Academic Information

Transfer Credit

From Other Colleges to Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC)

We accept transfer credit from colleges and universities accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or its regional counterparts. When examining transcripts from other colleges, EICC may accept the credit given to a student who has done successful work at another college provided our evaluation determines that the work was from an institution accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education. Credit for equivalent courses will be accepted to satisfy specific course requirements for graduation. The transfer credit you receive may vary depending on the academic program you choose, and college registrars will decide on elective credit or course substitutions on an individual basis. Transfer credit will be recorded on your EICC transcript after you have requested a transcript evaluation. Transfer grades are not used in your EICC grade point average.

From Career and Technical to Arts and Sciences Programs

If you earn credit in career and technical courses at EICC or other accredited institutions, a maximum of 16 hours of that credit may be accepted as elective credit for an Arts and Sciences degree. See the College Registrar for complete details.

We reserve the right to refuse credit earned more than 10 years before your proposed program completion date. All credit you earn at one of our colleges will transfer to another EICC college, with the limitations outlined above.

Admission on Restricted Status

If you have been dismissed from another institution or were not in good standing when you left, you still may be admitted to Eastern Iowa Community Colleges on a “restricted status.” The College may limit your class load and course selection if you want to enroll for more than six credits while you are on “restricted status.” We may also require supplemental assessment, counseling and other forms of assistance to help promote your academic success.

Assessment of General Education at EICC

Assessment is the systematic collection, review, and use of information about educational programs undertaken for the purpose of improving student learning and development (Banta and Paloma). The critical value of assessment is that faculty members have data or concrete information that can be used to make informed, strategic decisions to improve student learning.

In October of 2017, at the request of the faculty, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges adopted the Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP) Essential Learning Outcomes (referred to as the LEAP goals) from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) as the basis for EICC’s General Education Goals to be assessed.

The LEAP goals were developed through a multi-year dialogue with hundreds of colleges and universities about needed goals for student learning; analysis of a long series of recommendations and reports from the business community; and analysis of the accreditation requirements for engineering, business, nursing, and teacher education. For further information and to see a complete list of the LEAP Essential Learning Outcomes, see https://www.aacu.org/trending-topics/essential-learning-outcomes.

After curriculum mapping activities and several discussions with faculty, administration, and district councils, it was determined that EICC would focus on Teamwork, Intercultural Knowledge and Competence, Problem Solving, and Critical Thinking for the current four-year assessment cycle, with the possibility of adding more during the next cycle.

Intercultural Knowledge and Competence was changed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to be more inclusive and to reflect diversity initiatives at EICC.

In addition to these four LEAP goals, it was also decided that General Education discipline-areas and CTE programs would develop discipline-specific or program-level learning outcomes during the General Education program review process. 

The chosen goals are assessed according to the EICC Assessment Plan. Student work will be sampled regularly for EICC faculty review for the attainment of the goals. Results will be used to make changes in curriculum and instructional approaches to improve the achievement levels of the goals.

In addition to General Education goals, course-level student learning outcomes can be found in each course’s Course Development Model (CDM). All faculty base their course plans on the outcomes articulated in the CDMs. The CDMs are written by EICC faculty within the discipline for the course, and approved through course approval processes at EICC. All CDMs are reviewed and updated by discipline faculty during the Arts & Science and CTE program review process every four years.

Graduation Requirements

At Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges, you can earn a degree, diploma, or certificate. The Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees are designed for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, while the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree will prepare you to enter a specific occupational field.

Associate of Arts (AA) Degree

To earn an Associate of Arts (AA) degree, you must complete at least 62 credit hours with a 2.0 GPA or better. The minimum general education requirements for the AA degree are listed below.

General Education Requirements for Associate of Arts Degrees  

1. Students may choose to demonstrate computer skills proficiency by exam and complete an elective in lieu of a computer skills course.
2. A maximum of 16 credit hours of Career and Technical Education credit may be accepted as electives.
3. A maximum of four credit hours of Student Development (SDV) courses may be counted toward the AA degree.
4. All course work for the AA degree must be numbered at the 100 level or higher.

Associate of Science (AS) Degree

To earn an Associate of Science (AS) degree, you must complete at least 62 credit hours with a 2.0 GPA or better. The minimum general education requirements for the AS degree are listed below.

General Education Requirements for Associate of Science Degrees   

1. Students may choose to demonstrate computer skills proficiency by exam and complete an elective in lieu of a computer skills course.
2. A maximum of 16 credit hours of Career and Technical Education credit may be accepted as electives.
3. A maximum of four credit hours of Student Development (SDV) courses may be counted toward the AS degree.
4. The following courses do not count towards the 24 credits required in the Math/Natural Sciences category: MAT-104, MAT-139, MAT-142, MAT-143, MAT-144, MAT-145, MAT-720, MAT-721, MAT-722, MAT-723, MAT-724, MAT-725, MAT-733, MAT-734, MAT-743, MAT-748, MAT-767, PHY-130, PHY-135, PHY-173, PHY-174, PHY-175, PHY-176, PHY-181, PHY-182, PHY-184
5. All course work for the AS degree must be numbered at the 100 level or higher.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree

To earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, you must complete the general educational and technical competency requirements of a two-year technical program with a GPA of 2.0 or better in your award major. These programs are designed to prepare you for skilled employment in your chosen area; they are not designed for transfer to a four-year college or university. AAS degree requirements include a minimum of 15 credit hours of general education, including one course each in Communications, Humanities or Social Sciences, and Math or Science. AAS degrees vary by program in the number of credit hours required for completion and range between 62-86 total credits. All course work must be at the 100 level or above.

Diploma Programs

Diplomas are awarded if you successfully complete a program with fewer than 49 but more than 31 credit hours, and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better in your award major. These programs will prepare you for entry-level employment in a specific field. Diploma programs emphasize technical skills and related general education courses that will give you the skills necessary to succeed in the working world. Minimum general education requirements for a diploma include three credit hours in Communications, Social Sciences, Humanities, Math or Science. All course work must be at the 100 level or above. 

Certificate Programs

When you successfully complete a designated program with fewer than 32 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or better in your award major, you will earn a certificate. The certificate means you have attained the minimum competencies in your chosen area. All course work must be at the 100 level or above. 

Graduation GPA and Residency Requirements

You are considered a candidate for graduation when you have completed specific course requirements for an AA or AS degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. You are considered a candidate for graduation when you have completed specific course requirements for an AAS degree, diploma or certificate with a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the award major. Sixteen of your final 32 credit hours or half of the final 50 percent of credit hours - whichever is the lesser number - must be taken at EICC.

Academic Requirements

Academic Standing

At the end of each term your instructors will assign grades to assess your performance and encourage you to do your best work. The College will calculate term and cumulative grade point averages (GPA) and record those on a grade record you may access online. GPA is determined using this formula:

To determine the GPA, divide your total grade points by the number of your total credit hours. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 in your award major is required to earn any degree, diploma or certificate.

If you receive Veterans Educational Benefits or other types of financial aid, you must meet any academic progress and attendance requirements determined by college policy and the agency that has granted your financial assistance.

Grading and Transcript Designations

Our grades and transcript designations conform to the Iowa Department of Education’s Common Grading Symbols and Definitions Agreement.

Marking System

A - Excellent Performance

B - Above Average Performance

C - Average Performance

D - Below Average Performance

F - Failure. No credit granted or grade points are awarded, but the credits attempted are figured into GPA as zeros.

“F” grades are given for poor performance, poor attendance, failure to officially withdraw, or failure to meet makeup requirements for an Incomplete grade.

I - Failure to complete required work due to justifiable extenuating circumstances

W - Official withdrawal from a course. You may drop a class with a grade of “W” until two weeks prior to the end of the semester for a full semester class. You have one week prior to the end of the course during the summer or short-term sessions. Failure to follow the procedures for dropping a class will result in your earned grade for the course, which may be an earned “F” grade.

N - Audit. Audit is a “no credit/no pass” grade that you may choose during registration or within 10 days of class start date. When you audit a course, you and your instructor will agree on your attendance and participation in class activities. The Audit option is offered only on a space-available basis. You must complete the audit form two weeks prior to the last day of the semester.

P - Given when you pass a course and earn credit without grade points being awarded. 

O - Fresh Start Grade

Prerequisite Course Grade Recommendation

Faculty members recommend a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses. Please consult your advisor or department chair if you receive a D in a prerequisite course. Specific course prerequisite(s) are indicated in the course descriptions.

Satisfactory Progress

We encourage you to maintain satisfactory academic progress while a student at EICC. The minimum satisfactory academic progress is a cumulative grade point average of 2.0. At any point in your career that your cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0, you may be placed on academic probation. An academic advisor will help you develop a plan of action to improve your grades. That plan may include a restriction on the number of credit hours you may take, and additional assistance and other developmental requirements.

If you are an official full-time student after the add-drop period, you must successfully complete at least eight credit hours of credit. If you are enrolled for six to 11 credit hours, you will need to successfully complete at least six credit hours. You may be placed on academic probation if you do not meet these requirements.

When the requirements of your program are higher than the minimum standards listed here, your program requirements will apply. It is your responsibility to know and follow your program requirements.

If at the end of your probationary term you are unable to meet the minimum standards, we may recommend additional corrective steps or academic suspension. After a one-term absence for academic suspension (not including the summer session), you may be readmitted on probation.

Types of Credit

Any credit you receive in an Arts and Sciences course with a course number of 100 or above is considered transferable. Credit received in Career and Technical Education courses with course numbers 100 or above is generally not transferable, although some four-year colleges and universities may choose to award credit. Credit from courses numbered below 100 is generally not transferable, nor is credit for continuing education contact hours or Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Credit Transfer

EICC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, so your Arts and Sciences credits from here will normally transfer to any regionally accredited U.S. institution. Your AA degree from an EICC college will satisfy the general education requirements at many four-year institutions.

Articulation

We have articulation agreements with local high schools and regional four-year colleges and universities so that you are assured of being prepared to transfer successfully. If you are planning to transfer to a four-year institution, talk to your academic advisor and the transfer admissions office of the college you plan to attend to make sure you meet all the requirements for transferring your course work from EICC.

Joint Admission

By applying for joint admission, you may be admitted to both EICC and a transfer institution at the same time. Advisers from both colleges will help you plan your course work to ensure a smooth transfer process. EICC has signed Joint Admission Agreements or Admission Partnership Programs with the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, St. Ambrose University, Palmer College of Chiropractic, University of Northern Iowa, Clark University, Western Illinois University, and Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Class Standing

Freshmen are students who have completed less than 30 credit hours; students with 30 or more credits are classified as sophomores.

Academic Honors

Each term we recognize students who have achieved outstanding academic success. If you complete six or more credit hours during a term with a 4.0 GPA, you will be named to the President’s List. The Dean’s List includes students with a 3.5 or better GPA for six or more credit hours during a term. Incomplete or blank grades at the time lists are calculated will disqualify you from the list.

Honor Graduates

Honor Graduates are those with a final cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better for all course work completed toward graduation.

Incomplete Grades

Incomplete grades (I) are given for work that is not completed during an academic term due to justifiable extenuating circumstances. To qualify for an “I” grade, you will need to sign an Incomplete Contract Agreement with the class instructor and submit it to the College Registrar. Work must be completed and turned in to the instructor no later than mid-term of the following semester (not including summer sessions). Courses not completed by that time will receive an “F” grade.

Withdrawal from College

If you need to withdraw from the college for any reason, please see the Student Services office for the appropriate paperwork. Deadlines and conditions for withdrawal are the same as those for withdrawal from an individual course (see Adding a Class and Dropping a Class).

Be sure to follow the proper procedures when withdrawing or you may forfeit your rights to any refund to which you may be entitled; and may receive grades of “F” in your courses.

Catalog Program Requirements

You may choose to graduate under the requirements of a prior EICC catalog as long as you were enrolled under that catalog and have been continuously enrolled in the College. Continuous enrollment means you have earned credit during an academic year. When program requirements change, course substitutions may be considered for the student at the discretion of the academic dean. It is best to graduate under the most current catalog requirements, especially if you plan to transfer to a four-year college or if you are enrolled in a program requiring specialized accreditation.

Program Discontinuation

If EICC determines a Career and Technical Education Program (AAS, Diploma, and Certificate Award) is to be discontinued, it will be announced prior to the ending of the program. Students enrolled in the program will have one year from the time of the announcement to complete program graduation requirements.

Fresh Start

If you are a student returning to EICC to pursue a degree or diploma after an absence of three or more consecutive years, you may request permission to remove one or more entire academic terms from future degree and GPA considerations. Contact the Dean of Student Development for additional information.

Credit for Prior Learning

You may have gained knowledge from work, military, or life experiences that could be considered for college credit. Contact the college’s Dean of Adult Education for more information concerning Credit for Prior Learning.

Online Options

Since 2001, EICC has been offering affordable, quality online education through a supporting, innovative partnership with Iowa Community Colleges Online Consortium (ICCOC). Through ICCOC, EICC offers courses, degrees, certificates, and diplomas online.

Many of EICC’s programs have courses that can be taken online, and several of EICC’s Career and Technical programs are completely online: Administrative Office Professional, Cancer Information Management, Environmental Health and Safety, Graphic Arts Technology, Health Information Management, Information Technology - Augmented and Virtual Reality, and Supply Chain and Logistics.

To register for an online class, a student must first apply for admission at EICC. The schedule of online courses is on the EICC website. An academic advisor can answer any questions about the online courses being offered, as well as what courses may be taken to complete a degree or program. The academic advisor can also assist students in their enrollment in online courses and programs.

Alternative Delivery

EICC offers many options for course delivery. 

PLUS: This course is offered on-campus.

LIVE: This course is offered via live-stream at scheduled times.

ONWL: This course is offered on-campus, and a portion of the course material is also delivered online.

LOWL: This course is offered on-campus, and a portion of the course is also delivered via live-stream at scheduled times.

CAMPUS HYBRID: This course is offered on-campus, and a portion of the course material is also delivered online.

PSI: Personalized System of Instruction - These are independent study classes in which the instructor assigns the student exercises and readings to be completed at home. The instructor is available for consultation during office hours, in special class meetings, by telephone or by e-mail. There may be exams to e taken at home or in the testing center.

STUDY ABROAD: There are opportunities for students to gain college credit for study overseas. Financial aid funds may be available for student abroad programs. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for eligible criteria. Please check with the Registrar’s office or the EICC website to learn about the opportunities offered. 

Student Handbook

For additional information about policies, procedures, and services at Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott Community Colleges, please refer to the online Student Handbook.

The Handbook includes information on student rights and responsibilities, student conduct and discipline policies, academic policies and appeal processes, financial aid policies, campus security, and more.

Student Learning Assessment

In addition to traditional classroom assessments such as grades, you may be asked to participate in program assessments throughout your college experience. While faculty use classroom assessment to determine an individual student’s progress in a course, EICC uses other tools to measure the effectiveness of its programs. You will receive your academic testing results.

You may also be surveyed regarding your satisfaction level with college programs and services. These assessments help the District target areas to improve student services and also ensure the College complies with the Iowa Department of Education and Higher Learning Commission accreditation requirements.

Methods of Delivery and Instruction

EICC offers classes in a variety of delivery and instructional methods. All classes are taught by qualified college instructors and provide comparable content and rigor, regardless of delivery or instructional method. Each course at EICC utilizes the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) to support teaching and learning, including course materials, grading, and tools that support student success. EICC’s eLearning and instructional technology department provides guidance and support to students, faculty, and staff regarding the use of the Canvas LMS and distance technologies.

Classroom Plus (Campus-based)

All classroom-based courses (also known as face-to-face or F2F) use the college’s Canvas LMS. These courses are supplemented with tools that provide online access to grading, assignment submission, testing, and other options and provide a common location for the storage of supporting materials and the ability to engage in electronic communication outside of the classroom.

Live Online (Zoom)

Courses delivered in a Live Online format use Zoom videoconferencing tools to offer live instruction. These courses have regular class meeting times scheduled each week. Attendance is expected. Students may access Live Online classes from one of the colleges across EICC and their homes or surrounding communities. Using Zoom, the instructor and students engage in classroom activities in real-time regardless of location. Streaming classes can be combined with the hybrid format, offering the ultimate flexible teaching and learning options.

Online (Canvas)

Online courses are delivered entirely remotely using the Canvas LMS and web technologies. Students and faculty can access and participate in these courses regardless of location or time of day. There is no classroom attendance requirement. However, the courses are not self-paced, require regular weekly engagement, and adhere to term start and end dates.

Hybrid (Blended)

Hybrid courses are delivered with a combination of online and classroom-based instruction. Time in the classroom is reduced and is supplanted by instruction using the Canvas LMS. The balance of on-campus and online instruction creates a flexible alternative for individuals who need to balance work or other priorities.

Discipline Prefix Guide