Welcome to the Illinois State University School of Kinesiology and Recreation Graduate Program. You are joining a select group of students in pursuing a master's degree. Below is a listing of informational pieces that you may find helpful. This list was developed with current and former graduate students and is designed to make your transition to Illinois State University and the Graduate Program a smooth one. If you have any questions or would like to add information to this page that could benefit graduate students, please contact Amy Hurd, Graduate Program Director.
The following information is compiled from several different sources on campus. Links are provided to the original source and often contain additional information.
Graduate Student Orientation Manual
The ISU Graduate Program has an orientation manual that has details that may be of interest. Some of those topics will be listed here, but the manual is a great resource for you and goes beyond the scope of this page.
University ID Cards
A university ID card is required for access to the library and other campus services. To get yours, go to the Redbird Card Office in the Bone Student Center during business hours. (Hours are 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, closed on weekends. Summer hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F, closed on weekends.) The first I.D. card is free. To receive your first I.D. Card, you must be registered for at least one class for the current or upcoming semester. A photo I.D. must be presented when you obtain your I.D. (i.e. Driver's License, State I.D., passport, or military I.D.). Your photo will be taken for the card. This card can be used for such things as making copies at the library and purchasing meals at select restaurants in town...of course you will need to add money to the card to purchase things!
University ID Number (UID)
The University Identification Number (UID) is a nine-digit university specific identifier that provides increased security of personal information. You will use this number rather than your social security number. The number is stamped on your University ID Card.
Current students can view their UID on their Redbird Card or log on to the iCampus Portal (see description below). They may also visit the Student Service and Referral Center, 107 Moulton Hall, with a photo identification and their UID will be provided.
University Logon Identification (ULID)
All Illinois State University students are given a ULID (University Logon Identification) account. A ULID is derived from the affiliate's name, is always in lowercase letters, and is the first part of your University e-mail address (i.e. ULID@ilstu.edu). Your ULID account is used to access Illinois State University electronic resources. With your ULID and password you will be able to access your ISU e-mail and other ISU technology services. You will also be able to log onto ISUNET.
I-Campus
I-Campus is a web portal that has an abundance of information for you. This is where you will register for courses, check your Redbird Card balance, see grades, access textbook requirements for courses, etc. Take the the I-Campus tour to learn about this resource.
How to Register for Classes
Registration for summer and fall classes begins mid-spring, for spring classes registration is mid-fall. Students are advised to register as soon as possible, both to assure the best choice of classes and to help programs determine demand for sections. In order to register you will need to have your UID and your ULID.
Registration takes place on-line through I-Campus, your personalized web portal. If a class is full, you may be able to arrange an override by contacting your academic advisor. Only academic advisors can authorize overrides, so do not go to the class instructor requesting an override. Have your academic advisor do that for you. It is also essential to keep your campus account current, otherwise your classes for next semester may be dropped for non-payment of a bill, and those courses may be full when you try to re-register.
You will be able to find your starting registration date and time on the iCampus Portal in the student information channel under the link "My Registration Date." Information on the start and ending dates of registration is available in the student calendar.
You can get step by step instructions on registering at this website: Registering Using the iCampus Portal.
You can also look for courses using the course finder.
Here is a link to the graduate catalog. Use your plan of study form (see Current Graduate Students) as a guide to what classes you will be taking. However, you must meet with your advisor to develop the plan together. This will ensure you take the right courses at the right times since not all courses are offered every semester.
E-mail
You can check your e-mail through a number of ways. It can be checked through I-Campus; through ISU webmail; and through the web. You will need a ULID to access this account. You should check your ISU e-mail account regularly as correspondence to you from the university, graduate program, and the faculty go to this account. If you prefer to use another e-mail account, forward your ISU account to the one you regularly check.
Technology
ISU has two terrific resources for all of your computer needs. The TechZone has software (ie. Microsoft products) at discount prices, cables and other supplies, a computer showroom, and a knowledgeable staff to help you purchase a computer with your university discount. The TechZone is located in the Bone Student Center.
Next to the TechZone is the Help Desk. The Help Desk will answer questions and help solve problems with your computer. Many of their services are free.
The Help Desk publishes the Technology Quick Start Guide. The guide is a PFD document of information regarding computing on campus. It covers such things as: e-mail, internet access, viruses, printing, software, etc.
Information About the Community & Campus Life
The Life on Campus website provides information about the community, the campus, housing, health & fitness, and many other things you will need.
Parking & Transportation
See parking services for information on tags you can get. Check out the parking map to see where lots are located near campus. There are buses that run through and around campus. The include the Redbird Express and the Nite ride. Many of the graduate students suggest that if you are going to be at Horton & Nelson Smith most of the time, that a West Campus parking permit is ideal for you...plus it is inexpensive.
Bookstores
There are two bookstores on campus where you can find all of your textbooks. Barnes and Noble Bookstore is located in the Bone Student Center and the Alamo is located on the west side of campus at 319 North Street...just east of Waterson Tower.
Important Dates
The Graduate School keeps a list of important deadlines for you. Here you will find dates to complete your plan of study, apply for graduation, thesis deadlines, and degree completion dates.
Health Services
Health Services is located on the North end of campus across the street from the Bone Student Center. If you are registered for 1+ credit hours and pay the health fee, you have access to a multitude of services.
Campus Map
The interactive campus map shows facilities, parking, computer labs, wireless sites, and many other campus features.
Misc information:
Billing Information & Student Accounts
Financial Aid - or e-mail Shawn Rigsby, Graduate Financial Aid Advisor (scrigsb@ilstu.edu)
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