Student Handbook – Welcome
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear IASMH student,
Welcome to the Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities! This unique living and learning opportunity is designed to accelerate your education and personal growth. The Academy offers you more freedom – 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.
It is important that you realize your membership in the IASMH community is a privilege. This privilege was initially granted to you by the Admissions Office on the basis of 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. At the end of your first year the Academy Director will review both your academic performance and your contributions to student life and make a decision about whether or not to re-admit you for a second year. Factors that will be considered include, but are not limited to, your GPA, individual course grades, any academic issues/concerns (excessive absences, repeated academic dishonesty, etc.), disciplinary record, any residential issues/concerns (concerning pattern(s) of behavior, abuse of community resources, disrespectful behavior toward peers, faculty, staff, administrators or others, etc.), unmet financial obligations, and contributions and/or possible detriment to the community. Being asked to return as an Academy student is both a privilege and an honor.
As an Academy student, you are required to follow University and Academy regulations, as well as all local, state, and federal laws. All policies are applicable to you FROM THE FIRST DAY YOU ARRIVE IN THE FALL UNTIL GRADUATION DAY.
It is your responsibility to become familiar with all of the policies of Ball State University Student Life, as well as the IASMH student handbook. These documents constitute a contract between the Academy and students or 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 System 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” on the next page 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