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 U.S. 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. Contact the college Registrar for complete details. 

We reserve the right to refuse credit earned more than 10 year 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 were dismissed from another institution or were not in good standing when you left, you still may be admitted to EICC 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 a “restricted status”. We may also require supplemental assessment, counseling, and other forms of assistance to promote your academic success. 

Assessment 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 2017, EICC 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 Institutional Learning Outcomes to be assessed.

The LEAP goals were developed through discussion with hundreds of colleges and universities; analysis 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 discussions with faculty, administration, and district councils, EICC determined it 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, EICC 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 goals are assessed according to the EICC Assessment Plan. Student work will be sampled regularly and reviewed by EICC faculty to track attainment of the goals. Results will be used to make changes in curriculum and instruction to achieve the goals.

In addition to Institutional Learning Outcomes, course-level student learning outcomes are outlined in each Course Development Model (CDM). Faculty base course plans on the outcomes articulated in the CDMs, which are written by faculty within the discipline and pass EICC’s course approval process. All CDMs are reviewed and updated by faculty every fours years as part of the Arts & Science and CTE program review process.

What is General Education

EICC holds that general education is “that aspect of the instruction program which has as its fundamental purpose the integration and development of every student’s knowledge, skills, attitudes, and experience so that the student can engage effectively in a life-long process of inquiry and decision making.” (EICC General Education Goals, 2017)

As a result of their college studies, all EICC students should prepare for twenty-first century challenges by gaining:

1. Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World-Through study in the sciences and mathematics, social sciences humanities, histories, languages, and the arts.
2. Intellectual and Practical Skills, including inquiry and analysis; critical and creative thinking; written and oral communication; quantitative literacy; information literacy, and teamwork and problem-solving.
3. Personal and Social Responsibility, including knowledge and engagement-local and global; intercultural knowledge and competence; ethical reasoning and action; and foundations and skills for lifelong learning.
4. Integrative and Applied Learning, including synthesis and advanced accomplishments across general and specialized studies. 

Graduation Requirements

You can earn a certificate, diploma, or degree at any EICC campus. The Associate of Art (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees are designed for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree prepares you for a specific career 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. You 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 must be 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. You 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 AAS, complete the general educational and technical competency requirements of a two-year technical program with a 2.0 GPA 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 at least 15 credit hours of general education, including one course each in Communications, Humanities or Social Sciences, and Math or Science. Credit hour requirements for AAS degrees vary by program, and range between 62-86 total credits. All course work must be at 100 level or higher. 

Diploma Programs

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

Certificate Programs

Earn a certificate by successfully completing a designated program with fewer than 32 credit hours with a 2.0 GPA or better in your award major. A certificate means you have attained the minimum competencies in your chosen area. All course work must be at the 100 level or higher. 

Graduation GPA and Residency Requirements

You are considered a candidate for graduation when you’ve completed specific course requirements:

AA or AS degree: a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA or better.

AAS, Diploma, or Certificate: a minimum 2.0 GPA in the award major. 

Residency Requirement: Sixteen of your credit hours, or half of the final 50 percent of credit hours (whichever is the lesser number) must be completed at EICC. 

Academic Requirements

Academic Standing

At the end of each term your instructors will assign grades to assess your performance and assign grades. EICC calculates term and cumulative GPA and records 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. A grade of F may reflect poor performance, poor attendance, failure to officially withdraw, or failure to complete makeup requirements for an incomplete grade. 

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

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

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. Complete the audit form two weeks prior to the last day of the semester.

P - You passed 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 2.0 GPA. If it falls below 2.0, you may be placed on academic probation. At that point, you’ll work with an academic advisor to develop a plan of action to improve your grades. That plan may include a restriction on the number of credit hours you may take, 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 eleven 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 for an Arts and Sciences course numbered 100 or above is considered transferable. Credit received in Career and Technical Education courses numbered 100 or above are generally not transferable; although some four-year colleges and universities may choose to award credit.

Generally, credit from courses numbered below 100, continuing education contact hours, and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are not transferable. 

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 from EICC 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 to make your transfer smooth. Talk to your academic and the transfer admissions office at the college or university you plan to attend about 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. Advisors from both colleges will help you plan your course work to ensure a smooth transfer. EICC has 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; you are classified as a sophomore once you complete 30 or more credits. 

Academic Honors

Each term, EICC recognizes outstanding academic success. Complete six or more credit hours during a term with a 4.0 GPA and you’ll make the President’s List. Complete six or more credit hours during a term with a 3.5 GPA or better, and you’ll make the Dean’s List. Incomplete or blank grades at the time lists are calculated disqualify you from the list. 

Honor Graduates

Earn a cumulative 3.5 GPA in all coursework required for graduation and you will receive honors. 

Incomplete Grades

Incomplete grades (I) are given for work that is not completed during an academic term due to justifiable extenuating circumstances. To qualify, sign an Incomplete Contract Agreement with the class instructor and submit it to the college Registrar. You’ll have until the midterm of the following semester (not including summer session) to complete the work. If you don’t complete the course by the deadline, you will receive an F. 

Withdrawal from College

If you need to withdraw from EICC for any reason, contact Student Services for the appropriate paperwork. Withdrawal conditions and deadlines are the same as for an individual course (see Adding a Class or 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 receive an F in your courses. 

Catalog Program Requirements

You may choose to graduate under the requirements of a prior EICC catalog if 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 academic dean’s discretion. 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 holding specialized accreditation. 

Program Discontinuation

If a Career and Technical Education program (AAS, Diploma, or Certificate) is to be discontinued, EICC will announce it prior to ending the program. If you are enrolled in the program, you have one year from the time of the announcement to complete the requirements for graduation. 

Fresh Start

Returning to EICC to pursue a degree or diploma after an absence of three or more consecutive years? You can request that one or more previous academic terms be removed from future degree and GPA considerations. Contact the Dean of Student Development for additional information. 

Credit for Prior Learning

If you’ve built skills and knowledge from work, military, or life experiences, it could be considered for college credit. Contact the Dean of Adult Education for more information. 

Online Options

EICC offers affordable, quality online education through an innovative partnership known as the Iowa Community Colleges Online Consortium (ICCOC). Many EICC programs have courses that can be taken online, and several 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, first apply for admission at EICC. An academic advisor can answer questions about the courses being offered and what you need to take to earn a degree, diploma, or certificate. They will also help you get enrolled 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 you work to be completed at home. The instructor is available to you during office hours, in special class meetings, by telephone, or by e-mail. You may have to take exams at home or in the testing center.

STUDY ABROAD: You can gain college credit while studying overseas. Financial aid may be available for study abroad programs. Contact the Financial Aid Office to see if you are eligible and check with the Registrar’s office to learn about study abroad opportunities. 

Student Handbook

For additional information about policies, procedures, and services, 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

EICC may ask you to participate in assessments while you are a student. Faculty use classroom assessments to determine your course programs, and EICC uses other assessments to measure its programs’ effectiveness. You will receive your academic testing results. 

We may survey your satisfaction level with college programs and services. These help us improve student services and ensure the College complies with Iowa Department of Education and Higher Learning Commission accreditation requirements. 

Methods of Delivery and Instruction

All EICC classes are taught by qualified college instructors and provide comparable content and rigor, regardless of delivery or instructional method. Each course 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 can guide and support students, faculty, and staff on the use of 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. You have regular scheduled classes each week. Attendance is expected. You may access Live Online classes from any EICC campus, or at home or within your community. Zoom allows the instructor and class to engage in activities in real-time, regardless of location. Streaming services can be combined in a hybrid format. 

Online (Canvas)

Online courses are delivered remotely using Canvas LMS and web technologies. You can access and participate in these courses regardless of time or location. These 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 in-person classroom instruction. The balance of on-campus and online instruction can be a flexible alternative if you need to balance work or other responsibilities. 

Discipline Prefix Guide