Accreditation granted
BYU–Idaho has been granted full accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The Commission’s letter given in response to their in-depth evaluations states: “...the accreditation of Brigham Young University–Idaho has been reaffirmed at the associate level based on the spring 2004 comprehensive evaluation. In addition, the Commission granted accreditation at the baccalaureate level.... Congratulations on receiving this recognition.”
    The university had previously been granted candidacy status until its new programs could be evaluated. Accreditation is a status granted to an educational institution that meets or exceeds criteria of educational quality. The Commission gave attention not only to the university’s academic programs and faculty qualifications, but also to support services and the administration. All programs were found to be in good standing and in harmony with the university’s own mission statement. Accreditation facilitates the students’ transfer of credits to other institutions as well as admission to graduate programs. It also enables students to be eligible for federal financial aid

Elder Ballard counsels graduates
Elder M. Russell Ballard counseled BYU–Idaho graduates at commencement exercises April 24. Elder Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, “In my experience I have learned that straight thinking generally begins with straight and careful listening. The most important thing we must listen for is the prompting of the Spirit.”
    The degrees awarded reflect the BYU–Idaho transition with a total of 1,112 bachelor’s degrees for fall and winter semesters combined. Last year at the same time 454 bachelor’s degrees were awarded. The number of associate degrees declined from 1,654 last year to 1,143 this year.
 

Elder Bateman speaks at summer graduation
Elder Merrill J. Bateman, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, gave summer graduates at BYU–Idaho advice on how to find happiness in a mortal world. Commencement Aug. 20 had a total of 666 graduates receiving degrees. Including dual majors, there were 336 bachelor’s degrees and 341 associate degrees awarded. Elder Bateman counseled, “Happiness is found in spiritual growth, in the blessings of a physical body, and in the family unit. At this graduation, you stand at a crossroad in life. Happiness lies ahead if you will do your best, indeed your ‘very best’ with the following: continue to study the gospel, pray with even more earnestness, extend yourself in service to others, treat your body with great respect, and deeply commit to the creation of an eternal family.” 

Student Health and Counseling Center opens
Dedicatory services were held Aug. 20 for the 22,500-square-foot Student Health and Counseling Center with Elder Merrill J. Bateman presiding. The Health Center occupies the first floor of the building. The Counseling Center is located on the second floor. Information on available services is listed on the Web at www.byui.edu/healthcenter and www.byui.edu/counselingcenter. The building is located between the Hinckley Building and the Radio and Graphic Services Building. The general contractor for the building was Double E Construction of Ririe, Idaho. The design was by Architectural Nexus of Salt Lake City.
 

BYU–Idaho hosts Education Week
Approximately 2,100 people gathered for BYU–Idaho’s annual Education Week June 23-26. There were 112 lectures presented by 43 presenters from BYU–Idaho, BYU, the Church Educational System and other professionals. Classes included discussions on gospel, family, self-improvement and homemaking topics. Devotional speakers included President David A. Bednar and his wife, Susan Bednar; Elder W. Rolfe Kerr, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy; and Elaine Jack, former Relief Society general president. (See www.byui.edu/educationweek.)