About EIU

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Eastern Illinois University is accredited through the specialist level by the Commission on Institutions of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education for the preparation of elementary and secondary teachers and school service personnel. In addition, the business programs offered by the Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The applied engineering and technology programs are accredited by the National Association of Industrial Technology and the programs in Family and Consumer Sciences are accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and the American Dietetic Association.

The programs in art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The B.S. degree in Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society. The B.A. degree in Journalism is accredited by the Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

The programs in music are accredited for the B.Mus. degrees by the National Association of Schools of Music. The B.S. degree in Athletic Training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The B.S. degree in Recreation Administration is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Recreation, Park, Resources, and Leisure Services. The programs in Theatre Arts are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). The programs in Communication Disorders and Sciences are accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Eastern’s Counseling Service is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services.

Eastern Illinois University is governed by its own Board of Trustees. The President is responsible for the operation and general welfare of the University.

The University is organized into four areas, each headed by a vice president: Academic Affairs, Business Affairs, Student Affairs, and University Advancement.

The primary academic units include the College of Arts and Humanities; the Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences; the College of Education and Professional Studies; the College of Sciences; the Graduate School; the Honors College; and the School of Continuing Education.

Faculty, staff, and students participate in University affairs through membership on the Faculty Senate, Student Senate, Staff Senate, and academic and administrative councils and committees. These groups, most of which have student and faculty members, consider and recommend policies and procedures to the President.

Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, Illinois, the county seat of Coles County, in east central Illinois. The city has a population of approximately 20,000. Two state highways, 16 and 130, go through Charleston and provide access to Interstates 57 and 70. Amtrak service is provided through Mattoon, 10 miles from Charleston.

The University was established as Eastern Illinois State Normal School in 1895 by the Illinois General Assembly. In response to growth and change, the institution became Eastern Illinois State Teachers College in 1921, Eastern Illinois State College in 1947, and Eastern Illinois University in 1957. The University grants bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist’s degrees.

The University campus is located on 320 acres and consists of 72 buildings, including 12 residence halls and 17 apartment buildings. The University also owns wooded tracts near Charleston, which are used for nature study and life science research.

The Eastern Illinois University Foundation was founded in 1953 under the laws of the State of Illinois as a not-for-profit corporation. There are over 295 alumni, donors, and friends of the University who serve as members of the Foundation. The eleven-member Board of Directors is elected from the general membership. The Foundation’s purpose is to assist and support the University’s educational and cultural mission through encouraging philanthropic gifts of money, property, works of art, and other materials having educational, artistic, or historical value. At June 30, 2010, Foundation assets totaled more than $56.6 million, of which $37.9 million is endowed for scholarships and grants to the University. During the 2009-2010 year, the Foundation awarded more than $884,000 in scholarships, and transferred $1.6 million in grants to the University. The Neal Welcome Center, home of the Foundation, is located at 860 W. Lincoln Avenue in Charleston.

The EIU Alumni Association was established in 1905 as a means of allowing continuing involvement of graduates and former students in the development of their University. The organization has a number of broad objectives, which it has traditionally pursued. These include: sponsoring special events for alumni; assisting with homecoming, reunions, and similar activities; facilitating communication between alumni and the University; assistance in maintaining alumni records; and helping with fundraising and other initiatives which contribute to the welfare of the University.

First formed in the fall of 1974, the Parents Club is an established and energetic organization at Eastern Illinois University. The purpose of the Parents Club is to act as a communication link between the University’s administration and parents. Members help to increase the personal ties between the University and the parents by voicing their opinions on policy matters and other issues through the Parents Club board of directors. The Parents Club also selects worthwhile projects to benefit the students, their parents, and the University. Monies collected through membership fees help fund the various projects. All parents and families are invited to join this worthy organization.

In 1985 the Parents Club established a scholarship program available to all Eastern undergraduates. That year, the club awarded one $500 scholarship. The number of scholarships (20) and the amount of each award ($850) have increased over the years. The club has now awarded over $311,000 to 350 students.

The Eastern Illinois University Annuitant Association (EIUAA), established in 1971, is composed of current and retired EIU employees and their spouses. The organization‘s goal is to collectively protect, enhance, and advance the goals and common interests of present and future EIU annuitants. EIUAA provides the opportunity to maintain professional and social relationships with fellow EIU employees. Through our newsletter, New Horizons, and website (http://www.eiu.edu/~annuitants/), we keep our members informed of Annuitant Association meetings, social activities, and important relevant legislative and governmental issues, especially those related to pension and healthcare and Eastern’s state funding. The EIUAA provides services for campus activities such as commencement ceremonies, homecoming, open houses and scholarship.   

OPTIONAL CATALOG REQUIREMENTS: A native student may choose to graduate under the requirements stated in the Eastern Illinois University catalog current at the time of his/her entrance to the University or under the requirements stated in a subsequent catalog published prior to his/her graduation. An undergraduate transfer student may choose to graduate under the requirements stated in the Eastern Illinois University catalog current at the time he or she initially enrolled at another college or university provided that catalog did not precede his/her enrollment at Eastern Illinois University by more than three years. Such a student may choose to graduate under subsequent catalogs on the same basis as native students.

The catalog options for a student who was concurrently enrolled at any college while still enrolled in high school begin with the catalog in effect during the first semester of college enrollment subsequent to graduation from high school. In no case may a student combine or choose various requirements from several catalogs in order to achieve minimal curriculum.   

THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY: Certain requirements must be met before a degree is granted. These requirements concern such things as courses, majors and minors, and residence. It is important for students to acquaint themselves with these requirements and to continue to keep themselves informed about them during their college careers. It is also necessary in the general administration of the University to establish policies and regulations. It is important that students understand the policies and regulations, which they are expected to follow. When changes are announced between catalog publications, they are published in the Official Notices at http://www.eiu.edu/.   

ILLINOIS ARTICULATION INITIATIVE (IAI): Eastern Illinois University is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement that allows transfer of the completed Illinois General Education Core Curriculum between participating institutions. Completion of the transferable General Education Core Curriculum at any participating college or university in Illinois assures transferring students that lower-division general education requirements for an associate or bachelor’s degree have been satisfied. This agreement is in effect for students entering an associate or baccalaureate degree-granting institution as first-time freshmen in summer 1998 (and thereafter).   

COMPLIANCE WITH HIGHER EDUCATION ACT, TITLE II, SEC.207: As required by federal law, Eastern Illinois University provides information on student performance on state teacher certification exams and other information about its teacher certification programs on the Web at http://www.eiu.edu/ceps/title2.  A copy of this report may also be obtained by calling the College of Education and Professional Studies at (217) 581-2524.   

COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), no individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of the University. Further, no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University or be subjected to discrimination by the University.

Inquiries about accommodations for students should be directed to the Assistant Director of Disability Services at (217) 581-6583. Inquiries about accommodations for employees should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at (217) 581-3514. Questions about discrimination or harassment should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights at (217) 581-5020.   

Eastern also complies with the Federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Amendment Act (Public Law 101-226), and the Federal Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act (Public Law 101-542).   

CULTURAL DIVERSITY: America draws its strength and vitality from the diversity of its people. Eastern Illinois University is enriched by building a pluralistic campus that celebrates and draws upon the talents of all its students, faculty, and staff.   

SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: It is the policy of Eastern Illinois University that sexual harassment of one member of the campus community by another will not be tolerated. Additionally, sexual harassment is illegal, and may include conduct from one employee toward another or from one student to another. Eastern Illinois University also provides equality of opportunity in education and employment for all students and employees. Discrimination based upon race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, Vietnam War veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis of discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes is strictly prohibited. For additional information concerning sexual harassment or discrimination, or to file a compliant, contact to the Civil Rights Office at (217) 581-5020.   

ORAL ENGLISH PROFICIENCY: Eastern Illinois University has adopted a program of Oral English Proficiency Assessment for all instructional staff. Students who have difficulty understanding an instructor should, if possible, first consult with the instructor. In the event that the difficulties are not resolved, the student should address his/her concerns to the Chair of the department in which the instructor is teaching. Subsequent appeals may also be possible through the Dean and then to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.   

RIGHT TO PRIVACY STATEMENT: Eastern Illinois University has enacted a comprehensive policy protecting the privacy rights of students as required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Copies of the policy, “Privacy Rights of Eastern Illinois University Students,” are available for inspection on the Office of the Registrar and Enrollment Management Website.   

STUDENT CONDUCT CODE: Upon enrollment, students are held accountable to standards of conduct which exemplify personal integrity and ethical behavior, and which advance the mission of the University, its traditions and values. Those standards are codified in the Student Conduct Code, which is available online at http://www.eiu.edu/~judicial.  Questions concerning student rights and responsibilities may be directed to the Office of Student Standards in the University Union at (217) 581-3827.