Classes Resume Monday
TO: Students
FROM: Lyn Redington, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
RE: Classes Resume Monday
 
Dear Bengals,
 
Since announcing an extension to our spring break two weeks ago, the COVID-19 situation has quickly evolved. During this ever-changing situation, your safety and well-being have always been at the forefront of our minds. Idaho State University is ready for classes to resume on Monday using distance-based instruction. By now, you should have heard from your instructors or professors. If you have concerns or questions, please reach out to them directly. You are also welcome to reach out to the Office of the Dean of Students .  
 
University services remain open to serve you, primarily by appointment or through teleconferencing. We are working hard to ensure a safe and supportive environment, and your support of social distancing is critically important. To help us continue to reach you, please update your contact information, including mailing address and cell phone. To update your information, please go to BengalWeb. Click on Academic Tools, then Student Records, then Personal Information Self Service. 
 
INTERNET ACCESS
If you are struggling to access the internet or having difficulty connecting to your classes, please let us know. You can contact your professor, your academic advisor, or the I T Service Desk . Laptops and headsets are also available for checkout at the Rendezvous Center computer lab. 
 
DRIVE-UP WIRELESS ACCESS
Drive-up high-speed wireless access is available to all students, faculty, and staff in the Pond Student Union parking lots closest to the museum and SUB Building. Efforts are underway to expand access to the general parking lots in Meridian and Idaho Falls. ISU students are also able to access wireless internet on the Pocatello campus quad and at thousands of wireless access-points using the e duroam network . Idaho locations include Boise State University, Lewis-Clark State College, Brigham Young University-Idaho, and University of Idaho. Many of our sister institutions are also providing drive-up wireless locations.
 
CAMPUS COMPUTER LABS
The University has identified a limited number of campus computer labs that will remain open for student access, utilizing social distancing. Computer labs are open for ISU students in Rendezvous Center, Oboler Library, Pond Student Union, Center for Higher Education Building at Idaho Falls, and Room 680 at Meridian. Open lab times are available online .  
 
UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER
The University Health Center remains open to serve the campus community. Patients need to call ahead to schedule an appointment. Bengal Pharmacy is also open to meet the campus community needs.
 
COUNSELING SERVICES
Mental health services will remain available to provide support. Students wishing to initiate services are encouraged to call for an initial phone screening to determine the most appropriate support for their unique situations. Past and current clients are welcomed and encouraged to reach out if in need of any further assistance. Contact information is available on our website. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to visit Counseling and Testing Center’s website to learn more about managing anxiety and stress during this difficult time.

ACADEMIC ADVISING
As we transition to distance-based instruction, Academic Advising services have also transitioned online. You can schedule an online appointment with your academic advisor.  Please know that our academic advising staff is prepared and available to assist you with the Fall 2020 course registration process . In the coming weeks, an academic advisor will contact you to schedule an advising appointment. We look forward to speaking with you about your academic plan for the fall. Academic Advising is also available by email at [email protected] .
 
ACADEMIC DATES AND DEADLINES
  • Fall 2020 Class Schedule- The Fall 2020 class schedule has been posted online and is available to view. 
  • Fall 2020 Registration- Registration for Fall 2020 opens on Monday, April 13, for continuing seniors, graduate, pharmacy, and post-baccalaureate students. The complete registration schedule is available online.  
  • Course Withdrawal Deadlines Extended- The full-term course withdrawal deadline has been extended to April 3. Late eight-week courses have a withdrawal date of April 10. 
 
ANTI-SINOPHOBIC STATEMENT
Idaho State University is committed to fostering an environment in which students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds can live, work, and learn free from the insidious and debilitating effects of prejudice, discrimination, and marginalization.
 
Racism in all its forms is antithetical to this commitment. The rise of sinophobia (hostility against China, its people, people of Chinese descent, or Chinese culture) has risen during the COVID-19 outbreak and increasingly threatens the livelihood of Asian nationals and communities at this time of global uncertainty. Racism occurs with and without malicious intent, often as a result of unconscious bias. We recognize that the effects of racism are caused not only by the isolated actions of individuals, but also by the policies and practices of institutions. Whether intentional or unintentional, individual or institutional, racism is harmful and dehumanizing and has adverse effects on our community.
 
To learn more about Idaho State leadership’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community, please visit the Office of Equity and Inclusion website .   
 
In addition to Idaho State’s COVID-19 website , the University has a COVID-19 hotline at (208) 282-INFO to answer questions. Bengals are encouraged to check the website often for updates.