Student Information

Admissions

General Policy

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) believe in equal educational opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, age, handicap or disability in the educational programs and activities it operates.

Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott Community Colleges have an open admission policy, which means that anyone 16 years of age may apply, even without a high school diploma. Admission to the college does not automatically guarantee admission to all programs of study; you will need to meet the specific requirements for your chosen program. The colleges reserve the right to deny admission, re-admission or re-enrollment to anyone who may pose a risk to the best interests of the college community. The colleges reserve the right to guide your placement in programs and courses based on assessment interviews and past academic experience.

All new students must complete an orientation session prior to registration.

You may take up to six credit hours without providing transcripts from high school or other colleges you have attended, submitting ACT scores or taking entering assessments. But to be officially admitted to a degree or certificate program, you must meet the total admission requirements of the college and the program.

Concurrent Enrollment

You may enroll in classes at more than one of our colleges or at one of our colleges and any other institution. If you are receiving financial aid, you must notify the financial aid officers at all institutions in which you are enrolled.

High School Students

Eligible high school students may be accepted for admission to EICC under Iowa’s Senior Year Plus. Approval by your high school is mandatory before you may be accepted under this program.

EICC offers the opportunity for high school students to enroll in credit classes in our College Connections program. High school applicants requesting admission must:

1. Complete an Admission Application.
2. Submit the written approval form signed by the student, a parent/guardian (if the student is under 18 years old), and the high school counselor or principal.
3. Submit a High School transcript.
4. Complete entering assessment or submit ACT scores. Course placement will be mandatory based on entering assessment, ACT scores, ALEKS placement, or high school GPA.
5. Meet with EICC advisor/high school counselor prior to registration.

Pre-High School Students- Special Status Admission

EICC will consider the admission of a Pre-High School student to credit classes as long as the student is currently enrolled in public or private schools. Enrollment may be considered as enrichment but is not intended to substitute for the public or private school experience.

Students may apply to the college for “special status” consideration for admittance.

Completion of all the steps below is necessary before an admission decision is determined and a student who is not at least a freshman in high school is enrolled.

1. Complete an Admission Application.
2. Students must provide a current copy of a signed permission agreement by the appropriate school system and the authorizing parent or guardian. Such documentation must be provided to the Dean of Student Development prior to admission to the College.
3. Prior to admission, an applicant who does not have a high school diploma will be required to demonstrate that they possess specific prerequisite skills by taking entering assessments or submitting ACT scores.
4. The College reserves the right to limit the number of courses and which type of courses a student may take. Additionally the student will be required to meet with a college advisor when selecting courses for registration. “Special Status” admissions must be approved by the Dean of Student Development.

Home School Students - Special Status Admission

EICC will consider the admission of a student to credit classes who is not attending a public or private school, and is currently enrolled as a home school student. Students may apply to the college for “special status” consideration for admittance. Enrollment may be considered as enrichment to the home school program, but is not intended to substitute for the home school experience.

The following policies and procedures will apply to the enrollment of home school students:

1. Students must complete an Admission Application.
2. Students must provide a current copy of a signed home school permission agreement between the appropriate school system and the authorizing parent or guardian. Such documentation must be provided to the Dean of Student Development prior to admission to the College.
3. Prior to admission, applicants who do not have a high school diploma will be required to demonstrate that they possess specific prerequisite skills by taking the entering assessments or submitting ACT scores.
4. The College reserves the right to limit the number of courses and the type of courses a student may take. Additionally the student will be required to meet with a college advisor when selecting courses for registration. “Special Status” admissions must be approved by the Dean of Student Development.

Application Procedures

To apply for admission to Clinton, Muscatine or Scott Community College, you will need to:

1. Submit an application for admission. If you are applying to more than one EICC college, you only need to submit one application.
2. Send official transcripts from any other college you have attended if you have previous college credit. Direct your requests for evaluation of transfer credit to the College Registrar.
3. Provide assessment scores from ACT, high school transcript, or take the assessment required.

Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

International Student Admissions

In addition to following application procedures, international students will need to supply:

1. Evidence of proficiency in the English language (in the form of Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFL; EICC requires a score of 500 or better on the paper test, 173 on the CBT, 61 on the IBT).
2. A completed Statement of Financial Support. Forms are available from the Admissions Office.

International students are required to maintain health insurance coverage while enrolled.

Guest International Student Admissions

If you are an international student on an I-20 with another college, you will need to provide the following:

1. A copy of I-20.
2. A copy of VISA.

Re-enrollment

To be readmitted to Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, you must meet all applicable admission requirements. You may be readmitted to a Career and Technical Education program subject to availability of space in the program and an evaluation of your previous progress.

Transfer Credit

From Other Colleges to EICC

We accept transfer credit from colleges and universities accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or its regional counterparts. 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.

Special Student Admission

Veterans and Military Personnel

We are a Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) and participate in the Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP). This program allows enlistees to enroll in college at the same time they are serving in the military.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges have been approved and listed with the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding and the President’s Executive Order of the ‘Principles of Excellence’ as in compliance with the guidelines of best practices to support our Military and Veteran Students and their family members.

We work closely with Education Service Officers from all five branches for active-duty, reservists, and Iowa National Guard members with their state and federal tuition assistance. Our certificate and degree programs are listed in the GOARMYED website.

EICC is named as a CHAMPS (Certified Higher Academic Military Partner School) by the Iowa Home-based initiative signed by Governor Branstad on November 12, 2013.

Our Career and Technical Education certificate and degree programs are listed with the Service Member’s Opportunity College in partnership with the DOD MOU to recruit students into the high-demand jobs per the U.S. Department of Labor.

All of our programs are approved by the Iowa Department of Education for veterans benefits for students eligible under the GI and Post 9/11 Bills. If you are a veteran of the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserve, contact the VA Certifying Official early in the application process to certify your status and benefits. If you have earned credit through civilian or military education, the College Registrar may evaluate that credit for transfer evaluation.

Gold Star family members and spouses/children of Veterans who are 100% disabled due to service connected disabilities are entitled to the Dependent’s Education Assistance program. In addition, there are other financial opportunities for all Veterans/Military and their family members at your campus and in the community.

To receive educational assistance from the Veterans Administration, you must meet “pursuit of education and academic standards” established by the VA and college policy. You are responsible for knowing and following policies that apply to you as a veteran. For information about these policies, including pursuit of education, satisfactory progress, verification, benefit and to answer other questions about veteran students, see your VA Certifying Official.

Residency Status for Military Personnel and Veterans

Active duty military personnel and military service veterans, as well as their spouses and dependent children, are considered to be Iowa residents for admission, tuition and fee purposes at EICC.

Senior Citizens

If you are 62 years or older and live in our service area, you may register for on-campus credit courses on a space available basis at a cost of $10.00 per credit hour plus fees. Special registration for seniors is the first five days of classes.

Guest Students

Guest students are students who intend to enroll with Eastern Iowa Community Colleges on a part-time basis while enrolled in another college or university. The student should be actively enrolled and in good standing with their “home” college or university.

Audit or CEU

Audit enrollment in courses provides students the opportunity to attend a class as a noncredit participant, usually as a listener-observer. Students may enroll in most courses on an audit basis with instructor approval. Audit enrollment may be denied in select courses based on prerequisite knowledge or skills, high demand, or other criteria. To audit a class, register as usual; tuition and fees will be the same as if you were taking the course for credit. You won’t receive credit for the course, but your transcript will reflect the audit with an “N” grade. You cannot receive financial aid for a course you chose to audit.

Registration

New Student Bridge Orientation

New students are required to complete a Bridge Orientation. During the orientation, students will be provided an orientation to the College and available services.

Registration Procedures

To enroll in classes you must meet with an advisor for your first two semesters and complete the appropriate forms. After the successful completion of two semesters, you may log on to www.eicc.edu and follow the link to enroll online. Students may enroll in a maximum of six hours before meeting with an advisor.

Early Registration

Early registration allows you to choose courses and establish your schedule for the next term if your tuition and fees are paid by the designated due date. For some programs, a non-refundable fee (which will be applied toward tuition) may be required when you register or are admitted.

Changing Your Registration

Adding a Class

To add a class, you may meet with an advisor and complete the appropriate form, or log on to EICConnect and follow the ebridge link to add the class.

Dropping a Class

To drop a class you may meet with an advisor and complete the appropriate form, or log on to EICConnect and follow the ebridge link to drop the class. You may drop a class with a grade of “W” until two weeks prior to the first day of final examinations for a full semester class. You have one week prior to the end of the term during the summer or short term sessions. Failure to follow the above procedures will result in your earned grade for the course.

Withdrawing from College

You may meet with an advisor and complete the appropriate form, or log on to EICConnect and follow the ebridge link to withdraw from all of your classes. NOTE: Check the Tuition and Fees Refund policy for a possible refund.

Course Repeats

Courses must be taken within EICC to be considered repeat courses. The grade and credits earned in the most recent course repeat will be used to calculate your cumulative grade point average and will be applied to your degree or program requirements. Once a degree is awarded, if you choose to repeat a course both grades will be calculated in your GPA.

Academic Load

A full-time academic load is 12-18 credit hours per term. You are considered a part-time student if you take 11 or fewer credit hours.

If you’d like to take more than 18 credits in the fall or spring terms or more than 12 credits during the summer term, you will need permission from the Dean of Student Development. Usually the Dean will grant permission only to students who maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and plan to carry no more than 21 credit hours. If you are enrolled in a program that requires more than 18 credit hours per term, you may register without special permission.

Class Attendance

Faculty members determine attendance requirements for their classes. As a student, you are responsible for knowing and following class attendance guidelines.

Graduation

Applications for graduation are due by the fifth day of classes of the semester in which you plan to graduate. For summer graduates, the applications are due by the fifth day of classes of the spring semester.

You are responsible for making sure that all of your financial obligations to the college are paid before you may graduate.

Educational Costs

We work hard to provide the highest quality instruction at the lowest possible cost. Costs at EICC will vary based on your state of residence, fees, books and materials for your program. All costs are subject to change. Please contact the Business Office for a current tuition and fee schedule.

Tuition

Tuition is based on residence and class load. For non-Iowa residents, tuition is 1.5 times the rate for Iowa residents.

Illinois Border County Tuition

Beginning with the FY2016 acceptance year, the tuition rate for Illinois residents residing in Carroll, Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside counties will be the same rate as the tuition rate for online courses.

Books and Supplies

Your costs will vary depending on the program you choose, but you should expect books and supplies to be a significant expense. Career and Technical Education programs may also require tools or uniforms. Contact the Barnes and Noble bookstore for more detailed information.

Transcript Recording Fees

The College charges $9 per credit hour to record credit you have earned through tests and other types of non-traditional credit. For example, if you take a CLEP test and earn three hours of credit in English, you would pay $27 to have that credit recorded on your transcript.

Tuition Refunds

If you withdraw from the College, be sure to complete the necessary withdrawal forms to make sure you do not jeopardize your academic standing. If you are eligible for a refund, tuition dollars will be refunded according to the following scale:

• Courses that are 16 weeks in length:

100% Prior to the fifth day of classes

50% Prior to the end of the tenth day of classes

• Summer or shorter term courses:

100% During the first two days of the session

50% During the third through fifth days of the session

See the Registration Center for the specific course dates.

If classes are canceled by the college, tuition and fees will be refunded.

The same refund policy applies to official withdrawal from individual courses. Your refund will be the appropriate percentage between the tuition for your new load and the tuition for your original load. If you are officially enrolled and receiving Title IV funds (federal financial aid such as SEOG, Pell Grant, Federal loans), your refund will be determined using the Return of Title IV Funds calculation. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details. Contact the Business Office or College Registrar for refund deadlines for short-term programs.

Residency

You are considered an Iowa resident for tuition purposes if your legal residence is in Iowa and you have lived in the state for no less than 90 days prior to the start of the term for which residency is being requested. You are responsible for proving your in-state status. If you would like to apply to be reclassified from non-resident to resident status, fill out a Request for Residency Status form in the College Registrar’s office and provide the following support documents: rent receipts, or evidence of ownership of property in Iowa; and two of the following documents: Iowa income tax return, Iowa vehicle registration, Iowa driver’s license, Iowa voter registration card. The request for residency status must be filed prior to the end of the first week of classes during the fall and spring terms, and by the second day of the summer and short class sessions.

If you are reclassified as a resident, that reclassification becomes effective immediately and does not cover any term for which you previously have been enrolled. International students cannot establish residency while studying in this country on a temporary student visa. Contact the Admissions Office or College Registrar for more information.

Student Health Insurance

We encourage you to have health/accident insurance while enrolled at EICC. Please visit www.healthcare.gov for available insurance coverage.

Financial Aid

Your college education is an investment in your future. We are pleased to provide financial assistance to students who might otherwise not be able to attend college. If you are in need of financial assistance to attend school, please contact the Financial Aid Office. No student should ever withdraw from school for financial reasons without first talking to our financial aid staff to see if help is available.

Financial aid programs are constantly being reviewed by the state and federal governments. The outline below is meant to be a general overview. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Financial Aid General Policy

If you previously attended or are currently attending another institution, you must notify the Financial Aid Office. You cannot receive financial aid from two institutions during the same semester.

For specific information about Satisfactory Academic Progress or other financial aid policies, see the current Student Handbook or contact the Financial Aid Office.

To apply for federal and state financial aid, all students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Federal Assistance

Federal Pell Grant - a federally-funded program based on financial need and enrollment status. Students must not have a Bachelor’s or higher degree.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant - a federally-funded program administered by the College; priority must be given to Pell Grant recipients with the lowest family contribution. Students must not have a Bachelor’s or higher degree. Funding is limited.

Federal College Work Study - federally-funded part-time employment opportunities that allow students to work at an EICC site or at designated off campus locations. Students working at off campus locations will have the opportunity to work in community service positions or at elementary schools through the America Reads/America Counts programs. The amount students may earn is based on their financial need. Funding is limited.

William D. Ford Direct Loan Program - long term, low interest loans available to students and parents. These are also known as Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized). In addition to completing the FAFSA, you must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and an Entrance Counseling Form. Federal Direct Parent Loans for undergraduate students (PLUS) is available for parents of dependent students.

State Assistance

Iowa Vocational - Technical Tuition Grant - a state-funded grant for Iowa residents enrolled in Iowa community college Career and Technical Education programs who show financial need and meet the state’s priority deadline.

Iowa Skilled Workforce Shortage Tuition Grant (Kibbie Grant) - a state-funded program for Iowa residents enrolled in specified Career and Technical Education programs who show financial need and meet the state’s priority deadline.

Future Ready Iowa Skilled Workforce Last Dollar Scholarship Program (Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship)- a non-need based state-funded program for Iowa residents enrolled in specified Career and Technical Education programs at Iowa Community Colleges and eligible private colleges and universities. Scholarships amount to the remaining tuition and institution-wide mandatory fees charged after other federal and state scholarship and grant aid have been awarded.

All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship - a state-funded scholarship program available to Iowa residents who begin their initial enrollment at an eligible college or university within two years of graduation from high school. Students must file a FAFSA application and the Iowa Financial Aid application by the state’s priority deadlines.

Education and Training Voucher (ETV) - grants available to Iowa residents aging out of the Iowa foster care system. Students must file a FAFSA application and the Iowa Financial Aid application by the state’s priority deadlines.

KAREN MISJAK GEAR UP IOWA SCHOLARSHIP-a non need-based scholarship program that assists students in the 2.0 GEAR UP Iowa cohort with the cost of postsecondary education.

Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship - financial assistance for eligible members of the Iowa National Guard. Contact your Commanding Officer for an application, eligibility, and deadline requirements.

Veterans Educational Benefits - financial assistance for veterans of the Armed Forces, National Guard or Reserves, or widows, widowers and children of disabled or deceased veterans. Contact your College Registrar for VA certifying official or eligibility and application information.

EICC Programs

EICC Tuition Grant - funded by EICC, this grant assists students who meet certain criteria. Funding is limited.

College Foundation Scholarships - each college provides scholarships from local resources. Contact the Financial Aid or Foundation Office for information.

Other Forms of Assistance - many employers or area organizations (civic, ethnic, religious, etc.) offer financial assistance. Contact the organization or your employer for more information.

State-based Student Complaints Process

The Iowa College Student Aid Commission (the Commission) has overarching, statutory authority under Iowa Code Chapter 261B to determine the registration (i.e., licensure or authorization) status of postsecondary educational institutions that operate at a physical location within the State of Iowa or that offer distance education courses and programs to Iowa residents. In addition, the Commission administers provisions of Iowa’s student consumer protection laws in Iowa Code Section 714, 18, 714.19, 714.23, 714.24 that address financial responsibility for certain educational institutions, and, for proprietary institutions, a tuition refund policy for withdrawn students.

Persons who have questions about a postsecondary educational institution’s compliance with Iowa Code Chapter 261B, and Iowa Code Sections 714.18, 714.19, 714.23, and 714.24 should contact:

J. Carolyn Small
Postsecondary Registration Administrator
Iowa College Student Aid Commission
515-725-3413
Carolyn.small@iowa.gov

In addition, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission maintains a Constituent Request for Review process that meets the conditions of federal regulations in 34 CFR 600.9(a)(1). These regulations state that a postsecondary educational institution located in a State is legally authorized by the State, in part, if the State has a process to review and appropriately act on complaints concerning the institution. The Commission accepts complaints from any student attending any postsecondary educational institution located in Iowa, and from any Iowa resident attending a postsecondary educational institution located in any other State.

A student may initiate the Constituent Request for Review process at http://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/constituentrequest.asp.

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 multiyear 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 www.aacu.org/leap.

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 and General Education 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.

Courses that satisfy specific requirements for AA concentration areas.  

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.

Courses that satisfy requirements for specific AS concentration areas.  

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. 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. See specific requirements for AAS program here .

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. See specific requirements listed for diploma programs here .

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. See specific requirements listed for certificate programs here .

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

An “I” grade means you have asked for and received permission from your instructor to complete the required course work no later than mid-term of the following academic term, not including summer sessions. Failure to complete the work in that time frame will result in an “F” grade.

W - Official withdrawal from a course. To qualify for a “W” grade, you must complete the withdrawal form two weeks prior to the first day of final exams. Contact the College Registrar for summer and short term withdrawal dates. If you leave a course without officially withdrawing, you will receive an “F” or the grade that reflects your course performance.

N - Audit. Audit is a “no credit/no pass” grade that you can use for several purposes: you may choose it during registration instead of a course grade; or in place of withdrawal with instructor permission if you are already enrolled in a course; OR the college may award the “N” grade to students in developmental courses who do not make sufficient progress to move into credit courses. 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 by the end of the 10th day prior to the first day of final exams.

P - Given when you pass a course and earn credit without grade points being awarded. Courses transferred into EICC with a “P” grade are considered to be credit without being calculated into your GPA.

R - Course has been repeated.

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.

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.

Transfer Guarantee

Our Transfer Guarantee is a written contract completed at the beginning of your academic career at Clinton, Muscatine, or Scott Community Colleges. It outlines your plan of transfer and provides the requirements so that if any of the credits in your Associate of Arts (AA) degree do not transfer to the six participating colleges and universities, you will be able to retake coursework at no cost at EICC. These institutions are Iowa State University, Iowa Wesleyan University, St. Ambrose University, University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, and Western Illinois University. Talk to the Dean of Student Development for more details, or go to EICConnect.

Joint Admission

By applying for joint admission, you may be admitted to both EICC and a transfer institution at the same time. Advisors 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 (each semester). 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 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.

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.

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 Academic Dean 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: Cancer Information Management, Health Information Technology, and Environmental Health and Safety.

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. Visit www.eicc.edu for information about these options.

Our colleges also offer opportunities for study abroad. Please contact the Student Development Department or your advisor for more information.

Student Handbook

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

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 Instruction

eLearning - EICC’s eLearning department provides guidance and support for online, hybrid, streaming, and e-companion courses throughout the district. Staff provides personal assistance to students, faculty, and staff with regard to implementation and best practices related to distance technologies. Each course at EICC utilizes the Learning Management System (LMS) to provide online grading and supplemental materials and tools that support student success.

Online - Online courses are delivered completely utilizing web technologies. Students and faculty typically participate in these courses from a distance - although they may be accessed anywhere there is Internet access, including all EICC campuses and centers. There is no classroom requirement in this format, however, the courses are not self-paced. Classes are taught by college instructors and provide the same academic rigor provided in the classroom delivery format.

Hybrid - Also referred to as ‘blended’, hybrid courses are delivered with a combination of online and classroom-based instruction. Time in-class is supplanted by instruction utilizing an online Learning Management System. The reduced time on campus creates a flexible alternative for individuals who need to balance work or other priorities.

Streaming - Courses delivered in the streaming format make use of videoconferencing tools to expand geographical access to classes across the EICC district. Using live audio/video software, classes may be streamed to multiple locations, creating options that are closer to your home or work. Students from all locations may attend at their nearest center and participate in group discussions with individuals from other communities and campuses. Sometimes combined with the hybrid format, we offer the ultimate flexible options for teaching and learning.

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

Confidentiality of Student Records

Our faculty and staff use records to meet the needs of individual students and help develop ways to improve programs, services, and academic success. Student records are regarded as confidential. EICC will not provide names and addresses to outside agencies for commercial use or any information about academic records without your written consent or under specific guidelines set out in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.

The College may release the following types of information to the public as the College sees fit, keeping in mind the privacy of the student and the totality of the surrounding circumstances: name, address, telephone listing, email address, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, academic honor rolls, degrees and awards received, full-time/part-time status, most recent previous school or institution attended by the student, and photograph and likeness, artwork, or writing.

Students objecting to the public release of such information must file a written objection with the Registrar’s Office within 30 calendar days of the beginning of the term in which they first enroll during that year. It is necessary for students to renew their objection at the beginning of each school year.

Students wishing to review the entire EICC policy on student rights may request the EICC policy from the Dean of Student Development.

Please consult your current online Student Handbook at www.eicc.edu/about-eicc/student-handbook/records.aspx for more detailed information about confidentiality of student records.

Online Voter Registration

www.sos.state.ia.us/elections