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Published by ISDI Digital University, 2017-09-07 23:05:32

<ISDI> Student Handbook Fall 2017

Everything students must know to succeed in the 2017 Internet Business program.

2017 - 2018
STUDENT
MANUAL

MASTER’S DEGREE IN
INTERNET BUSINESS (MIB)
CERTIFICATE IN
INTERNET BUSINESS (CIB)

MASTER’S DEGREE &
CERTIFICATE IN

INTERNET BUSINESS

ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
2017-2018 PROGRAMS
IN-PERSON SESSION

September 8, 2017 - June 1, 2018

101 W. Santa Clara Street
San Jose, California 95113

This catalog is published under the authorization and direction of the Academic Advisory
Board of ISDI Digital University for the purpose of communicating detailed information
regarding the Master’s Degree in Internet Business (MIB) and Certificate in Internet Business
(CIB) programs to prospective students and the general public. Its use, reproduction, or

dissemination of its contents is at the discretion of ISDI Digital University.
© May 11, 2017

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

02 Mission Statement 39 Admission Policy & Requirements

04 Faculty & Academic Advisory Board 40 Tuition, Fees & Charges

06 Student Handbook 41 Candidate Selection & Non-Discrimination
07 Policy
08 Welcome Letter 42 Student Tuition Recovery Fund
10 2017-18 Academic Calendar 43 Attendance Policy
11 Logistics 44 Cancellation, Withdrawal & Refund Policies
12 Student Notices & Disclosures
14 Faculties & Instructional Media Equipment 45 Copyright Infringement
15 Harassment
Grading & Standards for Student Achievement 46 Alcohol & Drug Policy
Leave of Absence Policy
Notice to Prospective Degree Program Students

Syllabus 47

35 Bibliography 48 Additional Information

38 Policies & Procedures

ISDI Digital University
Mission Statement and
Educational Objectives

MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to arm professionals with the knowledge & network to take on the disruptive shift of
digital transformation in a new era of digital business.

• We strive to promote digitalization of individuals and organizations
• We aim to reshape skills and redefine education through lifelong learning
• We are building the doers and leaders of tomorrow
Together, we will break down global barriers and strengthen community bonds; we will take on
tomorrow knowing that the future is digital, and through digital transformation, changing the world
is possible - anything is possible. The world is digital, you can be too.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
To build the future leaders of the digital business world:

• Train professionals for a comprehensive understanding of digital business, marketing,
and operations

• Prepare entrepreneurs for digital business planning, strategy, and execution
• Provide the skills necessary to implement corporate digital migrations
• Improve digital competitiveness of individuals and organizations
• Provide networking opportunities with digital industry leaders and fellow students

BOSTON (HARVARD)

SILICON VALLEY

MÉXICO DF

Global Leverage of Educational Excellence

ISDI Digital University brings a long history of global success in business programs focused on
digital transformation to the United States. Working in close collaboration with the first ISDI school
established in 2009 in Madrid, Spain, ISDI Digital University leverages a highly successful delivery of
education in business to deliver the Master’s Degree (MIB) and Certificate in Internet Business (CIB)
in America. With over 1,200 graduated students, 300 entrepreneurs trained, 28+ startup companies
launched across seven countries, and an operating collaboration with RCC at Harvard University - the
Internet Business programs have a proven success record of training the next generation of digital
leaders.

ISDI Digital University’s Internet Business programs represent the first comprehensive curriculum
for professionals to practically and holistically address the disruptive shift of digital technology in
the business world. Delivered by leading digital and business experts, the program will prepare
graduates for the practical requirements of digital leadership roles, while encompassing the most
effective academic methods to ensure student success. ISDI Digital University will ready a new
generation of digital professionals for work in company digitalization, management of digital areas
and departments, and the creation of new business models based on the new digital ecosystem.

TARGET STUDENT POPULATION
Professionals, entrepreneurs, rebooters, and corporate partners:

• Professionals looking to understand digital business holistically
• Professionals looking to pivot into the digital industry
• Professionals looking to learn the skills necessary for a digital economy
• Entrepreneurs looking to launch their own digital business
• Professionals looking to reboot their careers, re-enter the workforce
• Employees and corporations looking to expand or transition into an online business

BARCELONA
MADRID

4 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

FACULTY & ACADEMIC
ADVISORY BOARD

The strength of the team is
each individual member. The
strength of each member is the
team.”

- Phil Jackson

Faculty Members: Faculty

Steve Cadigan Faculty members are responsible for developing
the MIB and CIB program curriculum to ensure
Academic Board Member excellence in preparation, presentation, and delivery
Digital Transformation, Masters in of classroom instruction and related activities. Essential
Human Resources and Organizational functions include instruction, instructional counseling,
Development, USF, 2001 academic advising, assessment, committee service,
and participation in local, state, regional, and national
Amir Mashkoori professional activities and organizations.

Academic Board Member Academic Advisory Board
MBA Mobile, San Jose State
University, 1986 Academic Advisory Board members represent leaders
in the digital industry and provide input to faculty to
Victor Molero ensure that each class contains essential content and
foundations. Board members collaborate with faculty
Chief Academic Officer to improve program concepts, tools, best practices and
PHD, Computer Science, examples used during teaching sessions. They have direct
Complutense University of Madrid, responsibility to coordinate, plan, organize, and instruct
1992 courses for the portion of each module that they will be
teaching.

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 5

To be the best,
you have to learn
from the best -
and we have the very
best group of digital
& business leaders in
the Industry.

Guest Lecturers & Tutors Fun facts about the
ISDI Team
Domain expert lecturers will complement faculty,
board members and tutors with a broader digital 16 100+
business background to support student learning and
comprehension. Over 100 digital professionals will provide Academic Board Digital & Business
an in-depth, up-to-date, and practical curriculum. Members Teaching Professionals

Mentors 2K+ 5K+

Digital business experts highly trained and highly ISDI Graduates ISDI Network
regarded in their fields will closely supervise and work with Worldwide

ISDI students throughout the course of the program.
Mentors will particularly guide students through the
core Backbone project, meeting with student groups
every three weeks, accompanying them, and guiding the

development of the project.

Student
Handbook

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 7

ISDI Digital University
Welcomes You

Today we begin an exciting chapter by launching our first Master’s Degree in Internet Business (MIB)
and Certificate in Internet Business (CIB) programs. ISDI Digital University was founded with the purpose
of providing professionals and organizations with the knowledge and network they need to succeed in
today’s digital economy. Today we begin our journey and we are thrilled you have chosen to join us.
These two programs were built and will be delivered by a distinguished assembly of digital experts. We
designed the MIB and CIB with a practical approach in mind while also incorporating academic aspects
to ensure a sound understanding of the concepts needed to operate in any part of the new digital reality.
We are committed to providing you with an enriching experience that will fundamentally transform your
career and position you to make a great impact in any industry. We want our alumni to transform
businesses across the world and create jobs and opportunities for generations to come.
As you begin your journey, we stand with you excited about what lies ahead and how, together, we will
change the world. The ISDI Digital University team would like to thank you for the trust you have placed
in us, and we look forward to supporting you through this program and beyond.
#thisISDIlife,

Amir Mashkoori Steve Cadigan
Co-Founder and CEO Co-Founder and Head of Digital Transformation
ISDI Digital University ISDI Digital University

8 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

2017-2018
ACADEMIC CALENDAR

An overview on Holidays and main program dates.

Start of Fall 2017 NOVEMBER DECEMBER

SEPTEMBER // November 22 - 24, 2017 // December 25, 2017 -
January 5, 2018
// September 8 - 9, 2017 Thanksgiving
Holiday Winter
Bootcamp Break
Weekend

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 9

On Site Classes

Mondays - Tuesdays - Wednesdays: 6:15 PM – 9:45 PM

Real Time Webinars

The program includes approximately 2 hours of required online content per week.
A subset of the online content will be synchronous, requiring real time participation, and will normally occur on

Thursdays: 6:00PM – 8:00 PM

APRIL MAY End of Spring 2018

// April 9 - 13, 2017 // May 28, 2017 JUNE

Spring Memorial Day // June 1, 2017
Break Holiday
Grades
// May 31, 2017 Due

Final Day // June 2 - 3, 2017
of Program
Commencement
Weekend

10 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

LOGISTICS

Operating Location Access via Car Access via
Hours Public Transport

Monday - Friday Offices of the Silicon Several one hour Caltrain/Amtrak:
8:30am - 5:00pm PST Valley Organization parking spots are San Jose Diridon
Monday - Wednesday (SVO) in San Jose, available around the station is approximately
5:00pm - 10:00pm PST 0.7 miles away from
California SVO
Address: 24-hour parking campus
101 West Santa Clara garage is available Light Rail:
Street, San Jose, CA on Market and San Within 1-2 blocks of
Pedro’s Square, behind downtown stations
95113 the SVO on 45 N San
Pedro St. San Jose, CA

95113
Parking passes
available for purchase

Email
[email protected]

Phone
888-265-4734
408-686-4063

Operations
[email protected]

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 11

FACILITIES & INSTRUCTIONAL
MEDIA EQUIPMENT

ISDI Digital University classroom facilities are located at:

The Silicon Valley Organization
101 West Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95113

ISDI FACILITIES & EQUIPMENTS

ISDI’s facilities are fully equipped to conduct all in-person and online programs:
• All students are required to have a laptop with Wi-Fi capability
• Full Wi-Fi internet access and bandwidth available for faculty and students
• Display screens for in-person programs
• Podium with internet access available
• Audio enhancement available
• ISDI does not currently provide equipment for student use or loan

LIBRARY & INFORMATION RESOURCES

All required course content and research materials are provided to ISDI students. These include:
• Material presented by ISDI Academic Board, faculty and instructors
• Didactic Interactive Units (DIU) developed by digital experts
• Journals covering digital trends, digital business, and innovation
• Web resources suggested by faculty and the coordinators for each module

All MIB and CIB students will have access to the ISDI Digital Library, which can be found online on the ISDI campus website. Students
will find additional material for each module including:

• Case studies
• Documents
• Infographics
• Videos

12 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

GRADING & STANDARDS FOR
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Graduation Requirements Academic Probation

1. Students must complete all 16 core modules, representing 450 Students are placed on probation when they receive less than a
hours of classroom instruction passing grade for any course taken in the MIB or CIB program.
• Students must attend at least 90% of the classes for each A course must be repeated in the next session and a passing
module, unless they receive explicit approval from the grade must be achieved to remove the student from probation.
Disciplinary and Grievance Committee (see Attendance The maximum number of courses that may be repeated under
Policy) probation is five.
• Students must attain a positive evaluation from teachers in
each module Dismissal & Appeal
• Students must attain a passing score on each module
multiple choice test Students who do not achieve a minimum passing grade in more
than five modules are subject to dismissal from the program,
2. Students must attend at least 80% of mentor meetings and and pending university permission, must repeat the MIB or CIB
receive positive evaluations from mentors, participation, and program in full and pay full tuition fees as an incoming new
peer review student.

3. Students must receive a positive evaluation from faculty, Students who are academically dismissed from the University
mentors, and peers may appeal that dismissal. Students wishing to initiate the appeal
should do so as quickly as possible by meeting with an academic
4. Students must complete the backbone project and all of its advisor in university administrative offices. This appeal must be
evaluation requirements, and attain a passing score filed no later than the end of the first week of class immediately
following dismissal.
Detailed grading and graduation requirements are included on
the next page as well as the Syllabus. Student Grievance Process

Tutoring Students may file a grievance with the Disciplinary and Grievance
Committee. Grievances must be submitted in writing to the ISDI
ISDI provides student tutoring services by request. Students Administrative Offices at the University Campus. All grievances
wishing to obtain tutoring services must file a written request with will be formally addressed within 30 days of submittal.
the university administrative offices.

All grievances shall be kept in strict confidence and students
submitting a grievance shall be entitled to an in-person hearing
with the Disciplinary and Grievance Committee if they so choose.

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 13

Grading Skill and Measurement

Module Tests Multiple choice test at the end of 15 tests 225 points 22.5% of grade
each module covering knowledge of (15 points each)
Module Assignments concepts

Backbone Project Successful implementation of 10 group assignments 225 points 22.5% of grade
Interim Deliverables technical concepts and analysis (22.5 pts each)
Backbone Project Logical consistency and arguments
Final Deliverable Personal contributions

Participation and Backbone project deliverables 3 team deliverables 200 points 20% of grade
Peer Review (60/70/70 points) 250 points 25% of grade
 
Digital marketing plan for backbone Team deliverable
project company
Final oral exam
Presentation

Input from faculty, mentors, and Subjective 100 points 10% of grade
peers

Total Possible Points   1,000 points

• Attendance must be over 90% for in-person and online sessions, and 80% for tutorials
• All module tests and assignments must receive minimum passing grade of 70%
• Exemplary level of participation by students in class or tutoring sessions may result in extra credit
• Circular assessment of teamwork skills by team members
• Minimum 700 points (70%) required to graduate
• Multiple test results will be communicated within two school days
• Project and presentation grades will be provided within seven days

Quality Control and Student Feedback

Student feedback is collected periodically throughout the program, as follows:
• Module surveys - Students complete a survey on content, teachers, teaching methods, and other relevant issues
• Students meet with student representatives
• ISDI faculty and tutors meet throughout the course with student representatives to obtain feedback

NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE
DEGREE PROGRAM STUDENTS

This institution is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education to offer degree
programs. To continue to offer degree programs, this institution must meet the following
requirements:

• Become institutionally accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United
States Department of Education, with the scope of the accreditation covering at
least one degree program12Achieve accreditation candidacy or pre-accreditation, as
defined in regulations, by November 15, 2018, and full accreditation by November
15, 2021.

If this institution stops pursuing accreditation, it must:

• Stop all enrollment in its degree programs, and
• Provide a teach-out to finish the educational program or provide a refund

An institution that fails to comply with accreditation requirements by the required dates shall
have its approval to offer degree programs automatically suspended.

Class
Syllabus

16 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

MASTER’S DEGREE (MIB) &
CERTIFICATE (CIB)

IN INTERNET BUSINESS

ABOUT THE PROGRAMS EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The Master’s Degree in Internet Business (MIB) To build the future leaders of the digital business
and Certificate in Internet Business (CIB) are the world:
first comprehensive educational programs for
professionals in the digital world. • Train professionals for a comprehensive
understanding of digital business,
The program was developed to address the marketing, and operations
significant shift into a new business world, where
companies and institutions now must develop a • Prepare entrepreneurs for digital business
successful digital presence to stay competitive. planning, strategy, and execution

The programs have been designed to prepare • Provide the skills necessary to implement
graduates for the practical requirements of digital corporate digital migrations
roles, while encompassing the most effective
academic methods to ensure successful expertise is • Improve digital competitiveness of
achieved by each student. individuals and organizations

Delivered by leading internet professionals, the • Provide networking opportunities with
MIB and CIB programs will ready a new generation digital industry leaders and fellow students
of digital professionals for work in company
digitalization, management of digital areas and SKILLS TO BE LEARNED
departments, and the creation of new business
models based on the new digital ecosystem. • Understand business and client objectives
• Define strategic business goals
• Design digital marketing strategies
• Translate client goals into an overall digital

strategy
• Execute and launch programs
• Design and develop digital solutions
• Monitor & optimize
• Track & analyze
• Validate process end-to-end
• Present project results to client

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 17

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM - IN-PERSON

The Master’s Degree in Internet Business and Certificate in Internet Business programs run continuously with more than
450 hours of instruction distributed over 16 thematic modules. Modules feature in-class instruction, module-specific
projects, workshops, mentoring, and a program-long backbone project. Each module is led by an Academic Board
member working with faculty and guest lecturers to ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date and represents the latest in
the digital business, management of digital areas and departments, and the creation of new business models based on
the new digital ecosystem.

Module 0: Digital Vision & Strategy Module 8: Ecommerce
Module 1: Digital Marketing Module 9: Search Engines
Module 2: Design Thinking & Innovation Module 10: Digital Media and Advertising
Module 3: Digital Content Module 11: Digital Law
Module 4: Social Networks Module 12: Metrics & Data Analysis
Module 5: Digital Technology Module 13: Digital Creativity
Module 6: Mobile & Apps Module 14: Entrepreneurship & Startups
Module 7: Design & UX Module 15: Digital Transformation

Backbone Project:

Student teams will create a digital plan for an existing company using all the skills and tools learned throughout the MIB
and CIB programs.

Detailed descriptions, educational objectives, subjects covered, length of program, and assessment are outlined for each
module as well as the backbone project in this document.

Any schedule of classes published in this catalog or online is only a guide. While every effort has been made to ensure
their accuracy, this information is subject to change.

LEARNING MATERIALS

All class material for each module will be available on ISDI´s virtual campus to allow students to review, study, and deep dive into
content after teaching session.

All rights to documentation are reserved. Consequently reproduction, distribution, or dissemination of such information in any way is
forbidden without express written authorization from ISDI. The material and documentation for each module is mainly composed of:

• Material written by ISDI faculty and Academic Board (Module Fundamentals)
• Journals in digital trends, digital business and innovation
• Web resources suggested by faculty and the coordinators for each module

18 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

< MODULE 0 >
DIGITAL VISION & STRATEGY

This module is offered as a preliminary orientation to the Internet Business programs. It provides a general overview of the possibilities
that the Internet offers businesses in a digitized world; a world that is growing, and how it provides new and different alternatives in a
continuous technological revolution that must be first understood and then taken advantage of. Students will get a glimpse of the world
that they will be learning about over the course of the program, and they will come away with a more exact picture of what they can
expect.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Acquire holistic knowledge of the fundamentals of marketing
• Understand how the digital revolution is disrupting classic marketing concepts and developing different

consumer dynamics
• Learn how to conceptualize the new way of reaching, engaging, and enrolling consumers via a strategic

digital marketing framework that works in a full stack approach
• Understand the tools, actions, and disciplines which make up a comprehensive digital marketing plan
• Learn how to build and carry out a successful digital marketing plan

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
Amir Mashkoori (In-Person) 23 hours Multiple Choice Test
September 2017
(Extra Credit)
Module Assignment

(N/A)

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 19

< MODULE 1 >
DIGITAL MARKETING

This module is a highly comprehensive overview of marketing fundamentals and how to apply them in the digital world. Students will
learn traditional marketing basics, study the consumer evolution that the internet ignited, and understand the potential of the digital
environment for marketing efforts. Students will be introduced to a digital marketing framework that will be used as a strategic guide to:
1) understand how the rest of the Internet Business modules fit within the digital business ecosystem and 2) develop digital marketing
plans and actions. As this is an introductory module, the students will also be introduced to digital business concepts and tools that will
be explained further in following modules with the purpose of sketching an optimum business marketing plan.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Explore the change that the Internet Business program offers

• Learn and acknowledge the importance of this program of study

• Gain a basic understanding of the principles and the elements that make up the Internet

• Understand how the Internet evolves, and what businesses occupy this channel or medium

• Analyze how important is to align corporate strategy around the concept of digitalization (customers,
providers, tools, internal processes, etc)

• Students will also get the basics and tactics of optimizing team working and some techniques to develop
high performance digital teams

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
Lauren Vaccarello (In-Person) 30.5 hours Multiple Choice Test
September 2017
(15 points)
Module Assignment

(22.5 points)

20 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

< MODULE 2 >
DESIGN THINKING & INNOVATION

The main objective of this module is to examine, select, and experiment with different tools and methods to identify the needs and
desires of people, translate these needs into strategic opportunities, and respond to them with creative solutions. This approach allows
products and services to integrate emotional aspects, acquire greater social value, and result in an effective competitive improvement
for organizations. It is about focusing the creation of new products and services on the real and measurable experiences of people.
Areas critical to the innovation process are examined: design research, creative problem solving, and evaluation of concepts using
design and prototyping tools.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Understand the basic concepts of design thinking and innovation

• Understand and implement tools for research, data collection, opportunity detection, and insight
generation

• Understand and use tools and techniques for creative problem solving and facilitation of team meetings

• Know and use design tools to conceptualize ideas and create prototypes

• Understand and execute user-centered innovation processes.

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
Greg Petroff (In-Person) 12.5 hours Multiple Choice Test
October 2017
(15 points)
Module Assignment

(22.5 points)

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 21

< MODULE 3 >
DIGITAL CONTENT

This module provides students with a glimpse into the world of Internet Content from a conceptual and operational perspective, always
bearing in mind that content is a “wild beast” that is very hard to tame and that needs to be guided with a firm hand. We will cover what
Internet content is and the important elements that make it up. What does it mean to have a Content Strategy? What is it used for and
what do we need to carry it out? We will zoom in on the discipline of Content Marketing and on the keys to tailoring the project to the
needs of each business. In the second phase, we will dive into Content Management and briefly delve into the world of CMS (Content
Management Systems) and the key points for choosing them.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Understand fully the concept of Internet content and what that content comprises of

• Learn about the content life cycle and the difficulties of adequately overseeing it

• Establish what a Content Strategy is, why it is important, and what elements are needed to carry it out
successfully with specific examples of how content strategy is applied

• Introduce students to Content Marketing and define the key points of their strategy, planning, and results
measurement

• Gain a clear idea of what Content Management consists of

• Gain a general understanding of what a CMS is and what the key points are for choosing it

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
Meghan Ryan (In-Person) 25 hours Multiple Choice Test
October 2017
(15 points)
Module Assignment

(22.5 points)

22 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

< MODULE 4 >
SOCIAL NETWORKS

There is a great deal of confusion and misinformation revolving around various concepts of social networks and social media. This
confusion becomes especially relevant when we need to make decisions about digital business in startups and corporations. Social
networks and social media join different user-interactive channels and target new users and consumer behaviors. This module explores
UGC (user-generated content) rules and defines the interactive dynamics of influencers, active listening processes, and social media
interaction and dynamics from a channels and content standpoint. This module also serves as a practical guide for getting social media
projects up and running in an organization or as part of a startup.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Learn a practical and concrete understanding of Social Media and how to use social networks for creating
and developing businesses on the internet

• Learn how to launch a service with social media features, and how to use the tools in other projects either
as part of those projects or within a Marketing Strategy, all with a hands-on focus

• Learn when it makes sense to join or refrain from joining social networks, if it makes sense to include in
a business, the purpose (communication, sales, customer care, reputation management) and important
metrics to evaluate performance

• Learn about the strategic placement of social networks within a digital business. Students will be able to
make decisions about what can and can’t be done, and what is optimal for the available resources

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
Gary Briggs (In-Person) 30.5 hours Multiple Choice Test

October - (15 points)
November 2017 Module Assignment

(22.5 points)

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 23

< MODULE 5 >
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

This module covers digital technology information in a way that is inviting, applicable, practical, and clear. This module is non-technical
and is intended for project managers. The goal is not for the students to learn how to implement the technology themselves, but rather
for them to understand technological aspects and their repercussions for the businesses that the students oversee.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Learn the technical aspects and associated jargon necessary for managing a digital enterprise
• Learn about internet media technology including the potential, limitations, and the risk factors
• Understand the software development cycle and the methodologies used, in order to assess the costs

and the time frames of development
• Learn how to organize the technological aspects that surround a digital enterprise
• Learn how to set up servers
• Understand the strategic placement of social networks within a digital business and what is optimal for

the available resources

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
Homayoun Razavi (In-Person) 34 hours Multiple Choice Test
November 2017
(15 points)
Module Assignment

(N/A)

24 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

< MODULE 6 >
MOBILE & APPS

A comprehensive and highly practical overview of the mobile web, showing how concepts and tools can be applied to the digital
environment, addressing how the new multi-screen, hyper-connected user has changed the digital space approach

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Integrate mobile access with any business context on the internet
• Learn the main concepts, technologies, and terminology related to the mobile internet: apps, operating

systems, mobile web, HTML5, QR codes, augmented reality, LTE, etc.
• Reach out and touch the mobile world through development, launch, and marketing plan for a native app
• Learn the basic concepts of mobile marketing through national and international case studies
• Understand the placement and the potential of mobile payment
• Understand the unique characteristics and quirks of mobile ecommerce and how to develop a multiscreen

ecommerce strategy (ecommerce module).
• Learn how to integrate mobile marketing campaigns into a digital marketing plan (digital marketing

module)

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
Amir Mashkoori (In-Person) 28.5 hours Multiple Choice Test
December 2017
(15 points)
Module Assignment

(22.5 points)

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 25

< MODULE 7 >
DESIGN & UX

This module covers the basic processes for designing an internet site. The design and definition phases are required for a service to be
made available online, be reliable and be attractive to the customer. Special emphasis will be given to the site’s interfaces with mobile
devices. Service design methodology provides the tools and processes needed to identify the user needs and have the design generate
value and create memorable experiences. Understanding web service construction, from a design standpoint, will help us understand
the reach of the product and the team required to deliver it.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Learn the concept of service design

• Understand the basics of service design methodology for developing memorable internet services

• Understand the different phases of the internet service design process

• Explore the service design section for internet service, focusing especially on usability

• Understand design concepts including: information architecture, aesthetic and technical design aspects,
standards, accessibility, and usability

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
Greg Petroff (In-Person) 25 hours Multiple Choice Test
December 2017
(15 points)
Module Assignment

(22.5 points)

26 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

< MODULE 8 >
ECOMMERCE

This module provides a general overview of the sales models available through electronic channels, as well as a practical, hands-on
demonstration of the main processes and activities needed for managing a successful online sales operation. Students will be able to
structure an e-commerce operation, with its sales processes, operations, and customer capture and care. In addition to the teachers,
this module will feature professionals who work in the sector and who will give the most up-to-date accounting of today’s marketplace
from their viewpoint.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Learn the concept of service design

• Understand the basics of service design methodology for developing memorable internet services

• Understand the different phases of the internet service design process

• Explore the service design section for internet service, focusing especially on usability

• Understand design concepts including: information architecture, aesthetic and technical design aspects,
standards, accessibility, and usability

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
Jenny Ming (In-Person) 34 hours Multiple Choice Test
January 2018
(15 points)
Module Assignment

(22.5 points)

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 27

< MODULE 9 >
SEARCH ENGINES

Search engines are the main portal to internet content and services; the tool that users turn to for finding things on the web. Every
business must be aware of the importance of making the search engine job easier, so that business content will be found and prioritized.
The strategies for doing this are based on the proper indexing of web pages and on digital marketing tailored to the search engines.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Gain mastery of developing a proper positioning and marketing strategy for search engines
• Learn the main concepts and terminology of search engine marketing (SEM) and optimization (SEO)
• Learn about the different models of SEO and SEM
• Create an action plan aimed at optimizing SEM and SEO
• Make recommendations on marketing and search engine positioning for any business

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
<> (In-Person) 34 hours Multiple Choice Test
February 2018
(15 points)
Module Assignment

(N/A)

28 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

< MODULE 10 >
DIGITAL MEDIA AND ADVERTISING

This module provides a complete overview of advertising as a tool for achieving various objectives. To that end, we will analyze advertising
from a strategic vantage point, as well as from a tactical one. We will develop the knowledge necessary to propose specific actions.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Learn the main internet marketing levers, their features, uses, and results
• Develop the ability to structure and roll out the right communication strategy
• Understand the main concepts and terminology related to online marketing
• Be able to make recommendations in line with the particular goals that are being pursued
• Learn the features, uses, and technology of each action type
• Understand the negotiation, purchasing, and tracking models

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
<> (In-Person) 37.5 hours Multiple Choice Test

February - (15 points)
March 2018 Module Assignment

(22.5)

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 29

< MODULE 11 >
DIGITAL LAW

This module provides a basic understanding of the main legal areas that affect businesses and companies which operate on and engage
with the internet, without legal training or a law degree. Tangible case law from internet businesses will be presented.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Introduction to the Legal Environment and Cross Curriculum Subjects
• Collaborative Economy
• Steps for a Digital Business Kick-off
• Digital Business & Entrepreneurs

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
<> (In-Person) 18 hours Multiple Choice Test
March 2018
(15 points)
Module Assignment

(N/A)

30 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

< MODULE 12 >
METRICS & DATA ANALYSIS

This module covers digital technology information in a way that is inviting, applicable, practical, and clear. This module is non-technical
and is intended for project managers. The goal is not for the students to learn how to implement the technology themselves, but rather
for them to understand technological aspects and their repercussions for the businesses that the students oversee.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Discover the main data sources on the internet
• Learn which metrics are relevant to which businesses
• Plan for data collection and use

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
Adam Greco (In-Person) 35.5 hours Multiple Choice Test

March - (15 points)
April 2018 Module Assignment

(22.5 points)

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 31

< MODULE 13 >
DIGITAL CREATIVITY

The digital revolution is transforming the methods in which brands connect with consumers. In the past, advertising involved sending
out messages to convince consumers. But with easier access to information, with consumers’ ability to communicate with each other, and
with the loss of credibility in advertising messages, brands are no longer the only ones describing themselves to consumers. Therefore,
brands are looking for new channels, and new ways of being present in consumers’ conversations. They need to make themselves
relevant to consumers and get their attention. The digital creative must work on messages, actions, products, and services. In this
module, we will assess the importance of creativity and innovation for meeting these goals.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Gain an appreciation of the value that creativity adds to the business

• Learn the steps to follow in developing a creative strategy

• Learn from the best campaigns

• Receive guidelines for easily assessing a creative proposal

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
<> (In-Person) 14.5 hours Multiple Choice Test

April 2018 (15 points)
Module Assignment

(22.5 points)

32 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

< MODULE 14 >
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND STARTUPS

The digital sector favors entrepreneurship, as it has lower entry barriers and allows access to customers worldwide, at least on paper.
This module lays out an efficient path for creating an internet startup, from the original idea through its materialization and possible sale,
including various financing options available for startups. Those who have no current plan to become an entrepreneur will be able to
apply some of the management techniques used by startups to the daily work of more conventional businesses and projects.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Get to know the different types of entrepreneurs and companies, and learn what a startup is
• Help find the best ideas for entrepreneurship and explain how to get a project underway while avoiding

the most common mistakes and overcoming the main challenges
• Explain Internet business models, and explain what a business plan consists of and how to use one
• Learn the funding requirements that companies face at different stages of their development, and learn

which investors are best suited in each case, as well as how to go about looking for funding
• Learn how to manage a startup, learn about leadership and motivational styles, and learn how to grow

the company with an eye towards its eventual sale
• Learn how to build and carry out a successful digital marketing plan

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
<> (In-Person) 32 hours Multiple Choice Test
April - May 2018
(15 points)
Module Assignment

(N/A)

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 33

< MODULE 15 >
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

This module is built around the concepts of learning and doing. First, it lays out the concepts and actions that lead to internal
entrepreneurship (that is, digitizing a company by assessing the organization’s opportunities as well as its challenges). Second, it
approaches the process of incorporating startup practices to transform the organization into a more dynamic, flexible and agile machine
of service for its customers, suppliers and partners.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• Learn about the social and market environments shaped by digital transformation
• Learn about transformational changes: outwardly directed (starting new companies) or inwardly directed

(digitizing the business)
• Understand the guidelines that regulate digital opportunity, how to identify digital opportunities and how

to initiate transformation
• Have a clear sense of the next steps for moving forward in a career

Module Leader Schedule Length Grading
Steve Cadigan (In-Person) 19.5 hours Multiple Choice Test

May 2018 (15 points)
Module Assignment

(N/A)

34 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

< BACKBONE PROJECT >

The backbone project is a multi-skilled and hands-on exercise in which students will work on digitizing an existing company, applying the
skills they learn throughout the program. The development of the project will be conducted in teams assigned by the program director.
Each team will be supervised by an assigned mentor, an industry expert, who will guide the team throughout the project, assisting with
idea development and evaluation. Students will be digitally transforming existing companies and will be required to sign a confidentiality
agreement. The use of the existing company´s name is prohibited on social media, profiles, blogs, websites and anywhere on the internet
throughout the program.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES SUBJECTS COVERED

Students will complete their Master’s in Internet Business with a Students will learn and develop a holistic understanding of
“hands-on experience” in a company’s digitalization, under the all modules by preparing a complete digital marketing plan,
guidance of faculty and the tutoring of a team of specialized which will include the following: target, customer journey,
professionals. Students will acquire a body of knowledge that, consumer value proposition, SWOT analysis, business model,
will be learned, understood, assimilated, and cemented into product or service description, marketing plan, social media
their personal knowledge base. strategy, search strategy, conversion strategy, Customer
Relationship Management (CRM) Strategy, business plan, KPIs
and dashboard.

Backbone Director Grading

Luis Ferrandiz Deliverable 1 - 60 Points

Mentors Deliverables 2 - 70 Points

Kriselle Laran Deliverable 3 - 70 Points
Pablo Arana
Digital Marketing Plan & Final Presentation
Asier Rios - 250 Points

Schedule Participation & Peer Review - 100 Points

September 2017 -
June 2018

Length

16 Classroom Hours
+ Group Meetings

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 35

< BIBLIOGRAPHY >
AND OPTIONAL READING

Module 0 Module 3

Internet of Things with the Arduino Yún by Marco Schwartz 2014 The Content Strategy Toolkit: Methods, Guidelines, and
Templates for Getting Content Right (Voices That Matter) Jun 28,
Digital Strategies for Powerful Corporate Communications by 2015 by Meghan Casey
Courtney Barnes, Courtney M. Barnes, Courtney Barnes McGraw-
Hill (first published 2009) Content Marketing Strategy Guide: Your Formula for Achieving
Success Across Social Media, PR and SEO. Aug 11, 2016 by Jonny
Understanding Digital Marketing: Marketing Strategies for B Deviant
Engaging the Digital Generation by Damian Ryan 2015
The Content Trap: A Strategist’s Guide to Digital Change Oct 18,
Module 1 2016, by Bharat Anand

WORTH, D. 5 Steps to An Influencer Strategy 2010 - Smart Module 4
Insights (Bosomworth, 2010) [Blog] Smart Insights.
SMART INSIGHTS. Social Media Marketing Fast Start 2015
CHAFFEY, D., ELLIS-CHADWICK, F. AND CHAFFEY, D. Digital
marketing SOCIAL NETWORKS: THE OPTIMAL SCENARIO FOR PR TO
ENGAGE IN DIALOGUE 2012 - ACROSS CULTURES Society
2012 - Pearson – Harlow (Chaffey, Ellis- Chadwick and Chaffey, Culture Issues Communication Trends [Blog] ACROSS CULTURES
2012) Society Culture Issues Communication Trends.

GUNELIUS, S. 5 Statistics that Define the Digital Marketing The Facebook Era: Tapping Online Social Networks to Build
Landscape in 2014 2014 - Corporate Eye (Gunelius, 2014) Better Products, Reach New Audiences, and Sell More Stuff by
Clara Shih
MARKETING STATISTICS, TRENDS & DATA - THE ULTIMATE LIST
OF MARKETING STATS (Hubspot.com, 2015) The New Rules of Marketing and PR: How to Use News Releases,
Blogs, Podcasting, Viral Marketing and Online Media to Reach
RYAN, D. Understanding Digital Marketing: Marketing strategies
for engaging the digital generation 2014 - Kogan Page Buyers Directly (Amazon’s Kindle Edition), by David Meerman
Scott
THOMAS, B., HOUSDEN, M. AND THOMAS, B.Direct and digital
marketing in practice 2010 - A. & C. Black - London: (Thomas, Twitter Power: How to Dominate Your Market One Tweet at a
Housden and Thomas, 2010) Time by Joel Comm

Module 2 DAOUD, H. 8 Essential Elements of a Social Media Marketing
Strategy 2014 - Social Media Examiner (Daoud, 2014) DEMERS,
Design thinking: Business innovation by Mauricio Vianna, Ysmar J. The Top 10 Benefits of Social Media Marketing
Vianna, Isabel K. Adler, Brenda Lucena, Beatriz Russo 2014
2014 – Entrepreneurs (DeMers, 2014) Social Media: Strategies
Design Thinking: Understanding How Designers Think and Work, to Mastering Your Brand- Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and
by Nigel Cross 2011 Snapchat, Aug 25, 2016 by David Kelly

The Bright Idea Box: A Proven System to Drive Employee
Engagement and Innovation by Jag Randhawa (Goodreads) 2015

36 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

Module 5 Module 8

Leading Digital: Turning Technology into Business Transformation Digital Business & E-Commerce Management, 6th ed. Strategy

Oct 14, 2014 by George Westerman and Didier Bonnet Implementation & Practice Dec 18, 2014 by Dave Chaffey

Digital Disciplines: Attaining Market Leadership via the Cloud, Big DotCom Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Growing Your
Data, Social, Mobile, and the Internet of things, Aug 17, 2015 by Company Online, Apr 28, 2015, by Russell Brunson and Dan
Joe Weinman and Fred Wiersema Kennedy

Information Technology for Management: Digital Strategies for Learn more - Ecommerce and Online Business, Sep 14, 2016 by
Insight, Action, and Sustainable Performance Jun 22, 2015 by Rajib Roy
Efraim Turban and Linda Volonino
Module 9
Module 6
Smart Cities: Big Data, Civic Hackers, and the Quest for a New
The Complete App Store Optimization Handbook Feb 22, 2016, Utopia (English) Gebundene Ausgabe use pre-formatted date
by Steve Young that complies with legal requirement from media matrix – 5.
November 2013, Anthony M. Townsend
Simple and Usable Web, Mobile, and Interaction Design (Voices
That Matter) Sep 26, 2010 by Giles Colborne The Responsive City: Engaging Communities Through Data-Smart
Governance Gebundene Ausgabe use pre-formatted date that
The Mobile Wave: How Mobile Intelligence Will Change complies with legal requirement from media matrix – October
Everything Oct 25, 2016 by Michael Saylor and L.J. Ganser 2014, Stephen Goldsmith (Autor), Susan Crawford

Module 7 Data Science for Business: What you need to know about data
mining and data-analytic thinking (Englisch) Taschenbuch use
The Elements of User Experience: User- Centered Design for the preformatted date that complies with legal requirement from
We by Jesse James Garrett media matrix – 16. August 2013, Foster Provost (Autor), Tom
Fawcet
Don’t Make Me Think: A Common-Sense Approach to Web
Usability by Steve Krug (Goodreads Author) Module 10

Information Architecture for the World Wide Web: Designing SEO 2017 Learn Search Engine Optimization with Smart Internet
Large-Scale Web Sites by Peter Morville (Goodreads Author), Marketing Strategy: Learn SEO with smart internet marketing
Louis Rosenfeld (Goodreads Author) strategies Mass Market Paperback – September 29, 2016 by
Adam Clarke (Author)
Don’t Make Me Think: A Common-Sense Approach to Web
Usability by Steve Krug (Goodreads Author) SEO for Growth: The Ultimate Guide for Marketers, Web
Designers & Entrepreneurs, Sep 11, 2016, by John Jantsch and
Pervasive Information Architecture: Designing Cross-Channel User Phil Singleton
Experiences by Andrea Resmini (Goodreads Author), Luca Rosati
Semantic SEO 2016, Jan 28, 2016 by The Seowaz Team
Designing for Interaction: Creating Innovative Applications and
Devices by Dan Saffer SEO 2016: Learn Search Engine Optimization, May 19, 2015 by R
L Adams
Smashing UX Design: Foundations for Designing Online User
Experiences by Jesmond Allen, James Chudley The Art of SEO: Mastering Search Engine Optimization, Sep 5,
2015 by Eric Enge and Stephan Spencer

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 37

Module 12 Module 15

Digital Crossroads: Telecommunications Law and Policy in the The Digital Transformation Playbook: Rethink Your Business for
Internet Age (MIT Press), Jul 5, 2013 by Jonathan E. Nuechterlein the Digital Age (Columbia Business School Publishing), Apr 5,
and Philip J. Weiser 2016, by David L. Rogers

Digital Media Law, Aug 28, 2012, by Ashley Packard Shaping the Digital Enterprise: Trends and Use Cases in Digital
Innovation and Transformation, Sep 26, 2016, by Gerhard Oswald
Future Crimes: Inside the Digital Underground and the Battle for and Michael Kleinemeier
Our Connected World, Jan 12, 2016 by Marc Goodman
The Ecosystem Advantage: How to Build the Digital Ecosystem
Module 13 That Will Help You Win in the Digital Era, Oct 27, 2016, by
Charles Araujo
Black Girls Are from the Future: Essays on Race, Digital Creativity
and Pop Culture, Jun 15, 2013, by Renina Jarmon Disrupting Digital Business: Create an Authentic Experience in the
Peer-to-Peer Economy, May 5, 2015, by R “Ray” Wang
Creativity and Digital Design. Third Edition, Aug 5, 2016, by
Eusebio Ayala Torres and Jesús Sebastián García Álvarez

Module 14

The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous
Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses, Sep 13,
2011, by Eric Ries, Summary of the Lean Startup: By Eric Ries
Includes Analysis, Apr 19, 2016 by Instaread Summaries

Scaling Lean: Mastering the Key Metrics for Startup Growth, Jun
14, 2016 by Ash Maurya

UX for Lean Startups: Faster, Smarter User Experience Research
and Design, May 26, 2013, by Laura Klein

Blue Ocean Strategy, Expanded Edition: How to Create
Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant,
Nov 8, 2016 by W. Chan Kim and Renée A. Mauborgne

Policies &
Procedures

2017-2018 COURSE CATALOG 39

< ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY >
ADMISSIONS POLICY & REQUIREMENTS

<MIB> MASTER’S DEGREE
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Prospective students must possess a COLLEGE DEGREE for admission to the Master’s Degree program(s)
2. Prospective students must complete the admission form and submit their resume
3. Prospective students are preferred to have three years or more of relevant work experience
4. Prospective students must complete an interview conducted by ISDI Digital University Admissions Staff
5. Prospective students must send official transcripts from all Colleges/Universities attended

NOTE: ISDI Digital University does NOT accept credits earned at other institutions and does NOT accept any challenge examinations
to the Master’s Degree in Internet Business program.

<CIB> CERTIFICATE
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Prospective students must possess a HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA for admission to the Certificate program(s)
2. Prospective students must complete the admission form and submit their resume
3. Prospective students are preferred to have significant work experience and demonstrated competency to attend program
4. Prospective students must complete an interview conducted by ISDI Digital University Admissions Staff
5. Prospective students must send official transcripts from high school attended

NOTE: ISDI Digital University does NOT accept credits earned at other institutions and does NOT accept any challenge examinations
to the Certificate in Internet Business program.

STUDENT PROFILE

ISDI’s Internet Business programs have been built for professionals who want to retrain, learn, and build in the new digital world. We
are looking for students who:

• Have the appropriate credentials for the Degree or Certificate program
• Have professional work experience
• Are capable of establishing professional relationships with others
• Have an open mind and the desire to learn
• Are tolerant and respectful, have a capacity for listening and aptitude for teamwork
• Demonstrate flexibility and capacity to adapt
• Are honest and ethical

ISDI selects candidates based on interviews designed to comply with the required profile for the program. The selected individuals
are also responsible for self-analysis in respects to all requirements, and are obliged to communicate to the ISDI administration any
possible discrepancies detected between the characteristics described and those that the student identifies as being his or her own.

40 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

TUITION, FEES, & CHARGES

TUITION: In-Person $27,500 Total Upon Enrollment
$2,750 August 30, 2017
TUITION (payable in installments) February 6, 2018
UPFRONT RESERVATION FEE $11,000 August 30, 2017
TOTAL CHARGES FOR 1st PERIOD $13,750
CHARGES FOR THE BALANCE OF PROGRAM $26,500
$250
OPTION: Pay entire tuition upfront
CANCELLATION FEE

TUITION: Online $14,500 Total Upon Enrollment
$1,500 September 30, 2017
TUITION (payable in installments) $5,750 February 20, 2018
UPFRONT RESERVATION FEE $7,250 September 30, 2017
TOTAL CHARGES FOR 1st PERIOD
CHARGES FOR THE BALANCE OF PROGRAM $14,000
$250
OPTION: Pay entire tuition upfront
CANCELLATION FEE

Details

STUDENT’S OBLIGATION TO THE STUDENT TUITION RECOVERY FUND (STRF) IS CURRENTLY
$0 PER $1,000 OF INSTITUTIONAL CHARGES, AND IS NON-REFUNDABLE

• Students must provide a laptop PC and web camera, at their own expense, to participate in all online MIB programs
• Students must have online connectivity and a web camera to participate in class activities, webinars, and group discussions
• No textbooks are required for the online MIB or CIB programs’ coursework. All instructional material will be provided
• Completion of the online MIB and CIB programs requires 450 hours of instruction

NOTE: The tuition fee covers all charges/fees directly associated with the MIB and CIB programs. Certain optional activities may be
offered to students throughout the school year for a nominal additional fee.

FEDERAL & STATE FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

ISDI Digital University does NOT participate in any federal or state financial aid programs.

2017-2018 COURSE CATALOG 41

CANDIDATE SELECTION PROCESS
& NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

ISDI does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age,
genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admissions policies,
scholarship programs, and other Institute administered programs and activities.

Our admissions process comprises of 4 steps as noted below. This process has been designed to elicit the core traits that will allow our
students to succeed during and after the MIB and CIB programs:

1. Candidate applies for admission to the class:
• Candidate completes the appropriate application form
• Submits the required credentials: official transcripts, resume, test scores

2. ISDI review:
• The applicant’s portfolio is reviewed
• Selected applicants receive personal interviews

3. Decision by the admissions committee
• Notification of acceptance or rejection
• Reservation deposit made

4. Enrollment

Only students who have been selected via the process described in the above section may enroll in the MIB and CIB programs.
Students who participate must be formally enrolled via the official ISDI Digital University enrollment application.

Students must enroll within the period stipulated in the letter of admission and will be given placement priority. All sessions are filled on
a first come first served basis and will be assigned by order of completion of the enrollment process. Failure to adhere to the enrollment
process within the established period, or failure to accept the terms and conditions of admission, are understood to constitute an
express rejection of the place reserved.

42 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

STUDENT TUITION
RECOVERY FUND

It is a California state requirement that a student who pays his/her tuition is required to pay a state imposed assessment fee for the
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF).

“The State of California created the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic losses suffered by students
in educational programs who are California residents, or are enrolled in a residency program attending certain schools regulated by
the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.”

Students must pay the state-imposed assessment for the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) if all of the following applies:

1. The student is in an educational program, is a California resident, or is enrolled in a residency program, and has prepaid all or part

of their tuition either by cash, guaranteed student loans, or personal loans

2. Total charges are not paid by any third-party payer such as an employer, government program or other payer unless the student

has a separate agreement to repay the third party. Students are not eligible for protection from the STRF and they are not

required to pay the STRF assessment, if either of the following applies:

a) The student is not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program

b) The student’s total charges are paid by a third party, such as an employer, government program or other payer, and

student has no separate agreement to repay the third party.” Students may be eligible for STRF if they are a California

resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic

loss as a result of any of the following:

i. The school closed before the course of instruction was completed

ii. The school’ failed to pay refunds or charges on behalf of a student to a third party for license fees or any other

purpose, or to provide equipment or materials for which a charge was collected within 180 days before the

closure of the school

iii. The school failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federally guaranteed student loan program as

required by law or to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the school prior to closure in excess of tuition and

other costs

iv. There was a material failure to comply with the Act or this Division within 30 days before the school closed or, if

the material failure began earlier than 30 days prior to closure, the period determined by the Bureau

v. An inability after diligent efforts to prosecute, prove, and collect on a judgment against the institution for a

violation of the Act

3. No claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number

2017-2018 COURSE CATALOG 43

ATTENDANCE
POLICY

Attendance is mandatory for MIB and CIB students and a key component of grading by faculty. ISDI’s attendance policy is as follows:
• Attendance is tracked at both the start and end of each session
• Both check-ins will be required for proof of attendance
• Attendance rates are dynamically calculated for each individual course, to prevent accumulation of absences in one field of
study in which the student may not have acquired sufficient knowledge at the end of the course

IN-PERSON AND ONLINE STUDENTS MUST ATTEND 90% OF SCHEDULED CLASSES TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR A COURSE
• Any student that fails to meet the 90% threshold, but has attended at least 80% of classes, may appeal to the Disciplinary
Committee to receive credit for the course. The student must be able to justify the absence and must have completed all the
coursework
• Students must attend a minimum of 80% of each module
• Students who exceed the 20% absence rate in any one module will not be eligible to graduate. As a result, they may not
participate in the graduation ceremony, and will not be included among the alumni or have access to the services that are
exclusive for MIB degree or CIB certificate recipients
• Upon justification of reasons for non-attendance, and required permission from the Disciplinary Committee, students who have
not passed a course due to attendance may retake the course the following year at a rate of 10% of the total annual tuition, per
repeated class, and upon completion be eligible to receive a diploma. Important: this does not apply to. the core backbone
project. The backbone project must be completed with fellow team members during the initial session
• The maximum number of modules that may be repeated is five. Students who do not meet the attendance requirements in
more than five modules and want to complete the Master’s or Certificate in Internet Business must repeat the program in full
and pay full fees for new enrollment. In this instance, students will forfeit all fees previously paid

44 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

CANCELLATION, WITHDRAWAL,
& REFUND POLICIES

STUDENTS RIGHT TO CANCEL AND TUITION REIMBURSEMENT:

• A notice of cancellation must be in writing. A withdrawal may be effectuated by the student’s written notice or by the student’s
conduct, including, but not necessarily limited to, the student’s lack of attendance

• A student may withdraw from the MIB or CIB program by submitting a formal notice in writing. Send to:
Director of Admissions
Admissions Office of ISDI Digital University
101 W. Santa Clara St.
San Jose, CA 95113

• All withdrawal notices shall be effective on the day they are received by the Admissions Office. Any notice of withdrawal shall be
subject to our refund policy

• ISDI will refund 100 percent of the amount paid for tuition charges, less a two hundred fifty dollar ($250) cancellation fee, if notice
of cancellation is made at the first class session, or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later

• ISDI provides a pro rata refund for moneys paid for institutional charges, to students who have completed 60 percent or less of
the period of attendance. The pro rata refund complies with CEC and BPPE requirements. The amount owed shall equal the
daily charge for the program (total institutional charge), divided by the number of days or hours in the program, multiplied by the
number of days student attended, or was scheduled to attend, prior to withdrawal

• ISDI Digital University shall refund any credit balance on the student’s account within 45 calendar days after the date of the
student’s completion of, or withdrawal from, the educational program

REFUNDS AND STUDENT LOANS:

• If the student has received federal or state student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of moneys not paid from
federal student financial aid program funds

• If the student has obtained a loan to pay for the MIB or CIB program, the student will have the responsibility to repay the full
amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund

• If the student defaults on a federal or state loan, both of the following may occur:
1. The federal or state government or a loan guarantee agency may take action against the student, including applying any
income tax refund to which the person is entitled to reduce the balance owed on the loan
2. The student may not be eligible for any other federal financial aid at another institution or other government financial
assistance until the loan is repaid

2017-2018 COURSE CATALOG 45

STUDENT NOTICES
& DISCLOSURES

STATE OF CALIFORNIA APPROVAL TO NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE
OPERATE STUDENTS

ISDI Digital University is a private post-secondary educational As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this
institution approved to operate by: catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also
encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet,
The Bureau for Private Post-Secondary Education which must be provided to you by ISDI Digital University prior
2535 Capital Oaks Drive, Suite 400 to your signing an enrollment agreement.
Sacramento, CA 95833

P.O. Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
P (916) 431-6959 F (916) 263-1897
www.bppe.ca.gov

ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REGARDING CATALOG

ISDI Digital University has NO pending petitions in bankruptcy, Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that
is NOT operating as debtor in possession, has NOT filed have not been satisfactorily answered by ISDI Digital University
a petition within the last five (5) years, and has NOT had a may be directed to the Bureau for Private Post- Secondary
petition in bankruptcy filed against it with the last five (5) Education.
years that resulted in reorganization under Chapter 11 U.S.C
Sec.1101 et seq. The Bureau for Private Post-Secondary Education
2535 Capital Oaks Drive, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95833

P.O. Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
P (916) 431-6959 F (916) 263-1897
www.bppe.ca.gov

NON-ACCREDITED FILING A COMPLAINT

ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY IS NOT ACCREDITED BY AN A student or any member of the public may file a complaint
ACCREDITING AGENCY RECOGNIZED BY THE UNITED about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary
STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Education by calling
(888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form which can
be obtained from the bureau’s internet website listed above.

46 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

POLICIES

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT AND FILE ALCOHOL & DRUG POLICY
SHARING
Substance Education & Prevention

Here’s what you should know: In accordance with federal legislation, known as the Drug-
Thousands of students receive copyright Infringement notices Free Schools and Communities Act, ISDI University is required
each year. You can receive a notice for downloading or for to communicate the following information regarding the
allowing others to upload content from your computer. If possession, use, or distribution of recreational drugs and
you have file sharing software on your computer, you may be alcohol to its students and employees. Although most of the
distributing copyrighted materials anytime your computer is on policies and programs described on here have been in effect
the network. If you receive a notice for inappropriate activity on for some time, federal regulations stipulate that information
the campus network, your network access will be temporarily about them must be distributed annually.
disabled and you will be required to complete specific actions
before access is reinstated. Repeat offenders will be referred Each member of the University community is encouraged
to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for further to make “risk-aware” choices regarding the consumption of
disciplinary action. alcohol or the use of other psychoactive drugs. Members of
the campus community who choose to use such drugs are
HARASSMENT expected to consider the risks of harm to self, others, and the
community-at-large.
The University affirms its commitment to providing a learning
and working environment that is responsible and cognizant Because ISDI University strives to achieve a healthy learning
of justice; that supports, nurtures, and rewards educational environment, the possession, use or distribution of recreational
and employment growth based on relevant factors, such as drugs and alcohol by students and employees on the
ability and performance; and that is free of discriminatory, University’s property, or as a part of its activities, is prohibited.
inappropriate, and disrespectful conduct or communication.
ISDI Digital University has a responsibility to protect all These regulations apply to all members of the University
members of its community from sexual harassment and community and its guests and visitors. Persons who infringe
to provide the means to address such harassment when it upon the rights of others, break the law, conduct themselves
is reported. Individuals who want to file a complaint may in a disorderly manner, or damage university property are
report the behavior to any faculty member or as appropriate, accountable for their actions. Such persons are subject to
directly to the police. Any administrator or member of the University disciplinary sanctions (up to and including removal
faculty receiving a report of possible harassment is subject to from this community) and/or criminal action. Such harmful
professional and legal discipline if found guilty of such acts, behavior is absolutely at variance with the mission of ISDI
up to and including termination. University.

2017-2018 STUDENT MANUAL 47

LEAVE OF ABSENCE POLICY

Students requiring a leave of absence from the MIB or CIB program must obtain written permission from the university
administrative services office if they intend to resume their course of studies at a later date. Leaves of absence are granted for (but
are not limited to) the following:

• Pregnancy and/or child birth
• Death in the family
• Work related issues
• Personal Health Reasons
• Family Member Illness
• Child Care

A leave of absence for more than one (1) academic year will require that the student must re-apply for admission, `be accepted
to the MIB or CIB program and repeat any courses previously completed. A student returning to the MIB or CIB program in less
than one (1) academic year will be given credit for all coursework successfully completed up to the date the leave of absence
commenced, and will be readmitted upon payment of applicable tuition fees (which shall be pro-rated for the number of classes
previously successfully completed vs. the remaining required classes). Students taking a leave of absence shall be entitled to a
refund of tuition fees paid, as per the university’s reimbursement policy.

48 ISDI DIGITAL UNIVERSITY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

NOTICE CONCERNING STUDENT RECORDS
TRANSFERABILITY OF CREDITS
& CREDENTIALS EARNED AT ISDI ISDI Digital University holds itself responsible for maintaining all
DIGITAL UNIVERSITY academic data in digital form via its Delaware parent company
and will maintain secure paper records for students at its Registrar
NOTE: ISDI Digital University has NOT entered into an & Administrative office at its San Jose Campus at 101 West Santa
articulation or transfer agreement with any other college or Clara Street, San Jose, CA.
university.
Students may exercise their rights of access to their records,
The transferability of credits you earn at ISDI Digital University records correction, cancellation and objection on submission
is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you to the ISDI Digital University Management team at the San
may seek to transfer. Acceptance of the Master’s of Internet Jose campus. Student records, including transcripts, shall be
Business diploma and the Certificate of Internet Business you maintained by ISDI permanently. Institutional records shall be
earn at ISDI Digital University is also at the complete discretion maintained for a minimum of five (5) years, at ISDI’s principal
of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. It is the place of business. Storage of all financial and student records,
student’s responsibility to make certain that your attendance in digital form or printed form, are segregated by the following
at ISDI Digital University institution will meet your educational categories:
goals.
• Admissions Records
NON-ACCREDITATION • Academic Records
• Accounting Records
ISDI Digital University, the MIB degree, and the CIB certificate • Immigration Records
programs offered through ISDI Digital University are NOT Servers for all data storage are located in a secured area, backed
accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United up on a daily basis, and appropriately firewalled with restricted
States Department of Education. Prospective students should access to ensure confidentiality of all data stored.
be aware of the following:
STUDENT HOUSING
A degree program that is unaccredited or a degree from
an unaccredited institution is not recognized for some ISDI Digital University does not provide housing or dormitory
employment positions, including, but not limited to, facilities. The campus is centrally located in downtown San Jose,
positions with the State of California. Students enrolled in an CA, which does offer a variety of apartments and condominiums
unaccredited institution are NOT eligible for federal financial available for rent.
aid programs. NOTE: housing in San Jose is quite expensive when compared to
geographies outside of the San Francisco Bay area:

• Studio or one (1) bedroom apartments can range from $2,500
to $3,800 per month depending on location and total square
feet of living space

• Two (2) bedroom apartments can range from $3,500 to
$5,000 per month depending on location and total square
feet of living space

NOTE: ISDI Digital University assumes no responsibility to find or
assist students in finding housing.


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