CSI Student Support and Policies

Attendance Verification is submitted by your instructor each semester. Your Federal Student Aid is dependent on your academic attendance and participation in an academically related activity. See the Disbursement section of the Disbursements and Refunds webpage for more information about how attendance impacts your financial aid. 

This process means it is especially important for you to attend class the first week and to connect with your instructor so that you are not dropped from the course for non-attendance.  This includes online courses, so be sure to log in to Canvas and check in with your instructor.  

Identification verification is in effect for all online classes. Online courses at CSI MAY require students to take proctored exams in a face-to-face setting. Proctored testing is available at the CSI Testing Center and at CSI’s off-campus centers in Gooding, Jerome, and Burley. Further, proctored testing is available at Boise State University, College of Western Idaho, and Idaho State University. Students who live outside of these areas may also be required to take exams in proctored environments. In some cases, testing centers charge a fee for their services. Students are responsible for paying these testing fees.  Students are encouraged to research proctored testing options at the course's start to determine the potential cost of these services.  

For CSI Testing Center and proctored exams go to Proctored Exams. For information regarding identity verification and online course support go to About Online Learning at CSI.

What is the difference? The drop period ends on the first Sunday following the beginning of the semester. A dropped course is not reflected on the student’s transcript. The withdrawal period then begins and lasts through 75% of the course.

Withdrawal means the student attempted the course but did not complete any credit; the grade of W will appear on the student’s transcript. 

Visit the registrar's course schedule management page for more information. 

The College of Southern Idaho takes campus and personal safety very seriously. When entering a classroom for the first time, we encourage you to take note of the nearest exit should the need to evacuate the building ever exist. In an emergency, CSI will provide updated information as needed through your CSI email and CSI Rave communication. Please make sure your CSI email is activated and your phone number is registered with Rave Alert. You can find instructions for the RAVE Alert emergency notification system at this link.  

Students and faculty should rely on 911 for situations of extreme personal injury or immediate danger but can contact Campus Safety at 208-732-6605 for other emergencies. For a complete campus safety plan, students and faculty can visit the CSI Safety Committee webpage. 

We want to remind you that your mental health and well-being are important to us.  If you ever feel overwhelmed or need support, please remember that there are several resources available to help you.  It's okay to ask for help, and reaching out is a sign of strength.  At CSI, we are here to support you every step of the way!

• Counseling Services: Our campus counseling center offers free, confidential support and counseling for all students who are experiencing difficulties in anything from a mental health challenge to relationship problems and test anxiety - to name a few.  You can schedule an appointment by calling 208-732-6260 or drop by our office which is located upstairs in the Taylor Building, room 202.  
  
  
• 24/7 Crisis Hotline: If you need immediate help or someone to talk to outside of regular hours, please call 988. Trained professionals are available to assist you at any time.
  
  
• Crisis Center of South Central Idaho: The Crisis Center of South Central Idaho is open 24/7 and seeks to meet the needs of those who are experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis to ensure no one has to face it alone.  They are located at 570 Shoup Ave W and they can be contacted at 208-772-7825. 
  
  
• Student Peer Support Group:  The Eagles Empower support group is a peer support group where one can connect with other students on campus.  Join our peer support group where you can share your experiences and connect with others who understand what you’re going through. The group meets every Wednesday from 1 – 2 pm in Taylor.  Contact: Shannon Hyde at 208-732-6268 for more information.
  
  
• Online Resources: Explore these and other mental health resources, articles, and self-care tips at MHFA Suicide Prevention Resources.

• Do you have questions about CSI policies, degree and certification requirements, and program outcomes? Visit the current year's CSI’s digital catalog to learn more. 
  
  
• Are you new to college and have questions about paying for college, meeting with your advisor, important deadlines or registering for courses? Check out the Next Steps for New Students webpage for more information. 
  
  
• Do you have questions about transcripts, graduation or managing your course schedule? Check out the Registrar’s Office webpage. 
  
  
• Did you know that CSI can help you with access to counseling, basic health care services, tutoring and even a free legal clinic? Check out CSI’s Need Help webpage to learn more about the variety of ways CSI can support you during your academic journey.  
  
  
• Are you having problems with your CSI email or Canvas login? If so, you can contact the Helpdesk via email at helpdesk@csi.edu or by phone at 208-732-6311. 

Your instructor can help you identify if your course is included in CSI’s Instant Access Program. The Instant Access Program allows students immediate digital access through Canvas by the first day of class at a significantly reduced cost for up to two weeks free through the add/drop deadline. Your digital course materials are provided by the CSI Bookstore through Canvas and are free throughout the add/drop period. Your student account will be charged the discounted textbook fee on or before the first day of class if you choose to participate. If you decide to opt-out, you must complete the process by the end of the first two weeks of the course (the opt-out deadline) and your account will be refunded after the deadline. You will be responsible for sourcing the materials elsewhere.  

 To access your materials: eBook only

• Log into Canvas using your CSI credentials.
• Click on the appropriate course materials link on the left-hand side with the other navigation tools for your class. The course materials link may be customizable and could have a different name and location in Canvas. 
• You will then be taken to the course dashboard where you will see all the materials that have been paired with your courses as well as your Instant Access Opt-In or Opt-Out status.
• Click the read now button to access your materials.

To access your materials: eBook and Courseware

• Log into Canvas using your CSI credentials.
• Navigate to the class you need to access the materials for in your Canvas dashboard.
• Click on the appropriate course materials link on the left-hand side with the other navigation tools for your class. The course materials link may be customizable and could have a different name and location in Canvas. 
• When clicked, you're taken to the course dashboard where you'll see all the materials that have been paired with your courses. Course materials can be eBooks, Publisher Courseware, or a mix of both.
• To access integrated courseware simply click "Launch Courseware". Clicking Launch Courseware will take you to the publisher's website. Please note, the layout of the publisher's courseware platform varies by publisher. 

To Opt-Out:

1. Click the course Canvas page.
2. Click the VitalSource Course Materials link in Canvas.
3.  To opt-out of a specific title, students click "Want to opt-out", select a reason, and then confirm.
4. You will have until the end of the second week of the semester to complete this process and you will be responsible for getting access to the materials elsewhere. 

*Note: If your course uses a supplemental homework platform and an eBook, students who choose to opt-out will lose access to both materials. 

• Please be on the lookout for an email from no-reply@verbasoftware.com with more information and check your spam folders if they don't receive it. 
• For any questions about billing please contact the Instant Access Specialist at csibookstore@csi.edu, mkinsey@csi.edu or jketterling@csi.edu. 
• For any questions about using your eBook please reference VitalSource support staff at support@vitalsource.com.  Students also have access to 24/7 support through VitalSource via live chat at https://bookshelfsupport.vitalsource.com/hc/en-us/requests/new.

If you have additional questions, you can visit the Bookstore's Instant Access Program FAQ page on the CSI website.  

Any student with a documented disability may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. To determine eligibility and secure services, students should contact Student Accessibility Services at their first opportunity after registration for a class(es). Student Accessibility Services is located on the second floor of the Taylor Building on the Twin Falls Campus. Call 208-732-6260 or e-mail Shannon Hyde, shyde@csi.edu.