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 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 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. 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). Data collected through assessment helps EICC faculty make informed, strategic decisions meant to improve student learning.

In 2017, the College 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 as the basis for EICC’s Institutional Learning Outcomes to be assessed.

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 a complete list of 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, possibly adding more in the future.

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

In addition to the four LEAP goals, EICC decided each General Education discipline area and each CTE program would develop specific learning outcomes.

The goals are assessed according to EICC’s Assessment Plan. Student work is sampled regularly and reviewed by faculty to track goal attainment. Results are used to make curriculum and instruction changes 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 four years as part of the Arts & Science and CTE program review process.

What is General Education

EICC defines general education as “that aspect of the instruction program which has 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)

EICC believes its students can prepare for 21st 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 local and global engagement, 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) 

To earn an AA, complete at least 62 credit hours with a 2.0 GPA or better. The minimum general education requirements for an AA are:

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 courses may be counted toward your AA.
4. All coursework must be at the 100 level or higher. 

Associate of Science (AS) 

To earn an AS, complete at least 62 credit hours with a 2.0 GPA or better. The minimum general education requirements for an AS are:

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 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 an AS 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 prepare you for skilled employment in your chosen area; they are not designed for transfer to a four-year college or university. AAS 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 an AAS vary by program and range between 62-86 total credits. All coursework must be at 100 level or higher. 

Diploma Programs

Diploma programs prepare you for entry-level employment in a specific field by emphasizing technical skills and related general education courses. Earn one by completing a program with fewer than 49 but more than 31 credit hours and maintaining a 2.0 GPA or better in your award major. Minimum general education requirements include three credit hours in Communications, Social Science, Humanities, Math, or Science. All coursework must be at the 100 level or higher. 

Certificate Programs

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

Graduation GPA and Residency Requirements

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

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

AAS, diploma, or certificate: a minimum 2.0 GPA in the award major. 

Residency requirement for students who transfer to EICC: 16 of your credit hours, or half of the final 50% of credit hours (whichever is the less) must be completed at EICC. 

Academic Requirements

Academic Standing

Your instructors will assess your performance and assign grades at the end of each term. EICC calculates term and cumulative GPA, which are recorded on your online grade record. GPA is determined using this formula:

To determine GPA, divide your total grade points by 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 the 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 is granted or grade points awarded, but the credits attempted are figured into GPA as zeros. This grade 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 have until two weeks before the end of a semester class, or one week before the end of a summer or short-term session, to withdraw from a course. Failure to follow the procedure to drop a class will result in the recording of your earned grade for the course, which may be an “F.” 

N - Audit, which is a ‘no credit/no pass’ grade. You can choose to audit a class you register for within 10 days of the course start date.  When you audit a course, you and your instructor will agree on your attendance and participation in class activities. This option is offered only if space is available. Completed audit forms is due two weeks before the last day of the semester for the class that was audited.

P - You passed a course and earned 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 talk to your advisor or department chair if you receive a “D” or lower in a prerequisite course. Specific course prerequisite(s) are indicated in the course descriptions. 

Mathematics Course Placement

Mathematics course placement utilizes EICCD’s multiple measures matrix based on High School Grade Point Average (GPA), coursework and other assessments. Please see your advisor to see what math courses you can enroll in and if further assessment is necessary. 

MAT-053 Pre-Algebra

No placement assessement or pre-requisites required.

MAT-110 Math for Liberal Arts

No placement assessment required; junior level high school mathematics recommended.

MAT-066 Algebra I; MAT-104 Applied Math Topics; ELE-113 AC/DC Fundamentals

MAT-067 Algebra II; MAT-117 Math for Elementary Teachers; MAT-156 Statistics

*Students that meet two measures can enroll in MAT-156 Statistics with MAT-075 Statistics Support without a placement exam. 

MAT-138 College Algebra with Limits

MAT-128 Pre-Calculus; MAT-165 Business Calculus

MAT-210 Calculus I

Math GPA is calculated from the average of three high school math courses, ideally with the high school equivalent within the last three years. High School GPA refers to the cumulative GPA upon receipt of GED/Diploma or the most recently completed academic term. Placement tests/ACT exams are within the last three years. 

Satisfactory Progress

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 11 credit hours, you must successfully complete at least six credit hours. You may be placed on academic probation if you do not meet these requirements.

When your program requirements 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 don’t achieve 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 the requirements for transferring your coursework 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 coursework 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

You are classified as a freshman if you’ve completed less than 30 credit hours. You are classified as a sophomore after completing 30 or more credit hours.. 

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. If you have incomplete or blank grades when the lists are calculated, it will 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 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 have until the midterm of the following semester (not including the 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, the academic dean has the discretion to consider course substitutions. It is best to graduate under the most current catalog requirements, especially if you plan to transfer to a four-year college or are enrolled in a program holding specialized accreditation. 

Program Discontinuation

If the Career and Technical Education program (AAS, diploma, or certificate) you are enrolled in is to be discontinued, EICC will announce it before ending the program. You would have one year from the time of the announcement to complete the graduation requirements. 

Fresh Start

Returning to EICC to pursue a degree or diploma after an absence of three or more consecutive years? You can request 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

Your skills and knowledge from work, military, or life experiences 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 Education programs are fully 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 offered and what you need to take to earn a degree, diploma, or certificate. They will also help you enroll in online courses and programs. 

EICC Course Delivery Methods

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. 

EICC offers many options for course delivery:

Classroom (on-campus): Classroom courses are held in-person at one of EICC’s campuses, providing a traditional college experience. You’ll attend scheduled classes, engage directly with instructors and classmates, and participate in discussions, group activities, and hands-on learning in a structured, face-to-face environment.

Live online (Zoom): These courses meet at set times using Zoom, allowing you to join live lectures, discussions, and activities from any location. This format combines the structure of a scheduled class with the convenience of learning remotely, ensuring real-time interaction with instructors and peers.

Hybrid classroom (on-campus and online): These courses blend in-person and online learning, offering the best of both worlds. You’ll attend scheduled classes on campus for hands-on activities and group work while completing other coursework online. This format provides flexibility while maintaining face-to-face support and connection.

Hybrid live online (Zoom and online Canvas): These courses blend live online interaction and independent online learning, offering the best of both worlds. You’ll attend scheduled classes online via Zoom for real-time discussions, hands-on activities, and group work while completing other coursework independently through Canvas. This format provides flexibility while maintaining life interaction, instructor support, and connection with your peers. 

Online (Canvas - asynchronous): These courses offer maximum flexibility, allowing you to complete coursework on your schedule within set deadlines, all while being guided by an instructor. There are no specific meeting times, but you have access to instructor-led course materials, assignments, and discussions through Canvas. This format is ideal for students who need flexibility while staying committed to meeting course expectations.

Open lab: These courses are designed for hands-on learning in a lab setting. You have the freedom to work during designated times, with instructors available to provide guidance and support. This format is great for subjects requiring equipment, practice, or project-based work.

Onsite residency: These courses require students to attend in-person instruction at scheduled intervals, but not every week. These sessions provide intensive, hands-on learning opportunities while the rest of the coursework is completed online. This format is ideal for programs requiring specific in-person experiences, such as labs or immersive training.

High school section: These courses are part of EICC’s partnerships with local schools, allowing high school students to earn college credit. These courses are scheduled to fit into high school calendars and may rotate offerings each semester.

Technology Tools at EICC for Delivering Instruction

At EICC, we use a combination of powerful technology tools to ensure an engaging and effective learning experience for all students:

Canvas: Your Learning Management System (LMS)

Canvas is the central platform where all your course-related activities come together. Here’s how it supports your learning:

• Access course materials: View lecture notes, videos, readings, and other resources in an organized format.
• Submit assignments: Easily upload your assignments, projects, and essays. Track feedback and grades directly in Canvas.
• Stay organized: Monitor upcoming deadlines, manage your coursework, and track your academic progress through your Canvas dashboard.

Canvas is accessible anytime and anywhere, making it a seamless part of online and in-person training.

Zoom: Real-Time Learning and Interaction

Zoom is used for live online instruction and virtual meetings, providing real-time interaction between students and instructors. With Zoom, you can:

• Participate in live lectures: Attend scheduled class sessions from anywhere, connecting with your instructor and peers in real time.
• Engage actively: Ask questions, participate in discussions, and collaborate on group activities during live sessions.
• Access recordings: Many sessions are recorded, allowing you to revisit the material to review or if you miss a class.

Together, Canvas and Zoom enable EICC to deliver high-quality instruction in various formats, ensuring you have the tools you need to succeed in any learning environment.

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 program 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.

Discipline Prefix Guide