About Boise State University
Boise and Beyond |
The University’s Environment and Mission
The University’s Vision and Strategic Plan |
The University’s History |
Accreditation
Students and Faculty |
A Tour of Campus |
The Colleges |
The Albertsons Library
Computer Resources |
Athletics
Boise and Beyond
Idaho’s state capital and center of business, Boise is the largest metropolitan area between Portland, Oregon, and Salt Lake City, Utah. Set against a backdrop of the Rocky Mountain foothills, Boise is one of the most attractive and enjoyable cities in the nation. As a growing city of more than 211,000 people, Boise enjoys a varied economy based on high technology, agricultural products, tourism, government agencies, and manufacturing.
Known as the City of Trees, Boise is located in a land of great variety. To the south are rich farmlands; a rugged, high-mountain desert; North America’s tallest sand dunes; and the famous Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. To the north, forests, whitewater rivers, and mountain lakes provide opportunities for fishing, hiking, hunting, and kayaking. Bogus Basin ski resort is just 16 miles from the Boise State University campus, and world-famous Sun Valley is less than three hours away.
The Boise Greenbelt, a network of city parks and riverside paths, runs through the campus. Three city parks are within walking distance of Boise State University, and a footbridge spans the Boise River, linking the campus to Julia Davis Park, where the Boise Art Museum, Idaho State Historical Museum, and Zoo Boise are located. An array of outdoor activities—camping, fishing, golf, hiking, river rafting, skiing, and tennis—are available only a short distance from campus.
The city and campus offer many cultural opportunities, such as the American Festival Ballet, Boise Civic Opera, Boise Philharmonic, Gene Harris Jazz Festival, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Trey McIntyre Project, and a variety of other musical and theatrical productions. Touring artists frequently perform in the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts and Taco Bell Arena, both located on the Boise State University campus. In addition, Taco Bell Arena hosts a variety of national sporting events.
The University’s Environment and Mission
Boise State University is the largest institution of higher learning in Idaho. It is located in the middle of one of the most vibrant and livable cities in America and the governmental and commercial center of the Gem State. Boise State has long been heralded as an institution devoted to excellence in classroom teaching, but a new dimension to its mission is emerging—that of a Metropolitan Research University of Distinction.
As the Boise economy has changed into a dynamic marketplace of ideas and products—especially with its highly sophisticated technology sector—and as the city became the heart of a major metropolitan region, it is a natural transition for the city’s university to expand from a traditional comprehensive higher education institution with a strong teaching mission to become a metropolitan research institution.
Although there are other institutions of higher education in the region, Boise State University is the only “full-service,” comprehensive state university in the region. As defined by the Idaho State Board of Education, it is Boise State’s role and mission to be a “comprehensive, urban university serving a diverse population through undergraduate and graduate programs, research, and state and regional public service.”
Today, the breadth of programs and services Boise State offers and its unique location makes it one of the nation’s best places to live and learn. Boise State has academic programs in seven colleges—Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Public Affairs, and Graduate Studies—with a full-time faculty of more than 600.
The University’s Vision and Strategic Plan
Boise State University’s vision is to become a Metropolitan Research University of Distinction. This quest is the natural outcome of the interaction of our role in our state system of education and the environment in which we are located.
The achievement of this vision is guided by our strategic plan, Charting the Course. The plan captures the meaning of the phrase “Metropolitan Research University of Distinction” as defined by faculty members, staff members, students, and community members:
- Academic Excellence—high quality, student-focused programs that integrate theory and practice, engage students in community based learning, and are informed by meaningful assessment.
- Public Engagement—the University’s academic mission is linked with its community partners to address issues of mutual benefit.
- Vibrant Culture—embraces and fosters innovation, responsiveness, inclusiveness, accessibility, diversity, and effective stewardship.
- Exceptional Research—progressive scholarship and creative activity, and graduate programs that have groundbreaking applications locally, regionally, and globally.
Charting the Course also establishes a set of ten goals to guide our actions in the five areas identified as being critical to our progress: resources, infrastructure, people, connections, and culture.
The University's History
In 1932, the Episcopal Church founded Boise Junior College, the first post-secondary school in Idaho’s capital. When the Episcopal Church discontinued its sponsorship in 1934, Boise Junior College became a nonprofit, private corporation, sponsored by the Boise Chamber of Commerce and by the community. In 1939, the State Legislature created a junior-college taxing district to fund the college through local property taxes.
By the end of the 1930s, Boise Junior College boasted an enrollment of 600 students. Originally located at St. Margaret’s Hall, near the present site of St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, the college was moved in 1940 to its present location alongside the Boise River. In 1965, Boise Junior College became a four-year institution and was renamed Boise College. In 1969, the college was brought into the state system of higher education as Boise State College. The Graduate College was established in 1971. The creation of new graduate programs led to the designation, in 1974, of the institution as Boise State University.
In 2009, Boise State University is the largest institution of higher education in Idaho with nearly 20,000 students and nearly 2,500 faculty and staff. Boise State is in the midst of a transformation that nurtures its traditional strengths while expanding its capabilities in research and scholarly activity. This is not a revolution but instead an evolution that reflects the integral part Boise State plays in contributing to the quality of life in the Treasure Valley and beyond.
During its history, Boise State University has operated under the leadership of six presidents:
- Bishop Middleton Barnwell (1932-1934)
- Eugene B. Chaffee (1934-1967)
- John B. Barnes (1967-1977)
- John H. Keiser (1978-1991)
- Charles P. Ruch (1993-2003)
- Robert W. Kustra (2003-present)
Accreditation
Boise State University is a member of and is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The University holds permanent membership on the College Entrance Examination Board and in the College Scholarship Service Assembly. Many of Boise State University’s academic programs have special accreditation or endorsement from one or more of the following organizations:
- ABET, Inc.
American Bar Association
American Chemical Society
American Council for Construction Education
American Health Information Management Association
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Committee on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
Committee on Accreditation Respiratory Care
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Council on Social Work Education
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
National Association of Schools of Arts and Design
National Association of Schools of Music
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
National Association of Schools of Theater
National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
Students and Faculty
Each semester, Boise State University enrolls nearly 20,000 students in its academic programs. Students come to Boise State University from every county in Idaho, from nearly every state in the nation, and from numerous foreign countries. The university’s urban setting attracts and complements this diverse student body, which includes many nontraditional students as well as traditional students enrolling directly from high school.
Because Boise is the commercial, financial, health care, and governmental center of Idaho, there are experiences and opportunities reaching beyond the classroom afforded to you that are unavailable elsewhere in the state. For instance, you can enhance classroom learning and gain valuable work experience by serving as an intern with the State Legislature, government agencies, or one of the many private businesses and industries in the area. In addition, you can attend a wide variety of civic, cultural, and social events hosted by Boise State University.
Faculty members at Boise State University are dedicated to excellence in teaching and in research and creative activity. As a student, you will have the opportunity to work with and study under some of the West’s most respected scientists, artists, researchers, and educators.
Student ticket policies to athletic events are listed on the Athletic Ticket Office website.
In addition to helping students learn, Boise State University faculty members are generous in using their expertise to help solve society’s problems. They assist business, industry, educational institutions, government agencies, and professional groups with educational programs and research-and-development efforts. The university also works with many organizations in creating and implementing programs to upgrade the knowledge and skills of their employees.
A Tour of the Campus
Boise State University’s 113-acre main campus is bordered to the north by the Boise River, to the south by University Drive, to the east by Broadway Avenue, and to the west by Ann Morrison Park. Step across the footbridge spanning the Boise River, and you are in the open green space of Julia Davis Park, home to the Idaho State Historical Museum, the Boise Art Museum, and Zoo Boise. Just a few minutes’ walk from campus is downtown Boise, where you will find inviting shops, fine restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
On campus, the Administration Building contains the offices of several student services, including financial aid and the registrar. University Health Services including all medical, counseling, wellness, and SHIP are integrated under one roof in the Norco Building. The Office of Advising and Academic Enhancement, the Career Center, and the Testing Center are located together in the Academic and Career Services Building.
Classes are held in a number of buildings, including the Bronco Gym and Department of Kinesiology Building, the Business Building, the Education Building, the Engineering Building, the Fine Arts Building, the Liberal Arts Building, the Math/Geosciences Building, the Micron Engineering Center, the Morrison Civil Engineering Building, the Multi-Purpose Classroom Facility, the Public Affairs/Art West Building, and the Science Building. The Interactive Learning Center supports the latest in technology with twelve general use classrooms, multi-media labs, a classroom for research and innovation, and even a 3-D visualization classroom. It is also home to the Center for Teaching and Learning.
Other notable features of the campus include the Albertsons Library, as well as the Centennial Amphitheatre—an outdoor venue for lectures, concerts, and plays. The Morrison Center for the Performing Arts houses the music department, the theatre arts department, a 2,000-seat performance hall, a 200-seat recital hall, and a 200-seat theater. The Student Recreation Center houses informal recreation, intramural sports, outdoor programs, fitness opportunities, a wellness center, as well as athletic training facilities. Completed in the fall of 2010, the new 17,000 square foot Aquatics Center is a hub for water activities
Boise State University students also enjoy a newly expanded Student Union, which provides facilities for social, recreational, and cultural activities. In addition to a quick-copy center and dining areas, the Student Union contains a game room, several lounges, the Boise State University Bookstore, and the Bronco Shop. While at the Student Union, you can stop by the Information Desk to pick up tickets for campus programs and community events, or visit the offices of more than 190 recognized student organizations. The admissions office is located on the first floor. The new West Entrance and Transit Center is a spacious and furnished entrance to the Student Union on the west side of the building. Patrons can wait inside or outside for shuttles now making the stop in front of the open sidewalk area.
Taco Bell Arena is Idaho’s largest multi-purpose arena. When not filled with fans of Bronco basketball, gymnastics, or volleyball, Taco Bell Arena is the site of concerts, professional sporting events, and family entertainment. Nearby is Bronco Stadium, with a seating capacity of 32,000.
The Colleges
Boise State University is organized into seven colleges. The colleges that make up Boise State University offer the opportunity to pursue your education in over 180 major fields of interest. Within these major fields of interest, the university awards a wide variety of degrees and certificates. See Summary of Programs for a complete list of degrees, majors, minors, certificates, and transfer programs offered at Boise State University.
The Albertsons Library
The Albertsons Library provides access to a vast array of online journals, research databases, reference works, newspapers, books in print and electronic format, and other sources for research and learning. Ample study spaces for individuals and groups are accessible within the Library. Reference librarians are available in the Library and online to help students with their research. The Library has over 115 desktop computers available for student use, and an additional 29 laptops available for student checkout.
The Library’s holdings exceed 2 million items, including access to:
- ~700,000 total volumes
- 88,000+ electronic journals
- 270+ online databases
- 50,000+ electronic books
- 100,000+ maps
The website http://library.boisestate.edu links to most library information resources including the library catalog, databases, online journals, and reference sources. Distance education students can find information on using the Library to obtain materials to support their coursework. Online resources are available for student access off campus.
The Reference area is the information hub of the Library where staff is available to provide on-demand assistance and guidance in conducting research using library resources. Reference librarians also offer research appointments to students to help guide the discovery of materials to support their class assignments and research. Research resources include an extensive collection of discipline-specific research databases and journals, and numerous specialty databases, handbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, U.S. government documents, and maps.
The Special Collections area contains manuscript collections, rare books, Basque studies material, and the university archives in addition to housing the papers of Senator Len B. Jordan, Senator Frank Church, and Interior Secretary/Governor Cecil Andrus. Selected resources from the department’s photo collections are being digitized and appear online at http://digital.boisestate.edu. This area also maintains the Cecil D. Andrus and Frank Church Rooms. The Warren McCain Reading Room, located on the second floor, contains a growing collection of books and materials about the literature, anthropology, and history of the American West and the Westward Movement.
Computer Resources
The university provides student access to a variety of computer resources. There are many computer labs to support classroom assignments and discipline specific needs. All Boise State University offices and computer labs are connected to the campus fiber-optic network. This allows access to the campus network or the Internet. Wireless access to the Internet is also available. See oit.boisestate.edu for more information.
Boise State University provides e-mail accounts for all students. Students who want access to e-mail and the Internet from home will need to purchase access through an Internet service provider (ISP).
As a student at Boise State University, you will have the opportunity to learn to use computers in ways appropriate to your discipline. For more information about the computer skills required in your discipline, please see the major requirements in Summary of Programs or consult your academic advisor.
Athletics
The purpose of the intercollegiate athletic program at Boise State University is twofold. First, to provide opportunities for a meaningful athletic experience for as many students as possible. Second, to develop and maintain a competitive Division I athletic program that competes on a regional and national basis and strives for excellence in both men’s and women’s athletics within the boundaries of integrity and honesty.
The athletic program is an integral part of the university and its total educational purpose. The objectives of the athletic program are in harmony with the mission and role of the university.
The university adheres to the principles of fair play and amateur athletic competition as defined by the NCAA. The university is concerned with the welfare of the student-athlete and strives to ensure that every student-athlete has the opportunity to succeed academically and obtain a degree.
The university competes as a member of the Mountain Western Conference (MWC) in football, men’s and women’s basketball, golf, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field and cross country, women’s gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, and volleyball. The university competes in the PAC-10 in wrestling. Students that wish to participate in intercollegiate athletics should contact the head coach of the sport for which they wish to participate. A listing of head coaches is provided by calling the Athletic Department at (208) 426-1288, or on the web at www.broncosports.com.
The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Report for Boise State University is available online at http://ope.ed.gov/athletics/. The report provides participation rates, financial support, and other information on men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletic programs.