Eastern Iowa and Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø create partnership

Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Next is the name of a new partnership between two Quad-Cities institutions: Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø and Eastern Iowa Community Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍøs. 

¡°This community partnership creates a seamless path for students between two exceptional Quad-Cities colleges,¡± said Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø President Steve Bahls. ¡°The Quad Cities needs to attract and keep bright students and their talents, and this opportunity aims to do just that.¡±

Through Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Next, students applying to Eastern Iowa Community Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍøs (EICC) with the intention of completing an associate of arts degree may apply to Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø at the same time. After completing the associate's degree, they can continue at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø to complete their bachelor of arts degree.

The agreement provides EICC students the opportunity to use Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s resources from Day One. Students are provided an Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø ID card, which grants them access to the library, databases, campus facilities, sporting and cultural events, and program evaluation software. These opportunities allow students to become involved at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø before they transfer.

¡°This partnership is all about providing our students an opportunity to further their education, right here in our community,¡± said Joan Kindle, EICC vice chancellor for education and training. ¡°From the very beginning, students will be engaged with supportive services, student activities and classes at both campuses to assure a successful journey.¡±

EICC students also will be connected with an Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø academic advisor to begin meeting and planning their futures at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø. 

In addition to the advising and planning opportunity the partnership presents, students can get ahead on coursework needed to complete their bachelor's degree at Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø before officially enrolling. Two special evening courses will be available to EICC students each academic year, offered at the EICC cost.

There is no extra fee for dual application. Students also may apply to Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø during their first and second year attending an EICC college. Application to Å·ÖÞ±­ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±­ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø does not obligate the student to attend or limit their ability to apply to other schools.