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The iSchool is one of several schools at SU and has a unique blend of programs. The faculty and the courses in the iSchool, however, are not divided into traditional departments like most schools. Instead, we have a united faculty body made up of tenured faculty, leading industry practitioners, and scholars with diverse research and academic interests, committed to teaching all iSchool students. This means that in your experience as an iSchool student there will be many courses in which your classmates will represent a mix of iSchool students and students from other degree programs, which allows students to learn from those pursuing other professional goals. While providing diversity in terms of coursework and faculty expertise, a common thread ties all the courses together to create technologically competent, people-oriented, creative information professionals.
Academic Resources
Faculty, Staff, and Peers
The iSchool firmly believes that advising is a cooperative and multifaceted process, and encourages students to seek input from a variety of sources. Faculty, staff, and peers are critical resources, and all contribute to student success.
Information Resources
In addition to the information in this guide, Syracuse University and the iSchool provide services and resources to students that should be taken into account when planning a program of study. Some of the most important for students include:
Course Catalog
Refer to the Undergraduate Course Catalog for SU rules and regulations, and program requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to be informed about program requirements, and students should consult their program director, program manager, or academic counselors with any questions or uncertainties.
MySlice
MySlice is Syracuse University’s online portal to critical information resources for applicants, students, faculty, and staff. Here, students can view information on academics, advising, class schedules, enrollment, bursar account, financial aid, housing and meal plans, and parking and transit services.
Degree Works
Degree Works is a web-based tool to help students and advisors monitor a student's progress toward degree completion. Degree Works can be accessed by going to MySlice> Advising Tile> Degree Works.
Academic Calendar
The Syracuse University Academic Calendar provides information on registration dates, financial deadlines, withdrawal deadlines, degree award dates, and when to expect final grades. Students are expected to know these dates when adjusting their schedule or performing other processes. Students are encouraged to look up deadlines in MySlice here:
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Financial Deadlines- Billing/Payments> Financial Deadlines
Class Search and Class Schedule
Students can perform a class search or find their class schedule by visiting MySlice and clicking on the Class Search or My Class Schedule tile.
Orange SUccess
Students can access Orange Success via the Advising tile in MySlice. Once on the Orange Success landing page, students will be able to access their student success network which includes academic advisors, faculty advisors, financial aid advisors, HEOP/SSS advisors, etc. Contact information will be displayed for each. Additionally, by clicking on the name of the staff person, some will display an option to book an appointment. To do this, students will be shown dates and times that are available and confirm whether the appointment will be in person or virtual. Staff is alerted to a booked appointment once the process is complete.
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Orange Success will also alert students if they have received the following feedback: kudos (showing improvement, keep up the good work, and outstanding performance) or flags. Flags are for negative indicators which could include failure to attend class, low test grades, etc. Academic advisors also receive a copy of a flag notification so they can follow up with a student and provide assistance.
Email and Listservs
Syracuse University established the @syr.edu email as a primary vehicle for official communication with students, and all email communications will be sent only to this address. The iSchool uses your SU email address to maintain a listserv for your program where students will be notified of new course offerings, internship and job opportunities, and other events. Students are responsible for monitoring their SU e-mail account for all email communications sent to the @syr.edu email address. Students will be added to their program listserv automatically once they are matriculated into the program. A list of available listservs can be found here: https://answerssu-jsm.syratlassian.edunet/wiki/display/ischool/Listservs.
iSchool Website
The iSchool website will be your best resource as you figure out your academic career at Syracuse, and how to get involved in the iSchool community. Here, you can find iSchool directory, advising webpage, FAQs, and other student resources. Visit ischool.syr.edu/
Points of Contact
Undergraduate Program Director
Laurie Ferger is the Undergraduate Program Director. The Program Director is a faculty member who oversees the overall planning and operation of the undergraduate program. The Program Director approves all exceptions to program requirements.
Undergraduate Academic Counselor
Kate Tressler is the Undergraduate Academic Counselor for the iSchool. Consult the Academic Advisor with questions or concerns about your degree program, concentrations, studying abroad, transfer credits, class scheduling and registration, and for checking your final program of study to ensure all requirements are met for graduation.
Student Success Counselor
Folake Kehinde is the Student Success Counselor. Student Success Counselor works one on one with students to identify their unique needs, and empowers students through individualized and holistic support.
Faculty Advisor
Upon admission to the iSchool, you are assigned a faculty advisor as a mentor during your time at Syracuse University. You should meet with your faculty advisor at least once each semester. Faculty Advisors can provide advice about your program of study, helping you select courses that will advance your academic and professional goals.
Peer Advisors
Peer Advisors are a select group of iSchool sophomores, juniors, and seniors who receive training to accurately answer typical questions that many first year and transfer students have about classes, residence hall life, and other aspects of student life at the iSchool.
Faculty
All faculty at the University can provide advice for any student. If there are questions about a course, you should feel free to speak with the instructor about the emphasis of the course, the type of assignments required, and how the course might fit into your program objectives.
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Syracuse University’s academic integrity policy and procedures are administered by the Academic Integrity Office (AIO) in the Division of Academic Affairs, and all schools and colleges. The AIO works with faculty, instructors, students, and staff to promote understanding of Syracuse University’s academic integrity policy and coordinate its administration. The office also maintains records of all academic integrity cases. Students must open a summary of Syracuse University’s Academic Integrity expectations in MySlice twice a year and provide their electronic signature agreeing to uphold the AI policy.
Academic Integrity Expectations
SU classifies academic integrity expectations in four broad categories which are designed for educational purposes: credit your sources, do your own work, communicate honestly, and support academic integrity. Neither the categories themselves nor the examples of violations are exhaustive. Any action that improperly influences the evaluation of a student’s academic work, gives one student unfair academic advantage over another, or encourages the violation of academic integrity by others constitutes a violation of this policy. SU sets general guidelines for University-wide academic integrity standards. In recognition that learning objectives vary across courses, SU also strongly encourages instructors to establish course-specific academic integrity expectations, particularly with regard to what forms of collaboration are allowed and prohibited. It is the responsibility of all instructors to communicate course-specific academic integrity expectations to students. Any student who is uncertain whether an action she or he is considering would violate academic integrity expectations is responsible for asking the instructor or consulting the AIO beforehand. Although most violations of academic integrity expectations will be course related, the SU has the authority and responsibility to respond to suspected violations in any context in which there is a threat to academic integrity at SU or involving SU students, courses, or programs.
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Students must be officially registered in order to attend, be evaluated, audit, and participate in classes. An instructor may not allow students to attend classes and/or submit work unless their name appears on the official class roster. The same rule also applies to internships taken for credit, independent studies, experience credit, and so on. Instructors have the option to administratively drop students who do not attend the first week of classes. Before registration, all holds need to be cleared. If outstanding bills are not paid, early registration for the next semester may be impacted. Please refer to the academic calendar to view registration dates for each semester or quarter terms.
Student Status
Students registered for 12 or more credits in a semester are considered full-time. Part-time students are those registered for 11 or fewer credits in a semester. For more details on student status, please refer to the Student Status section under Academic Rules in the Course Catalog.
Level of Courses
As a general guideline, courses are numbered according to their intended audience:
- 100-199 for Freshmen;
- 200-299 for Sophomores
- 300-499 for Juniors and Seniors.
- 500-599 Seniors and beginning graduate students
Adding and/or Dropping Courses
Registration and schedule adjustment takes place in MySlice up until the class add/drop deadlines. Please consult the academic calendar on SU’s website or in MySlice as stated above in the Academic Calendar section. Adding or dropping courses after the stated deadline is not permitted. Withdrawing after the financial drop deadline has severe financial consequences. Tuition will not be refunded after that date and your financial aid may be affected.
Incomplete Grades
An incomplete grade may be granted to a student only if it can be demonstrated that it would be unfair to hold the student to the normal limits of the course. Illness or other exceptional circumstances are the usual basis for consideration. Students requesting an incomplete must discuss their options with the instructor before grades are submitted for the semester. For more information on incompletes please visit the Course Catalog .
Auditing Courses
Students may only audit a course with the instructor’s approval. Audited courses do not earn academic credit and are not counted toward enrollment status. For more information on auditing courses please visit the Course Catalog .
Pass-Fail Courses
Only courses considered general electives may be taken on a pass-fail basis. See your advisor before selecting pass/fail grading option for a class.
Repeated Courses
iSchool students may retake a course for grade improvement. Rules on course retake can be found in the Course Catalog under Academic Rules. See your academic advisor before attempting to repeat courses for credit.
Awards & Honors
Each semester, full time students (12 graded credit hours minimum) are eligible for the Dean’s List if their semester GPA is 3.40 or higher. Students cannot have any missing grades to be considered for the Dean’s list and those taking only 12 credits cannot have a pass/fail grade. Students with NG or Incomplete grades will not be eligible for the Dean’s List.
University Honors
University Honors are awarded to graduating students if their cumulative GPA is at least 3.40. The designations are as follows: 3.40 Cum Laude; 3.60 Magna Cum Laude; 3.80 Summa Cum Laude. Students must earn a minimum of 60 credits at Syracuse University to be eligible for University Honors. Note: PED courses, ESF courses and ROTC credits are not calculated as part of University Honors. Check with your academic counselor.
Probation
Students with one or more of the following conditions will be placed on academic probation: semester and/or cumulative GPA below 2.0; iSchool GPA below a 2.5; excessive number of Incompletes, NAs, or missing grades; or lack of progress toward degree. In addition, freshman or external transfer student with a semester GPA, cumulative GPA, and/or iSchool GPA of less than a 2.5 during their first semester will be placed on Academic Probation.
Applying for Graduation
File Diploma Request
Graduating students must notify SU that they intend to graduate through the File Diploma Request process, accessed through MySlice. Only students who complete this process are included in degree certification review, have their name included in the iSchool’s Convocation booklet, and will receive information about Commencement. Please visit Academics tile in MySlice to file your diploma request. Specify the term, and provide information for the diploma, including a mailing address. Each semester, an e-mail will be sent to students informing them of the deadline to file the diploma request.
Commencement and Convocation
SU has one graduation ceremony each May, called Commencement. Commencement includes all SU students: undergraduates, graduates, and Ph.D. students, and it is a celebratory event, not a requirement. Individual schools and colleges host celebratory Convocations on a separate day from Commencement, to individually recognize each degree candidate on stage and to present special awards. For more information on eligibility, dates, and activities, visit Commencement website.
When You Receive Your Diploma
Each school and college at SU certifies the completion of its students’ degree requirements. The certification process generally takes four to six weeks after the completion of requirements. Once certification is complete, the Registrar’s Office posts the award and orders the diploma. When posted, the degree appears on the academic transcript. SU awards degrees four times per year: in May, June, August, and December. Students’ degrees are awarded for the award date that falls on or after the date on which all degree requirements were completed. Only students who have filed their Diploma Request will have their degree certified.
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Other Policies and Procedures
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) sets forth requirements regarding the privacy of student records. FERPA governs both the access to and release of those records, known as education records, and the information they contain. Under FERPA, faculty and staff have a legal responsibility to protect the confidentiality of student records. For additional information about FERPA and SU’s FERPA policy, visit Registrar’s Office website, or contact the Registrar’s Office at 315.443.2422.
Health Insurance
Each year, all full-time, matriculated undergraduate students are required to demonstrate proof of qualifying health insurance coverage or enroll into the Student Health Insurance Plan. For more information, visit healthinsurance.syr.edu.
Religious Observances
SU recognizes the diversity of faiths represented in its campus community and supports and protects the rights of faculty, staff, and students to observe religious holy days according to their traditions. Under the policy, students are provided an opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirements that may be missed due to a religious observance, provided they notify their instructors no later than the end of the second week of classes. Student deadlines are posted in My Slice. For more information, review the Religious Observation Policy.
Orange Alert
Orange Alert is the campus crisis alert notification system directed by SU’S Department of Public Safety, designed to provide rapid notification and instruction to SU students, faculty, and staff in the event of a crisis in progress-an instance in which there is an immediate threat of physical harm to members of the campus community. When activated, Orange Alert uses email, text messaging, and cell/landline phone calls to send a brief notice about the situation and instructions for what to do. A typical message might read: “There is a (type of crisis) on campus at (a specific location); evacuate the area immediately and remain away until further instructed.”
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In addition to these general suggestions, we have some advice that is specific to different groups of students.
Advice for Freshmen and Sophomores
- Succeeding in the freshman year is often the key to succeeding in college. Look to our Peer Advisors and successful friends for advice about being a good student.
- Improving your time management skills is usually the most effective way to improve grades.
- If you are finding a semester too challenging, meet with your academic counselor to discuss various options and how they might impact your overall degree progress.
- Sophomores must formally declare their concentration by end of fourth semester.
- If you plan to pursue a minor, you must complete the minor declaration paperwork before the end of your sophomore year.
- Always feel free to reach out to your academic advisor with any questions.
Advice for Juniors
- Meet with your academic advisor before registering for the spring semester of your junior year for a Degree Check to make sure that you will meet all requirements for graduation.
Advice for Seniors
- Meet with an academic advisor in the fall of your senior year for a Senior Degree Check.
- Seniors are permitted to register for courses at the 500 level. Courses at the 600 level are permitted by petition and with permission of the instructor.
Problems and Concerns
If you have any problems involving any part of your program (whether in the iSchool or other schools or colleges) you should contact your Academic Advisor.
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Student Populations at the iSchool
International Students
The iSchool educates students from more than 30 countries and all corners of the globe. We take pride in our rich diversity, which is reflected in the range of nationalities, experiences, and backgrounds of our students and faculty members, and the career opportunities available to our graduates. From faculty research to international study abroad experiences, global collaborations to alumni placement, the iSchool has a strong international presence to complement the extensive international network at Syracuse University.
Center for International Services (CIS)
New students coming to SU for the first time may be filled with anxiety and questions about their first day. What should you bring? Who will meet you? How do you get to campus from the airport? For international students, CIS is the first and possibly most important place you will visit on campus. CIS works closely with all academic departments to assure that international students enrolled at SU can achieve their academic objectives and become an integral part of the SU academic community. CIS’ primary objective is to assist international students in maintaining compliance with U.S. immigration laws, and provides information and updates on immigration regulations, seminars on immigration topics, and walk-in appointments with an advisor. CIS is the place to go on campus if you have questions regarding curricular practical training (CPT), employment, health insurance, immigration regulations and status, optional practical training (OPT), passports, travel, the I-20, and visas. CIS staff is also the best resource for important check-in documents, information about different offices and points of contact around campus, and information about housing, banking, driving, taxes, and technology. If you have personal, social, academic, health, housing, or financial problems, the CIS staff offers advice and counseling.
CIS provides all students with an orientation program designed and conducted especially for new international students. This mandatory orientation program is held the weekend prior to the opening weekend of the University. Check the website for the exact time, date, and location of orientation. To ensure you do not miss any important information, be sure to check your syr.edu email account on a regular basis. For more information, visit Center for International Services website.
Syracuse University Resources for Military Personnel and Veterans
There are a number of resources available to military and veteran students and families, beginning with the initial program inquiry and continuing through degree program completion and beyond. Students can find all of the information below and more at https://veterans.syr.edu/ or ivmf.syracuse.edu.
Career Services
The iSchool believes in teaching students the skills they need to be successful on the job market. We house our very own Career Services to assist students across all of our programs in their career development by providing individual counseling, strategic job search resources, resume and interview preparation, and professional development events. More information on iSchool Career Services can be found on our website: ischool.syr.edu/careers/career-services/.
Student Groups
Expand your professional and social networks through our Student Organizations.
Domestic Experiential Learning
Visit our Experiential Learning page to learn more about the experiential courses, road trips and immersion opportunities we offer.
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Part 4: Other Academic Information
International Experience and Study Abroad
The iSchool strongly recommends that students study abroad as part of their academic program. Many programs are available, ranging from short-term summer programs to more traditional semester-long programs.
Syracuse University Abroad (SUA) maintains centers in Beijing, Florence, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Santiago, and Strasbourg. In addition, SUA is affiliated with the World Partners program, which allows students to study abroad in many other locations. The School of Information Studies does not typically offer iSchool courses at the SUA Centers. However, by planning ahead, you can take courses that will fulfill your liberal arts, minor or general elective requirements. A general description of current SUA programs can be found at http://suabroad.syr.edu. You may also want to schedule a time to discuss options at their office at 106 Walnut Place (315-443-3471).
Renee Crown Honors Program
As an honors student, you take special courses that directly contribute toward the completion of your major. Completion of the Renee Crown Honors Program will be listed on your transcript upon graduation.
For more information about the Renee Crown Honors Program, and to see if you qualify, visit their website http://honors.syr.edu/ or contact them at the Honors Office at 306 Bowne Hall (315-443-2759).
Double Major and Dual Degree Programs
You may pursue a double major or dual program in two ways:
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If you are interested in pursuing one of these opportunities, you should meet with academic support staff in the targeted school or college to familiarize yourself with their academic requirements. Once you have done that, you can meet with your iSchool academic advisor to develop an appropriate plan.
Dual Major Programs at the iSchool
Some students who want to study at the iSchool have passions other than technology. That is why the iSchool has partnered with other schools on campus to create dual major degrees. You can combine your iSchool degree with a major from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications or the Martin J. Whitman School of Management.
Public Communications/iSchool Dual
Students dually enrolled in the School of Information Studies and the Newhouse School of Public Communications program must fulfill the major requirements of both schools. Upon graduating, they receive a bachelor's degree (one diploma) conferred jointly by the two schools. Students may apply directly to the dual programs as incoming first-year students or may add the dual as a current student, after completion of the dual-degree admission requirements.
More information regarding Newhouse/iSchool dual can be found in the Newhouse Handbook: https://newhouse.syracuse.edu/students/undergraduate-advising/handbooks/.
iSchool/School of Management Dual
Students in the School of Information Studies may choose to pursue a dual degree with the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. Students who select this option often seek a working knowledge of business with the technical training in information systems to set them apart from standard business school graduates.
Students may apply directly to the dual program as incoming first-year students or may add the dual as a current student, after completion of the dual-degree admission requirements. More information on the iSchool/Whitman dual program can be found here: https://ischool.syr.edu/academics/dual-degree-with-whitman-school-of-management/.
Minors in Other Programs
Many iSchool students decide to pursue a minor in another academic program on campus. An academic minor is an organized sequence of at least 18 credits taken in another academic area.
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Courses taken toward the minor will normally count towards the general electives in your program. For a list of the undergraduate minors available, visit the Course Catalog.
Minors at the iSchool
Full list of minors that iSchool offers can be found in the Course Catalog. Due to the curriculum overlap, iSchool students are not allowed to pursue Data Analytics and Information Management & Technology minors. iSchool students are allowed to pursue the Information Technology, Design & Startups minor.
Graduate School Preparation
While the vast majority of iSchool students decide to secure full time employment after completing their bachelor’s degree, a significant number of students choose to pursue graduate studies.
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The iSchool’s Fast Track Program allows qualified students to start their graduate course work while still an undergraduate student. This permits students to earn their master’s degree in an accelerated format. Meet with your academic counselor to plan your coursework if you are interested in this program.
Faculty Partnership Opportunities
IST 337 - iSchool Support Practicum
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More information regarding the iSchool Support Practicum can be found here: https://answerssu-jsm.syratlassian.edunet/wiki/display/ischool/iSchool+Undergraduate+Student+Support+Program.
Independent Studies
Many of our students desire to explore a problem or problems in depth in the information field. Students should discuss this idea with the appropriate professor, and if the professor approves, develop and submit an independent study plan to be signed by the professor and the undergraduate program director. Independent studies are credit bearing courses.
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