About EIU

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Eastern Illinois University is accredited through the specialist level by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation 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 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 by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). 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 Liberal Arts and Sciences; the Lumpkin College of Business and Technology; the College of Education; the College of Health and Human Services; the Graduate School; the Honors College; and the School of Extended Learning.

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 11 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 established in 1953 as a not-for-profit corporation. The Foundation’s purpose is to support Eastern Illinois University’s educational and cultural mission by encouraging philanthropic gifts of money, property, works of art, and other materials having educational, artistic, or historical value. At June 30, 2018, the Foundation held net assets totaling $97.0 million. During the 2017-2018 fiscal year, the Foundation awarded $1.07 million in scholarships, and transferred $2.6 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 and the amount of each award is determined yearly by the Parents Club Board. The club has now awarded over $300,000 to EIU 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: Advising is mandatory at all levels. Students cannot register for classes in any semester until they meet with their academic advisor. New freshmen, and those not in a special admission program, are assigned an advisor in the Academic Advising Center (Room 2100, 9th Street Hall) until they have completed at least 15 semester hours at EIU, and have met the requirements of their major department. All undeclared students are advised in the Academic Advising Center.

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. This is accomplished with the assistance of their academic advisor. 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 licensure exams and other information about its teacher licensure 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 Student 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.   

Eastern Illinois University provides equality of opportunity in education and employment for all students and employees. Discrimination is strictly prohibited based upon race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis of discrimination precluded by federal and state statutes. (Eastern Policy #174).  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. (Eastern Policy #174).

Eastern does not tolerate discrimination or harassment (including hostile climate related to the factors listed above). Eastern needs your help in achieving a positive campus community for all members which includes ensuring that the university makes every effort to stop any form of potential discrimination and/or harassment.  You should come forward with any concern as soon as feasible in order that the university may address it.  Even if you are uncertain whether you have experienced or observed a form of prohibited discrimination, you should come forward.  Students and employees may also file complaints of discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) against third parties associated with university activities (e.g., vendors, student teaching supervisors, internship supervisors, visitors).You are protected from retaliation if you bring forward a concern or a complaint of discrimination or participate in an investigatory process.   Eastern will take immediate and corrective actions to eliminate discrimination/harassment, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. Depending upon the circumstances, there are both informal and formal processes that may be used to address concerns and complaints. To the extent permitted by law, the confidentiality of information presented by all parties will be observed except in those instances when it interferes with the ability of the university to investigate the allegation(s) and take necessary corrective action. (Eastern Discrimination Complaint Policy #173 http://castle.eiu.edu/auditing/173.php). You are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity at 1011 Old Main, 581-5020 or civil@eiu.edu with your questions about discrimination or if you wish to file a complaint of discrimination.  Eastern’s Title IX Coordinator is located in the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity. Please visit http://castle.eiu.edu/civil/investigation for details about the complaint process and your options as a complainant. 

Sexual harassment is prohibited by Eastern’s policies and is a form of illegal sex discrimination prohibited by federal and state laws. Both female and male students could be subjected to sexual harassment by someone of the same sex or opposite sex. Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which encompasses a wide range of conduct including sexual violence. A single incident may constitute harassment or it may be a series of unwelcome behaviors.

Sexual harassment may consist of a variety of behaviors including, but not limited to, subtle pressures for sexual activity, inappropriate touching, offensive or inappropriate language (including electronic content), jokes or gestures, demands for sexual favors, and sexual violence. (Eastern Sexual Harassment Policy #175 http://castle.eiu.edu/auditing/175.php).  Beyond vigorous campus enforcement of harassment and discrimination laws, members of the university community have established high professional and ethical standards pertaining to consensual romantic/sexual relationships that address the issues of conflict of interest, abuse of power differential, and breach of professional conduct obligations.   For example, faculty members and graduate students are prohibited from engaging in consensual amorous/sexual relationships with students who are enrolled in their courses and workplace supervisors may not be in consensual amorous/ romantic relationships with students who they supervise. (Eastern Policy #11 http://castle.eiu.edu/auditing/011.php and Eastern Policy #11.1 http://castle.eiu.edu/auditing/011_1.php).  

Students and employees may also file complaints of discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) against third parties associated with university activities (e.g., vendors, student teaching supervisors, internship supervisors, visitors). You are protected from retaliation if you bring forward a concern or a complaint or participate in the investigatory process. 

Even if you are unsure that what you are experiencing is sexual harassment, seek assistance.  Contact the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity at 1011 Old Main, 217-581-5020, civil@eiu.edu.  Eastern’s Title IX Coordinator is located in the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity. We strongly encourage you to contact us as soon as possible after you perceive that you have experienced harassment or witnessed harassment. Sexual harassment complaints are investigated according to the guidelines of Eastern’s Discrimination Complaint Policy #173.

Eastern Illinois University is committed to providing the safest campus possible for our students, faculty and staff.  Sexual assault, abuse or other sexual misconduct including domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking is prohibited and is not tolerated.  Information about sexual assault, violence and abuse may be found at http://www.eiu.edu/sexualassaultresources/.  The university continually endeavors to prevent sexual assault by providing training and educational materials to all students and employees, and by thoroughly investigating reports of assault. Sexual assault is a crime and complaints will receive immediate attention.  Once a complaint is received, the first step taken by University personnel will be to ensure that the student complainant is safe and protected from potential harm.  University officials can implement immediate, temporary measures while the investigation is being conducted such as, for example, the reassignment of the accused student from a class or residence hall and issuing directives of “no-contact.” Such actions are non-punitive and are designed to ensure the safety of the student complainant and the integrity of the investigative process. 

The student complainant controls when and where to file a complaint.  (In rare circumstances, the university may be required to proceed with an investigation without the cooperation of the complainant, if failing to do so would put the greater campus community at risk.)  For the benefit of students, there are multiple options available to the student and this crime may be reported in any, all, or none of these departments – the University Police, the Office of Student Standards, the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity.  Eastern’s Title IX Coordinator is located in the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity.  In addition, students are encouraged to contact Lindsay Wilson, Confidential Advisor, (217) 581-3413, who will provide support, advocacy, and discuss options for students.

Student complainants will be kept informed of the steps in the process and are encouraged to participate to the extent they feel comfortable.  Complainants are entitled to know the outcome of the Student Standards process pursuant to the Clery Act, and students are informed of the outcome of Civil Rights/Title IX sexual harassment investigations. (Eastern Policy #185 http://castle.eiu.edu/auditing/185.php).  

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 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.