Student Activities & Services

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Martin Luther King, Jr. University Union

The Union is the hub of campus life. Through its programs and services it advances the educational mission of the University. The Union is a laboratory of leadership in community participation through its part in student governments and activity programs. The Union’s services include catering, restaurants, retail sales, recreation, and meeting locations.

The following is a listing of programs and services offered in the Union:

The Union Board advises the University on Union policies and operations. The facility is a self-sustaining program supported by student fees.

Music

The Music Department offers many opportunities for students to participate in making music. All students in the University are welcome to participate in the activities of the Department.

Musical ensembles provide a setting for students to expand their performing skills and understanding of music. Instrumental ensembles include the Concert Band, Jazz and Lab Bands, Marching Band, Marimba Orchestra, Pep Band, Percussion Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Flute Choir, and Wind Ensemble. Choral ensembles include the Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Mixed Chorus, Show Choir, Theatre/Opera Workshop, and Oratorio Chorus. Other special vocal and instrumental ensembles provide additional opportunities for students to study and perform.

Auditions for most ensembles are posted in the Music Department Office prior to the first day of classes.

The Doudna Fine Arts Building is under renovation; therefore, the Music Department’s administrative staff and faculty are temporarily housed in Lawson Hall. The Music Department’s practice, rehearsal and performance areas are temporarily located in McAfee Gym. McAfee Gym also accommodates a 150 seating performance area.

Radio and Television Center

WEIU-TV Channel 51 and WEIU-FM 88.9 are professional broadcast services of EIU. Carried on over 40 cable systems and reaching about 400,000 homes, WEIU-TV is a PBS affiliate. Its broadcasts include a nightly news program, Newswatch, as well as a weekly sports program, Sports Talk. The station produces a number of other specials throughout the year. WEIU carries classical, jazz, and alternative contemporary music programming and is predominantly staffed by students. WEIU also broadcasts a number of EIU sporting and cultural events. Communication Studies and/or Journalism majors hold most scholarship and paid student positions. Volunteer positions are available. Call (217)581-5956 for more information.

Student Publications

Student publications include The Daily Eastern News, a daily newspaper; the Warbler, a yearbook; Minority Today, a monthly newspaper; and the Vehicle, a literary magazine. The publications are produced by student staffs to whom faculty advisers are available. Staff positions on all publications are open to all students.

• The News is published Monday through Friday during Fall and Spring Semesters and twice weekly during the Summer Session.
• The Warbler is issued annually as a historical and pictorial record of the University year.
• Minority Today, published monthly each semester, focuses on issues relating to Eastern’s community of cultural and ethnic minorities.
• The Vehicle is published each semester. Creative material is solicited from all students.

A small portion of each student’s activity fees goes toward subscription to The Daily Eastern News and a copy of the Warbler.

Theatre Arts

The Theatre Arts Department houses two theatres and produces six main stage productions each year, plus a Summer Theatre program and student-directed Studio Theatre productions. Registered EIU students may participate in departmental activities, which include constructing scenery, properties, and costumes, and mounting lights under faculty supervision. Qualified junior and senior majors may also direct or design sets, lights, or costumes for mainstage productions. Any qualified student may join Alpha Psi Omega, the national honorary dramatics society. In addition to the Excellence in Fine Arts Scholarships, the Jorns Scholarship, and the Sullivan Memorial Scholarship, Theatre Arts also offers a number of other scholarships, some of which include a full tuition waiver. Paid internships are offered in setting, lighting, and costuming. In addition, paid apprenticeships and professional positions are offered in performance and technical areas in summer theatre. The department traditionally participates in the American College Theatre Festival.

The Doudna Fine Arts Building is under renovation; therefore, the Theatre Arts Department’s administrative staff and faculty are temporarily housed in Lawson Hall. The Department of Theatre Arts production facilities are temporarily located off-campus in The Village Theatre, located at 960 18th Street. This facility accommodates the departmental scene and costume shops, box office, and a 180 seating performance area. Also, all departmental studio courses are taught in this facility.

The Tarble Arts Center

The Tarble Arts Center, located on south Ninth Street at Cleveland Avenue, is a major cultural resource serving East Central Illinois. The Center presents a year-round schedule of changing visual arts exhibitions, art enrichment programs, visiting artists and lecturers, chamber music concerts, classes and workshops, poetry and fiction readings, and special events, frequently in cooperation with other Eastern departments and community groups. Annual exhibitions feature folk arts, works by the Art faculty and students, and children’s art, with a drawing/watercolor competition sponsored biennially. Other exhibitions present contemporary, historical, or international art in various media from other museums and galleries, private and corporate collections, and circulating exhibition agencies. The Center also maintains a permanent collection of art, with concentrations in contemporary Midwest works on paper, Illinois folk arts, American Scene prints, and Paul T. Sargent paintings. Various academic departments, area schools, and community groups utilize the exhibitions and facilities for study, tours, and meetings.

Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation offers intramural sport and informal recreation programs for all students regardless of skill level. Participation is voluntary. Intramural sport activities include nine team sports, 20 special events and five racquet sports. Informal recreation activities are available in a wide variety of aquatic, fitness and sport activity settings including the Student Recreation Center with six basketball/volleyball courts, a large fitness center with aerobic and body part machines and a 1/8-mile jogging track; a free-weight area; an aerobic/multi-purpose room; a dance studio, and a lobby/lounge. Additional facilities include a swimming pool; a gymnasium; a fieldhouse with a 220-yard, six-lane track and five tennis courts; five racquetball courts; and numerous outdoor courts, playing fields and a jogging trail.

Intercollegiate Athletics

The Athletics Department is committed to providing competitive, culturally diverse, gender-equitable sports program that operates within the rules and regulation of Eastern Illinois University, the Ohio Valley Conference, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The department strives to recruit academically sound student-athletes who have the desire and motivation to graduate and to become responsible citizens.

Athletic department personnel and student-athletes shall act with honesty and sportsmanship at all times representing the honor and dignity of fair play and the universally recognized high standards associated with wholesome competitive sports.

The intercollegiate athletics program is dedicated to a belief that athletic participation promotes the development of sportsmanship, good character, and a strong work ethnic. The overall physical and mental well being of student-athletes is a top priority of the athletic department. University spirit and community pride will be developed through a successful athletics program.

The University Division I program of intercollegiate athletics for men includes football, basketball, baseball, track, cross country, tennis, golf, soccer, swimming, diving, and wrestling.

The University Division I program of intercollegiate athletics for women includes basketball, cross country, volleyball, softball, track, golf, swimming, diving, tennis, soccer, and rugby.

The University adheres to the intercollegiate athletics policies of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. The University is also a member of the Missouri Valley Conference for men’s soccer.

Forensics

Through the Department of Communication Studies, students of undergraduate standing are offered the opportunity to gain intercollegiate tournament experience in individual speaking events and debate.

Members of the forensics teams engage in competition with teams from major colleges and universities. Scholarships and tuition waivers are available through the Forensics Program.

Affiliation is maintained with several regional and national forensic organizations including: Interstate Oratorical Association; American Forensic Association; National Forensic Association; Mid America Forensic League; and the Cross Examination Debate Association.

Student Government

Student government is organized on the same level as the federal government with its executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Student executive officers and student senators are elected in campus-wide elections held Fall/Spring. Students have the opportunity to run for five executive officer positions, 24 student senator positions, as well as to be appointed to various faculty/student boards.
Student government is concerned with matters pertaining to student welfare, student activities, and student participation in University planning and administration.

Student-Faculty Boards

Student members of the student-faculty boards are appointed by the Student Body President with the approval of the Student Senate; faculty members are appointed by the Faculty Senate. The Executive Vice President of the Student Body or his/her representative is an ex-officio member of all boards. The boards are as follows: Apportionment, Council on Academic Affairs, Council on Graduate Studies, Council on Teacher Education, Council on University Planning and Budget, Health Service Advisory, Intercollegiate Athletics, Judicial, Library Advisory, Parking and Traffic Appeals, Radio and TV Center, Sports and Recreation, Student Housing, Student Legal Service, Student Publications, Textbook Rental Advisory, University Union, and Women’s Studies.

University Board

University Board -“students programming for students”- is the campus entertainment programming committee comprising 11 sub-committees - Comedy, Lectures, Special Events, Concerts, Homecoming, Human Potential, Productions, Movies, Marketing, Public Relations, and Mainstage. Annually University Board sponsors over 60 major campus-wide events and programs that include Quakin’ the Quad, Family Weekend Concert, Homecoming Week, Spring Fling, comedians, hypnotists, bands, and cultural events.

Departmental Clubs

Most of the departments at Eastern have student organizations for their majors. These clubs provide students with the opportunity to meet others with the same majors and interests. Some of these organizations are honoraries and give recognition to students who excel in their major field. Contact the Department Chairperson for information on the organizations within each major.

Religious Organizations

Most of the major religions or denominations are represented by student groups on campus. The Office of Student Life makes available a current listing of campus organizations, which may be obtained in Room 316, University Union.

Residence Hall Government

The Hall Council in each residence hall is composed of representatives from each corridor, elected hall officers, and committee chairpersons according to the constitution of the hall. The Council is the governing body of the hall and is the channel of communication to the Residence Hall Association and/or the Office of University Housing and Dining Services. Residents are encouraged to take an active role in the government of the hall. Specific procedures regarding residence hall governments are outlined in the University Housing Calendar/Handbook.

The purpose of the Residence Hall Association (RHA) is to deal with matters of mutual interest and to coordinate the joint activities of the member buildings. The RHA consists of two or more representatives from each hall depending upon the size of the building. RHA has the responsibility of reviewing and making recommendations relative to University Housing Policies and Procedures for the betterment of the University Housing of EIU. Suggestions for the betterment of a building are made to the RHA representative.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)

Army ROTC offers activities and classes for freshmen through seniors that are challenging and require no military obligation for first and second year ROTC students. ROTC activities are a combination of classroom and outdoor events including but not limited to rappelling, land navigation, basic rifle marksmanship, confidence courses, water survival training, aircraft orientation flights, and orienteering. Students participate in physical and mental challenges that instill self-confidence, teach leadership, and promote individual characteristics and values that contribute to success in all occupations across the spectrum of the job market. State and federal scholarships are available, many without obligation. Junior and senior students can enroll to obtain a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army and pursue an academic minor in Military Science.

ROTC organizations include the Pershing Rifle Honor Society, Rifle Team, Leadership Excellence Club and the Officer Christian Fellowship Organization. These organizations participate in a variety of activities such as posting of the colors at university and other events, seminars, rifle competition, historical staff rides, camping, canoeing, field trips and paintball.

For its many benefits, Army ROTC requires only a few hours a week; it is compatible with all other university curricula. Anyone can take basic course ROTC classes with no military obligation.

Recognized Student Organizations

There are over 150 recognized student organization and clubs representing the academic, social, service, cultural, athletic and religious and special interests of Eastern students. These include but are not limited to the Ice Hockey Club, Black Student Union, RHA, Alpha Phi Omega, Inter-varsity and International Students Association. Student organizations provide students with opportunities to make friends, develop skills, and share special interests.

Interfraternity Council

The Interfraternity Council is comprised of one representative of each member fraternities and has an elected executive board that guide the day-to-day operations of fraternity life on campus. The IFC establishes policies related to the entire fraternity system and also cooperate with the Panhellenic and National Pan-Hellenic Councils in planning proactive programs educating on critical issues related to Greek organizations and all college students such as scholarship, volunteerism and philanthropic events, and healthy life-styles. The following fraternities are represented on Eastern’s campus.

Delta Chi, EIU Chapter
Delta Sigma Phi, Delta Psi Chapter
Delta Tau Delta, Zeta Rho Chapter
Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Alpha Chapter
Phi Kappa Theta, colony status
Pi Kappa Alpha, Zeta Gamma Chapter
Sigma Chi, Eta Mu Chapter
Sigma Nu, Lambda Gamma Chapter
Sigma Phi Epsilon, Illinois Nu Chapter
Sigma Pi, Beta Gamma Chapter

Panhellenic Council Association

The Panhellenic Council is comprised of one representative of each member sorority and has an elected executive board that guide the day-to-day operations of sorority life on campus. The PHC establishes policies related to the entire sorority system and also cooperates with the Interfraternity and National Panhellenic Councils in planning proactive programs educating on critical issues related to Greek organizations and all college students such as scholarship, volunteerism and philanthropic events, and healthy life-styles. The following sororities are represented on Eastern’s campus.

Alpha Gamma Delta, Beta Iota Chapter
Alpha Phi, Zeta Alpha Chapter
Alpha Sigma Alpha, Gamma Omega Chapter
Alpha Sigma Tau, Beta Pi Chapter
Delta Zeta, Gamma Nu Chapter
Kappa Delta, Delta Beta Chapter
Lambda Theta Alpha, Latina Fraternity
Sigma Kappa, Gamma Mu Chapter
Sigma Sigma Sigma, Alpha Psi Chapter

National Panhellenic Council

The National Panhellenic Council is the governing organization of the five historically black Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities listed below with one Latin associate member. The organization’s purpose is to promote and coordinate activities that assist member organizations in attaining their fraternal, educational, cultural, and social objectives. It is also the organization’s purpose to maintain a high standard of sorority and fraternity life, as well as interfraternal relations.

The NPHC works throughout the year on various social, educational, and community service projects that benefit the campus community as a whole. Member organizations are as follows:

Sororities
Delta Sigma Theta, Theta Zeta Chapter
Sigma Gamma Rho, Delta Beta Chapter
Zeta Phi Beta, Omicron Delta Chapter

Fraternities
Alpha Phi Alpha, Zeta Nu Chapter
Phi Beta Sigma, Delta Chi Chapter

The Center for Academic Support and Achievement (CASA)

CASA, located in Ninth Street Hall, serves three major purposes. First, it coordinates the university-wide plan for the assessment of student learning. Second, CASA is the academic home of all students who (1) are beginning freshmen; (2) have not yet been accepted into a major program of study offered by one of the degree granting colleges of the University; or (3) are undecided about the major field in which they wish to pursue a degree. Third, CASA is the organizational unit that offers many of the academic support services available to students. CASA provides assistance to students in selecting an appropriate major, makes referrals for students who need or want tutorial assistance, offers study skills advice and time management advice, administers the University Foundations course, and provides academic services to students with disabilities. The telephone number is (217) 581-6056. Units within CASA include:

Academic Advising Center

The Academic Advising Center provides assistance with academic planning. The Center serves all beginning freshmen, native and transfer students who are undecided about a major, and all students working toward acceptance in University programs with special admission criteria. Besides course selection advice, students also are supplied with information about graduation requirements, opportunities for exploration of various majors and interpretation of campus academic policies and procedures. The telephone number is (217) 581-2313.

New Students
New students are assigned to an advisor who assists them in the preparation of their academic program. During orientation or enrollment days the advisor and the students plan the program jointly. It is expected that students will select one of the curricula of the University and that they and their advisor will plan courses that are consistent with University requirements.

Former Students
After the application for readmission has been approved, a student is assigned to an academic advisor.

Students Changing Majors
Students who wish to change their degree, major, option or minor should consult with their advisor and then complete the proper form in the Registration Office. It is important to make the change prior to registering.

Academic Assessment and Testing

Academic Assessment and Testing provides information and registration materials for national tests such as the ACT Assessment (ACT), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), and Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The Office of Academic Assessment and Testing administers the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Millers Analogies Test, The ACT Residual, and the Math Placement Test. The telephone number is (217) 581-5986.

Assessment

All students admitted to EIU are expected to participate in a variety of assessment activities. Some activities, like the Electronic Writing Portfolio (EWP), are part of the graduation requirements (see Graduation Requirements in Section V) while others are embedded in courses such as the Senior Seminar. Embedded activities may include tests, surveys, and other instruments that assess student learning.

For first-time freshmen and transfer students with fewer than 30 semester hours of credit, basic skills are evaluated through ACT scores and instruments developed by the University. Placement in courses such as General Studies 1000, English 1000, and Mathematics 1020 or 1070 may be required. Transfer students with more than 30 semester hours of acceptable credit may be required to undergo assessment of basic skills as is deemed necessary.

Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center provides all students with assistance in pursuing academic success. The Center offers support in problem solving about academic roadblocks; the solutions may include group and/or individual tutoring, referral to campus specialists for assistance in reading, writing and math difficulties, time management training, and coaching in study skills strategies. The telephone number is (217) 581-6696.

Disability Services

In accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the ADA of 1990, all students with disabilities admitted to the University are provided as nearly as possible with an educational experience equivalent to that provided for all other students. The University wishes to make any reasonable accommodation to allow participation in collegiate life by those persons broadly defined as disabled. Students who believe they may need assistance should contact the Assistant Director of the Office of Disability Services for answers to questions concerning accommodations, auxiliary learning aids, and physical accessibility. Students will be required to submit diagnostic information regarding the disability so that the most appropriate accommodation can be arranged.

Students should contact the Assistant Director as soon as they have determined to enroll at the university so that documentation can be completed before an accommodation is required. In every case in which accommodation is requested, advance notification is recommended to ensure that timely arrangements can be made. All records of disability are maintained in strictest confidentiality. The telephone number is (217) 581-6583.

Counseling Center

The Counseling Center provides free, confidential services to enrolled students struggling with personal issues. Concerns frequently presented by students include relationship problems, depression, being overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety and stress, eating disorders, and difficulty adjusting to university life. Counselors also provide crisis intervention to students experiencing psychological emergencies and consult with parents, faculty, and staff who are concerned about a student’s well being.

The Counseling Center is staffed by a caring, diverse group of psychologists and counselors who are dedicated to helping students derive maximum benefit from their experiences at EIU. The telephone number is (217) 581-3413.

Education Abroad

The Education Abroad Curriculum at Eastern Illinois University includes an annual program of EIU courses that are offered at international sites, exchange and consortia agreements that support a term or year of study at an approved international site, and support for Fulbright Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships and other global educational opportunities. The mission of the education abroad programs is to offer qualified students and faculty the opportunity to experience courses at an international site in order to integrate the curriculum within the context of an international culture. The Education Abroad Coordinator provides a full range of comprehensive services for students seeking education abroad courses and programs of study. An Education Abroad Laboratory is available in Coleman Hall to support independent study of education abroad opportunities for students. Campus wide seminars are offered each year to provide additional information on education abroad programs and opportunities.

EIU4 Program

EIU4 is a graduation incentive program designed to help students earn their degrees in four years or less. Admission to EIU4 is subject to certain initial and continued eligibility requirements. Consult the EIU4 web site at http://www.eiu.edu/~eiufour/.

International Programs

International Programs at Eastern Illinois University, in consultation with International Programs Advisory Council, establishes and monitors international education policies. International Programs recruits students and reviews applications to ensure that documents, visas, and immigration files meet the requirements in accordance with EIU admission policies and Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations pertaining to student status. The office provides arrival assistance, orientation, academic support, advisement, and social programs for the international student population.

Library

Booth Library, the general library of the University, is named in honor of Miss Mary Josephine Booth, who served as Head Librarian at Eastern from 1904 to 1945. A comprehensive program of Library Services is offered to students, faculty and citizens of Illinois. For the most current status of services and collections and a wealth of electronic publications, always check the library’s website at http://www.eiu.edu/~booth.

The library collection consists of more than one million cataloged volumes, approximately 1.3 million microtexts, as well as maps, music scores, and pamphlets selected to support the University’s educational mission. The government documents collection includes United States and Illinois State publications. Booth Library is also home to the Coles Ballenger Teachers’ Center housing K-12 curriculum materials, an extensive juvenile collection, and a variety of non-print materials related to teachers and teaching. Leisure-time reading interests are served through materials from the general book, serial, and newspaper collections, as well as the latest best sellers, films, and popular materials. The general book collection and the periodicals collection are arranged according to the Library of Congress classification scheme.

Following a $22.5 million renovation and expansion completed in 2002, Booth Library has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility. Patrons can enjoy many enhancements, including study and conference tables wired for data and power, more student study areas and new group study rooms, improved accessibility including three elevators, and browsable media collections. User guides and collection location maps are available in print and from the library’s web site at http://www.library.eiu.edu.

Booth Library’s public catalog is part of ILLINET Online (IO), the statewide network of 65 academic libraries. Additional electronic systems provide online access to a variety of periodical and subject databases. For the university community, interlibrary loan services supplement Booth Library’s resources by making available materials that are owned by other libraries. IO may be accessed from the library’s web site, listed above.

Reference Services provides professional help to students and faculty in their use of the library and its resources. The Reference department provides individualized assistance, instructional materials, orientation tours, and (by appointment) specialized research clinics. Web, phone, and fax access may be used to contact Reference staff.

Library Technology Services provides students with non-print media materials, open computer labs, and technology training workshops. The department makes available non-print materials such as sound recordings, CDs, DVDs, and videos. Study carrels equipped for independent viewing and listening are provided in the area as well as rooms for group listening and viewing. The open computer labs have many computers for patron use, equipped with a variety of software packages and Internet applications. Library Technology Services provides the university community with computer training and technology workshops in its E-Classroom.

Circulation Services will assist you in charging out and returning materials to Booth Library or other libraries in Illinois. Library materials must be returned when due to avoid fines. All library fines and charges must be paid promptly. Failure to do so will result in the loss of borrowing privileges throughout the statewide library system, and an unclear academic record may result.

The library staff invites you to use the facilities for work, study, research, and recreational reading. Librarians are available to provide personal assistance to all library users, assist in locating materials or find information, and instruct in efficient use of electronic resources. Always ask the library staff when you cannot locate something or when you need help in getting started on a research project.

Library Hours

Persons calling (217) 581-6423 may obtain a list of library hours by recorded message, which is updated each Friday. During academic vacation periods, library services usually are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. A calendar of the library’s hours of operation is published annually and made available in both print form and on the library’s web site.

Mathematics Diagnostic Center

The Mathematics Diagnostic Center (MDC) is located in the East wing of the 3rd floor of Old Main, Room 3030. The MDC is designed to assist students who are under-prepared in mathematics. Use of the MDC is restricted to students enrolled in Mathematics 1020 or 1070. Placement in Mathematics 1020 or 1070 is by referral and by a student’s score on the ACT Mathematics Placement Exam, or the Compass Placement Test. Students who need to enroll in the MDC (Mathematics 1020 or 1070) should do so during any regular registration period.

The purpose of the Mathematics Diagnostic Center is to provide a laboratory environment in which students can develop the skills and knowledge needed to complete the mathematics courses required for their majors. There are two strands of diagnostic tests and prescriptive programs available: Math 1070 for students preparing to take the Mathematics 1270-1271 sequence and Math 1020 for students planning to take the Mathematics 1420-2420G sequence. Concurrent registration in 1270 or 1420 is required. Since this laboratory has scheduled classes up to 12 hours daily, it is not normally available on a walk-in basis. Students seeking tutoring in specific mathematics courses should contact the Mathematics Department for details on tutoring services available.

Reading Center

The Reading Center, located in Buzzard Hall, provides a variety of services related to the improvement of reading and study skills. Small group instruction is provided through GST 1000, Reading and Study Improvement. Individualized assistance/tutorial services are provided on a walk-in basis. The Reading Center’s services are available for students who wish to expand their reading skills in preparation for advanced degrees. Diagnosis and remediation are offered for teacher education candidates preparing to take mandated professional tests.

Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic

The Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic is housed on the second floor of the Human Services Building. Under faculty supervision, senior and graduate students majoring in Communication Disorders and Sciences obtain required clinical practice by working with speech-language-hearing impaired adults and children. A full range of diagnostic and treatment services is available. Diagnostic services include assessment of speech, language, and hearing processes. Treatment services for speech, language, hearing disorders including aural rehabilitation, classes for reduction of foreign accent, voice problems, and stuttering are provided. The services are available to University students and to children and adults in east central Illinois. Except for University students, there is a fee for services.

Term Paper Clinics

Term Paper Clinics are held in Booth Library each semester. Clinics are designed to help students develop a plan of basic research. Students are assisted with refining their topics for research and with selecting and locating appropriate sources of information in the library. Clinics are held on an individual basis, by appointment only. Students may contact the Head of Reference Services, Booth Library at (217)581-6072.

Tutoring

Many of the departments on campus offer tutoring. For further information, students may contact departmental offices or see an advisor in the Academic Advising and Learning Assistance Center.

Writing Center

The Writing Center is located in Coleman Hall, Room 3110. The Center is available free of charge for all students at Eastern. Writing Center tutors will answer questions, offer suggestions, and analyze writing problems. Students submitting essays to the Electronic Writing Portfolio or preparing for the Writing Competency Examination can arrange to work through materials available in the Writing Center. Service is provided on a walk-in or appointment basis. The telephone number is (217) 581-5929, and the web site is at http://www.eiu.edu/~writing.

Career Services

Career Services maintains a close liaison with hiring representatives from education, business, industry, and government in order to provide the most current information about hiring trends and desired qualifications. The Office seeks to help students and graduates build networks, job knowledge, secure internships and job shadowing opportunities, and ultimately to obtain full-time professional positions for which they are qualified. It is recommended that students develop a relationship with their career counselor as early as their freshman year for all undergraduate students and in their first semester for graduate degree candidates.

Career Services is located in 1301 Human Services Building, and is open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. The office also has an extensive web site with helpful information for students, alumni and parents. The link to that web site is http://www.jobsrv.eiu.edu.

Undergraduate Student Placement Services are available to EIU students who are completing their first degree. Those services include 1) Access to professional career counselors who specialize in job searches for certain industries; 2) skills and interest assessment to support selection of appropriate academic majors and career paths; 3) access to 1,000+ internship listings and 15,000+ job listings throughout the U.S.; 4) four job fairs and one Graduate School Information Day each academic year; 5) extensive career development workshops, and 6) registration services, which for a nominal one time undergraduate fee of $20.00, provides online resume services, resume referral, credential files, and access to campus interviews.

Alumni Placement Services include placement re-registration, online and hard copy vacancy bulletin subscriptions, mailing of placement credentials, access to professional career counselors, job fairs and Graduate School Days, Career Library materials and assessment tools, workshops, and our extensive employer contact information. Minimal service fees are charged for these alumni placement services.

Medical Services

The Health Service, located in the Human Services Building, provides full- and part-time students with outpatient medical services. Departments within the Health Service consist of Primary Care, Women’s Health, Nursing Triage (including Tel-A-Nurse telephone triage), Preventive Medicine, Laboratory, X-ray, and Pharmacy. The Health Education Resource Center is located on the 3rd floor of the Student Services Building.

Services are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the summer, Health Service is available Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

The cost of visits to the Health Service and use of the pharmacy is supplemented by the “Health Service” student fee, with minimal charges for some services, equipment and/or medications. Services available to students at the Health Service include: medical treatment, exams and consultation, laboratory and x-ray procedures, x-ray copies, pharmacy services, over-the-counter medications, non-returnable medical supplies, TB testing, flu shots, allergy injections, women’s health exams and consultation services, STI exams, immunizations, ECG, health information, programs and student involvement through peer education programs. Please contact the Health Service for additional information, (217) 581-3013.

Office of Civil Rights and Diversity

The Office of Civil Rights and Diversity (1011 Old Main) protects the civil rights of all students, faculty, and staff. Discrimination against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or sexual harassment, is prohibited by law. The Office will assist any individual who feels that these rights have been violated.

The Office provides education to the campus on issues relating to cultural diversity, sexual harassment, and other forms of discrimination, and regularly holds class presentations, training workshops, and discussions on these issues for faculty, staff, residence assistants and students. For additional information, contact (217) 581-5020.

Student Insurance

By action of the Board of Trustees of Eastern Illinois University, students who register for nine or more on-campus hours are required to be covered by health insurance.

All graduate assistants under contract to the University who register for 9 on-campus hours and graduate assistants enrolled only in Continuing Education with a minimum of 9 hours Fall/Spring Term or 3 hours Summer Term, are eligible for coverage. These students should contact the Student Insurance Office at 581-5290 to confirm coverage.

These students are assessed a fee for group health and accident insurance administered by the University. The Health Insurance Fee will be included in all such eligible students’ tuition bill and these students are required to pay this fee for the period for which they register, otherwise, submitted claims will be denied.

Students enrolled only in Continuing Education are not eligible for coverage.

Students enrolled in a combination of Continuing Education and regular on-campus classes should contact the Student Health Insurance Office for coverage eligibility during the first ten class days of Fall/Spring Term and during the first five days of Summer Term.

Students who register for six, seven, or eight on-campus hours may purchase the insurance coverage during the first ten class days of each Term (first five days of Summer Term) providing they meet the other eligibility requirements. DEPENDENT AND/OR SPOUSE COVERAGE IS NOT AVAILABLE.

Insurance is available for all three terms of the calendar year. Insured students attending Spring Term, who wish summer coverage and do not plan to enroll Summer Term, or plan to enroll part-time (less than 9 hours), must apply for this insurance through the last day of the Spring Term.

An insurance brochure describing details of the coverage is available on our website at www.eiu.edu/~finaid/pdf/insbrochure04-05.pdf, or in the Office of Financial Aid, Student Health Insurance section, or by calling (217) 581-5290. Basically, the Plan of Medical Coverage provides for a lifetime maximum of $15,000 for any one accidental bodily injury or illness and $5,000 combined lifetime maximum for mental illness and substance abuse treatment. The Plan is considered secondary or excess insurance, meaning, if the student is covered by other valid and collectible insurance, all benefits paid by such insurance will be determined before benefits are paid by the Eastern Illinois University Plan.

Students with equal or better coverage may apply for cancellation of their student medical coverage by completing a Waiver Form and submitting it to the Student Health Insurance Office during the first ten class days Fall/Spring Terms or during the first five class days of Summer Term. Please note that students participating in the Inter-Collegiate Athletic Programs and Varsity Cheer Team members are ineligible for the medical coverage cancellation. In addition to completing the Waiver Form, students must present evidence of personal health insurance coverage. The waiver from the Student Health Plan will continue in effect until such time as the student requests reinstatement or re-enrollment to the Plan or does not respond to a periodic request for verification that he/she continues to be covered by another health insurance plan.

All students enrolled for a minimum of six on-campus hours are eligible for re-enrollment in the EIU Student Health Plan by completing an application and making payment of the insurance fee within the first ten class days of either the Fall or Spring Term, and the first five class days of Summer Term. The insurance coverage will become effective the day application and payment are received. Please note that summer insurance coverage is available to all students who were insured during the prior spring term; otherwise, the student must be enrolled a minimum of six on-campus hours to be eligible for summer insurance coverage.

For reinstatement of the EIU Student Health Plan to become effective anytime during the semester, students must show proof of involuntary cancellation by their insurance plan within 30 days of the cancellation. For additional information, please contact the Student Insurance Office located in the Financial Aid Office or call 581-5290.

Textbook Rental Services

Basic textbooks for courses are rented to students through the Textbook Rental Service. The rental charge is included in the student fees.

Students not returning textbooks by announced deadlines at semester or term ends are subject to fines of up to $10.00 per book. Lost textbooks must be paid for at full replacement cost. Students may also be required to pay for textbooks in which they have written or highlighted, which have been subjected to unusual wear, or which have been water damaged. The total charge for both lost and damaged textbooks will include late fines of up to $10.00 per book.

During announced sales periods, students may purchase textbooks for courses in which they are enrolled, subject to the availability of
replacements.