ISP - Integrated Science Program
ISP

FAQs for Current Students

How do I file a Petition to Graduate?
Everyone who receives a bachelor's degree from Northwestern must first submit a Petition to Graduate.  You need to file a Petition to Graduate for each major you plan to complete, as well as a Minor Application if you plan to graduate with a minor.  For your ISP major, download and fill out an Application for a Bachelor's Degree. Please leave blank any portions you are unsure about.  Email the program director listing several times when you will be available to meet.  Bring the petition form with you to your appointment.  You can read more about this requirement at http://www.wcas.northwestern.edu/advising/petition.html.

How do I declare an additional major?
Different departments have different procedures for declaring a major.  You will need to fill out a Declaration of Major Form and in some instances you may need to meet with an adviser or with the director of undergraduate studies in that department.  You can find a full listing of available majors and minors in WCAS with contact information at http://www.wcas.northwestern.edu/advising/broch.html.

How do I drop ISP?
Anyone considering dropping ISP should first make an appointment with the program director.  If you do decide to drop ISP, you need to fill out a Declaration of Major Form indicating Integrated Science in the field “Major to be Deleted.”  You should make an appointment with an adviser in your new major department (or in the WCAS Undergraduate Office of Studies and Advising if you are undecided) to discuss how your ISP courses will transfer and to plan your schedule.  Graduation requirements are different for ISP and non-ISP students so do not wait until the last minute to officially drop ISP from your record.

Who is my adviser?  How do I make an appointment?
Incoming students are assigned to one of two freshman advisers alphabetically by last name.  Freshmen are required to meet with their adviser each quarter prior to registering for classes.  The program coordinator will post a sign-up sheet several weeks before registration for each quarter.  If you wish to make an additional appointment, or if you have questions please contact your adviser directly.  If you aren’t sure which freshman adviser you were assigned to, contact the program coordinator.

After freshman year, the program director becomes your adviser.  You are no longer required to meet on a quarterly basis but you should feel free to make an appointment anytime you have questions or concerns.  To make an appointment send an email directly to ispdir@northwestern.edu listing several times you will be available to meet.

Are there any opportunities for work-study?
Some ISP students are involved in work-study. Positions such as teaching assistant and tutor are available in the ISP program.  Work-study students can approach almost any faculty member and ask about the possibility of work study. Students should not assume that the list of jobs at the work study office is all that is available.  It is very inexpensive for a faculty member to hire a work study student. Thus, a faculty member can often find the necessary money if approached by a good student. Work study sometimes leads to a research project but should not be considered as a substitute for research. If you plan to apply for employment - work study or otherwise - be sure to bring a passport or a driver’s license.  Also, you must bring a US social security card (other than a card stating it is not valid for employment), an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, or a US citizen ID card.  You can read more about work-study at http://ug-finaid.northwestern.edu/work-study/index.html

I am having housing problems, can I move into the ISP House?  Can I store my belongings at ISP?
The answer to both questions is an emphatic no.  University regulations strictly prohibit persons from residing in non-residential buildings.  If you are having housing problems you should talk to University Residential Life or to your academic adviser.  Students caught living in the ISP House will have their key privileges permanently revoked.  Students should also not leave any personal items unattended in the ISP House.  Items (ranging from textbooks to expensive electronic equipment) have been stolen in the past.

Can I have my mail and/or packages delivered to ISP?
Current ISP students can have mail delivered to ISP in their name.  Please be aware though that it is your responsibility to set up mail forwarding and/or change your address after you graduate or in the event that you drop ISP.  We will not save or forward your mail after you are no longer a current student.  If you have a package delivered to ISP you should plan to be at the house to sign for it.

How do I request an ISP House key?
All incoming students are issued a house key upon arrival on campus.  If you lose your key, or if it stops functioning properly, please contact the program coordinator to order a replacement.

How do I make an appointment with an ISP tutor?  What if I am having trouble with a non-ISP class?
Most ISP tutors work by appointment so please contact the appropriate tutor directly and list several times when you would be available to meet.  If you are having trouble with a non-ISP course your first step should be to contact that department directly.  Many departments have tutors on staff and all of them should be able to provide referrals.  Another great resource is the Writing Place, which offers drop in hours in addition to scheduled appointments.

How do I request a letter of recommendation?
Your first step in obtaining a letter of recommendation should be to contact the current program director and ask if he or she is willing to write a letter on your behalf or to act as a reference.  Current students can access the ISP letter of recommendation guidelines on the ISP blackboard site.  Alumni can obtain a copy of these guidelines by contacting the program coordinator.

How can I get help with my resume or assistance with my graduate school application or job search?
University Career Services offers a variety of free services and should be your first stop for help with your resume or CV, graduate school applications, or job search.  Call 847-491-3700 to make an appointment or visit their website to see their schedule for walk-in hours.  On their website you can also download a pdf copy of their Career Guide, which contains sample resumes and answers to many common questions.

My question is not answered here, what should I do?
The answers to many other common questions can be found in the FAQ sections of the Registrar’s webpage and the WCAS webpage FAQs.  If you still need help, please contact the program coordinator at ispadmin@northwestern.edu.

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