From the Desk of the
Criminal Justice Advisor

DEPARTMENTAL EXPECTATIONS

We are glad you have chosen Criminal Justice at Illinois State as your major. It is our responsibility to provide you with the best education the field has to offer and it is your responsibility to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you both in course work and in departmental extra curricular activities.

What you can expect from us:

1) Faculty and Staff that are committed to the success of every student.
2) To be treated with respect.
3) The best and most up to date research the field has to offer.
4) Faculty that are well prepared for class.


Every faculty member teaching in our department has spent a great deal of time and effort to bring to you the most up to date literature and research. Much of the research being produced in the field of Criminal Justice is being done by the excellent faculty we have here in our Criminal Justice Department. We believe you deserve nothing less than the best we have to offer you.

To give you our best YOU must give us YOUR best!

The Department expects:

1. that you attend every regularly scheduled class;
2. that all reading assignments be done by the next regularly scheduled class;
3. that you ask informed questions during class;
4. that you turn all assignments in on time;
(hint: always keep a copy of what you turn in)
5. that you prepare well for all exams and announced quizzes;
6. that you seek help early, don't wait till you need it.
7. that you to take full advantage of the opportunities offered both in and out of class
8. that you will treat ALL Students, Faculty and Staff the way YOU want to be treated!

We expect YOUR best effort in all of your course work and we expect your personal conduct to reflect a character that is deserving of the trust and respect of prospective employers and communities.

Students are expected to be in class for lectures as well as exams on the day scheduled. The faculty are not expected to hold make-up sessions either for class or exams.

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Personal Conduct On and Off Campus:

As majors in Criminal Justice you should understand (know) that as a prospective employee/intern communities and individuals in the community will need to be able to place a great deal of trust in you.

You should be aware from the beginning of your program at ISU that there are certain careers/internships requiring background investigations be done for ALL prospective interns and employees. This may include only a search of police records or it may also include a personal investigation by Secret Service, FBI or similar agency that interview neighbors and friends to find out how you conduct your "private" life away from campus.

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CHOICES

Life on a University campus is a unique opportunity for you to shine; it also allows you to make decisions you may regret. The CHOICE is yours!!!; not your parents, not your faculty, not your advisor.

The way you conduct your personal life and the choices you make will have consequences. Bad or wrong choices may severely limit the type of career and internship options you have.

The choices you make regarding course selection will help determine the quality of education you get here at ISU. You have the opportunity to get a FIRST rate education or one that is just mediocre. Take advantage of University Studies to explore areas of study that are not familiar to you, don't just sign up for the "same old thing". "Been there-done that" will not get you that First rate education you hope for and deserve.

Your ability to properly prioritize will GREATLY effect your grades. Your grades may in turn effect your ability to continue in the major of your choice and they will effect your eligibility for your internship. Remember a 2.4 gpa both in your major and cumulatively are required for an internship placement.

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ESTABLISHING PRIORITIES

The University Community as well as the department recognizes the need for each student to set his or her own goals. What you need to understand is that we here at ISU have also set goals and have priorities which we know to be tried and true and we are obligated to pass that information on to you.
1. You are attending ISU, therefore, we surmise that you are here FIRST and foremost for your education. If you wanted to make work your first priority you could have stayed at home, worked and taken classes part-time. It is not a realistic expectation to think you will be able to get classes around your work schedule. If you need/want to work while a student don't loose sight of the fact that you are here for an education and you should find a job that will be flexible around your class schedule.

2. Since your education is your first priority, your lifestyle needs to "take care of business" for class attendance and assignments first. If you get your business taken care of then is the time to socialize. We know that everyone needs a little rest and relaxation--just don't loose track of what you are here to do.

3. In all you do--keep it legal!! Don't risk your career or your education by taking stupid chances. Make good sound choices, be a leader not a follower. Friends who push you to do things you don't want to do or make you feel less than adequate because you would rather not participate are NOT FRIENDS. Try choosing friends who hold your same values and care about you enough to respect your right to make your own choices.


You are truly a representative of the Criminal Justice Sciences Department.


GOOD LUCK AT ISU -- WE WISH YOU THE VERY BEST -- WE KNOW YOU CAN SUCCEED SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO JUST DO IT!!!!




Get Back to Other Great Links

CJS Advising Home Page

Internship Home Page

Criminal Justice Sciences Home Page

Illinois State University Home Page

WE WOULD REALLY LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Ms. Shelton Advisor

Mr.Goodman Internship Coordinator