling.IllinoisState.edu 

Student Health Services 

StudentHealthServices.IllinoisState.edu 


Housing.IllinoisState.edu 

University Police Department 

Police.IllinoisState.edu 

My passion 

“My favorite campus-wide 

event is definitely Festival 

ISU. As a new student, it’s 

the best way to find out about 

what you can get involved in 

on campus. The atmosphere 

is great, and there is so much ISU pride that 

day, which makes it still fun to go to even as 

an already-involved junior or senior.” 

Kelly Y. 

Marketing major, Bloomingdale 

My passion 

“When I get good grades or 

awards for my involvement 

in student organizations, 

I know I am doing what I 

am supposed to be doing. 

I am meeting people who 

can help me get jobs in the future and I am 

learning skills I will need to be a successful 

teacher.” 

Zac S. 

Broadcast journalism major, Alton 


13






Normal, IL 61790-3090 

(309) 438-2008 

(309) 438-3147 (fax) 


Community Rights 

and Responsibilities 

120 Student Services Building 


Normal, IL 61790-2440 

(309) 438-8621 

(309) 438-7560 (fax) 

CRR@IllinoisState.edu 


Diversity Advocacy 



Normal, IL 61790-5800 

(309) 438-8968 

(309) 438-5593 (fax) 


Student Involvement Center 


229C Bone Student Center 


Normal, IL 61790-2700 

(309) 438-3212 

(309) 438-3147 (fax) 

StudentOrganizations 

@IllinoisState.edu 


Fraternity and Sorority Life 




Normal, IL 61790-2702 

(309) 438-2151 

(309) 438-5593 (fax) 


Student and Community 

Outreach 




Normal, IL 61790-3090 

(309) 438-5951 

(309) 438-3147 (fax) 


Leadership and Service 




Normal, IL 61790-3090 

(309) 438-7346 

Leadership.Service 



The Dean of Students Office provides advocacy, problem resolution, and crisis intervention 

for students, as well as programs and services that help enhance their university experience. 

The major functions within the Dean of Students Office include the following: 

• Community Rights and Responsibilities, 

including student conduct issues 

• Diversity Advocacy, including recruitment 

and retention programs for underrepresented 

students 

• Graduation services 

(see Commencement, page 33) 

• Legal services 

• New student orientation 

• Parent and Family Services (page 3) 

• Student government and other leadership 

programs 

• Student organizations and Greek life 

• Student programming and activities 

• Volunteer opportunities for students 

In addition to the major operating functions, students can also use the services of the “Dean 

on Duty.” During academic business hours (8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday) the Dean of 

Students or one of the associate deans is available to any student to discuss a problem or 

concern. Students can call (309) 438-2008, stop by the Dean of Students Office in the Bone 

Student Center, or visit Ask the Dean on our website. Parents or family members in need of 

assistance should contact Parent and Family Services at (309) 438-5951. To receive weekly 

news and updates from the department, “Like” the Dean of Students Office on Facebook. 

Community Rights and Responsibilities 

Community Rights and Responsibilities coordinates the University’s student conduct, grievance, 

and conflict resolution processes. 

All student conduct matters may be reviewed by both administrative staff and the 

University Hearing Panel. Student grievances implicating faculty and staff are reviewed by 

the Student Grievance Committee. Student conduct and grievance processes are supervised 

by the Student Appeals Board, which reviews all appeals and processes. Community Rights 

and Responsibilities also posts the Code of Student Conduct, the official outline of student 

behavioral expectations, on the Dean of Students Office’s website. 

In addition, Community Rights and Responsibilities offers conflict resolution services provided 

by a team of trained faculty, staff, and students, as conflict resolution assistants. These 

services are provided for the university and community. 

Diversity Advocacy 

Diversity Advocacy is responsible for initiating programs and services that help raise cultural 

awareness, create a supportive campus environment, and contribute to a broader understanding 

of diversity at Illinois State University. Through programming, leadership development, 

advising, and other services, Diversity Advocacy helps multicultural, gay, lesbian, bisexual, 

and transgender (GLBT) students flourish academically and socially. 

The unit helps develop student recruitment and retention programs for underrepresented 

students, and collaborates with faculty and academic departments to enhance in- and out-ofclassroom 

experiences. 

Leadership and Service 

Leadership and Service works to develop engaged, compassionate leaders committed to action, 

service, and social change in the global community through providing a diverse offering of programs 

and services. Experiential and educational programs and trips are designed to encourage 

students to learn about themselves, develop their leadership skills and capacities, work with 

others, gain a greater understanding of the world, and learn about ways to serve their communities. 

In addition to the programs offered, students can get information about community 

agencies and volunteer needs in Bloomington-Normal to set up one-time or ongoing service. 


Student and Community Outreach 

Student and Community Outreach recognizes the unique needs of transfer students and nontraditional 

students and serves as a connecting point for campus and community programs 

and resources. Student and Community Outreach also offers services to support and enhance 

a student’s off-campus living experience while providing opportunities for students to participate 

in interactive late-night events and programs. 

Students’ Attorney 




Normal, IL 61790-3090 

(309) 438-5951 

(309) 438-3147 (fax) 


Students’ Attorney 

Students’ Attorney handles a variety of legal issues, and contrary to popular belief, Illinois 

State students may take advantage of this office even when they do not find themselves in 

trouble. In addition to working with students who are having difficulty with a landlord or 

have been issued a citation by a police officer, Students’ Attorney regularly reviews documents 

such as leases, contracts, and applications, and counsels students to take steps to avoid getting 

themselves in difficult situations. 

New student orientation 

Illinois State University hosts Passages, an orientation held each fall and winter to help acclimate 

new students to the University. The program provides educational, social, and recreational 

activities for new freshmen and transfer students. 

Student clubs and organizations 

Active participation in student organizations and programs helps to enrich the college experience 

by developing a sense of community, leadership skills, and personal interests. Illinois 

State University recognizes more than 300 registered student organizations (RSOs) in which 

students may participate. Students may also form new groups throughout the year by meeting 

with a member of the Student Involvement Center. 

As the hub for involvement on campus, the Student Involvement Center coordinates the recognition 

of the RSOs, inspires student participation in cocurricular experiences, and facilitates 

student organization growth. 

For more information about student organizations or involvement opportunities, check page 

16 or visit DeanOfStudents.IllinoisState.edu. 

Fraternity and Sorority life 

Greek organizations are a vital part of campus life. At Illinois State University, there are more 

than 30 Greek organizations focused on the principles of scholarship, community service, 

leadership, and brotherhood/sisterhood. 

Membership in a fraternity or sorority can be one of the most valuable and memorable experiences 

during a student’s college career. Fraternity and sorority life provides students with a 

social environment that creates a sense of belonging through shared experiences and helps 

students make college a “home away from home.” Students involved in Greek organizations 

also enjoy many opportunities to participate in community service and leadership experiences 

within their chapter as well as within the University and external community. Greek chapters 

also provide support opportunities to students that help enhance their education and apply 

the skills learned in their studies. 

Involvement in a Greek organization does not end at graduation. Greek membership is a 

lifelong experience, and many alumni remain active in their chapters beyond their time at 

Illinois State. 

EXTENDED 

STUDENT ABSENCE 

As a service to students, the Dean 

of Students Office will provide 

notification to instructors when 

students have been/will be absent 

from class(es) for three or more 

consecutive days and are unable to 

notify their instructors. Although 

it is the student’s responsibility to 

contact faculty about any absences, 

the Dean of Students will serve 

as a contact resource for students. 

The following guidelines apply to 

student absences: 

• Students are not required to 

report absences to the Dean 

of Students Office. The office 

serves as a resource to help 

students reach faculty. 

• The student is responsible 

for providing verification of 

the absence to instructors, if 

requested. 

• Notification to instructors 

will be done via email indicating 

that the student will miss 

class(es), and will copy the 

student on the email to the 

student’s Illinois State University 

email address. 


15

Registered Student Organizations 


Student Involvement Center 


229C Bone Student Center 


Normal, IL 61790-2700 

(309) 438-3212 

(309) 438-3147 (fax) 

StudentOrganizations 



TYPES OF RSOs 

• Academic/Departmental 

• Entertainment/Programming 

• Ethnic 

• General 

• Governing body 

• Honorary 

• International 

• Performance 

• Political clubs 

• Professional 

• Recreational 

• Religious 

• Residential 

• Service 

• Social Fraternity/Sorority 

• Social issues 

• Sports clubs 

There are more than 300 organizations 

to check out by category 

or in an alphabetical list. Visit the 

Student Involvement Center at 

DeanOfStudents.IllinoisState.edu. 

BENEFITS OF RSOs 

• Make new friends. 

• Expand and develop interests. 

• Make the most of your time 

in college. 

• Get hands-on experience for 

your major. 

• Apply skills learned in the 

classroom. 

• Build your resume. 

• Have fun. 

Registered Student Organization FAQ 

How will my student know which Registered Student Organization (RSO) is right for him/her? 

There are many great choices, so encourage your student to do their research. The student 

should check out the groups online and ask other students what they know. If they want to talk 

to someone in person, a staff member of the Student Involvement Center can meet with him/her 

to review what options are available and help determine what is right for the student. 

What is the time commitment to join an organization? 

The amount of time required for an organization varies, depending upon the group and person 

involved. An active member can typically plan on one to two hours a week. Organizations 

generally have weekly meetings. 

May my student be involved with more than one RSO? 

Yes, a student may be involved with as many RSOs as his/her schedule will permit. However, it 

is best to start with one or two to see how much one can handle. 

My student has an interest in an issue not represented by an RSO. May he/she start a new group? 

Yes. To start a new RSO, a minimum of five interested students is required. Once that group 

of committed students is identified, set up a meeting with the Student Involvement Center to 

learn about the other steps to becoming fully registered. 

How can a campus involvement ambassador help my student? 

Ambassadors are experienced student leaders who want to give back by helping other students 

find their potential, passion, and place at Illinois State. They are available to help your 

student get involved on campus. Encourage your student to stop by the Student Involvement 

Center to meet with a member, or visit DeanOfStudents.IllinoisState.edu. 

General involvement questions 

your student should consider: 

• Is there a specific organization for my major/minor or career interest? 

• What activities do I enjoy? 

• What do I want to learn more about? 

• What can I do to make the most of my college experience? 

• How much time do I have to give? 


Redbird Athletics 

Each year many Illinois State students purchase a Red Alert Pass and choose to become members 

of Red Alert, the official student spirit group of Redbird Athletics. Since 2006 Red Alert 

has comprised an average of nearly 4,000 members and continues to grow. Red Alert allows 

students to be involved with Illinois State Athletics by attending Red Alert meetings, invitations 

to Red Alert events, and to play an important role in creating the best home court/field 

environment in the Missouri Valley Conference. Students can charge the $40 fee for the Red 

Alert Pass to their student accounts. Red Alert Pass holders receive first priority for student 

tickets and/or admission into all regular season Redbird 

Athletics events. Additional benefits include a Red Alert 

T-shirt, up-to-date Athletics news, participation in Red 

Alert giveaways and promotions, and the ability to print 

tickets from home. Individual game tickets are also available 

and can be purchased at the Redbird Arena Ticket 

Office. VISA, Discover, American Express, and Master 

Card are accepted. For additional information, call the 

Redbird Arena Ticket Office at (309) 438-8000 or visit 

GoRedbirds.com 


Intercollegiate Athletics 

213 Redbird Arena 


Normal, IL 61790-2660 

(309) 438-3639 

(309) 438-8000 (ticket office) 

GoRedbirds.com 

Weibring Golf Club at Illinois State University 

Home to the Illinois State’s men’s and women’s golf teams, the Weibring Golf Club at Illinois 

State welcomes students, faculty, staff, and the public to test the challenging, 6,915-yard, par- 

71, 18-hole championship golf course. Named in honor of Illinois State alumus and PGA and 

Champions Tour player D.A. Weibring, the Weibring Golf Club features a 

fully stocked pro shop of Illinois State logo merchandise, snack bar, and 

cart and club rentals. Student rates are available on a daily basis and semester 

passes are offered for the avid player. For additional information, call the 

Weibring Golf Club at (309) 438-8065, visit ISUGolf.com, or stop by the pro 

shop at 800 West Gregory Street. 


17




347 S. University Street 


Normal, IL 61790-2781 

(309) 438-PLAY (7529) 

CampusRecreation.IllinoisState.edu 

Campus Recreation strives to enhance the quality of life of our members through a variety of 

recreational opportunities, including weight and cardiovascular training equipment, fitness 

classes, open gym programming, intramurals, sport clubs, outdoor workshops, equipment 

rental, aquatics, and much more. Visit CampusRecreation.IllinoisState.edu for a comprehensive 

guide to the many services, programs, and events provided by the department. 

Campus Recreation FAQ 

What does Campus Recreation offer? 

The department operates two facilities: the Student Fitness Center and The Outdoor Adventure 

Center. The new state-of-the-art Student Fitness Center opened in January 2011 and 

provides numerous campus recreation opportunities at Illinois State University. All feepaying 

students enjoy access to the building with their valid Redbird Card, and spouse/ 

partner memberships are available for purchase. This 170,000-square-foot facility features 

three multi-purpose sport courts, an indoor track, more than 22,000 square feet of cardio/ 

weight training space, an indoor pool, group fitness 

studios, a climbing wall, and more. 

The Outdoor Adventure Center serves as 

the main location for the Outdoor Adventure 

program. Qualified staff are on hand to provide 

information about scheduled workshops with 

the department, equipment rental, challenge 

course reservations, or anything else in the great 

outdoors. 

Where are you located? 

Campus Recreation takes advantage of a multitude 

of facilities on campus. The main base of 

operations is the Student Fitness Center, which is 

located in the heart of campus at 347 South University Street. The Outdoor Adventure Center 

is located at 220 North Main Street, across from Hancock Stadium. Intramural and sport club 

programming is also offered at Horton Field House/Hancock Stadium and the Gregory Street 

playing fields. 

What are your hours? 

Hours vary and can be found in our Program Guide or at CampusRecreation.IllinoisState.edu. 

May parents or siblings use your programs? 

Parents and siblings are welcome to use our facilities by having their student sponsor them 

through a daily pass for $10. Parents or siblings who are faculty, staff, retirees, or alumni of Illinois 

State are eligible to purchase a membership to the Student Fitness Center as well. Entrance 

is limited to those who are 18 years of age or older or a registered Illinois State student. 



College life can be fun, rewarding, and 

stressful. Students can feel overwhelmed 

or lost, experience anxiety or depression, 

or struggle with relationship difficulties 

or diminished self-esteem. However, 

many of these issues can be effectively 

addressed with a little help. 

Student Counseling Services (SCS) 

helps students cope with difficult emotions 

and life circumstances. SCS is 

staffed by licensed, professional psychologists 

and counselors, who are attuned 

to the needs of college students. All of 

our services are free and confidential. 

Please encourage your students to call us 

if they need help getting back on track. 

Student Counseling 

Services FAQ 

How does my student make an 

appointment at SCS? 

Students can either call the office or 

walk in to schedule an initial appointment. 

A counselor will meet with the 

student to clarify their concerns and to 

determine a plan to address those concerns 

that may include ongoing counseling, 

a referral to one of our programs, 

or another service in the community. 

What if I’m concerned about my student 

and want some guidance? 

You can consult with one of our professional 

counselors during our regular 

business hours. We can answer questions 

and help you develop a plan about 

how to best help your student. 

What should I do if my son or daughter 

is depressed? 

We would encourage your son or 

daughter to schedule an appointment 

with one of our intake psychologists/ 

counselors by calling (309) 438-3655. 

Depression is something many college 

students struggle with at one time or 

another, given the many transitions 

they face. In the initial appointment, 

one of our professional staff members 

will assess the level of depression, help 

your student determine what his or her 

needs are, and identify what counseling 

or other resources may be helpful. 

My daughter told me that she was 

seeing a counselor. Can I talk to that 

counselor and tell him or her some 

important information? 

Advise your student to share important 

information about her with us directly. 

We are bound by limits of confidentiality 

not to share any information about 

any student without a signed release of 

information from the student (including 

information as to whether or not your 

student is receiving service from SCS); 

however, we can receive information 

from others. If you have information 

you wish to share with us, you can contact 

us at (309) 438-3655. Although we 

may not be able to share information 

with you, we will make a note of important 

information you wish to offer to us. 

What if my son or daughter hasn’t 

chosen a major? 

SCS is one of several resources for students 

with career questions. SCS offers 

interest assessment and career counseling 

for students who are either undecided 

or indecisive. Students are also 

encouraged to use additional resources 

at the Career Center or through academic 

advising. 

What if my son or daughter struggles 

with alcohol use? 

SCS can offer assessment to identify 

areas of concern regarding the use of 

drugs and alcohol. Follow-up counseling 

or referrals to appropriate services 

are then made available, depending 

upon your student’s particular needs. 

My daughter/son told me they were 

sexually assaulted. What services are 

available for them? 

A broad continuum of services is available 

for students who are victims of 

sexual violence. The Sexual Assault Prevention 

and Survivor Services are based 

in Student Counseling Services and 

are available whether or not students 

want to file a formal report. Students 





Normal, IL 61790-2420 

(309) 438-3655 

(309) 438-5489 (TTY) 

Counseling.IllinoisState.edu 

can schedule a confidential appointment 

with one of the professional counselors 

who will assess what services 

are needed and assist with referral for 

those services. Information regarding 

reporting options, medical concerns, 

and safety issues/options will also be 

provided. Students will be assisted in 

making decisions about their needs and 

course of action. Ongoing support and 

advocacy services are provided, and 

professional staff is available to accompany 

students to any appointments. 

The goal of these extensive services is to 

assist students with their recovery and 

enable them to continue their academic 

and career pursuits. 

Services 

SCS offers a range of free, confidential 

services related to personal and career 

concerns, including: 

• A 24-hour crisis service for psychological 

emergencies 

• Group counseling for many of the 

concerns facing students (e.g., interpersonal 

relationship concerns, identity 

issues, stress) 

• Short-term individual counseling for 

concerns, including depression, anxiety, 

stress, relationships, or identifying 

career goals 

• Access to psychiatric services through 


In addition SCS offers assessments on 

our website, and many types of general 

workshops for student groups on 

wellness, career planning, and coping 

with the challenges of college life. For 

current services and program offerings 

visit Counseling.IllinoisState.edu. 


19






Normal, IL 61790-2540 

(309) 438-8655 

(309) 438-5205 (fax) 

SHS.IlliinoisState.edu 

Student Insurance 



Normal, IL 61790-2541 

(309) 438-2515 

(309) 438-3875 (fax) 

SHS.Illinois State.edu/Insurance 

MEDICAL SERVICES 

• Physician, advanced practice, 

and physician assistant 

appointments 

• Preventive medicine, including 

immunizations, TB testing, and 

allergy injections 

• Women’s health services 

• Sexually transmitted infection 

testing and treatment 

• Radiology 

• Laboratory 

• Pharmacy 

• Psychiatry 

Student Health Services (SHS) consists of a general medical clinic that is open 8 a.m.–5 p.m., 

Monday–Friday, during the academic year (8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. over the summer). 

Medical clinic 

Student Health Services is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health 

Care (AAAHC). Accreditation is a benchmark of quality that demonstrates that Student 

Health Services has met nationally recognized standards. Student Health Services provides 

examinations, treatments, and minor surgical procedures. 

If students require specialized 

diagnostic procedures, or treatments 

not available at SHS, a referral to an 

appropriate community specialist can 

be made. Additional costs may be 

incurred for services provided outside 

of the SHS. 

Most services are provided at no 

additional cost; medical services are 

covered by a fee paid with tuition. 

A “front-door fee” will be charged 

automatically to the user’s university 

account for each visit to Student 

Health Services. 

Note: There is an additional charge 

for appointments with psychiatry. 

Nurse Consult 

The Nurse Consult service is a registered nurse who is available for phone consultation for 

health concerns or questions. This service can be accessed by calling (309) 438-RNRN (7676) 

during SHS business hours. 

Pharmacy 

The SHS pharmacy fills prescriptions ordered by our physicians, by your family physician, or 

by other outside providers. Students may bring a written prescription to the pharmacy; you may 

also ask your doctor to send prescriptions by phone (309) 438-8713 or fax (309) 438-7569. The 

pharmacy accepts most major prescription insurance cards. Students should carry a copy of 

their card; alternatively, a copy of the front and back of the card may be faxed to the pharmacy 

at (309) 438-7569. The pharmacy accepts payment by cash, personal check, or credit card, or 

can charge costs to the user’s university account. 

Immunizations 

All students admitted to Illinois State University are required, by Illinois Law (Public Act) 

85-1315, to provide proof of immunity for tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella. 

Documentation of immunity must be complete and on file in Student Health Services within 

the first 15 calendar days of the entering semester. 


Proof of immunity must include a tetanus/diphtheria booster within 10 years of attendance 

at Illinois State University; two measles immunizations, both after 1 year of age and after 

December 31, 1968; 1 mumps immunization after 1 year of age and after December 31, 1967; 

one rubella immunization after one year of age and after December 31, 1968. 

All immunization dates must be signed/certified by a physician or public health official. 

International students are required by university regulations to have a TB skin screening 

within 10 days of their arrival on campus. 

Notification by secure message via the SHS secure website (ISUHealth.SHS.ilstu.edu) is sent 

to the student indicating that not all of the requirements have been fulfilled. It is the student’s 

responsibility to assure that his or her records are complete. 

Any student who fails to comply with the immunization requirements by the 15th calendar 

day of his or her first semester at Illinois State will incur a registration block and an administrative 

fee. 

For more information about the immunization requirements call (309) 438-7559 or visit 

SHS.IllinoisState.edu. 

Student Health Services FAQ 

If my student becomes ill, needs special medical 

assistance, or needs to be out of school for an extended 

period of time, whom do I contact? 

Student Health Services is accessed through appointments. 

Laboratory, X-ray, pharmacy, and allergy clinic 

services are available in addition to physicians. Your 

student may also contact the Disability Concerns 

Office to arrange for note takers, readers, wheelchair 

pushers, and other services. The Office of Student 

Affairs should be contacted if your student needs to 

be absent due to illness or a family emergency. See 

page 15 for detailed information. 

Where do students go when SHS is closed? 

If students require urgent or emergency medical care, 

they can use one of two local hospitals: 

• Advocate BroMenn Regional Medical Center 

• OSF St. Joseph Medical Center 

Who can use SHS and the pharmacy? 

Students who register for at least one credit hour are assessed a fee that entitles use of all of 

the services of SHS for that semester. 

Is an appointment required? 

All patient care requires an appointment; call (309) 438-APPT (2778). 

Are flu shots available? 

Flu shots are provided during a clinic held during the fall semester. Dates and details will be 

publicized. 


On any given night Milner Library 

runs out of seats. This speaks to 

the commitment of our students. 


21

MENINGITIS VACCINE 

AVAILABILITY 

Student Health Services wants 

families to be aware of the dangers 

of meningococcal meningitis and 

know that a vaccine is available. 

The Advisory Committee on 

Immunization Practices (ACIP) to 

the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC) recommends 

that college freshmen 

living in residence halls receive the 

meningococcal vaccine (Menactra). 

How is meningococcal 

meningitis spread? 

Meningococcal meningitis is 

transmitted through the air via 

droplets of respiratory secretions 

and/or direct contact with an 

infected person. Direct contact, 

for these purposes, is defined as 

oral contact with shared items 

such as cigarettes or drinking 

glasses, or through intimate contact 

such as kissing. 

Who should consider 

vaccination? 

• College freshmen living in 

residence halls 

• Students 25 or younger who 

want to decrease their risk for 

disease and are not pregnant 

• Students with medical conditions 

(e.g., HIV, absent spleen, 

antibody deficiency) that compromise 

immunity 

• Students traveling to areas of 

the world with endemic meningococcal 

meningitis 

How can my student get the 

vaccine? 

Student Health Services offers 

the vaccine by appointment. 

There will be a charge. If you have 

additional questions, go to 

SHS.IllinoisState.edu. 

Student insurance 

The Illinois State student health insurance plan is 

intended to complement services available to students 

through Student Health Services by providing 

a comprehensive plan of health and accident 

benefits. This insurance covers services obtained 

anywhere in the world. 

This plan is designed to be the only coverage 

students have or to supplement other family coverage 

by covering deductibles, co-insurance, and 

other out-of-pocket expenses for a total of 100 

percent reimbursement. The insurance provides 

coverage for medical services such as hospitalization, 

surgery, diagnostic tests, and office calls. 

An insurance fee is automatically assessed to students registered for nine or more hours 

each semester (six or more hours during summer school). Students returning in the fall may 

extend spring semester coverage through the summer by application prior to the end of the 

spring term. For more information or to pick up a brochure, contact the Student Insurance 

Office at SHS.IllinoisState.edu/Insurance. 

Student insurance FAQ 

How do I enroll for insurance? 

A health and accident insurance plan is provided separately and in addition to Student Health 

Services. All students registered for nine or more credit hours (six or more summer session 

hours) are assessed the insurance plan fee. 

What does this plan cover? 

This plan provides benefits, usable worldwide, for office calls, lab work, X-rays, surgery, 

anesthesia, hospital inpatient and outpatient services, emergency room services, ambulance 

transportation, and more. It covers illness and injury occurring while the policy is in force. 

This plan may be retained during the summer, even if the student is not registered for summer 

school, and for one term after graduation. 

What if I don’t want the University plan? 

The fee can be removed from the student’s account by completing a request to cancel and 

presenting evidence of an equal or better policy, prior to the 15th calendar day of each term. 

Most families keep this plan to replace or supplement other coverage. When the family plan 

has deductibles, co-insurance, or restrictions on where to obtain care, the University plan can 

close the gaps and extend coverage to anywhere in the world. We waive our deductible and 

act on any balances remaining after the family plan has determined benefits. 

For a complete description of insurance benefits, call the Student Insurance Office at (309) 

438-2515. Brochures, which contain the insurance ID card, are mailed after admission and 

are available during Preview. Benefit counselors are available to assist with claims from 8 

a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. 


Other support services 

Disability Concerns Office 

The Disability Concerns Office is the designated 

office on campus that assists students 

with documented disabilities in obtaining 

accommodations. 

Hours of operation are 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 

Monday–Friday. Strict confidentiality is a top 

priority. 


Office FAQ 

How does my student receive accommodation 

services from Disability Concerns? 

The student must contact 


and provide appropriate 

documentation of disability 

to determine eligibility 

for accommodation 

services. Once the 

student is determined 

to be eligible, he or she 

meets with a coordinator 

to become a client of Disability Concerns 

and receives approved accommodations. 

Does this service cost extra? 

No. There are no additional fees for services 

provided by Disability Concerns. 

I think my student may have a disability. 

Where does he or she go to find out? 

Disability Concerns staff can refer students to 

appropriate professionals who can conduct 

tests for various disabilities. 

Does Disability Concerns offer tutoring? 

No. Disability Concerns does not offer tutoring, 

but does refer students to the Julia N. 

Visor Academic Center. 

Where can my student go for special parking 

needs due to a disability, medical condition, 

or injury? 

Disability Concerns can assist students with 

parking accommodations with proper medical 

documentation. 

Are there any volunteer opportunities at 

Disability Concerns? 

Yes. Disability Concerns offers a variety of 

volunteer opportunities each semester. 

Office of Parking 

and Transportation 

The Office of Parking and Transportation regulates 

and enforces university parking policies. 

All vehicles parked on campus (other than in 

pay lots or meters) must display a valid parking 

permit and be parked in the appropriate 

parking areas designated by the permit. 

Visitors parking on campus may use the 

Bone Student Center pay lot located north of 

the Bone Student Center, as well as the South 

University Street Parking Garage pay lot located 

on the first level of the garage. Hourly rates 

at the pay lots are $.75/hour for students and 

$1/hour for non-students (rates are subject 

to change). There is no overnight parking 

allowed in the pay lots. Meters are available at 

a rate of $1/hour and are enforced 24 hours 

a day, seven days a week. Guests requiring 

overnight parking arrangements must obtain 

a temporary parking permit. These permits 

can be obtained from the Office of Parking 

and Transportation from 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 

Monday through Friday. After regular business 

hours and on weekends, permits can 

be obtained through the University Police 

Department located in the Nelson Smith 

Building. 

There is an “open parking” allowance on 

weekends, between the hours of 7 p.m. on 

Friday and 4 a.m. on Monday, in the (red) 

faculty/staff and (green) commuter lots. This 

allowance does NOT include reserved spaces, 

reserved zones, service vehicle or business 

spaces, parking garages, meters, pay lots, or 

(blue) student storage lots. Questions about 

this allowance should be directed to the 

Office of Parking and Transportation at (309) 

438-8391. 

The Office of Parking and Transportation 

sponsors the Redbird Ride transportation 

programs, which include the Redbird Express 

Campus Shuttle, NiteRide, Late NiteRide, and 

Universal Access. Faculty, staff, and students 

ride these buses at no cost when they show 

their valid University ID card to the bus 

driver. Questions during the hours the service 

is in operation may be directed to (309) 

438-8391. 


reserves the right to redesignate any and all 

lots for special events on campus. 

For more information about parking, visit 

www.Parking.ilstu.edu or call (309) 438-8391 

to speak with a customer service representative. 


Disability Concerns Office 

350 Fell Hall 


Normal, IL 61790-1290 

(309) 438-5853 

(309) 438-8620 (TTY) 

(309) 438-7713 (fax) 

ableisu@IllinoisState.edu 

DisabilityConcerns.IllinoisState.edu 

Office of Parking and 

Transportation 

709 N. Main Street 


Normal, IL 61790-9250 

(309) 438-8391 

Parking@IllinoisState.edu 

www.Parking.ilstu.edu 

MOTOR ASSISTANCE 

PROGRAM 


also provides a Motor 

Assistance Program on campus. 

If you run out of gas, have a flat 

tire, lock your keys in your car, or 

need a jump start, our office will 

provide assistance at no charge for 

vehicles parked in university parking 

lots. Call the Office of Parking 

and Transportation at (309) 438- 

8391 during business hours (7:30 

a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday) 

for assistance. For assistance outside 

of business hours call the Illinois 

State University Police Department 

at (309) 438-8631. Only lock 

out service is available after 9 p.m. 

and on weekends. 


23

University College 



324 Fell Hall 


Normal, IL 61790-4060 

(309) 438-3217 

(309) 438-7644 (fax) 

ucollege@IllinoisState.edu 

ucollege.IllinoisState.edu 

Academic Advisement 

340 Fell Hall 


Normal, IL 61790-4060 

(309) 438-7604 

(309) 438-3787 (fax) 

Advising@IllinoisState.edu 

ucollege.IllinoisState.edu/Advising 

Developmental Math 

118 Schroeder Hall 


Normal, IL 61790-4060 

(309) 438-3360 

DevelopmentalMath 


ucollege.IllinoisState.edu/ 

Courses/Math 

First Year LinC 

324 Fell Hall 


Normal, IL 61790-4060 

(309) 438-3217 

FirstYearLinc@IllinoisState.edu 


Courses/Linc 

Preview 

329 Fell Hall 


Normal, IL 61790-4060 

(309) 438-8486 

Preview@IllinoisState.edu 

ucollege.IllinoisState.edu/Preview 

Transfer Day Program 

331 Fell Hall 


Normal, IL 61790-4060 

(309) 438-3859 

TransferDay@IllinoisState.edu 


transferdays 

TRiO/Student Support Services 

387 Fell Hall 


Normal, IL 61790-4060 

(309) 438-2099 

StudentSupportServices 


ucollege.IllinoisState.edu/SSS 

University College provides effective programs 

and services that assist students in making 

successful transitions into Illinois State University, 

achieving their educational goals, and 

realizing their academic potential in the first 

year and beyond. The major functions within 

University College include the following: 

• Academic advising 

• Developmental Math 

• New Student Seminars 

• Orientation and Transition Services 

• TRiO/Student Support Services 

• Testing services 

• Tutoring, workshops, writing assistance, and 

targeted retention services 

University College will assist students to 

make a smooth transition to college to 

develop educational plans, learn time-management 

skills, explore various academic 

opportunities, explain academic policies and 

requirements, and develop good study skills. 

Academic Advisement 

The professional academic advisers and academic 

peer advisers in University College Academic 

Advisement help incoming freshmen, 

undeclared students, and students transitioning 

between majors with educational planning, 

course selection, and referral services. 

Our advisors help students explore academic 

majors and career options, and assist in developing 

realistic plans to meet their career and 

academic goals. By attending regular meetings 

with their assigned academic advisor, 

students can obtain information about academic 

requirements, declaring or changing 

their majors, and the resources they need to 

overcome academic difficulties or challenges 

that college may present. 

Students who are undecided about a major, 

or are undeclared, work with a University 

College advisor until their major is chosen 

and they are admitted into that major. Once 

students have officially declared a major and 

have earned 24 or more hours, they work 

with an academic advisor in their department 

or school. 

Developmental Math 

Developmental Math helps students develop 

the requisite mathematical skills to successfully 

complete future math courses required 

in the general education program. Through 

varied classroom activities in MAT 102, MAT 

104, and individualized academic support in 

Developmental Math, the program enhances 

students’ mathematical backgrounds and 

abilities to become independent learners of 

mathematics. All tutorial services for Developmental 

Math courses are free to students 

enrolled. 

New Student Seminars 

University College offers seminars for new 

freshmen and transfer students to assist 

students in making the transition to college 

and in building the foundation for success 

in future classes. First Year LinC, Success 

101, and the Transfer Student Seminar are 

designed to help students find the resources 

they need, explore major and/or career 

interests, and develop strategies for getting 

involved in campus. 

Orientation and 

Transition Services 

Orientation and Transition Services coordinates 

registration/orientation programs for 

new freshmen and transfer students. Preview 

is Illinois State University’s two-day summer 

orientation and registration program 

required for all incoming freshmen and is 

designed to assist students in adjusting to 

their new environment. The Transfer Day 

Program is designed for incoming transfer 

students to help them transition to academic 

life at Illinois State University. Several Transfer 

Day Programs are held each semester. 

TRiO/Student 

Support Services 

TRiO/Student Support Services is a studentoriented 

program that provides support services 

to individuals who are traditionally 

underrepresented in post-secondary educa- 


tion. TRiO/Student Support Services is a 

federally funded program open to first-generation 

(neither parent earned a four-year 

degree) college students, students with demonstrated 

financial need, or students with 

demonstrated academic need for specialized 

support services. 

A variety of supportive services are designed 

to help program participants maximize their 

effectiveness as students and make successful 

progress toward graduation. Support services 

include academic and personal advisement, 

academic mentoring, study-skills workshops, 

and cultural activities. From enrollment to 

graduation, TRiO/Student Support Services 

staff members are dedicated to offering individualized 

assistance that will enhance the 

academic, personal, and professional potential 

of the students who participate in the 

program. 


Testing Services 

University College Testing Services facilitates 

transitions to and within the University 

by providing undergraduate and graduate 

entrance exams, university course placement 

exams, exams for course credit, exams to 

meet graduation requirements, as well as 

professional and correspondence exams for 

the community. 

Julia N. Visor 

Academic Center 

The Julia N. Visor Academic Center provides 

services and programs designed to 

assist students in their pursuit of academic 

excellence at Illinois State University. These 

services and programs have been developed 

to impact student retention. The center’s 

Learning Services component provides academic 

support through active learning and 

enhances student study techniques and academic 

skills through tutor-facilitated study 

groups, one-on-one writing assistance, and 

study skills workshops. The center’s Targeted 

Retention Services components enhance the 

academic success and retention of minority 

and disadvantaged undergraduates through 

the Undergraduate Professional Development 

Grant Program, Career Path Chat Sessions, 

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation 

Program (LSAMP), Mary F. English 

Technology Award Program (MFETAP), and 

the University Scholars Academic Support 

Program. 

University College FAQ 

What if I have questions for my student’s 

adviser? 

Our advisers are required to comply with 

the Family Educational Rights and Privacy 

Act of 1974 (FERPA). Advisers can answer 

only general academic questions and cannot 

address student specific information. Address 

your questions to your student first, and if 

you would still like to contact an advisor, call 

(309) 438-7604. 

What if my student is having trouble with 

classes? 

Encourage your student to ask questions in 

class and meet with the instructor at the first 

indication of trouble. If problems continue, 

your student should make an appointment 

with his or her adviser, who will help direct 

the student to services such as the Julia N. 

Visor Academic Center, which provides tutoring 

and study skills workshops that are free 

of charge and available to all students. 

When must my student declare a major? 

Illinois State University requires all students 

to be admitted into a degree-seeking major 

by the time they earn 75 credit hours. It is 

in a student’s best interest to declare a major 

much earlier than 75 hours as time to graduation 

is dependent on when a student is admitted 

into a major. 

What if my student decides he or she wants 

to change majors or career goals? 

A number of campus departments can assist 

students with exploring career options. 

Encourage your student to visit Student 

Counseling Services and/or the Career Center. 

You can also suggest your student make 

an appointment with his or her academic 

adviser. It is typical for college students to 

change their majors several times. Career 

goals, as well as majors, may change as students 

learn more about themselves and the 

world around them 


More than 300 Registered Student 

Organizations (RSOs) provide leadership 

and learning opportunities 

outside of the classroom. 



Testing Services 

346 Fell Hall 


Normal, IL 61790-4060 

(309) 438-2100 

ucollegeTesting@IllinoisState.edu 

ucollege.IllinoisState.edu/Testing 

Julia N. Visor Academic Center 

12 Vrooman Center 


Normal, IL 61790-4070 

(309) 438-7100 

(309) 438-3160 (fax) 

VisorCenter@IllinoisState.edu 

ucollege.IllinoisState.edu/Visor 


25

General academics 



324 Fell Hall 


Normal, IL 61761-4060 

(309) 438-3217 

(309) 438-7644 (fax) 

ucollege@IllinoisState.edu 

ucollege.IllinoisState.edu 

University College coordinates academic 

good standing, academic warning, academic 

probation, academic dismissal, academic 

reinstatement, and New Start. For information 

about these academic policies, contact 

University College at (309) 438-3217. 

Academic good standing 

To maintain academic good standing, a student 

must achieve a minimum cumulative 

grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 

scale. The total number of hours completed 

includes all college work earned by the student. 

However, only the grades earned at 

Illinois State are used in computing the 

cumulative GPA. 

Academic good standing status is sufficient 

for continued enrollment in the University 

and may be necessary for eligibility to 

serve on various University committees and 

for participation in some cocurricular activities. 

Academic good standing status does 

not guarantee admission to or retention in 

departments or programs. Specific information 

concerning admission to and retention 

in programs is listed in the Undergraduate 

Catalog under the appropriate department or 

program descriptions. 

Academic warning 

Each fall and spring semester, the University 

identifies students who appear to be 

in jeopardy of being placed on academic 

probation. These students are notified that 

they are on academic warning. Students 

on academic warning can contact University 

College for guidance on programs and 

services geared toward improving their academic 

standing. For more information, visit 

ucollege.IllinoisState.edu. 

Academic probation 

When a student’s cumulative grade point 

average falls below 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale), he 

or she is placed on academic probation. 

Students on academic probation are required 

to participate in Project Success, a program 

designed to assist students in returning to 

good academic standing, which is coordinated 

by University College. For more information, 

visit ucollege.IllinoisState.edu/ProjectSuccess. 

Dismissal 

A student who is placed on academic probation 

for a second or subsequent time may 

be dismissed from the University and from 

his or her major. Should the student be reinstated 

to Illinois State, he or she would need 

to be accepted by the department in which he 

or she desires to be a major before he or she 

can declare a major. New Start provides dismissed 

students with many resources should 

they decide to re-enroll at Illinois State. 

Academic reinstatement 

Students may request reinstatement to the 

University. Such requests are reviewed by a 

committee and either approved or denied. 

Repeated failure to do satisfactory work may 

result in permanent exclusion from the University. 

If dismissed, a student may not enroll 

in any university programs, regular semesters, 

or summer sessions. 

The academic probation and reinstatement 

process is coordinated by University College 

at (309) 438-3217. 

Requirement to declare a 

major at 75 hours 

Illinois State University requires that all students 

be enrolled in a major upon completion 

of 75 hours of college-level coursework, 

including transfer credit. Students not in 

a major by 75 hours must complete a formal 

appeal in order to remain a student at 

Illinois State and receive financial aid. The 

appeal process requires students to submit a 

realistic plan to get into a major. University 

College assists students by notifying them 

of the 75-hour limit on undeclared student 

status, identifying realistic major options, 

and making progress toward a degree. For 

more information regarding this policy, go 

to ucollege.IllinoisState.edu/Advising/75. 


New Start Readmission 

Students who leave Illinois State in a degree 

program with less than a 2.0 cumulative 

grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) may be 

considered for readmission through New 

Start. Applicants admitted through this program 

will begin with a new cumulative GPA 

calculated from the point of their re-entry. 

Students may be considered for readmission 

through New Start after being away from 

the University for one full year (For example, 

a student who last attended the University in 

the fall 2011 term cannot re-enroll through 

the New Start policy until the spring 2013 

term) and only when the requirements of one 

of the following New Start categories are met: 

1. Nontraditional student option: Former Illinois 

State students at least 25 years of 

age may be considered for readmission 

through this option. If they have attended 

any college (including Illinois State) 

in the three calendar years preceding reenrollment 

at Illinois State, they must have 

achieved at least a 2.5 GPA for that college 

work. Transfer credit will be evaluated and 

appropriately awarded. 

2. Veterans option: Students who complete at 

least a one-year tour of duty and present a 

discharge for reasons other than dishonorable, 

and whose first attendance at a college 

or university after discharge is at Illinois 

State may be considered for readmission 

through this option. 

3. Community college transfer option: Former 

Illinois State University students who 

earned 60 or fewer hours at Illinois State 

prior to enrolling at a community college, 

and who subsequently earned at least 24 

hours after being away for one full year 

and earned a currently accepted associate’s 

degree (A.A. or A.S.) from a community 

college with at least a 2.5 GPA, may be 

considered for readmission through this 

option. Transfer credit will be evaluated 

and appropriately awarded. 

The application process includes the submission 

of the New Start Application, official 

academic transcripts from schools attended 

since leaving Illinois State, and a statement 

describing the student’s potential to do well 

academically as described on the New Start 

application. In some cases additional supporting 

documents may be requested from 

the University in order to complete the application. 

Students are strongly encouraged to 

file an application as soon as possible during 

the priority filing period for the term 

for which they are applying. The New Start 

Application for Admission and application 

deadlines are posted through Admissions at 

Admissions.IllinoisState.edu. 

Students may exercise New Start only once. 

Such students will have “New Start” indicated 

on their transcript. New Start will affect only 

the cumulative GPA. All grades earned at Illinois 

State, regardless of when earned, will be 

used in the calculation of the major GPA, the 

minor GPA, and graduation honors. Students 

who are re-admitted through New Start will 

be admitted on academic probation. Students 

who re-enter under New Start must follow the 

Undergraduate Catalog in effect at the time 

of re-entry. To be eligible for graduation, a 

student must earn at least 30 semester hours 

at Illinois State University after exercising 

New Start. 


With six colleges offering more 

than 200 different majors and 

minors, there’s a lot to choose from. 


Office of Admissions 



Normal, IL 61761-2200 

(309) 438-2181 

(800) 366-2478 

Admissions.IllinoisState.edu 


27




100 N. University Street 


Normal, IL 61790-2640 

(309) 438-2222 

BoneStudentCenter@ 

IllinoisState.edu 

BoneStudentCenter. 


SERVICES 

The Bone Student Center is home to 

Food venues 

• Burger King 

• Einstein Bros Bagels 

• McAlister’s Deli 

• Pizza Hut Express 

• Snack Bar (in the Bowling and 

Billiards Center) 

Shopping and everyday 

services 

• ATMs 

• Barnes & Noble-Illinois State 

University Bookstore 

• Braden Box Office 

• Business Office 

• Campus Signage Solutions 

• ISU Credit Union 

• Lobby Shop convenience store 

• PIP Printing 

• TechZone 

Study and hangout spaces 

• Atrium Lounge 

• Bird’s Nest 

• Braden lounges 

• Courtyard Garden 

• Faculty/Staff Commons 

• Prairie Room 

• Third floor lounges 

University departments and 

services 

• Bone Student Center 

scheduling and events 

• Campus Dining Services 

• Dean of Students Office 

• Leadership and Service 

• Redbird Card Office 

• Student Involvement Center 

• University Program Board 

The Bone Student Center (BSC) and Braden Auditorium, named for the institution’s ninth and 

10th presidents respectively, serve as a hub of student activities and services. Committed to 

serving the needs of students and the University community, the BSC includes popular eateries, 

shopping, and everyday service providers and is home to many university departments 

and services. 

The Bone Student Center also has a family room atmosphere with a number of warm and 

inviting study and hang out spaces for students to visit between classes or late at night. With 

bright, modern, and airy spaces, they are the 

perfect places to meet with friends, study for 

a class, or just hang out. Students can also 

enjoy refreshments as they study or conveniently 

purchase them in the facility. 

Braden Auditorium, an academic and public 

service facility, seats 3,457 and offers premier 

entertainment for the University and 

local community. The Braden Box Office, 

an official Ticketmaster outlet located in the 

Bone Student Center, sells tickets to Braden 

Auditorium and Center for The Performing Arts performances, Peoria Charter and Burlington 

Trailways bus tickets, Illinois State Athletic tickets, and postage stamps, and provides personal 

check cashing. 

Adjacent to the BSC is the Bowling and Billiards Center (BBC). The BBC has 10 lanes of 

bowling, 17 pool tables, arcade games, and a snack bar serving both self-serve and made-toorder 

items. The BBC is also host to the Illinois State Bowling Team, which hosts try-outs in 

the fall. 

Many student programs and activities are hosted in the Bone Student Center. Each fall, 

students look forward to “Late Night at the Bone,” an evening of late-night activities and entertainment 

free for Illinois State students, hosted by the Bone Student Center. 

For more information about the Bone Student Center, join us on Facebook or visit us at 

BoneStudentCenter.IllinoisState.edu. 


Other student services 

Honors Program 

The Honors Program at Illinois State is an 

academic program designed to serve the 

special academic and social needs of wellprepared, 

highly motivated, and academically 

talented students. 

Honors Program FAQ 

What are the benefits of being in the Honors 

Program? 

• Personal attention from professors, advisers, 

and staff 

• Early registration to ensure first choice of 

classes 

• Scholarship opportunities for tuition and 

research 

• Special courses taught by professors chosen 

for their teaching and scholarship 

• Research opportunities to work with professors 

in all fields of study 

• Personalized programs of study 

• Leadership and social opportunities through 

Honors Program student organizations and 

employment 

• Mentoring opportunities with senior professionals 

in law, medicine, business, industry, 

etc. 

• Service-learning internships, which develop 

professional skills through work in notfor-profit 

settings 

• Enhanced credentials for careers and for 

graduate/professional skills 

• Special graduation designations recorded 

on transcripts and diplomas 

How are students admitted into the Honors 

Program? 

Incoming freshmen are admitted to the program 

based on their applications, which 

include a writing sample. The admissions 

committee considers college entrance exam 

scores, high school academic performance, 

leadership, and other factors. 

Students who do not enter the program 

as freshmen are invited to apply when they 

achieve an Illinois State cumulative GPA of 

3.5 or better. 

Transfer students are also invited to apply 

for admission if their transfer GPA is 3.5 or 

better. 

International Studies 

and Programs 

Study Abroad and National Student Exchange 

(NSE) offer students an economical way to 

access the personal and academic benefits of 

studying at a different university while still 

working toward their degree. With programs 

in over 25 countries, across 48 states, and in 

three U.S. territories, Study Abroad and NSE 

allow our students the opportunity to experience 

other cultures and learning environments. 

Program lengths vary from short-term 

summer programs to traditional semester or 

academic year programs. Transfer students 

are eligible to study abroad or participate in 

NSE after completing two semesters at any 

college or university. 


and Programs FAQ 

Will credit earned in Study Abroad or National 

Student Exchange (NSE) count toward my 

student’s ISU graduation requirements? 

Yes, credits earned through Study Abroad 

or NSE can, with proper planning, fulfill a 

student’s graduation requirements. The application 

process for these programs requires 

selection and prior approval of courses to 

be taken. Students meet with both the Study 

Abroad or NSE advisor and their academic 

advisor to determine which courses offered 

at the host university are appropriate for their 

plan of study. These courses are articulated or 

approved by either the academic department 

or the Office of the Registrar. This approval 

is documented in writing so that students are 

aware of the ISU credit they will receive upon 

their return to the University. 


Honors Program 


Normal, IL 61790-6100 

(309) 438-2559 

Honors@IllinoisState.edu 

IllinoisState.edu/Honors 


and Programs 


Normal, IL 61790-6120 

(309) 438-5276 

(309) 438-3987 (fax) 

oisp@IllinoisState.edu 

InternationalStudies. 


University Calendar 


Normal, IL 61790-8650 

(309) 438-2403 

Calendar@IllinoisState.edu 

IllinoisState.edu/Calendar 


29


Our student-faculty ratio is 19:1. 

Does Study Abroad or NSE delay graduation? 

Participation in either program, with proper 

planning, should not delay graduation. Students 

work with a Study Abroad or NSE advisor 

and their academic advisor to confirm 

that their program choice is appropriate and 

fulfills requirements in their Illinois State 

plan of study. 

Can students use financial aid to pay for 

Study Abroad or NSE? 

Financial aid can generally be used to pay for 

study abroad or NSE. It is important for interested 

students to visit with their financial 

aid advisor before applying for a program to 

confirm the following: 

• The estimated amount of their award(s) 

based on the chosen program 

• The date one can expect to receive financial 

aid (important because some expenses 

may need to be paid before financial aid 

is awarded) 

This information can help your student make 

an informed decision when applying to a 

program. 

Is studying abroad or NSE more expensive 

than staying at Illinois State? 

For NSE, students pay either the host university’s 

in-state tuition OR Illinois State’s 

tuition. In some cases, the NSE program may 

be less expensive than staying at Illinois State. 

For Study Abroad, several programs are 

less than or equal to the cost of remaining at 

Illinois State. Of the more than 70 programs 

offered, Illinois State maintains exchange relationships 

with 33 universities worldwide. 

Exchange programs means students receive a 

tuition waiver from the host university and is 

only responsible for their Illinois State tuition. 

In an effort to further encourage and support 

participation in study abroad, Illinois 

State offers reduced tuition for all participants. 

Students, regardless of program (exchange 

and non-exchange) or number of credits 

earned (3–18 hours), will only pay two hours 

of Illinois State tuition. Ultimately though, 

program choice will determine the cost. 

University Calendar 

The Illinois State University Calendar provides 

a single website featuring a comprehensive 

list of the who, what, when, and where of 

campus-related events. Individuals on and off 

campus have access to the calendar. Campus 

personnel, including departments, offices, 

and Registered Student Organizations can 

directly submit information about events to 

the calendar. 

Care packages 

As final examination time rolls around each 

semester, the Association of Residence Halls 

and the Student Government Association 

provide care packages to students. You will 

receive information on care packages that 

you can order to help your student make it 

through that trying time. 

Some offers will come from student organizations 

on the Illinois State campus, but 

others may be from companies not associated 

with the University. It is strongly 

suggested that you order only from organizations 

directly associated with the 

University. 

For more information on care packages, 

call the Association of Residence Halls (for 

on-campus students) at (309) 438-2015 or 

Student Government Association (for offcampus 

students) at (309) 438-7423. 


Career Center 

The Career Center offers a variety of events 

and services developed to guide students 

from choosing a major to learning the skills 

to equip them in finding their career job after 

graduation. We provide assistance on how to 

choose a major, prepare resumes and cover 

letters, use our electronic interactive job posting 

system to assist in finding internships 

and jobs, perfect interviewing skills through 

mock interviews, apply to graduate school, 

prepare for the first year on the job, and 

more. Our goal is to provide opportunities 

for students to learn the skill sets needed to 

equip them for a successful job search. 

Comprehensive individualized 

career assistance 

Students may contact the Career Center to 

make an appointment with a career adviser 

to explore the options for majors or careers, 

and to work with them to develop successful 

job search skills. Career advisers can help 

students develop a career management plan 

to aid in a job search. Students should make 

an appointment with a career adviser who 

specializes in the student’s major or field of 

interest. For a complete listing of our services 

and advisers, contact us or visit us online. 

Four-year planner 

Preparing for the first career job after graduation 

begins during the freshman year of 

college. Employers tell us they look for many 

skills in a successful job candidate beyond 

academic performance. Some of those skills 

are verbal and written communication skills, 

leadership experience, ability to work in 

a team environment, organizational ability, 

and others. Those skills are referred to as 

transferable skills. For example, serving as an 

officer in a social organization develops and 

showcases effective leadership. Volunteering 

to help plan and conduct a fundraising event 

for a nonprofit organization may provide the 

student with event planning experience and 

skill development by organizing a group of 

volunteers, fundraising, or working with a 

budget. These skill sets can be seamlessly 

transferred to other scenarios within the business 

setting. 

Visit the Career Center website to check 

out the four-year plan located in the 

Students”section. This planner outlines activities 

students can get involved with as they 

progress through their college experience. By 

the time they are ready to write their resume 

to use in searching for an internship or a fulltime 

position after graduation, they will have 

some impressive experience to include along 

with their academic successes. 


Career Center 



Normal, IL 61790-2520 

(309) 438-2200 

CareerCenter@IllinoisState.edu 

CareerCenter.IllinoisState.edu 

CareerCenter.IllinoisState.edu/Facebook 


31


Ninety-two percent of 

undergraduate courses are 

taught by faculty. 

eRecruiting 

eRecruiting is an electronic interactive job 

vacancy bulletin board available on the 

Career Center website that allows students 

and alumni to research and find employment 

leads, whether the focus is on internships or 

part-time or full-time positions. Employers 

use this system to post internships and job 

opportunities in an effort to recruit qualified 

Illinois State University candidates. Students 

and alumni can store documents such 

as resumes and cover letters in electronic 

resume books for employers to view as they 

select candidates to recruit to work for their 

organizations. In addition the system serves 

as an interactive job vacancy bulletin board 

to search for positions and apply to them 

directly online. 

Career fairs and events 

The Career Center provides students with 

many opportunities to meet with quality 

employers as they conduct their job searches. 

The Career Center hosts on-campus job 

fairs where employers are invited to campus 

to find qualified candidates to fill internships 

and full-time positions. Students may use 

eRecruiting to research potential employers, 

sign up for on-campus interviews, and 

upload and publish their resumes and cover 

letters in the online resume books for 

employers to review for recruiting purposes. 

In addition each year the Career Center 

offers a variety of specialty programs to 

further assist students in honing their job 

search skills. For example, the Career Center 

along with many employers host mini-workshops 

on the job search process and provide 

on-site resume critiques so students can further 

polish their resumes as they prepare for 

their job searches. 

In addition, through the Career Center 

Passport Program, students have an opportunity 

to participate in a variety of workshops 

and events over the course of a semster to 

gain multiple learning experiences that help 

prepare them for the job market. 

Internships 

Research now indicates students who have 

participated in one or more internships are 

hired first and typically at higher salaries 

than students who did not participate in an 

internship while in college. Internships may 

be paid or unpaid experiences, but either is 

extremely important. They provide students 

with the opportunity to experience what a 

specific job entails, to identify job tasks they 

like or do not like, and assess if they fit into 

a specific corporate culture. The internship 

also provides the employer and the student 

with an opportunity to determine if they are 

a good fit for each other. If so, it may result in 

a job offer after completion. At the very least, 

the experience allows students to determine 

if they like or are compatible with specific job 

tasks and work environments. Through the 

Career Center, students can learn how to find 

internships along with how to feature those 

career-related experiences on their resumes. 

Employer Advisory Board/ 

Student Advisory Board 

The Career Center has an Employer Advisory 

Board composed of representatives from 

leading businesses and industries. Through 

the board the center is able to keep abreast 

of trends and hiring practices in the various 

fields of employment and can pass along that 

vital information to students. Contact the 

Career Center if you are an employee interested 

in serving on this board. Students are 

also invited to serve on the Student Advisory 

Board as an excellent opportunity to become 

involved at Illinois State and to develop marketable 

leadership skills. 


Graduation and commencement 

Graduation 

At Illinois State University “graduation” refers to completing all of the requirements 

necessary to obtain a degree in the student’s major and results in the receipt of a diploma. 

All students must apply for graduation by completing the Undergraduate Application for 

Graduation located on the iCampus Portal. The application must be submitted, and the gradation 

fee must be paid by the deadline to be considered a candidate for degree as well as to participate 

in the commencement ceremony. This initiates a review of his or her academic records 

to see whether all requirements have been met. A student indicates his or her intention to 

participate in the commencement ceremonies by marking YES during the application process. 

The Undergraduate Application for Graduation is also available from the Registrar Service 

Center at 107 Moulton Hall. Visit Commencement.IllinoisState.edu for up-to-date information 

about deadlines. 

Graduation for graduate level students is facilitated by the Graduate School and more information 

can be found at Grad.IllinoisState.edu. 

Commencement 

“Commencement” refers to the ceremonies that celebrate the completion of the degree requirements. 

Commencement is a special opportunity for family and friends to watch their student 

walk across the stage and become an alum of Illinois State University. The University holds 

commencement ceremonies twice each year, in December and in May, at the end of each 

semester. 

Undergraduate students who are eligible to graduate and want to walk across the stage in 

their commencement ceremony must check YES on the Undergraduate Application for Graduation 

by the published deadline. An application must be on file and the graduation fee paid by 

the deadline to participate in the commencement ceremony. 

Undergraduate students completing degree requirements during the fall semester participate 

in the December ceremony. Undergraduate students completing degree requirements during 

the spring or summer semesters participate in the May ceremonies. 


Our graduation rate has 

reached a record high of more 

than 70 percent. 


33

Commencement fair 

The Dean of Students Office at Illinois State University sponsors a commencement fair 

each semester called Grad Finale. Graduating seniors have the opportunity to take 

care of many of their commencement needs in one location. Students will be able to register 

to receive commencement updates, order official Illinois State University commencement 

announcements, order their cap and gown, have their picture taken in a cap and gown, 

order diploma frames, and order an official Illinois State University ring. Students unable 

to attend the commencement fair can order their cap and gown and other items through 

Commencement.IllinoisState.edu. Dates for Grad Finale will be sent to graduating students and 

appear on the commencement website. 

For more information, visit Commencement. 

IllinoisState.edu or call the Dean of Students 

Office at (309) 438-2836. 

Graduation and 

commencement FAQ 

What is the difference between registering for 

graduation and registering for the commencement 

ceremony? 

A student registers for graduation when he or she 

pays the appropriate fee for a review of his or her 

academic records to see whether all requirements 

have been met. Registration for commencement 

allows the student to participate in the commencement ceremony itself. 


Seventy-four percent of classes 

have fewer than 30 students. 

Is there a website to help answer student and family member questions? 

Yes—Commencement.IllinoisState.edu is a one-stop information and service guide for students 

and guests. It is frequently updated with new information. Among the website’s key 

features: 

Grad Finale. All graduating students are invited to stop by the Grad Finale—the one-stop 

source for everything a student will need to graduate. Details regarding this event are available 

on the website’s Grad Finale link. 

FAQ. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) link provides answers to commonly asked 

questions about graduation. 

Online ordering. Illinois State University has exclusive rights to graduation regalia and 

announcements. Students must order the unique cap and gown online in order to participate 

in Commencement. A variety of announcement packages are also available for purchase on 

the website. Click the Online Store link to purchase graduation items. 

Verification of participation. Check participant registration status online for students who 

have applied for graduation. 

Final instructions. The commencement website will post final commencement instructions 

two weeks before the ceremony. 

Guest link. Family members and friends can visit the Family and Guests link for schedule 

information, maps, directions, ordering information, and more. 


Alumni Relations 

All graduates of the University are automatically members of the Illinois State University 

Alumni Association. The Alumni Relations staff, along with the Alumni Association board of 

directors, provides a variety of programs and services for the approximately 186,000 university 

graduates. Not only does Alumni Relations serve the needs of alumni, it prepares students for 

their future roles as alumni. 

Programs for current students 

• Student Alumni Council—a great opportunity for students to build their resume while 

making new friends, showing school spirit, and gaining leadership and philanthropic 

experience. 

• Scholarships—each year the Alumni Association gives out scholarships to current and future 

students. 

• Internships—Alumni Relations offers internships 

for students each semester to help them gain 

valuable experience working with campus, alumni, 

and community organizations. 

• Networking—students will have opportunities to 

network with alumni, campus representatives, 

and community leaders. 


Alumni Relations 

1101 North Main Street 


Normal, IL 61790-3100 

(309) 438-2586 

Alumni@IllinoisState.edu 

IllinoisState.edu/Alumni 

Homecoming 

Join the fun as Illinois State celebrates Homecoming. 

The schedule of activities for this annual celebration 

includes a mix of campus traditions and new events. 

Whether you’re a student, parent, or graduated decades 

ago, you’ll find something to match your interests. For 

complete details and the most up-to-date information on 

all activities, go to IllinoisStateHomecoming.com. 

Alumni Center 

Illinois State University is proud to offer our alumni, students, and friends a place to gather and 

connect with their campus home. We invite you to stop by for a cup of coffee, chat around the 

fireplace, and learn the latest information about the University. Visit 

and take advantage of the spacious meeting rooms with state-of-the-art 

technology. Plan to host your next meeting, reunion, or workshop in 

your Alumni Center. 

Programs for recent graduates 

• A short-term health insurance policy is available for 30–365 days 

(intended for recent graduates and others who need temporary 

coverage). This guarantees your son or daughter can have insurance 

protection if he or she does not immediately begin employment 

after graduation. 

• Illinois State, the alumni magazine, is sent quarterly to all graduates 

and includes information on-campus happenings, services for 

alumni, and news about former classmates. 

• Online services for alumni also include an online directory, information 

on how to get copies of transcripts, event registration, and a 

calendar of events and programs. 

• Connect with fellow Redbirds on Facebook and LinkedIn to receive 

alumni updates and campus news. 


35

Advice for parents 

BOOKS 

FOR PARENTS 

Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to 

Understanding the College Years 

by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge 

Lawrence Treeger 

You’re on Your Own, But I’m Here if 

you Need Me by Marjorie Savage 

Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send 

Money: The Essential Parenting 

Guide to the College Years by 

Helen E. Johnson and Christine 

Schelhas-Miller 

She’s Leaving Home: Letting Go As 

a Daughter Goes to College by 

Connie Jones 

When Kids Go Home: A Parent’s 

Guide to Changing Relationships 

by Barbara M. Newman and Philip 

R. Newman 

The Ultimate College Survival Guide 

by Janet Farrar Worthington 

and Ronald Farrar 

The Happiest Kid on Campus: A Parents 

Guide to the Very Best College 

Experience (for You and Your Child) 

by Harlan Cohen 

Homesickness 

It is only natural for students to be homesick. 

There is no question that many students feel 

this. Some students may try to alleviate their 

homesickness by going home every weekend. 

As students develop more friendships 

at school and become more comfortable in 

their environment, they frequently choose to 

spend weekends on campus. 

Writing 

Even if you do not have time to write a letter, 

send newspaper articles, comic strips, etc. If 

you believe your student will find something 

interesting, send it. An occasional care package 

is also a welcome surprise. Furthermore, 

always remember holidays. Holidays can be 

the loneliest time of the year. Believe it or not, 

the worst day for an empty mailbox is Valentine’s 

Day! 

Do not expect a reply to every letter you 

write. Your student will greatly appreciate 

everything you send even if you don’t receive 

a response. 

Visiting 

Visits by parents (especially when accompanied 

by shopping sprees and/or dinners 

out) are events that students are reluctant to 

admit liking, but appreciate greatly. These 

visits give the student a chance to introduce 

some of the important people in both worlds 

(home and school) to each other. 

A word of caution: Surprise visits usually 

are not appreciated (students may have an 

important exam soon) and could be inconvenient 

and/or embarrassing to you, your 

student, and roommates. 

Changes 

Your student has just entered a new setting. 

This experience provides exposure to a 

variety of people, cultures, and beliefs. Your 

student will change as he or she learns from 

and adapts to this new environment. Be open 

to this change. Some changes might be a 

phase; others may be permanent. Remember: 

Change is natural. 

Helping 

The most difficult 

challenge you may 

face is deciding 

how to respond 

to your son’s or 

daughter’s problem. 

Do you solve 

the problem or 

provide guidance? 

Your “child” is in a 

world where others 

consider him 

or her an adult. 

A student must learn how to handle tough 

situations. It is easy to understand why some 

parents might choose to control the situation 

themselves. Parents want their children to be 

happy and are willing to take care of these 

problems. 

Students repeatedly say their primary goal 

is to become independent of their parents. A 

crisis may cause a student to abandon his or 

her goal temporarily, and the question for the 

parent becomes “How can I express my love 

and help him or her become more responsible?” 

Concerned parents are wonderful, but 

some take this to an extreme. Some parents 

have one reaction, and that is to take matters 

into their own hands by calling the school. 

What has the student learned? The point is 

not to stop showing how much you care, but 

it’s time to think of ways to help your child 

begin to make the transition to adulthood. 

They will appreciate this lesson most of all. 

Your responsibility, therefore, is to help 

your son or daughter find the resources on 

campus that will enable him or her to solve 


the problem. Illinois State provides an online 

phone directory, as well as an Undergraduate 

Catalog to students. You may want to 

refer him or her to these resources. It is your 

willingness to listen and offer encouragement 

that will help your son or daughter become 

a responsible adult. Parents are the most 

important source of support and are as significant 

as anyone a student will encounter 

on the college campus. 

Worrying 

When college life stress becomes too much 

for a student to handle (a flunked test, an 

ended relationship, and a shrunken T-shirt 

all in one day), the only place to turn is home. 

Unfortunately, this is often the only time the 

urge to communicate is felt so strongly, so 

you never get to hear about the “A” paper, the 

new friend, or the personal triumph. 

In these crisis times your son or daughter 

can unload troubles or tears and after the 

catharsis return to his or her daily routine, 

relieved and lightened, while you inherit 

the burden of worry. Be patient with these 

“nothing-is-going-right-I-hate-this-place” calls 

or emails. You’re providing a service as an 

advice dispenser or sympathetic ear. Granted, 

it’s a service that makes you feel lousy, but it 

works wonders for a frustrated student. 

Responsibility 

One of the most important lessons your son 

or daughter can learn is responsibility. Professors 

will not constantly remind students 

about the next paper or exam. Successful 

students are self-sufficient and act on their 

own initiative. The University treats students 

as adults and expects them to act that way. 

Students who need help are usually shown 

how to handle the situation themselves. No 

one will do it for them, but assistance is 

always available. 

Trusting 

For students, one of the most exciting and 

scary things is that they are leaving the security 

of their homes and families. They may 

find adjusting to life away from home difficult 

enough without feeling the people whose 

opinions they respect most are questioning 

their decisions. There is an old saying that 

people learn from their mistakes. Trust your 

students so they can learn and grow on their 

own. They can experiment with new behaviors 

and lifestyles in their own environment. 

It is not uncommon to see a student keep 

late hours or gain weight. It is a time when 

your student’s values may fluctuate. Many of 

the student’s actions are a bid to become independent; 

parents sometimes interpret this differently. 

Everything your son or daughter will 

do may not be what you want, but he or she 

needs your support during this challenging 

transitional phase. 


Our student athletes contributed 

more than 3,500 hours of community 

service last year. They also 

make time to study, boasting an 

impressive 3.1 grade point average. 


37

Talking with your 

student about alcohol 

College is a time when both parents 

and adolescents are looking forward to 

a future filled with new opportunities. 

These opportunities will occur as your 

student takes on the responsibilities of 

academic achievement, extracurricular 

activities, and personal growth while 

attending Illinois State University. 

It is important that you realize college 

students are at a significantly higher 

risk for alcohol-related problems than 

almost any other population. Certainly, 

making poor decisions regarding alcohol 

and drug use can negatively impact 

your student’s success at Illinois State 

University. 

We recognize that many parents may 

not feel equipped to talk with their 

students about alcohol issues occurring 

on college campuses. The Health 

Promotion and Wellness Office offers 

the following suggestions for beginning 

this discussion with your student. 

If you would like additional information, 

please feel free to contact Health 

Promotion and Wellness at (309) 438- 

9355. Additional resources are listed at 

the end of these tips. 

1. Set clear and realistic expectations 

regarding academic performance and 

the use of alcohol. 

Keep in close contact with your student 

during the first six weeks of classes. 

This is when first-year students are often 

introduced to the alcohol and drug 

scene. Partying has a significant impact 

on a student’s academic work. If your 

student knows you expect sound academic 

work, he or she is likely to devote 

more time to daily studies and less time 

getting in trouble with alcohol. 

2. Encourage them to stand up for their 

right to a safe academic environment. 

Students who do not drink can still 

be affected by those students who do. 

Encourage your student to take a stand 

if he or she feels that their educational 

experience is being negatively affected 

in any way, such as interrupted study 

time or sleep, pro-rated floor charges 

for damages, or unwanted sexual 

advances. Students can deal with these 

issues directly by confronting the person 

or the problem themselves, or by 

contacting a member of the residence 

hall or apartment building security 

staff. 

3. Encourage them to intervene when 

classmates or roommates are in trouble 

with alcohol. 

Stress the importance of helping a person 

who is unconscious or may have 

had too much to drink. Many students 

fail to seek help due to lack of experience. 

Help them understand that calling 

911 immediately could save someone’s 

life. 

4. Stress that drinking alcohol to 

impairment or intoxication is risky. 

Emphasize that getting drunk is not 

something to be admired or laughed at, 

and that students may suffer unwanted 

consequences (sexual assault, blackouts, 

DUI, accidents, and injuries) from 

episodes of high-risk drinking. Discourage 

participation in drinking games or 

in any other activity that encourages 

consuming large amounts of alcohol. 

5. Know the scene at Illinois State University 

and talk to your student about it. 

Students tend to exaggerate the use of 

alcohol and other drugs by their peers. 

Encourage your student to get to know 

the myths and misperceptions about the 

use of alcohol or drugs at Illinois State. 

Help them realize it is “OK” to resist the 

peer pressure to get involved with drugs 

or alcohol. 

Fact: About 29 percent of Illinois State 

University students reported drinking 

zero drinks per week and 63 percent 

drank 0–4 drinks per week (2012 Core 

Drug and Alcohol Survey). Illinois State 

University Core results may be found at 

Wellness.IllinoisState.edu/Health-Data. 

Alcohol policy sanction information is 

available at DeanOfStudents.IllinoiState. 

edu/crr/student_conduct/sanctions. 

6. Look for signs of alcohol or drug 

problems 

The following may indicate your student 

is having difficulties with alcohol 

or drugs: 

• Your student skipping classes or a 

drop-in academic performance. Try 

to stay up-to-date with your student’s 

academic progress. 

• Your student frequently asks for 

more money to cover their expenses 

or takes a second or even third job. 

Ask to see their budget and have 

their clearly explain expenses. 

• Your student becomes moody, defensive, 

or quiet when you try to talk to 

their about school. 

If you notice any of these signs or suspect 

that your student is having problems 

at college, encourage him or her 

to seek help at the following on-campus 

locations: 

• Student Counseling Services 

(309) 438-3655 

• Student Health Services Clinic 

(309) 438-2778 or (309) 438-7676 

• Health Promotion and Wellness 

(309) 438-9355 

• University Housing Services 

(309) 438-8611 

Your student may also talk to his or her 

academic advisor for assistance. 

You can contact the departments 

listed above for information, or visit 

the Higher Education Center for Alcohol 

and Other Drug Prevention online 

at www.higheredcenter.org to become 

more informed about alcohol and drug 

issues on college campuses. 


Campus safety 

Campus safety FAQ 

What can my student do to remain safe 

on campus? 

Students should lock their doors and not 

leave valuables unattended. Students should 

avoid walking alone by either walking in 

groups or by taking advantage of Redbird 

Safe Walk by calling (309) 438-8631, 24 

hours a day, 365 days a year. NiteRide, a campus-wide 

bus service that is available each 

night from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., is also an option. 

Schedules for NiteRide can be obtained at all 

residence halls and are printed regularly in 

the student newspaper. Remind your student 

to use common sense. 

Campuses used to be safe havens for alcohol 

use and even in some cases modest illegal 

drug use. What is Illinois State University’s 

view on such activities today? 

Times have changed. Congress has made it 

possible for students to lose student loans 

and grants if they are convicted of drugrelated 

offenses. City ordinance violation 

fines are extremely high for possession of 

alcohol by minors. One of the more unfortunate 

features of modern campus life is that 

parents are often surprised or even shocked 

that their child has been prosecuted for one 

of these issues. 

This is a very serious matter for college 

students, because discipline for alcohol and 

drug issues can result in lifelong consequences, 

including suspension, dismissal, 

and lessened chances for graduate admissions. 

We place great emphasis on educating 

new students before problems arise. Parents 

can help by discussing legal ramifications of 

participating in the alcohol/drug culture. 

What should I tell my son or daughter if he 

or she has an encounter with the law? 

This can be a confusing and troubling event 

for a parent. First of all, parents are still not 

routinely notified of every alcohol and drug 

violation that occurs. Parents often learn of 

problems well into the process or even after 

the fact. Because this is the case, a parent 

should discuss with a student (before college) 

how to handle any legal or disciplinary matter 

and how important it is to involve the parents 

early in any process. Although most students 

will never have involvement with the law or 

campus policy regarding alcohol or other 

drug use, it is an unfortunate fact of modern 

campus life that some students will have such 

encounters. It is important for parents to recognize 

this potential and discuss these issues 

with their children before college begins. 

Should I be concerned with sexual assault 

on campus? 

What people usually picture in their minds 

when discussing sexual assault (rape) on 

campus is the predator who jumps out of the 

bushes and attacks the victim. The stranger 

raping a student on campus is extremely rare; 

however, the problems of date rape are as 

present at Illinois State as they are at any college. 

Students are more likely to be sexually 

assaulted by someone they know than by a 

stranger. Studies suggest that most date rapes 

go unreported but are still traumatic. Parents 

should make their son or daughter aware of 

the dangers that alcohol plays in date rape. 

• Always go to parties with friends and stay 

with them once you arrive. 

• Always drink in moderation or not at all. 

• Never leave any drink unattended or 

where someone could put an illegal drug 

into it. 

Alcohol use increases the odds that young 

adults will make choices they wouldn’t make 

while sober. According to the National Center 

on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia 

University, alcohol is linked to 95 percent 

of violent campus crime and 90 percent of 

campus rapes. 

Is theft a problem at Illinois State? 

Students tend to be overtrusting. Theft is the 

most prominent crime at colleges and universities. 

Illinois State is no exception. Students 

should treat their room and their belongings 

as if they were living in a hotel; they should 

lock everything up, even if they are only going 

to be gone for a “minute.” A student should 

never leave items unattended. 


University Police 

105 Nelson Smith Building 


Normal, IL 61790-9240 

(309) 438-8631 

(309) 438-8266 (TTY) 

(309) 438-3029 (fax) 

Police.IllinoisState.edu 

RedbirdRide 

(309) 438-RIDE 

www.RedbirdRide.ilstu.edu 

SafeWalk 

(309) 438-8631 

REDBIRD RIDE 

TRANSPORTATION 

PROGRAM 

The Redbird Ride Transportation 

program consists of the NiteRide, 

Late NiteRide, and Universal Access. 

The NiteRide and Late NiteRide 

programs run seven days a week 

during the fall and spring semesters. 

The Universal Access program 

runs Monday through Saturday, 

yearlong. Faculty, staff, and students 

who show an Illinois State 

University ID card can ride the bus 

at no charge. Riders without an Illinois 

State University ID card will be 

charged to ride. Bus drivers do not 

make change or handle fares. 

Eligible persons with disabilities 

who cannot be serviced by the fixed 

route may make reservations 24 

hours in advance for paratransit services. 

Call the Bloomington-Normal 

Public Transit System at (309) 829- 

9833 for more information and to 

make a reservation. 

Redbird Ride bus schedules are 

available from the Office of Parking 

and Transportation and other locations 

on campus. For more information 

visit www.RedbirdRide.ilstu. 

edu or call (309) 438-RIDE (7433). 


39

All about finances 


Financial Aid Office 

231 Fell Hall 


Normal, IL 61790-2320 

(309) 438-2231 

(309) 438-3755 (fax) 

FinancialAid@IllinoisState.edu 

FinancialAid.IllinoisState.edu 

School code: 001692 (use when 

completing the FAFSA) 

Redbird Card Office 

Second-floor, Bone Student Center 


Normal, IL 61790-2640 

(309) 438-2273 

(309) 438-3853 

Comptroller.IllinoisState.edu/ 

Redbird 

Office of the Comptroller 

607 W. Dry Grove Street 


Normal, IL 61790-1210 

(309) 438-5643 

(309) 438-8337 (fax) 

Comptroller.IllinoisState.edu/ 

StudentAccounts 

Financial Aid Office 

The Financial Aid Office administers and 

coordinates aid from federal, state, university, 

and private sources. The office offers 

a range of assistance in the form of grants 

(Pell, ISAC-MAP, Federal Supplementary Educational 

Opportunity Grant, and Studentto-Student), 

loans (Perkins, Federal Direct, 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized, and PLUS for 

parents of dependent students), and employment 

(Federal Work-Study). 

For assistance with scholarships, including 

searches and the receipt of scholarships, the 

Scholarship Resource Office (SRO) is located 

within Financial Aid. The SRO website is 

FinancialAid.IllinoisState.edu/Scholarships. 

Students may use the Financial Aid Office 

website to learn more about financial aid 

eligibility requirements and programs. There 

are also links to other sites for electronically 

filing the Free Application for Federal 

Student Aid (FAFSA) and for conducting a 

scholarship search. 

Another feature of the website is a link 

to the University’s portal, iCampus, where 

enrolled students can check on the status of 

their financial aid application, the types and 

amounts of aid awarded to them, and any 

additional steps needed to complete the process. 

On-campus students may access iCampus 

using university computers in residence 

halls and departmental computer labs. 

Financial Aid Office FAQ 

What is the Financial Aid application process? 

To be eligible for federal and state programs 

of financial aid at Illinois State University 

and to be certified for a private loan, the 

student or prospective student and parents 

must complete the Free Application for Federal 

Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA collects 

income and asset information about the 

parents and student and must be completed 

each year the student remains enrolled in 

college if financial aid is being sought. Filing 

this application electronically by visiting 

www.fafsa.ed.gov is the quickest and easiest 

way to complete the FAFSA. 

If parents are separated, divorced, or widowed, 

which parent’s information is used on 

the FAFSA? 

The following will help determine who is 

considered a parent for purposes of completing 

the FAFSA, even if the student does not 

live with the parent identified on the form: 

• If the parent is widowed or single, use 

the information about that parent. If the 

widowed parent has remarried, use the 

information about this parent and the 

person to whom the parent is married (the 

step-parent). 

• If the parents have divorced or separated, 

use the information about the parent with 

whom the student lived the most during 

the past 12 months. If the student did 

not live with one parent more than the 

other, use information about the parent 

who provided more financial support 

during the last 12 months or during the 

most recent year that the student actually 

received support from a parent. If this 

parent has remarried, use the information 

about this parent and the person to whom 

the parent is married (the step-parent). 

If the parents don’t want to fill out the FAF- 

SA, can only the student’s information be used? 

If the student is under 24 years of age, is 

unmarried, does not have a dependent, is 

not a veteran or an orphan or ward of the 

court, the parental information is required 

because the student is considered a dependent 

student for financial aid purposes. The 

U.S. Department of Education does not recognize 

a parent’s unwillingness to complete 

the FAFSA as a reason for the information to 

be withheld. 

What types of aid are available? 

Aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, 

loans, and employment. The type 

and amount of need-based financial aid that 

students are offered depends on the difference 

between the total cost of attendance 

and the expected family contribution (EFC). 

In order to be considered for loan and/or 

work-study employment, the student must 


indicate an interest in these forms of 

aid on the FAFSA. 

To get additional information 

about the types of financial aid that 

are available, visit IllinoisState.edu/ 

FinancialAid. 

What is “cost of attendance?” 

The cost of attendance, or student 

budget, takes into account tuition and 

fees, books and supplies, transportation, 

personal expenses, and room and 

board. Room and board are considered 

in the budget that is used to calculate 

the student’s aid, even if he or 

she does not live on campus. Students 

can review figures used to construct 

budgets by visiting IllinoisState.edu/ 

FinancialAid. The University will only 

bill the student for the charges incurred 

through the University. 

What is “financial need?” 

Financial need is the difference 

between cost of attendance (COA) 

and EFC. Financial need determines the 

student’s eligibility for federal and state 

grants, federal educational loans, and 

Federal Work-Study. 

How does the aid pay the bills? 

Aid is applied to pay obligations to the 

University, including tuition, fees, residence 

hall room and board expenses, 

etc. The Student Accounts Office will 

refund the remaining funds, or the 

“credit balance,” to the student. The 

Financial Aid Office is not involved in 

the application of funds or the refunding 

of remaining funds. 

Are there on-campus jobs? 

The University has two employment 

programs: regular student employment 

and Federal Work-Study (FWS). FWS 

is federally funded and awarded based 

on financial need. Qualifying for FWS 

requires submission of the FAFSA. 

Regular, Federal Work-Study, and 

off-campus, part-time job openings are 

accessible through the Financial Aid 

Office. To access postings, select “Student 

Employment” at IllinoisState.edu/ 

FinancialAid. If your student is interested 

in working on campus, he or she 

may also contact individual university 

offices directly to inquire about employment 

opportunities. 

Redbird Card 

The Redbird Card Office provides photo 

identification cards to all enrolled 

Illinois State University students, faculty, 

and staff. Other services include reencoding 

demagnetized ID cards free of 

charge, giving out balances on accounts 

accessed through the card, processing 

refunds for transactions made on 

the card, refunding unused funds in 

the Redbird Debit Account, accepting 

deposits in the Redbird Debit Account, 

and maintaining card equipment and 

cash-to-card machines. 

The Redbird Card is used for identification 

at many locations on campus 

to verify enrollment and eligibility to 

receive certain services. It is the same 

card that is used to access meal plans 

and Redbird Debit Dollars. One card 

does it all. 

Fall and spring office hours are 9 

a.m.–5:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. Summer 

hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday– 

Friday. The office is normally closed 

on weekends throughout the year. Visit 

Comptroller.IllinoisState.edu/Redbird 

for weekend and extended hours at 

the beginning of the fall and spring 

semesters. 

Redbird Card FAQ 

Can you explain the different accounts 

on the ID card? 

There are two accounts that are part 

of the Campus Dining meal plan (one 

for dining in the residence halls and 

one for Flex Dollars). This meal plan is 

required for students living in the residence 

halls and is optional for all other 

students. For details on the meal plans, 

visit Dining.IllinoisState.edu. 

The third account, the Redbird Debit 

Account, is accepted at all on-campus 

food locations. It is the only account 

that may be used for nonfood purchases 

on campus, (bookstores, laundry, 

copies, etc.). 

Visit Comptroller.IllinoisState.edu/ 

Redbird for a detailed list of all locations, 

what accounts they accept, and 

what order money is taken out of the 

accounts. Click Where Can I Use It? 

and in the second paragraph click Location. 

How does the card system work? 

The ID card is swiped through a card 

reader to access the student’s account 

via computer. Each reader is set up to 

look into one account at a time in an 

order that may vary according to the 

location type. (See website listed above 

for details.) The balance shown after 

the transaction is processed refers to 

the account from which money or a 

meal was taken. Balances for each type 

of account are kept separately rather 

than added together. 

How will students know if they are running 

out of money or meals? 

The reader will display the balance 

on the account every time the card is 

swiped. It is not a total of the three 

accounts, but just the balance of the 

account from which money or a meal 

was removed for that transaction. Students 

can also check their balances at 

My.IllinoisState.edu, or they can call 


41

the Redbird Card Office at (309) 438- 

CARD (2273) to request their balances 

and receive print outs showing all 

transactions and balances. 

What happens if my son or daughter 

runs out of Flex Dollars in the meal 

plan? 

Money can be added to the Redbird 

Debit Account at any time. Once a 

meal plan is purchased, money is never 

added to the Flex Dollars. When Flex 

Dollars run out, the system will automatically 

roll into the Redbird Debit 

Account for funds. 

Can students get cash with their card? 

No, the card is for purchases only. The 

student would either need to use an 

ATM card or cash a check at the box 

office in the Bone Student Center or at 

the Cashier’s Office for cash. 

Why would we need to deposit money 

into the Redbird Debit Account when 

students already have money on their 

ID for the meal plan? 

The meal plan and Flex Dollars can 

only be used for 

food on campus. 

If the student 

would like to 

use the ID card 

for purchasing 

books, copies at 

Milner Library, 

laser printing 

at the computer 

labs, laundry, purchases 

at the Bowling 

and Billiards Center, tickets at the 

Bone Student Center Box Office or the 

Center for Performing Arts Box Office, 

or at Tech Zone, they would need to 

add money to the Debit Account. It’s 

also a good idea to have money in the 

Debit Account if you are concerned that 

the Flex Dollars will run out before the 

end of the semester. 

If my son or daughter does not live in 

the residence halls, what options are 

there regarding money on the card? 

An off-campus meal plan may be purchased 

from Campus Dining, or the 

student can opt to deposit money on 

the Redbird Debit Account and not purchase 

an off-campus meal plan. An offcampus 

meal plan is billed through 

Student Accounts along with tuition and 

fees. See Dining.IllinoisState.edu for a 

detailed explanation of the meal plans. 

How do we add money to the Redbird 

Debit Account? 

By mail: Make checks payable to Illinois 

State University and send to Illinois 

State University; Redbird Account 

Deposit; Campus Box 1210; Normal, 

IL 61790-1210. Indicate that the check 

is for the Redbird Debit Account and 

include the student’s name and University 

ID number. 

On campus: There are several cash-tocard 

machines where money can be 

deposited to the Redbird Debit Account 

(cash only). They are located at 

Milner Library’s 

circulation 

desk, Milner 

Computer Lab, 

Watterson front 

desk, Redbird 

Card Office, 

and College 

of Business 

Computer 

Lab. Cash or 

check deposits are also 

accepted at the Redbird Card Office and 

at the Cashier’s Office. 

On the Web: Illinois State University 

ID cardholders can deposit money 

onto their Redbird Debit Account 

using credit/debit cards (MasterCard, 

American Express, and Discover) or an 

electronic check at My.IllinoisState.edu. 

The student’s ULID and password are 

required. Click on the Finances tab 

and select “Add Money to My Redbird 

Card.” There is a 3 percent convenience 

fee charged for credit card deposits, 

however electronic checks are free of 

charge. 

When is money on the ID card available 

for use? 

For the Redbird Debit Account, walk-in 

deposits and deposits at a cash-to-card 

machine are available immediately. 

Web deposits are available within 15 

minutes. For the Campus Dining meal 

plan, meals and the entire Flex amount 

are loaded regardless of whether the 

Student Accounts bill is paid in full or 

in installments. The meal plan is loaded 

on University Housing’s official opening 

day, which is usually the Wednesday 

before school starts in the fall and 

the Friday before school starts in the 

spring. Check with the Redbird Card 

Office at (309) 438-CARD (2273) if 

there is a question as to when Campus 

Dining meal plans are available. 

Where can the card be used and what 

locations accept what accounts? 

A detailed location sheet is at 

Comptroller.IllinoisState.edu/redbird. 

Select Where Can I Use It and click on 

“Location sheet” in the second paragraph. 

You may also pick up a location 

sheet at the Redbird Card Office on 

the second floor of the Bone Student 

Center. These sheets show all locations 

accepting the card, what accounts are 

accepted at each location, and the order 

money is removed from the accounts. 

What happens to money left on a card? 

There are no refunds for unused meals, 

however, any unused Flex Dollars from 

the fall semester will rollover to the 

spring semester if a meal plan is purchased 

in the spring. There are no flex 

refunds at the end of the spring semester. 

Money left in the Redbird Deb- 


it Account remains on the card from 

semester to semester. The student must 

request a refund by calling the Redbird 

Card Office at (309) 438-CARD or by 

stopping by the Redbird Card Office 

and completing a withdrawal form. At 

least $5 must be in the Redbird Card 

Account before a refund is processed 

and sent through the student’s university 

account. Refunds are only processed 

at the end of the spring semester or 

when the student leaves the University. 

How do students manage their 

accounts? 

Each time the account is accessed, the 

balance for that particular account is 

displayed. For information regarding 

the Campus Dining meal plan visit Dining.IllinoisState.edu. 

Balances, recent 

transactions, and deposits are also 

displayed at my.IllinoisState.edu. The 

Redbird Card Office may be contacted at 

(309) 438-CARD if there are any questions 

on transactions, balances, refunds, etc. 

What happens if students lose or break 

their card? 

For a lost/stolen ID card, the student 

can go to My.IllinoisState.edu to deactivate 

the card immediately so that it may 

not be used by someone else. The site 

may also be used to reactivate the card 

if it is found. The Redbird Card Office 

can also deactivate and reactivate cards 

during regular business hours by calling 

(309) 438-2273. 

As with credit cards, the student is 

responsible for only the first $50 lost 

before the card is deactivated. If the 

card is lost over the weekend when the 

Redbird Card Office is closed and students 

are unable to get a replacement 

card, they will need to talk to a dining 

supervisor. 

The student may come in during 

regular office hours to replace a lost or 

broken ID. 

How much is a Redbird Card? 

The first card is free. Replacement cards 

are free if they are more than four years 

old, whether they are lost or no longer 

functional; for name changes; or for 

status changes, such as moving from 

the undergraduate to graduate student. 

There is a $15 replacement fee if the 

card is less than four years old and lost. 

There is a $5 replacement fee if the card 

is less than four years old and broken. 

Replacement cards are free if they are 

more than four years old, whether they 

are lost or no longer functional; for 

name changes; or for status changes, 

such as moving from undergraduate 

to graduate student. The broken card 

must be turned into the Redbird Card 

Office at the time of replacement. Students 

may pay by cash or check, charge 

the fee to their Student Account’s bill or 

pay with their Redbird Debit Account 

Dollars. 

Student Accounts Office 

The Student Accounts office is responsible 

for the student billing system at 

Illinois State. We handle the billing for 

various departments, including but not 

limited to: tuition, general fees, material 

charges, room charges, meal plan 

charges, delinquent parking fines, student 

insurance fees, health service fees, 

library fines, study abroad charges, and 

more. 


43

We offer 

Two payment plan options, direct deposit 

of financial aid and other refunds, billing 

statements, tuition rate calculator, 

estimated cost of attendance (excluding 

text books and personal items), 

tax credit information, College Illinois! 

direct billing (must fill out the required 

authorization form), and more. 

We provide you with 

Customer service from Student Accounts 

representatives, on-site check cashing 

(up to $50/day from parent on account), 

answers to billing questions with referrals 

to specific departments for more 

detailed charge information, and more! 

What we ask of you and your student 

• Communicate with your student frequently. 

It is the student’s responsibility 

to access their account online 

via iCampus. 

• Keep ALL of your addresses up-todate 

at all times. 

• Sign up for direct deposit of student 

refunds. 

• Contact our office with any questions 

you may have at (309) 438-5951. 

• Complete a Release of Information 

Form: This form allows our representatives 

to speak with more than one 

parent regarding a student’s financial 

account. This form can be accessed 

online or in our office. 

For more detailed information pertaining 

to your tuition and general fees 

charges, be sure to read the current 

year’s Billing Information Brochure at 

IllinoisState.edu/StudentAccounts. 

Understanding the statement 

The first statement of every semester 

(July, December, and April) will have 

a list of the student’s classes. This 

will replace the address section (three 

through five) described in the next paragraph. 

This class list section will show 

• Department codes 

• Course and section numbers 

• Credit hours 

• Course titles 

• Building and room numbers for the 

classes 

• Times and days that the 

classes meet 

• Any material charges 

• Other information as necessary 

Statements are mailed once a 

month and are prepared as 

of the date in the top middle 

6 

(1). Payments are due as of the 

date in the top-right corner 

(2). Statements other than the 

first show what addresses (3) 

we have on file. The home 9 

address is used as the mailing 

address for all billing statements. 

You can make changes 10 

by circling where you want the 

statements mailed (4), or by 

writing necessary corrections 

on the form in the space (5) 

provided and return in the 

enclosed envelope. 

In the middle section of the 

bill you will find a summation (6) of prior 

term charges and credits, if any, since 

the last bill. In (7) you’ll find the current 

semester charges for tuition, fees, room, 

meals, parking, and any other charges. 

In (8) you will find any payments or 

credits to the student’s account. In (9) 

you will find the total charges, total 

credits, the balance or total amount due; 

or if you chose the installment method 

5 

of payment, the amount to pay. Note 

that if you have chosen the installment 

option, you will pay an additional $35 

for tuition/fees and $30 for room/meals 

per semester. 

Please return the bottom section of 

the statement (10) with your payment. 

Please put the student’s ID number on 

the check. A return envelope is provided 

with each statement. If your payment 

is different than the full or installment 

amounts stated, please note the amount 

in (11) the space provided. 

If you have any questions about the 

statement, call (309) 438-5951. 

7 8 

3 

1 

4 

2 

11 


Important phone numbers 

Academic Advisement ...... (309) 438-7604 

Academic Enrichment ...... (309) 438-7604 

Admissions ............... (309) 438-2181 

(800) 366-2478 (toll free) 

or (309) 438-2006 (TTY) 

Alumni Relations .......... (309) 438-2586 

Art Galleries.............. (309) 438-5487 

Association of 

Residence Halls......... (309) 438-2015 

Athletics Ticket Office ...... (309) 438-8000 

Campus Dining Services.... (309) 438-8351 

Cashier’s Office......(see Student Accounts) 

Center for the Performing Arts 

Box Office .............. (309) 438-2535 

Colleges, Academic 

Applied Science and 

Technology........... (309) 438-7602 

Arts and Sciences........ (309) 438-5669 

Business................ (309) 438-2251 

Education.............. (309) 438-5415 

Fine Arts............... (309) 438-8321 

Mennonite College of 

Nursing............... (309) 438-7400 

Cooperative Education 

(Professional Practice).... (309) 438-2200 

Counseling............... (309) 438-3655 

or (309) 438-5489 (TTY) 

Career Services............ (309) 438-2200 

Dean of Students Office..... (309) 438-2008 

Directory Assistance........ (309) 438-2111 

Disability Concerns ........ (309) 438-5853 

. or (309) 438-8620 (TTY) 

Employment, student....... (309) 438-8311 

Evaluations ............... (309) 438-2282 

Financial Aid, student ...... (309) 438-2231 

Foundation Office......... (309) 438-2294 

Golf Course Pro Shop ...... (309) 438-8065 

Health Services............ (309) 438-8655 

Illinois State University Foundation 

Chicago Office.......... (312) 251-3500 

150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1590 

Chicago, IL 60601 

Insurance................. (309) 438-2515 

or (309) 438-2498 (TTY) 

International Studies ....... (309) 438-5276 

Legal Services, student...... (309) 438-5951 

Loans, student............ (309) 438-2231 

Milner Library............. (309) 438-3451 

or (309) 438-5942 (TTY) 

Museums, University 

Ewing Museum of Nations.(309) 829-6333 

Eyestone School Museum. (309) 438-5415 

News Hotline............. (309) 438-8371 

NiteRide........... (309) 438-RIDE (7433) 

Parent Services ............ (309) 438-5951 

or (309) 438-2762 (TTY) 

Parking................... (309) 438-8391 

Police, University.......... (309) 438-8631 

or (309) 438-8266 (TTY) 

Police, Normal............ (309) 454-9535 

Probation/Reinstatement... (309) 438-3217 

Records 

Enrollment Verification... (309) 438-2188 

Academic Transcripts.... (309) 438-2188 

or (309) 438-3408 

Records Maintenance..... (309) 438-2198 

Recreation services.. (309) 438-PLAY (7529) 

Registration............... (309) 438-2188 

Residence Halls 

Haynie ................. (309) 436-4517 

Hewett ................. (309) 436-4518 

or (309) 436-0427 (TTY) 

Manchester ............. (309) 436-4518 

or (309) 436-0427 (TTY) 

Watterson Towers ....... (309) 436-0249 

or (309) 436-0370 (TTY) 

Wilkins................ (309) 436-6269 

or (309) 436-0328 

Wright ................. (309) 436-4514 

Student Accounts.......... (309) 438-5643 

Student Affairs............ (309) 438-5451 

Student Government 

Association ............. (309) 438-7423 

University Center for 

Learning Assistance...... (309) 438-7100 

University Housing Services. (309) 438-8611 

Veterans Services .......... (309) 438-2207 


Illinois State has 19 men’s and 

women’s NCAA Division 1 athletic 

teams and 470 student athletes. 

This is a similar number of athletes 

to many schools in the Big Ten. 


45

• Hotels 

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Contact Us About 

• Annual Events 

• Attractions 

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Entertainment 

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• Visitor Guides 

• Maps 

• Brochures 

• and much more! 

3201 CIRA Drive, Suite 201 • Bloomington, IL 61704 

800.433.8226 • www.bloomingtonnormalcvb.org 

facebook.com/bnacvb twitter.com/bnacvb

Notes 


47

Our heritage 

Illinois State University—Illinois’ first public university—is a first-choice institution for increasing numbers of academically talented and motivated 

students. The University maintains strong, mutually reinforcing commitments to scholarship, and to undergraduate and graduate education. 

The University’s strategic plan, Educating Illinois 2008–2014: Priorities for Illinois’ First Public University, builds upon the University’s heritage, 

strengths, and recent accomplishments. The plan advances the board of trustees’ vision statement for the University, and it reflects extensive 

consultation with individuals from throughout the Illinois State University community. 

Our mission 

We at Illinois State University work as a diverse community of scholars with a commitment to fostering a small-college atmosphere with largeuniversity 

opportunities. We promote the highest academic standards in our teaching, scholarship, and public service and the connections we 

build among them. We devote all of our resources and energies to creating the most supportive and productive community possible to serve the 

citizens of Illinois and beyond. 

Our vision 

Illinois State University will continue to occupy a unique position of strength and visibility among the institutions of higher education in Illinois, 

the nation, and the world. Illinois State University will continue to be the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated 

students who seek an individualized educational experience at an institution that offers excellent undergraduate and graduate programs, and 

supports high quality research, scholarship, and creative activities. 

Our valUES 

Pursuit of Learning and Scholarship: Illinois State University works with students as partners in their educational development inside and outside 

of the classroom, so that students come to appreciate learning as an active and lifelong process. The University contributes new knowledge 

through research, scholarship, and creative activities, as well as other forms of individual scholarship in which all students, faculty, and staff are 

encouraged to participate. 

Individualized Attention: Illinois State University provides a supportive environment. An innovative general education program, strong studentfaculty-staff 

connections, and superior student services focus on each student as an individual, with unique educational needs and potential. 

The University is dedicated to placing the learner at the center of teaching and scholarship, to recognizing the importance of each faculty and 

staff member, to the successful operation of the programs and services provided, and to acknowledging the ongoing contributions of its former 

students, faculty, and staff. 

Public Opportunity: Illinois State University ensures students access to educational, research, and service opportunities through a wide range of 

high quality programs; faculty mentors who are scholars and creative artists of repute in their disciplines; and the support of outstanding facilities, 

technologies, and library resources. The University partners with business, industry, government, and educational institutions, providing 

leadership in statewide, national, and international initiatives; expanding service and outreach; and enhancing financial support for instructional, 

scholarship, and service activities. 

Diversity: Illinois State University affirms and encourages community and an informed respect for differences among students, faculty, and staff 

by fostering an inclusive environment characterized by ethical behavior and social justice that prepares students to be fully engaged participants 

in a global society. The University supports a diverse faculty and staff, who mentor a diverse student population. The University endeavors to create 

a varied and inclusive community where all students, staff, and faculty are active participants in a global society characterized by teamwork, 

respect for differences, civic engagement, and educational goals that celebrate diversity. 

Civic Engagement: Illinois State University prepares students to be informed and engaged citizens, who will promote and further the collective 

goals of society. The University promotes active learning experiences through which students will gain an awareness and understanding of civic 

engagement as a lifelong responsibility. Furthermore, the University encourages faculty and staff to serve as engaged civic leaders and role models, 

promoting the quality of life for all citizens through collaborative and individual action. 

A complete copy of Educating Illinois, as well as specific university goals and progress, 

is available at EducatingIllinois.IllinoisState.edu. 


Student and Community Outreach 

creates programs, provides services, and connects students with the resources they need to best serve them and their families. 

We encourage independence, engagement, and social responsibility. Programs and services include: 

nontraditional student services transfer student services off-campus services parent and family services up late @ state 

(309) 438-5951 StudentAndCommunityOutreach@IllinoisState.edu 

This document is available in alternative formats upon request by contacting Parent Services at (309) 438-3753. 

An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity University Marketing and Communications 13-0082 printed on recycled paper

30 

A 

31 

1 Adelaide Soccer Field B3 

2 Allen Theatre F6 

3 Alumni Center A7 

4 Atkin Hall E2 

5 Bone Student Center C6 

6 Braden Auditorium C6 

7 Brown Ballroom C6 

8 Bowling and Billiards Center C8 

9 Campus Religious Center D9 

10 Capen Auditorium D6 

11 Cardinal Court B5 

12 Carter Harris Building B5 

13 Centennial East F7 

14 Centennial West F6 

15 Center for the Performing Arts E7 

16 Center for the Visual Arts F5 

17 Chiller Plant C2, F2, and F9 

18 Colby Hall F2 

19 Construction Administration B10 

20 Cook Hall D6 

21 DeGarmo Hall D5 

22 Duffy Bass Field B4 

23 Edwards Hall D6 

24 Eyestone School Museum C1 

25 Facilities Planning Building F1 

26 Fairchild Hall D4 

27 Feeney Dining Center E3 

28 Fell Hall E5 

29 Felmley Hall D7 

30 Gregory Street Property A1 

31 Gregory Street Complex A1 

32 Hamilton Hall E3 

33 Hancock Stadium C4 

34 Hayden Auditorium D5 

35 Haynie Hall C2 

36 Heating Plant D5 

37 Hewett Hall D10 

38 Honors Program E10 

39 Horton Field House C3 

40 Hovey Hall D8 

41 Hudelson Building B5 

42 In Exchange E8 

43 InfoCentre C6 

44 Instructional Technology and Development Center D3 

45 John Green Food Service Building B6 

46 Julian Hall D8 

47 Kaufman Football Building C4 

48 Kemp Recital Hall F6 

49 Linkins Dining Center C2 

50 Manchester Hall D10 

51 Marian Kneer Softball Stadium B2 

52 MCN Nursing Simulation Laboratory C7 

53 Metcalf School D5 

54 Milner Library C7 

55 Motorcycle Driving Range A1 

56 Motorcycle Safety Program Office C7 

57 Moulton Hall D7 

58 Nelson Smith Building C1 

59 Office of Energy Management C8 

60 Office of Residential Life Building E4 

61 Office of Sustainability C8 

62 Old Union E7 

63 Parking and Transportation Building, Bill Waller B7 

64 Parking Garage, North University Street C6 

65 Parking Garage, School Street F8 

66 Parking Garage, South University Street F4 

67 Parking, Visitor C7 and F4 

68 Planetarium D8 

69 Professional Development Annex D3 

70 Professional Development Building D3 

71 Quad E6 

72 Rachel Cooper D4 

73 Rambo House D5 

74 Recreation Services Building C5 

75 Redbird Arena C2 

76 Ropp Agriculture Building C5 

77 Schroeder Hall D6 

78 Science Laboratory Building D9 

79 Shelbourne Apartments B10 

80 State Farm Hall of Business E5 

81 Stevenson Hall E8 

82 Stroud Auditorium B6 

83 Student Accounts Building D2 

84 Student Fitness Center and McCormick Hall E3-E5 

85 Student Services Building C5 

86 Turner Hall C3 

87 University Galleries F5 

88 University High School B5 

89 University High School Tennis Courts B5 

90 University (President’s) Residence A3 

91 Uptown Crossing E10 

92 Vidette Building C6 

93 Vitro Center B5 

94 Vrooman Center D9 

95 Watterson Dining Center E10 

96 Watterson Towers E9 

97 Weibring Golf Club A2 

98 Westhoff Theatre F6 

99 Whitten Hall E3 

100 Wilkins Hall C2 

101 Williams Hall E7 

102 Wright Hall B2 

103 211 North University Street Building C5 

104 500 North Beech Street Building C10 

Summit St. 

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for transfer students - Dean of Students - Illinois State University

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