Why ISU
Why ISU?
ISU is a comprehensive doctoral granting university with an enrollment of approximately 13,000 and serves as Idaho's center for education in the health professions. The College of Engineering has nearly 600 students and offers ABET-accredited BS programs in Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering; a BS in Nuclear Engineering; MS degrees in Environmental Engineering, Measurement and Control Engineering, Nuclear Science and Engineering, Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering; and Ph.D.'s in Engineering and Applied Science. The Computer Science Program currently has 4 full-time faculty, 1 affiliate faculty member, and a CS system administrator. The current enrollment in the CS program is approximately 100 undergraduate students, and is expected to grow. The CS Department works closely with the Department of Electrical Engineering, the other departments within the College, and with other departments on campus, most notably the Departments of Mathematics, Biological Sciences, and Physics. The College of Engineering also has an established Measurement and Control Engineering Research Center, and a VLSI Laboratory. The College works closely with the Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering, and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES).
ISU's main campus is located in Pocatello, Idaho, a pleasant, historical, moderately sized city with a population of approximately 60,000. Eastern Idaho has a very active and strong technical culture, with student groups offering LAN parties, security war games and everything in between. The city is home to varied industries and government agencies, including AMI Semiconductor, Simplot, and an FBI field office, and is located 50 miles south of the Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory, an important source of research and educational collaboration. In addition to the main campus, ISU also serves the upper Snake River valley with a satellite teaching facility, the Center for Higher Education, located in Idaho Falls, adjacent to the INL and CAES facilities. Pocatello is nestled in the Portneuf River Valley, at the southern edge of the Snake River Plain, and is surrounded by mountains and public lands offering a multitude of very accessible recreational experiences.
A Winter Wonderland
With more than a dozen world-class ski resorts in less than a two-hour drive from our Pocatello campus, skiers will have no problem enjoying their free time. Take your pick from excellent sites, such as the very first one of its kind in the US, Sun Valley or perhaps at any of the various 2002 Olympic venues in Salt Lake City. Our backyard ski areas range from the challenging Pebble Creek ski area (which is only 20 minutes away from campus) to the snowy Kelly Canyon ski area near Idaho Falls (1 hour) over to a relaxing day at Pommerielle in the magic valley (2 hours).
In addition, there are many "Do it Yourself" ski areas that our Outdoor Program would love to tell you about, and our Wilderness Equipment Rental shop is ready to equip you for. Our physical education department provides one-credit courses that will take you from being a beginner through an advanced level in skiing, snow boarding and other winter sports.
Summer Outdoors
Rivers, lakes, reservoirs -- we have it all. Campus river rafting trips are a fun way to pass the weekend, or hiking up to surprise lake at the foot of the Grand Teton can be a good way to spend a day. Boat tours at Yellowstone Park's lake provide a breather before continuing a tour of the park. For the fishing aficionado, the possibilities are endless.
Rock climbing has become one of ISU's most popular pastimes over the past few years. We have a women's rock climbing club thorough the Outdoor Program, and there are classes which begin in our new indoor rock climbing gymnasium and progress to more difficult terrain outdoors. The City of Rocks is a state park south of Burley which provides many challenges to those with the proficiency.
Hiking, both day and overnight, is a healthy and relaxing way to spend time with friends. There are short walks right on campus, and the Caribou National Forest is only 10 minutes away by car (or better yet, just 30 minutes away on bike!). There are numerous trails for mountain biking or walking, and maps are available for all local areas. A short stroll through City Creek in the fall is a must.
ISU's golf, tennis and cross-country teams play throughout the year. There are also many, many more outdoor activities to explore, from the dozens of national and state parks to the many on-campus parks where Frisbee golf is played, the choice is all yours to make.
Night Life
Dancing, athletics, relaxing -- these are available in spades both on and off campus. Many ISU student organizations sponsor dances and live bands throughout the school year, and you're given your pick of live entertainment at various establishments in Pocatello every weekend -- ranging from DJ events on Center street and downtown to country and western activities at the Green Triangle.
ISU basketball, football, soccer, track and other athletic groups provide evening games during their various seasons. ISU is a member of the Big Sky conference, competing against other universities in the west from Arizona through Montana. Students can attend events free of charge, but budget for some nachos at Holt Arena.
Nothing is better than relaxing in Lava Hot Spring's (25 minutes from campus) natural odor-free hot pools on a chilly night. These all-outdoor pools range in temperature from 37C (100F) to 46C (115F) and are particularly enchanting during a snow storm. Overnight trips to Ketchum (Sun Valley) during their Arts&Crafts Festival, or to Teton Village (Jackson Hole) for the New Year's Eve torch run are memorable experiences.
Campus
There are a variety of restaurants right across the street for the inevitable long study sessions. In addition, most of ISU's campus, including Leonard Hall, is equipped with a modern, high-speed wireless network for those with laptops (and laptops are available for check-out at the Pond Student Union Building).
All campus locations are connected via bus service, which runs every 10 minutes during the school year. There are various on-campus housings for married and single students. You can schedule to visit our facilities by calling the campus visiting center (208) 282-3277.
Additional Pocatello/ISU Pictures
To view some additional pictures of Pocatello, the campus, the faculty, and the students, please view Dr. Kantabutra's collection here.