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ECC President David Sam looks on as WIU Centennial Honors College Director Rick Hardy signs honors, reverse transfer and linkages agreements between ECC and WIU.
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WIU Signs Agreements with Elgin Community College

March 10, 2016

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MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University and Elgin Community College (ECC) have signed agreements that will allow students to concurrently enroll at both institutions and provide a seamless transfer from ECC to Western.

According to Andy Borst, WIU admissions director, the Linkages Program allows students to take courses at both Western and a participating community college during their first and second year of college to ensure a successful transfer. The agreement includes all of Western's degree programs.

"We are pleased to provide additional educational opportunities for students at Elgin Community College," said WIU President Jack Thomas. "We look forward to continuing to work with ECC to provide premier academic programs that benefit their students."

In addition, Western and Elgin also signed reverse transfer and honors agreements. The reverse transfer agreement between the two institutions enables ECC students who transfer to WIU before earning their ECC degree to transfer the relevant WIU credit to Elgin to earn an associate degree.

"We are very excited about our partnership with WIU," said Elgin Community College President David Sam. "We are always in search of opportunities that will allow our students to make a seamless transition throughout their educational journeys. This agreement will greatly benefit our students and both academic institutions."

ECC honors students can continue their honors-level curriculum at Western and graduate with University Honors. The honors agreement allows Elgin Community College honors students to transfer to Western's Centennial Honors College following their individual degree completion at ECC.

"Elgin Community College has an outstanding honors program. This agreement will foster a smooth transition for Elgin graduates transferring to the Centennial Honors College," said WIU Centennial Honors College Director Richard Hardy. "The agreement will enable students to achieve the distinction of 'University Scholars,' something that would not be possible without this agreement."

All honors coursework at Elgin will transfer hour-for-hour toward the general honors requirements in WIU's honors college.

"Western Illinois University and Elgin Community College have been long-standing partners in serving transfer students. These new agreements bring our partnerships to even higher levels, with even more opportunities for the high achieving students to continue their education and complete their baccalaureate degrees at WIU," noted Joe Rives, vice president of Quad Cities and planning.

For more information on the WIU-ECC partnership, contact the WIU Office of Admissions at (309) 298-3157 or email admissions@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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