The Graduate School at Illinois State University

Accreditation

Illinois State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional accrediting bodies for higher education recognized by the United States Department of Education. For the complete information regarding accreditation, see: IllinoisState.edu/about/accreditation/.

Graduate School Established

The University began offering graduate work in 1943, when it introduced master's degree programs in several departments. The number of degrees has increased gradually since that time, with doctoral work introduced in 1962.

Today the Graduate School offers master's and doctoral degree work in many academic fields and professional education.

Mission Statement

The Graduate School fosters high quality graduate education at Illinois State University through strategic leadership and administration, providing services for students and faculty, and serving as a valued resource to the greater University community. Illinois State University is classified as a Carnegie Doctoral/Research institution.

Graduate Council

The Graduate Council is the representative body of the graduate faculty. Council members deliberate and set policy on all matters of graduate education and research, and advise the Associate Vice President for Graduate Education and Internationalization Initiatives. Each council member sits on one of four standing committees: membership/student development, curriculum, research, or equity, diversity, and inclusion. Members are elected by the graduate faculty. Three graduate students serve on the Graduate Council. Selection criteria for members are articulated in Article IV of the Bylaws.

Graduate Coordinators

Designated by the Department chairperson or School Director of the unit as being responsible for the administration of the graduate program(s). These responsibilities include:

  • Maintaining the overall integrity of the graduate program in the department or school
  • Promoting the educational success of individual graduate students.
  • Assuring clear communication between the degree program, the department/school/college, the Graduate School, Admissions, and the graduate student.
  • Having a thorough knowledge of all university graduate education related policies and procedures.
  • Fostering recruitment, admission and degree completion for a diverse group of highly talented students.
  • Monitoring academic progress of students.
  • Responding according to university policy to issues of academic integrity and academic probation.
  • Providing leadership in review of curriculum and design of professional development opportunities for graduate students.
  • Assist students in securing Research Symposium Travel Support.
  • Assist students in securing Scholarships, Fellowships, and other alternative funding.
  • Monitor degree completion and requests to participate in Commencement.
  • Supervise comprehensive exams, assuring consonance with regulations and requirements of the Graduate School and the program and submitting reports within.
  • Monitor theses and dissertations and submit required forms.
  • Monitor student admissions.
  • Advising or assigning a faculty advisor to each student.
  • Working with Human Resources on issues related to graduate assistants.
  • Having a thorough understanding of the policies and procedures guiding graduate assistants in the Graduate Assistant Handbook.
  • Monitor time to degree of each student in the program. Advise them on completing in a timely manner. Assist with the extension to degree request if needed.