Frequently Asked Questions from Students

What are core classes for Integrative Community Studies?

The core classes in this program of study focus on adjusting to college life, finance management, advocacy, career development, personal performance, dimensions of campus and community, and post-graduate planning.

Will anyone help me with my classes if I need it?

Each student will meet with their advisor to discuss the types of support that they might need with their class schedule. These supports may look very different for each student, and may include a combination of services like tutoring, working with the Office of Disability Services, study hall and testing support. We cannot always foresee all supports that will be needed, so if a student is taking a class and realize that he or she needs help, they should let their advisor know immediately.

Will I declare a major?

Since this is a certificate program students will not declare a major, but when they choose their career concentration in their junior year, they will focus most of their academic work and internships in the career area of their choice. Here is an example of a student’s possible academic timeline:

• Freshman Year – Core classes, electives as schedule permits. Student adjusts to life in student housing and explores activities on campus and through clubs and events. They discover that they really enjoys sports, theatre, and working out.

• Sophomore Year – Core classes, electives and personal career class. Student continues to participate on campus and continues to refine campus living plans and supports, with an eye to where they will move their junior year. They develop a relationship with the baseball team, volunteer as a prop master for a campus play, and join an intramural Ultimate Frisbee team. In career class they choose sports and theatre as two career areas to explore. They shadow the baseball coach, a fitness trainer at the rec. center, and a student director of a campus play. They also take a degree-track class in the Theatre Department.

• Junior Year – Core classes, career seminar, electives related to career. Student moves to off campus housing and adjusts to different living situation. Student begins to work on post-graduate life plan, and explores activities and connections within community, including involvement in local recreations centers, YMCA, and local theatres. Student participates in internship with recreation center and drama department, and determines that they would like to pursue career in fitness, and continue drama as a hobby. They take a kinesiology class about general fitness.

• Senior Year – ICS senior practicum, career seminar, and electives/activities related to career. Student arranges senior year to look as much like post-graduate life as possible for practicum. They get connected to local professional theatre as a volunteer, and decides to continue involvement after graduation. They apply for a job with local fitness center and the YMCA, and make plans for supports they might need on the job. They continue their involvement with the local recreation center, and also continue to explore community for practical and recreational resources.

What kind of schedule should I expect?

Students typically enroll in 12-15 credit hours per semester. Class schedules include core ICS classes as well as electives that are offered by other departments.

What are the Graduation Requirements?

120 Credit Hours
Completion of Senior Project
Maintain a 2.0 minimum GPA