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Independent Study (Undergraduate)
An independent study course is a great way for you to dive deeper into a topic that isn’t covered in your standard coursework. Whether you’re a first- or se
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/academic-advising/independent-study
New Student Orientation Resources
Welcome to the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State! Take the important steps below to ensure that you are prepared for your academic c
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/academic-advising/new-student-orientation-resources
Student Engagement
Questions? Contact us.
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/student-engagement
Clubs and Organizations
How do you make the most of your time at IST? Ask any student, and you’ll likely get the same response: get involved! Joining a student organization is a grea
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/student-engagement/clubs-and-organizations
Start a New Student Organization
IST student organizations enhance the co-curricular experience of IST students. To be officially recognized, all IST student organizations must first work with
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/student-engagement/clubs-and-organizations/start-a-new-student-organization
Student Organization Resources
Financial Resources
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/student-engagement/clubs-and-organizations/student-engagement-resources
Living Learning Community
The IST Living Learning Community (LLC) is a first-year housing option that lets you live alongside fellow College of IST students, helping you build a strong s
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/student-engagement/living-learning-community
IST Diplomats
IST Diplomats are a distinguished group of student ambassadors who proudly represent the College of IST. As leaders and advocates, they help create a welcoming,
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/student-engagement/ist-diplomats
News
Media Mention: Wang, Pan, Mehta—NIBIB
Where: National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, 'Picture this: Using AI to analyze photographs of the placen
https://ist.psu.edu/news/media-mention-wang-pan-mehta-nibib
Laptop Requirement
All new first-year undergraduate students enrolled in the College of IST at University Park must have their own laptop that meets or exceeds minimum technical s
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/laptop-requirement
Undergraduate Honors Program
The College of Information Sciences and Technology partners with the Schreyer Honors College to offer honors courses, a thesis experience, research opportunitie
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/undergraduate-honors-program
IST Honors Thesis Guide
This guide is for students completing a Schreyer Honors College (SHC) thesis in the College of Information Sciences and Technology. Additional requirements and
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/undergraduate-honors-program/ist-honors-thesis-guide
Undergraduate Scholarships
The College of Information Sciences and Technology, in partnership with Penn State, offers need and merit-based scholarships to undergraduate students thanks to
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/undergraduate-scholarships
List of IST Scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of alumni, corporate partners, and friends, the College of Information Sciences and Technology is able to offer the following scholarsh
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/undergraduate-scholarships/list-of-ist-scholarships
Rusenko Entrepreneur Scholarships
To be eligible for the David Rusenko Entrepreneur Scholarships, full-time undergraduates must complete an application for their scholarship of interest.
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/current-undergraduate-students/undergraduate-scholarships/rusenko-entrepreneur-scholarships
Graduate Students
Questions? Contact us.
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/graduate-students
Graduate Student Awards
Recipients of the College of IST's graduate student awards can be nominated by any member of the Penn State community. Each award includes a $500 honorarium.
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/graduate-students/graduate-student-awards
Graduate Assistantships
Assistantships for Ph.D. students fall into two categories:
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/graduate-students/graduate-assistantships
Graduate Roadmaps and Degree Audits
The Office of Graduate Programs maintains resources to help you complete academic and administrative requirements to stay on track for your degree. We also coor
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/graduate-students/graduate-student-roadmaps-and-degree-audits
Ph.D. Exam Scheduling
Doctoral Committee Form Committees should be formed within one year of passing the qualifying exam. Once your committee members are determined, or if you need
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/graduate-students/exam-scheduling
Course and Thesis Scheduling
Special Topics Courses (Fall 2026)
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/graduate-students/course-and-thesis-scheduling
Policies, Forms, and Resources
Questions? Contact us.
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/graduate-students/policies-forms-and-resources
Online Students
Online Students
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/online-students
Online Graduate Student Resources
Before each semester, the Office of Graduate Programs will email you important registration details, including dates and deadlines. When planning your schedule
https://ist.psu.edu/current-students/online-students/online-graduate-student-resources
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
The College of Information Sciences and Technology strives to create a welcoming environment that promotes and values diversity and inclusion for all students,
https://ist.psu.edu/about/belonging
Be You in Tech
Be You in Tech is a series of events and programs hosted by Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology that aim to inform, inspire, and empow
https://ist.psu.edu/about/belonging/be-you-in-tech
Grace Hopper Celebration and Richard Tapia Conference
Each fall, the College of IST sponsors a group of students to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration and the ACM Richard Tapia Conference. These conferences enable
https://ist.psu.edu/about/belonging/grace-hopper-richard-tapia-conferences
IST Identity Talks
Join IST alumni as they share diverse experiences and perspective gained through their educational and professional journeys. Learn from the challenges and oppo
https://ist.psu.edu/about/belonging/ist-identity-talks
Nittany AI Alliance
Nittany AI Alliance
https://ist.psu.edu/offices/nittany-ai-alliance
McMurtry Excellence Award
The George J. McMurtry Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award is named for the former associate dean of the College of Engineering who was instrument
https://ist.psu.edu/about/mcmurtry-excellence-award
IST Honor Code
The IST Undergraduate Student Council adopted an honor code to reinforce academic integrity and personal accountability of the Penn State Values. Signing the IS
https://ist.psu.edu/about/ist-honor-code
Dean's Advisory Board
The College of IST Dean's Advisory Board provides strategic guidance and counsel to shape the future of the college. Comprised of alumni, friends, and corporate
https://ist.psu.edu/about/deans-advisory-board
Our History
Planning for a new academic initiative in the information sciences was introduced in 1997, and the School of Information Sciences and Technology was approved by
https://ist.psu.edu/about/our-history
Location and Contact
Parking Westgate Building: Hourly visitor parking is limited around the Westgate Building and on campus. The closest visitor parking areas are the West Deck an
https://ist.psu.edu/about/location-and-contact
Emergency Resources
Emergency Evacuation The protection of employees, students, and visitors at Penn State is of paramount importance. It is important to be familiar with what you
https://ist.psu.edu/about/location-and-contact/emergency-information
Submit Class Notes
Whether you've landed a new job or earned professional recognition, got married or welcomed a baby, earned a new degree or simply crossed something off your buc
https://ist.psu.edu/alumni-and-donors/submit-a-class-note
Alumni-Student Mentoring Program
The Alumni-Student Mentoring Program connects IST students and alumni who share mutual professional interests. Alumni mentors offer students guidance about care
https://ist.psu.edu/alumni-and-donors/alumni-student-mentoring-program
Giving
When you support to the College of Information Sciences and Technology, you make an impact greater than a simple transaction. You provide financial support to s
https://ist.psu.edu/alumni-and-donors/make-a-gift
Annual Giving
Annual gifts provide critical unrestricted support to many of the College of IST’s core programs and functions.
https://ist.psu.edu/alumni-and-donors/make-a-gift/annual-giving
Alumni Awards
Each year, the College of Information Sciences and Technology presents the IST Outstanding Alumni Award and IST Emerging Professional Award to recognize the imp
https://ist.psu.edu/alumni-and-donors/alumni-awards
Employers
Find resources and opportunities to engage IST students with your organization.
https://ist.psu.edu/employers
Career Fairs (Employer Information)
Each year, the Office of Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement hosts two exclusive events for IST students: the fall IST Employer Connection Days (home of t
https://ist.psu.edu/employers/career-fairs-employer-information
IST Recruiting Partners Program (Employer Information)
Current Recruiting Partners
https://ist.psu.edu/employers/ist-recruiting-partners-program
Sponsorship Opportunities
Organizations have a variety of ways to tap into the resources of the College of IST and the Penn State community. Corporate sponsorships not only give your org
https://ist.psu.edu/employers/sponsorship-opportunities
Employment Opportunities
Faculty Positions If you have questions about these positions, please email facultyrecruiting@ist.psu.edu.
https://ist.psu.edu/about/open-positions
Promotion and Tenure
Questions? Contact us.
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/promotion-and-tenure
Non-Tenure Line Faculty Promotion
University Non-Tenure Line Administrative GuidelinesIST_AC-14 Non-Tenure Line Promotion and Appointment GuidelinesPolicy AC21 – Definition of Academic RanksNo
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/non-tenure-line-faculty-promotion
Sabbatical Leave
The purpose of a sabbatical leave is to provide a period of time for study of research, the object of which is to enable recipients to increase their usefulness
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/sabbatical-leave
Administrative Guidelines and Policies
Retired IST_AC-01 Academic Integrity Resources for Faculty (Retired 10/1/24; Refer to integrity.psu.edu)IST_AC-16 Postdoc Hiring (Retired 9/18/24)
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies
IST_AD-01: Work Space Within IST
IST_AD-01: Work Space Within IST As IST continues to make progress towards achieving its strategic plan goals including enrollment and related faculty growth,
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ad-01
IST_AC-02: Faculty Outside Professional Activities and Conflict of Commitment AC80
The AC80 policy addresses conflict of commitment in the professional activities of faculty. Required Prior Approval A full list of outside professional activi
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-02
IST_AC-04: Approving Courtesy Affiliate Faculty
Affiliate faculty members encourage and facilitate the interdisciplinary mission of the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) through research co
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-04
IST_AC-05: Course Buy-Out Policy
The cost to buy out of a course for a full-time faculty including tenure-track, tenured, and non tenure-line faculty will be 15% of one’s 36-week salary plus
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-05
IST_AC-06: Annual Performance and Faculty Activity Report (FAR) Review of Faculty
1. Purpose and Criteria To conduct annual performance evaluations of faculty (both tenure-line and non-tenure-line) that serve both formative (developmental fe
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-06
IST_AC-08: Faculty Mentoring Program
An effective Faculty Mentoring Program can help faculty members (mentors) share and acquire (mentees) the professional skills and attitudes for personal, instit
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-08
IST_AC-09: Teaching Releases for Research
Course releases are an appropriate and useful way to provide faculty with additional time necessary to effectively conduct ongoing externally funded research so
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-09
IST_AC-10: Providing Context for Potentially Controversial Material
Occasionally, students express concerns regarding material use in IST courses. Sometimes these concerns are shared directly with faculty, sometimes with the pre
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-10
IST_AC-11: Academic Integrity Guidelines - Periodic Adjustments
The college’s Academic Integrity (AI) guidelines may be periodically adjusted as summarized below: The chair of the college’s Academic Integrity Commit
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-11
IST_AC-12: Distinguished Professorships
Purpose of Appointment The recognition of outstanding academic contribution to the University is always appropriate and necessary. The addition of the title of
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-12
IST_AC-14: Non-Tenure Track Promotion and Appointment Guidelines
Role of Non-Tenure Faculty The College of IST is committed to developing integrated, high-quality programs that address missions in teaching, research, and ser
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-14
IST_AC-15: Inviting/Hosting a Visiting Scholar
Collaboration with research is the primary reason we seek international scholars to come to Penn State to work closely with faculty on research grants and publi
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-15
IST_AC-17: Postdoc Paternity-Maternity Leave
Penn State has a guideline that encourages providing maternity/paternity leave for postdocs, and the College has been doing so since this seems like the right t
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-17
IST_AC-18: Promotion and Tenure Guidelines
This document provides guidance to tenure-line faculty, mentors, and internal and external evaluators for tenure-line faculty career advancement in the Penn Sta
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-18
IST_AC-19: Structure Promotion and Tenure Committee
This administrative guideline describes the construction of the departmental committees and the college committee for promotion and tenure (P&T) evaluations in
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-19
IST_AC-20: Faculty Area Responsibilities Regarding Undergraduate Education
To be revised, persuant to faculty consultation changes. To Faculty Facilitate the identification of the appropriate faculty group for developing new course
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-20
IST_AC-21: Faculty Council (On hold for review)
The Faculty Council advises the College on behalf of the IST faculty on matters of faculty development, issues, policy, and faculty governance. The Faculty Cou
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-21
IST_AC-22: Instructor Absence/Course Mode Delivery Change
Sometimes instructors are unable to teach class sessions, due to illness, family emergencies, academic conference participation, etc. This policy provides guida
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-22
IST_AC-24: Teaching Faculty Responsibilities
This policy summarizes the responsibilities of teaching faculty and how, under normal circumstances, these expectations can be customized to match the interests
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-24
IST_AC-25: IST Supplement to HRG18 - Paid Parental Leave for Faculty
To identify how the College of IST will implement HRG18 for tenure-line and nontenure-line faculty in the college. Eligibility This supplement applies to all
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-25
IST_AC-26: Policy on Instructional Conflict of Interest
IST defines an instructional conflict of interest as any situation where a student is enrolled in a course taught by a family member or romantic partner. IST s
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-26
IST_AC-27: Guidance on Office Hours
This document provides guidance on IST common practices concerning instructor office hours. This guidance seeks to reflect, not transform, existing practices in
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-27
IST_AC-28: Teaching Assignments for New Faculty
Tenure-line faculty First three semesters – all semesters considered during 2nd year review At least one undergraduate course that is offered regularlyA gra
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-28
IST_AC-29: Teaching Responsibilities for Tenure-Track Faculty
Tenured or tenure-track faculty members in the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) contribute in many ways to the mission of the College and Un
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-29
IST_AC-30: Policy on Periodic Evaluation of Faculty Performance (AC40 Extended Reviews)
In compliance with https://policy.psu.edu/policies/ac40, the College of IST has constructed a policy for the periodic review of tenured faculty to supplement th
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-30
IST_AC-32: Supporting of Publication Costs
The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines regarding the responsibility for publication charges incurred by faculty members when publishing the
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-32
IST_AC-33: R-Status for Research-Active Teaching Faculty
This policy was drafted and approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee. It specifies the procedures and norms by which the College of IST will consider and app
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-33
IST_AC-34: Peer Reviews of Teaching
The peer review of teaching is a widely accepted mechanism for promoting and assuring quality academic work. As per the University’s Senate Special Joint Task
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-ac-34
IST_FN-02: Faculty Professional Development Funding
The College of IST recognizes the importance of providing professional development for faculty. As such, we have allocated funds to individual faculty members a
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-02
IST_FN-03: Financial Support of Ph.D. Students
Guidelines for Financial Support of Ph.D. Students Broadly speaking, the College of IST expects that all of its Ph.D. students will receive funding in the form
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-03
IST_FN-06: Research Incentive Funds (RIF)
The College receives the annual RIF funds in January based on the previous year’s research expenditures. The funds are split, with 30% being allocated to sup
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-06
IST_FN-07: Undergraduate Research Funding
The College is supportive of increasing undergraduate student engagement in research. In support of this effort, when college finances allow, we provide the fol
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-07
IST_FN-08: Alcohol Usage and Reimbursement
Penn State policy (FN 10) Alcohol purchases should not exceed two beverages or $15 per person. Guests can order top shelf beverages and premium wine by the gla
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-08
IST_FN-09: Timely Reimbursement of Expenses
Penn State policy (TR 02) Penn State policy states that reimbursements should be processed within 60 days of the completion of travel. The college will work w
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-09
IST_FN-10: Seed Funding Matching
When college funds are available, we aim to provide matching support for seed funding offered by other units within Penn State (e.g., colleges, institutes, cent
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-10
IST_FN-11: Reimbursement of IST Faculty Credit Card Purchases
There are University policies which all Purchasing Card holders must adhere to. Please see the following links for Policies BS14 (Restrictions around Goods and
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-11
IST_FN-12: Faculty and Staff Social Events and Tributes
New Arrivals: If the individual work unit wishes to host a welcome event for a new staff member, those expenses must be covered by personal funds provided by
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-12
IST_FN-13: Matching Fund Policy (non-seed grants)
College of Information Sciences and Technology matching support (grants excluding seed grants that are internal to Penn State) Consistent with Penn State’s a
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-13
IST_FN-14: Course Buyout Fund Distribution
Course buyouts will continue to cost 15% of the faculty member’s salary plus benefits. These funds will be distributed as follows:80% will be retained by the
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-14
IST_FN-15: NIH Salary Cap Responsibility
Academic year: The college will cover the gap between the faculty member’s salary and the NIH cap as cost sharing. Individuals with salaries exceeding the NIH
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-15
IST_FN-16: Academic Year Salary Release Fund Distribution
For academic year salary savings, funds are distributed as follows:20% is retained by the college80% is returned to the faculty member as discretionary funds A
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-16
IST_FN-17: Discretionary Fund Time Limit
Discretionary funds generated through course buyouts or academic salary release will be available for the remainder of the current fiscal year and for two addit
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-17
IST_FN-18: Postdoc Relocation Support
College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) Supplemental Policy to HR 104 Relocation Expenses Recommendation For Postdoctoral Scholars Typically, pos
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-18
IST_FN-19: Support for Visiting Students
The College of IST will provide $2000 to support any faculty member who seeks to host a Ph.D. student from an external institution if the following criteria are
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-19
IST_FN-20: Professional Memberships for Faculty, Postdocs, and Graduate Assistants
The College of IST will allow faculty members to purchase individual professional memberships if the following criteria are met. Faculty The faculty member ha
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-20
IST_FN-21: Faculty Regalia Purchases
Each year the college rents regalia for a number of faculty who attend commencement. For faculty members who would like to own their own regalia, the college wi
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-fn-21
IST_HR-01: Staff Referral Program
This program applies to full-time faculty and staff in the College of Information Sciences and Technology. Program DetailsFull-time IST faculty and staff who r
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/administrative-guidelines-and-policies/ist-hr-01
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity
https://ist.psu.edu/resources/academic-integrity
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity Introduction Academic integrity is “the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner” which includes “a com
https://ist.psu.edu/faculty-staff-resource-hub/academic-integrity
Administrative Offices
Administrative Offices
https://ist.psu.edu/resources/administrative-offices
News
IST announces new major in artificial intelligence, enrolling for fall 2025
The Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology has announced a new undergraduate degree. The Artificial Intelligence Methods and Applications pro
https://www.psu.edu/news/information-sciences-and-technology/story/ist-announces-new-major-artificial-intelligence-enrolling