ISU Lands Grant to build AI-literate Students Through BengalBot Expansion

Idaho State University is expanding its locally hosted artificial intelligence system, BengalBot, after receiving a $300,000, two-year grant through the Accelerate Idaho AI Innovation Awards, with the project's leaders framing it as a chance to show AI can support people rather than replace them.

If the United States wants to quadruple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, there’s going to have to be a lot more advanced nuclear power plants built. Now, researchers from Idaho State University, the Idaho National Laboratory, and industry partners are exploring how to construct those facilities faster and without sacrificing safety.

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The ISU Alumni Association invites nominations for the 2027 Outstanding Student Achievement Awards. These awards represent the highest honor bestowed upon graduating scholars at Idaho State University, recognizing their exceptional academic performance and remarkable contributions to the community.

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CoSE students participated in ASISU's Idaho Governors Candidate Event on Monday. 

The two-hour forum let students from each College ask questions and interact with the candidates. "They were thoughtful, engaged, respectful, and well-prepared," said Amy Joinville, ASISU director of community relations. "The questions they developed reflected genuine consideration of the issues affecting their fields of study, their future careers, and the communities they will one day serve. It was clear that they had taken this opportunity seriously and wanted to make the most of it."

When David Shaw came to Idaho State University in 1970, he had a question: “Could I do original scientific research myself after reading about other people’s discoveries throughout public school and college?” He came to ISU in part to answer that challenge which had pestered him for years. 

At the same time, Nancy Shaw was beginning a graduate program at ISU with an interest in plant ecology, but she said she was still wondering, “Where will this interest take me?”

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Celebrate First-Gen Week

First-generation experiences are part of the story of Idaho State University. This November 2-6, ISU’s First-Gen Week brings those stories into focus through “Celebrating Idahoans,” a week honoring the diverse experiences, accomplishments, and contributions of first-generation students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members.

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Technology Transfer and Commercialization Assistance for ISU Faculty

The Office for Research is developing a technology transfer service through a partnership with Snake River Ventures to assist faculty with moving great ideas from the lab to the marketplace.

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All Invited to Mindfulness Retreat

ISU faculty, staff, and students and Pocatello community are invited to attend a half-day Mindfulness Meditation retreat, Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rendezvous ABC Suites.

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Dean's Excellence Fund Accepting Requests from Students

The College of Science and Engineering Dean's Excellence Fund is intended to support students in their journey through ISU. The Dean's Office is particularly interested in providing financial assistance to students who might not be able to enroll in or complete the semester because of short-term financial hardships. Students seeking such support should be in good academic standing.

If you know of a student who is in need of short-term support, please have them complete this form.

November 2: 7:00 AM- Spring 2027 Class level registration for continuing ISU students begins (subject to change)

November 2: 7:00 AM - Registration begins for Seniors (90+ credits) and Graduate students 12pm

November 4: 7:00 AM - Registration begins for Juniors (58-89 credits)

November 6: 7:00 AM - Registration begins for Sophomores (26-57 credits)

November 9: 7:00 AM - Registration begins for Freshman and all others (0-25 credits)

November 20: Last day to WITHDRAW from late 8-week courses

November 23: Fall recess (no classes -- Thanksgiving Break)

December 7: Late 8-week and full semester course grading opens

December 7: Summer 2027 Class Schedule viewable online (subject to change)

December 14: Finals week

December 18: Fall 2026 Classes End

December 19: Commencement (August and December 2026 graduates)

December 22: Late 8-week and full semester course grading closes at 5:00 pm

Updates can also be found on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Bluesky, and Instagram. To add events to the calendar, please contact the Administrative Assistants in your department. The university-wide calendar of events is available here.