About EIU

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Eastern Illinois University is accredited through the specialist level by the Higher Learning Commission 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 Technology are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. 

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 programs in Theatre 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. The Didactic Program in Dietetics is currently granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Eastern’s Counseling Service is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services.

Eastern Illinois University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

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, 2021, the Foundation held net assets totaling $124 million. During the 2020-2021 fiscal year, the Foundation awarded $1.5 million in scholarships, and transferred $3.1 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.   

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.   

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 (McAfee, Room 1110) 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/.    

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).   

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 https://www.eiu.edu/coe/title2.php. A copy of this report may also be obtained by calling the College of Education at (217) 581-2524.   

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.   

Section 103 of Public Law (PL) 115-407, ‘Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018’, amends Title 38 US Code 3679 by adding a new subsection (e) that requires disapproval of courses of education, beginning August 1, 2019, at any educational institution that does not have a policy in place that will allow an individual to attend or participate in a course of education, pending VA payment, providing the individual submits a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33. 

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), Eastern Illinois University adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill^® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. Eastern Illinois University will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
• Provide a written request to be certified;
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies 

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).   

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. 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). You are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity at 1011 Old Main, 217-581-5020 or civil@eiu.edu with your questions about discrimination or if you wish to file a complaint of discrimination.  Please visit https://www.eiu.edu/civil/complaints.php for details about the complaint process and your options as a complainant. Any person may report discrimination or sexual harassment in person, by mail, by telephone, or by e-mail, using the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information or by completing the online complaint form. A report may be made at any time including during non-business hours.  

Sexual harassment is prohibited by Eastern’s policies and is a form of illegal sex discrimination prohibited by federal and state laws. Any student 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).  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 and Eastern Policy #11.1).  

Students and employees may also file complaints of sexual harassment (including 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 Title IX Coordinator located in the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity at 1011 Old Main, 217-581-5020, civil@eiu.edu. We strongly encourage you to contact us as soon as possible after you perceive that you have experienced harassment or witnessed harassment. Non-Title IX 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 harassment, including sexual assault, abuse or other sexual misconduct including domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking is prohibited and is not tolerated.  Information about sexual assault and interpersonal violence may be found at http://www.eiu.edu/sexualassaultresources/.  The university continually endeavors to prevent sexual harassment including sexual misconduct by providing training and educational materials to all students and employees, and by thoroughly investigating complaints. Sexual assault and stalking are crimes and complaints alleging sexual assault will receive serious and immediate attention. Once a complaint is received, the first step taken by University personnel will be to mitigate known risks to the Complainant’s safety on campus. The Complainant has the ability to request interim protective measures and accommodations, including without limitation reassignment of the respondent’s academic schedule or on campus housing, while a case is pending. 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.)  Complaints may be filed with the University Police, the Office of Student Accountability & Support (if the respondent is a student), or the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity (if the respondent is an employee).  Eastern’s Title IX Coordinator is located in the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity, 1011 Old Main, (217) 581-5020, civil@eiu.edu and the Deputy Title IX Coordinator is located in Room 1515, Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.  In addition, students are encouraged to contact Lindsay Wilson, Confidential Advisor, (217) 581-3413, who will provide support, advocacy, and discuss options for students.

The complainant and the respondent will be kept informed of the steps in the process and will be notified concurrently of the outcome. (Eastern Policy #175.1 and Eastern Policy #175.2).  

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.   

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.   

Upon enrollment, every student is 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 https://www.eiu.edu/judicial/studentconductcode.php.  Questions concerning student rights and responsibilities may be directed to the Office of Student Accountability & Support in the University Union at (217) 581-3827.