Student Handbook – Welcome
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Indiana Academy Students,
Welcome to the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities (IASMH)! This unique living and learning opportunity is designed to accelerate your education and personal growth. The Academy offers you more freedom and more responsibility than is offered in a traditional high school, but less freedom and more supervision than is offered to college students. At the Academy, you will be presented with challenges and given support in facing those challenges. In the end, however, your Academy experience depends on you.
You must understand that your membership in the IASMH community is a privilege. This privilege was initially granted to you by the Admissions Office based on the selection committee’s judgment of your past performance and of your potential to benefit from and contribute to the Academy. You may earn continued membership in the IASMH community through your performance and behavior, both in and out of the classroom. Factors that will be considered include but are not limited to, your academic performance, any academic issues/concerns (excessive absences, repeated academic dishonesty, etc.), disciplinary record, any behavioral issues/concerns (concerning pattern(s) of inappropriate behavior, abuse of community resources, disrespectful behavior toward peers, faculty, staff, administrators or others, etc.), and the violation of building and residential hall rules. Being a student at the Indiana Academy is both a privilege and an honor.
As an Academy student, you are required to follow all Ball State University and Academy regulations, as well as all local, state, and federal laws. All policies apply to you from when you enroll at the Academy until you graduate. It is your responsibility to become familiar with all of the policies of Ball State University Student Life (www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/student-conduct/policiesandprocedures), as well as the IASMH student handbook. These documents constitute a contract between the Academy and students/parents. Because the Academy is a dynamic organization, and because needs and expectations change, Academy policies and procedures are subject to change. You will be notified in writing of any policy changes and are responsible for being aware of those changes.
Violations of any University and/or Academy regulations OR any local, state, or federal law will be grounds for disciplinary action and, possibly, dismissal. Discipline is administered according to the discipline procedures described in this handbook.
Please read and become familiar with the expectations of community life at the Indiana Academy. We strongly recommend that you read this handbook carefully before you sign the housing agreement on move-in day.
The IASMH “Code of Conduct” printed below sums up the qualities we are looking for in Academy students. Best wishes for a successful academic year at the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities!
Dr. Dain Kavars
Executive Director of the Indiana Academy