INTRODUCTORY STUDIES FAQ

What is Introductory Studies?

We teach 100-level classes in English, Math, and Reading. Our goal is to prepare students for college-level reading, writing, and math tasks. Our courses are designated by "IS," and class enrollment is capped at 25 students per section for Math and Reading and 20 students per section for English.

What courses are offered by Introductory Studies?

IS-E 100 -- Essay Writing (3)
This course prepares students for first-year college composition by providing practice of the rhetorical and grammatical skills necessary to write purposeful, reader-centered essays. The course covers effective use of a writing process in out-of-class essays and in timed, in-class situations. IS-E 100 incorporates readings for discussion of ideas and for information to be used in students' writing. Satisfactory completion of IS-E 100 meets the prerequisite for English 101 (Freshman English).

IS-M 100 - Algebraic Problem Solving (3)
This course includes signed numbers, solving linear equations, formulas, graphing, solving systems of equations and applications. In addition, IS-M 100 covers exponents and polynomials, factoring, root and radicals, and quadratics. Satisfactory completion of IS-M 100 meets the prerequisite for Math 120 (Intermediate Algebra).

IS-R 100 - Reading and Critical Thinking (3)
In this course, students work on comprehension, problem-solving, note-taking, summarizing, and computer-assisted research skills.

What is the schedule of IS classes from which I can select?

Click HERE to see the Fall 2005 schedule of IS classes.
Click HERE to view the Status of Linked and Blocked Classes

Whom do I contact for more information?
Your Academic Advisor at Orientation will be your primary source of information. You also may contact our department by email, introstu@unm.edu. We respond to our email daily, Monday - Friday, throughout the summer. Our offices are not staffed full-time in May, June, and July; however, local phone calls can be returned within one week's time during those months. Contact administrative assistant Toni Unwin at 505-277-5970. Introductory Studies Coordinator Roy Turner is available during fall and spring terms in Oñate Hall 107, 505-277-7998

Why should I take Introductory Studies Courses?
For students who test into the IS courses, it is a condition of their admission to UNM that they complete the necessary IS courses during their first term at UNM. Since only two IS classes may be taken during any one term, a student who needs three IS classes may take two terms to fulfill the requirement. Your Academic Advisor at Orientation will assist you with this requirement.

You will be placed in IS-English 100 if:

· Your ACT English Score is 18 or below, or
· Your SAT-Verbal Score is 440 or below

You will be placed in IS-Math 100 if:

· Your ACT math score is 18 or below, or
· Your SAT math score is 440 or below

You will be placed in IS-Reading 100 if:

· Your ACT Reading Score is 17 or below, or
· Your ACT Science Reasoning Score is 18 or below, or
· Your SAT combined Verbal and Math scores total 900 or below

What do I do if I feel my test scores did not place me correctly?
Students who feel that their ACT or SAT scores may not be accurate may contact the UNM Testing Center to take the COMPASS exam.

It is most beneficial if you take the COMPASS test BEFORE your orientation session.

What is the COMPASS test?
COMPASS is a computerized, multiple-choice exam, similar to an ACT or SAT test, but without a time limit. We suggest you allow yourself plenty of time to take the COMPASS. In general, each test can be completed within an hour.

When and how can I take the COMPASS test?
Students may take the test on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the UNM Testing Center located in the UNM Student Health Center Basement room 2. There is a $3.00 fee for taking each test. Results of a test are available immediately upon completion of the exam. Students are discouraged from taking COMPASS more than once in any one area. In rare cases, students may test a second time.

What COMPASS scores do I need?
Students who pass the COMPASS with an English score of 75, Math score of 48, and a Reading score of 78 are not required to take the corresponding IS class.

Are there other ways to be exempted from IS courses?
There are no exemptions from the IS courses based on any other tests, personal interview, or previous academic work. Students must either test out by ACT, SAT, or COMPASS, or they must take the relevant IS course, without exception.

Will I get credit for my IS courses?
Each IS class counts towards your total class hours for the term. IS-English and IS-Reading count for 3 credit hours, and IS-Math counts for 4 credit hours. IS classes are graded on a "credit/no credit" basis instead of a letter grade basis. The "Credit" or "No Credit" grade you earn in an IS class will not be figured into your G.P.A. IS classes do not satisfy any course requirement for graduation from UNM. If an IS course is required, you must take that course to progress into other courses that do meet graduation requirements. For students who test into the IS courses, it is a condition of their admission to UNM that they complete the necessary IS courses during their first term at UNM.

How do I register for IS courses?
Your Academic Advisor will assist you at Orientation. Students may "add" but may not "drop" IS courses through I-TEL UNM. Students who wish to change sections or drop an IS course must contact their advisor for assistance.