This page is the letter of certification required by both the CAEIAE and
CAEIAE-R programs at Idaho State University.
It documents that Idaho State University is a regionally accredited 4 year
university, that it is an appropriate research university, and that the required
research center exists -- (Chartered by State Board of Education)
The original, transmitted to Ms. Christine Nickell: is on required
letterhead.
January 14, 2008
National Security Agency
Attn: Ms. Christine Nickell
9800 Savage Rd., SAB 3, Suite 6744
Ft. Meade, MD 20755-6744
Dear Ms. Nickell:
This is the requested letter of intent from Idaho State University to apply
for both the
CAEIAE and CAEIAE (R) programs. It verifies that ISU is a 4 year institution and
is regionally
accredited. In addition it documents the designation of the Informatics Research
Institute,
SDSC, and NIATEC as research Centers.
Idaho State University is a DRU: Doctoral/Research University as required
(http://www.carnegiefoundation.org/classifications/sub.asp?key=748&subkey=14024&sta
rt=782)
It is fully accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.
(http://www.isu.edu/academic-info/prev-isu-cat/ugrad92/general.html).
In addition, the
College of Business is accredited by, the American Assembly of Collegiate
Schools of
Business (AACSB). The Information Assurance Program is a critical component of
our
Masters and Undergraduate degree. The majority of the students in the
Information
Assurance Program are in College of Business Classes. Students in the
Information
Assurance Program are required to take the entire AACSB accredited curriculum.
In
addition the students take courses in information assurance in compliance with
CNSS
standards. This program has shown remarkable progress and the students are
frequently
leaders in our degree programs.
The Informatics Research Institute (IRI) houses the Information Assurance
Program,
Simplot Decision Support Center and the National Information Assurance Training
and
Education Center. These three programs are teaching and research centers within
the IRI
that support undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students.
NIATEC was established in March 2003 and commenced operations in June 2003.
The National Information Assurance Training and Education Center (NIATEC)
focuses
on providing tools and materials to support AT&E for the national
infrastructure.
One of the NIATEC missions is derived from a joint NSA and NIST call in 1990 for
the formation of a clearinghouse for awareness, training and education
materials.
NIATEC provides a comprehensive one-stop service for the entire IA community.
In August 2004, the State Board of Education established the Informatics
Research
Institute at Idaho State University as a new Instructional Unit.
(http://www.boardofed.idaho.gov/meetings/2004/08_12_04/IRSA_Agenda081204.pdf)
At the Council on Academic Affairs and Programs (CAAP) Committee meeting held
on July 8,
2004, Idaho State University shared with CAAP their intent to create a new
instructional unit
entitled Informatics Research Institute (IRI).
Informatics Research Institute, ISU Idaho State University proposes to create
the Informatics
Research Institute (IRI), which will act as a coordination focus for centers
across campus.
Informatics is an integrative discipline that arises from the synergistic
application of
computational, informational, cognitive, organizational, and other disciplines
whose primary
focus is in the acquisition, storage and use of information in a broad spectrum
of domains. The
IRI will aid in developing interdisciplinary programs in informatics, develop
and offer outreach
programs, coordinate activities of various related centers on campus, provide
leadership in
critical infrastructure protection, develop infrastructures to support research
in diverse fields and
make recommendations about the development of interdisciplinary AA, AS, BA, BS,
Masters, and
doctoral programs. Due to the interdisciplinary nature, the IRI will be an
independent entity
reporting to the Office of the President through the Vice President for Academic
Affairs.
Currently, no other institution in the state of Idaho operates an integrated
Informatics program.
Most programs are similar to the one at Indiana University. It is one of the
largest programs in
the USA. Their implementation is broader than envisioned in this proposal.
Indiana University
program is implemented as a School of Informatics.
The director of the IRI will be the current University Professor of
Informatics. The IRI will rely
on individuals appointed as IRI associates. These individuals may or may not be
ISU faculty;
however, they will have demonstrated a commitment to one or more of the IRI
projects. Courses
offered through the IRI will be cross-listed and credited to the appropriate
departments.
Current space occupied by the National Information Assurance Training Education
Center and
Simplot center will be adequate for the next three years. Additional space will
be requested as
needed. Operational funding is requested for clerical support and travel, no
capital equipment
acquisition is anticipated during the first three years of operation. In
general, there is no
immediate need to increase library holdings since most of the discipline
specific material is
already held by appropriate departments; however, there are small acquisitions
for general use.
This is budgeted in the support funding. The IRI will seek sponsorship for
internal and external
projects in close cooperation with sponsored research.
Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Smith
Corey Schou
Dean, College of Business Director, Informatics Research Institute
Associate Dean, College of Business
