| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are Instructionally Related Activities (IRAs)? Instructionally Related Activities are out-of-class experiences that enrich student life and learning. They are at least partially sponsored by an academic discipline or instructional department and their content is related to that discipline's curriculum.
What are examples of IRAs at Cal Poly?
Examples include:
- the performing arts, such as dance, music, and theater
- art exhibits
- debate
- media, such as the Mustang Daily, student radio station, and student-produced TV show
- Rose Float
- hybrid vehicle development
- concrete canoe and steel bridge competition
- robotics development
- agricultural judging
- sustainable agriculture
- rodeo
- business policy competition
- construction management competition
- mathematics competition
- arts in education
Intercollegiate athletics are also classified as Instructionally Related Activities, but they are handled separately from other IRA programs. The responses to these Frequently Asked Questions, therefore, do not apply to athletics.
How many IRA programs are recognized at Cal Poly, and how many students are currently involved?
5000 students participate directly in 62 programs, and many more are affected indirectly as members of the audience in dance, music, and theater performances; as readers of the campus newspaper; etc.
Do students have a say in how their non-athletics IRA fees are spent?
Students make up one-half the voting membership of the IRA Advisory Committee, which plays a key role in deciding which IRA programs are recognized and in recommending funding for University Interest programs. Funding recommendations for college-associated IRA programs are based heavily on input from Student Councils or the equivalent.
How does a program receive IRA recognition?
Programs apply for recognition to the IRA Advisory Committee. If they largely meet the criteria listed on the IRA website, the IRA Advisory Committee recommends recognition to the President. Once recognized, programs become eligible to receive IRA funding.
How is IRA funding allocated?
IRA-recognized programs submit proposals each year that provide information about budgets, their planned activities, their learning objectives, their assessment plans, and their prior results, if applicable. The Student Councils (or equivalent), the College Deans, and the IRA Advisory Committee make funding recommendations to the President, who makes the final decisions.
Who serves on the IRA Advisory Committee?
- Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Undergraduate Education, or designee - Co-Chair
- ASI President - Co-Chair
- Three additional students, nominated by the ASI President in consultation with chairs of Student Councils (or equivalent) in all seven colleges
- Vice President for Student Affairs, or designee
- Vice President for University Advancement, or designee
- Academic Senate Curriculum Committee Chair, or designee
- Vice President for Administration and Finance, or designee (non voting
What are University Interest IRA programs?
Some IRA programs impact the entire university more than only one or two colleges. University Interest currently includes four categories: Performing Arts -dance, music, and theater; Media -newspaper, radio, and TV ; Cal Poly Heritage -Rose Float and rodeo; and Campus Community, for example, community-based learning. The remaining, non-University Interest IRA programs are associated primarily with particular colleges.
Who has the final word on recognition and funding decisions?
President Baker has the final word on all decisions relating to IRA.
More information
For more information about Instructionally Related Activities, go to the IRA website. or contact the Academic Programs office.
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