Strategic Initiatives

Marilyn Shuler Human Rights Initiative

Sparked by a gift from Idaho’s longtime human rights leader Marilyn Shuler, the Initiative endeavors to offer:

An academic certificate program in human rights education and advocacy that will complement any academic major.
Open opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members to learn about human rights issues.
Collaborative opportunities and resources for people and groups doing human rights work on campus and in the community.

Our Surveys

The School of Public Service conducts surveys across the city, state and region to help decision-makers make informed decisions. Examples include:

Idaho Public Policy Survey. The annual survey asks a statistically significant sample of Idaho adults about public policy issues of interest to researchers, the media and the public.

The Treasure Valley Community Survey. The Annual Treasure Valley Survey surveys adults over the age of 18 who currently live in Ada, Canyon, Boise, Gem, and Owyhee counties. Recent surveys focused on growth in the Treasure Valley, along with the issues of transportation, housing, and taxes.

Surveys are currently being conducted for employers and utility companies across the region. Our team of researchers can customize a survey for your needs.

Academics Talking in Elevators — Click here for an interview with survey director Matthew May

Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Informations Systems (GIS), captures, stores, analyzes, manages, and presents spatial or geographic data. The School of Public Service has hired a new professor to teach in and administer Boise State growing program, which includes new online options. This initiative allows the School to partner with other academic units to prepare Boise State students for the 21st Century workforce. And just as importantly, it will allow us to better serve Idaho by providing relevant data to decision-makers.