In a few months now, I will be receiving a roll of paper that states, “Yep, you spent
thirteen years in public education. Congratulations, I guess.” What are my plans after sweet,
sweet graduation? I have three objectives: 1) volunteer, 2) sleep, and 3) prepare for college. I
will be attending Arizona State University next fall continuing to work on a Bachelor’s degree in
Applied Biological Sciences (Natural Resource Ecology). Housing this glorious degree of
ethology, ecology, and research classes is the College of Integrative Arts & Sciences (CISA)
(“Natural Resource,” 2023).
thirteen years in public education. Congratulations, I guess.” What are my plans after sweet,
sweet graduation? I have three objectives: 1) volunteer, 2) sleep, and 3) prepare for college. I
will be attending Arizona State University next fall continuing to work on a Bachelor’s degree in
Applied Biological Sciences (Natural Resource Ecology). Housing this glorious degree of
ethology, ecology, and research classes is the College of Integrative Arts & Sciences (CISA)
(“Natural Resource,” 2023).
This college was recently restructured into three schools: School of Applied Professional
Studies, School of Applies Sciences & Arts, and School of Counseling and Counseling
Psychology (Faller, 2023). CISA’s objectives are focused on providing a foundational education
for a wide variety of pathways each student can take (Grabski, n.d.). This includes core subjects
and technical careers (Grabski, n.d.).
What is especially unique about CISA is that is tailored for adults across Arizona and
beyond returning to college to complete their degrees; they partnered with a multitude of
colleges, from Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher to Cochise College in Sierra Vista (Grabski,
n.d.). Of course, they also have programs online (Grabski, n.d.). CISA applies ASU’s charter of
inclusion directly, regardless of where someone is (“Charter,” n.d.).
CISA is helmed by Dean Joanna Grabski (“Grabski,” n.d.). Initially, she was Director of
the Herberger Institute of Arts at ASU (“Grabski,” n.d.). She has received many awards, honors,
and fellowships for her work studying African art, including the Smithsonian Institution
Fellowship, Art Journal Award, Fullbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Fellowship, etc.
(“Grabski,” n.d.). Dean Grabski is not the only faculty member to receive awards for their work
and teaching. Others have earned Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Award, ABC Rising
Star Award, and Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award (“Faculty Award,” n.d.). Overall, the
college has received a variety of awards.
The College of Integrative Arts & Sciences prides itself on a distinctive care for well-
rounded degree programs. CISA believes that science, art, and the humanities belong together.
You will see their degrees have a variety of skills embedded into the curriculum, from CHM
233: General Organic Chemistry to ABS 300: Career Competencies & Skills (“Natural
Resource,” 2023). They affirm students in CISA will become master learners (CISA, n.d.).
Personally, I cannot wait to officially start my degree with CISA and hone skills that will be
valuable throughout my career.
Reference
Arizona State University. (2023). Applied biological sciences (natural resource ecology), BS.
https://degrees.apps.asu.edu/major-map/ASU00/LSABSNRBS/null/ALL/2023
Arizona State University. (n.d.). Charter. https://www.asu.edu/about/charter-mission
Arizona State University. (n.d.). Joanna Grabski. https://search.asu.edu/profile/3181533
College of Integrative Arts & Sciences. (n.d.). Faculty awards. Arizona State University.
https://cisa.asu.edu/about/faculty-awards
College of Integrative Arts & Sciences. (n.d.). Home. Arizona State University.
https://cisa.asu.edu/
Faller, M.B., (2023, April 7). ASU’s College of Integrative Sciences and Arts reorganizes into 3
new schools. Arizona State University. https://news.asu.edu/20230407-university-news-
asu-college-integrative-sciences-arts-reorganizes-3-new-schools
Grabski, J. (n.d.). Message from the Dean. Arizona State University. https://cisa.asu.edu/dean-
message
https://degrees.apps.asu.edu/major-map/ASU00/LSABSNRBS/null/ALL/2023
Arizona State University. (n.d.). Charter. https://www.asu.edu/about/charter-mission
Arizona State University. (n.d.). Joanna Grabski. https://search.asu.edu/profile/3181533
College of Integrative Arts & Sciences. (n.d.). Faculty awards. Arizona State University.
https://cisa.asu.edu/about/faculty-awards
College of Integrative Arts & Sciences. (n.d.). Home. Arizona State University.
https://cisa.asu.edu/
Faller, M.B., (2023, April 7). ASU’s College of Integrative Sciences and Arts reorganizes into 3
new schools. Arizona State University. https://news.asu.edu/20230407-university-news-
asu-college-integrative-sciences-arts-reorganizes-3-new-schools
Grabski, J. (n.d.). Message from the Dean. Arizona State University. https://cisa.asu.edu/dean-
message
