Special Programs
Because of the comprehensive nature of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, arrangements for talented and highly motivated students differ among the various colleges and departments. Generally speaking, talented and highly motivated students are able to enter special courses or special sections of courses as freshmen and sophomores and are encouraged as juniors and seniors to participate in special programs for majors offered by the many departments. For details of these arrangements, see the descriptions in the college sections of this catalog.
Policies and procedures regarding placement and proficiency examinations, the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and the Advanced Placement Program are published in the current edition of Opportunities for Advanced Credit, a brochure available at college offices or by writing to the Office of Admissions and Records, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 901 West Illinois Street, Urbana, IL 61801, (217) 333-0302.
Advanced placement program
The Advanced Placement Program, administered by the College Entrance Examination Board, is designed for high school students who are about to enter college and wish to demonstrate their readiness for courses more advanced than those usually studied in the freshman year. Advanced classes are offered in many high schools in one or more of the following subjects: American and comparative government and politics, art history, art studio, computer science, English language and composition, English literature and composition, French language, French literature, German language, Latin, Spanish language, Spanish literature, biology, chemistry, mathematics (calculus), micro- and macroeconomics, physics, psychology, music theory, statistics, and social studies (American history and European history). A national examination in each subject, administered in May by the Educational Testing Service, is designed to measure the competence of students in terms of the point at which college study in that subject should begin. The University encourages high schools and their outstanding students to participate in this program.
Examinations are prepared and graded by national committees of high school and college teachers. They are graded on the following scale: 5, high honors; 4, honors; 3, creditable; 2, pass; and 1, fail. Grade reports are sent to the universities each student specifies at the time of the examination. Each department within the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has the option of granting, or not granting, college credit and advanced placement on the basis of the board's grade.
Transfer students should refer to the section on Acceptance of Nontraditional Transfer Credit for the policy on accepting credit earned through the Advanced Placement Program.
Specific credit recommendations for beginning freshmen at the Urbana-Champaign campus are listed below. Assignment of credit for specific courses is dependent upon policies established by the individual departments and colleges and is subject to change upon annual review. This information is also available on the Web at http://www.oir.uiuc.edu/dme/Placement/Appmemo.html.
Art
ART HISTORY Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for ARTHI 111 (4 semester hours) and ARTHI 112 (4 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2. ART STUDIO Portfolios must be submitted to the School of Art and Design for an evaluation in all studio areas.Computer Science
COMPUTER SCIENCE A Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for C S 105 (3 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2. NOTE: This credit is for a C++ version of the indicated course. COMPUTER SCIENCE AB Scores of 5, 4, and 3 receive credit for C S 125 (3 semester hours). Scores of 2 receive credit for C S 105 (3 semester hours). NOTE: This credit is for a C++ version of the indicated course.Economics
MICROECONOMICS Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for ECON 102 (3 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2. MACROECONOMICS Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for ECON 103 (3 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2.English
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for RHET 105 (4 semester hours and exemption from the University Composition I requirement). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2. ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for ENGL 103 (3 semester hours) and RHET 105 (4 semester hours and exemption from the University Composition I requirement). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2.Foreign Languages
FRENCH LANGUAGE Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for FR 103 (4 semester hours), FR 104 (4 semester hours), FR 205 (3 semester hours), and FR 207 (3 semester hours). Scores of 3 receive credit for FR 103 (4 semester hours), FR 104 (4 semester hours), and FR 205 (3 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 2. FRENCH LITERATURE Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for FR 207 (3 semester hours) and FR 210 (3 semester hours). Scores of 3 receive credit for FR 210 (3 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 2. GERMAN LANGUAGE Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for GER 103 (4 semester hours), GER 104 (4 semester hours), and GER 211 (3 semester hours). Scores of 3 receive credit for GER 103 (4 semester hours) and GER 104 (4 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 2. LATIN Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit and placement as follows: Vergil examination: LAT 103 (4 semester hours), LAT 104 (4 semester hours), and 3 semester hours of General Latin Credit. Lyric examination: LAT 103 (4 semester hours), LAT 104 (4 semester hours), LAT 201 (3 semester hours), and 3 semester hours of General Latin Credit. Scores of 3 receive credit and placement as follows: Vergil examination: LAT 103 (4 semester hours) and LAT 104 (4 semester hours). Lyric examination: LAT 103 (4 semester hours), LAT 104 (4 semester hours), and 3 semester hours of General Latin Credit. Credit is not awarded for scores of 2. SPANISH LANGUAGE Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for SPAN 103, 104, and 200 (11 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2. SPANISH LITERATURE Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for SPAN 103, 104, and 200 (11 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2.Government
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for POL S 150 (3 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2. COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for POL S 240 (3 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2.Mathematics and Natural Sciences
BIOLOGY Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for BIOL 120 (5 semester hours). Scores of 3 receive credit for BIOL 100 (3 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 2. CHEMISTRY Scores of 5 and 4 receive general chemistry credit (6 semester hours) and placement in CHEM 122 or 223, 224. Scores of 3 receive general chemistry credit (3 semester hours) and placement in CHEM 102 or 109. Students should take the departmental general chemistry proficiency examination. Credit is not awarded for scores of 2. MATHEMATICS Calculus AB Scores of 5, 4, and 3 receive credit for MATH 120 (5 semester hours) and placement in Mathematics 130. Credit is not awarded for scores of 2. Calculus BC Scores of 5, 4, and 3 receive credit for MATH 120 (5 semester hours) and MATH 130 (3 semester hours) and placement in MATH 242. Scores of 2 receive credit for MATH 120 (5 semester hours) and placement in MATH 130. PHYSICS Physics B Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for PHYCS 101 (5 semester hours) and PHYCS 102 (5 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2. Physics C Scores of 5 and 4 will receive credit as follows: Part I-Mechanics: PHYCS 111 (4 semester hours). Part II-Electricity and Magnetism: PHYCS 112 (4 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2. For additional information or to arrange to take a departmental proficiency examination, students should go to 233 Loomis Laboratory of Physics. Statistics Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for STAT 100 (3 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2.Music
MUSIC THEORY A score of 5 receives credit for MUSIC 101 (3 semester hours). Credit is not given for scores of 4, 3, and 2.Psychology
Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for PSYCH 100 (4 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2.Social Studies
AMERICAN HISTORY Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for HIST 151 (3 semester hours) and HIST 152 (3 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2. Students should sign up in 309 Gregory Hall for the History 151 and/or History 152 departmental proficiency exam. EUROPEAN HISTORY Scores of 5 and 4 receive credit for HIST 112 (3 semester hours). Credit is not awarded for scores of 3 and 2. Students should sign up in 309 Gregory Hall for the History 112 departmental proficiency exam.special programs
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE EXAMINATIONS
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, sponsored by a Swiss foundation, offers a curriculum covering either the last two years of secondary education or the twelfth and thirteenth grades in a thirteen-grade system. Successful completion of the program is based on the completion of course work and passage of internationally prepared examinations. The examinations are written at two levels of study: High Level, administered after a minimum of 240 hours of teaching time in a subject; and Subsidiary Level, administered after a minimum of 160 hours of teaching time in a subject.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will award proficiency credit to new, continuing, and transfer students on the basis of scores from several International Baccalaureate examinations: anthropology, biology, chemistry, classics (Latin and Greek), economics, French, German, history, and philosophy. University departments establish policies for awarding proficiency credit and advanced placement for each score on the IB scale of 1 to 7. Those wishing to have such examination scores evaluated should request that official score transcripts be sent to the Division of Measurement and Evaluation, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 247 Armory Building, 505 East Armory Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign may accept, for transfer purposes, IB credit awarded by another institution if the transfer student meets two requirements: (1) the student must have earned at least 12 semester hours of graded college-level classroom credit at that same institution or campus, and (2) the student must have earned classroom credit for a more advanced course in the same subject area at that same institution. The advanced course must be fully acceptable under University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign transfer credit policies. Transfer students who have not met these requirements may request that official copies of their scores be sent to the Division of Measurement and Evaluation. Such scores will be evaluated using the same standards applied to the scores of continuing students at the University.
The specific credit and placement policies for International Baccalaureate examinations recognized by this campus are given below. This information is subject to change upon annual review by each department concerned.
Anthropology
High and Subsidiary Levels: Scores of 7 and 6 receive credit for Anthropology 103 (4 semester hours).Biology
High Level: Scores of 7 and 6 receive credit for BIOL 120 and 121 (10 semester hours). Subsidiary Level: Scores of 7 and 6 receive credit for BIOL 104 (4 semester hours).Chemistry
High Level: Scores of 7 and 6 receive credit for CHEM 101 and either Chemistry 102B or CHEM 102P (8 semester hours). Subsidiary Level: No credit is granted.Classics-Latin
High Level: Scores of 7 and 6 receive credit for LAT 103, 104, and 201 (11 semester hours). Subsidiary Level: Scores of 7 and 6 receive credit for LAT 103 and 104 (8 semester hours).Classics-Greek
High Level: Scores of 7 and 6 receive credit for GRK 101, 102, and 201 (12 semester hours). Subsidiary Level: Scores of 7 and 6 receive credit for GRK 101 and 102 (8 semester hours).Economics
High and Subsidiary Levels: Scores of 7 and 6 receive credit for ECON 102 and 103 (6 semester hours).French
High and Subsidiary Levels: Scores of 7 and 6 receive credit for FR 207 and 210 (6 semester hours); scores of 5 receive credit for FR 210 (3 semester hours).German
High and Subsidiary Levels: Scores of 7 and 6 receive credit for GER 211 and 231 (6 semester hours).History
High Level: Scores of 7 and 6 receive credit for HIST 112 and 152 (6 semester hours). Subsidiary Level: No credit is granted.Philosophy
High and Subsidiary Levels: Scores of 7 and 6 receive credit for PHIL 101 (3 semester hours).PROFICIENCY EXAMINATIONS
Proficiency examinations are offered in most courses open to freshmen and sophomores. A student may take proficiency examinations in more advanced undergraduate courses on recommendation of the head or chairperson of the department in which the course is offered and approval of the dean of the student's college. Departmental proficiency examinations are administered in individual sessions or scheduled group sessions during the semester. Departmental offices can provide information regarding test dates, places of administration, types of examination, and references that might be used when preparing for examinations. Course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in the Courses catalog. (See the inside back cover of this publication for locations at which the Courses catalog may be obtained.) Proficiency examinations are generally given without cost to students, but fees may be charged to defray the cost of proficiency examinations prepared by agencies outside the University.
All regulations governing proficiency examinations will be applied in the context that the University must reasonably accommodate a student's religious beliefs, observances, and practices in regard to scheduling of proficiency examinations if the student informs the person responsible for the scheduling of such examinations of the conflict within one week after being informed of the examination schedule. Any student may appeal an adverse decision.
An enrolled undergraduate student who passes a proficiency examination is given credit toward graduation for the amount regularly allowed in the course (1) if it does not duplicate credit counted for admission to the University or credit earned through some other testing program and (2) if it is acceptable in the student's curriculum. No official record is made of failures in these examinations, but some departments may keep records to prohibit students from retaking the examinations. General campus policy information regarding proficiency examinations can be found in the Code of Policies and Regulations Applying to All Students.
Transfer students should consult the Admission for Transfer Applicants section for the policy on acceptance of proficiency credit for admission purposes.
College-level examination program (CLEP)
This program exists for the purpose of awarding proficiency credit, or otherwise recognizing college-level competence achieved outside the college classroom. Two types of tests are available: (1) the general examination covers the broad content of a study that might be expected to be covered by several introductory-level courses, and (2) the subject matter examination covers the specific content of a single college course. Credit can be earned and will be recognized by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for some CLEP General Examinations, but credit is not awarded for any of the CLEP Subject Matter Examinations.
Most students must fulfill general education requirements for degree purposes in four areas: humanities, social science/history, biological science, and physical science. CLEP General Examinations in humanities and social science can be used to earn waivers of the corresponding general education requirements, or parts of them, and to earn degree credit. Credit is not awarded by the University for scores from the CLEP General Examinations in English composition, mathematics, or natural science. A CLEP test provides an opportunity for a student to demonstrate knowledge in a general subject area that is as thorough as that required of a graduate who has not majored in that particular area. General education requirements are designed to ensure that graduates of the University are generalists as well as specialists. The University recognizes that this general knowledge may have been acquired by entering students through high school work, independent study, extracurricular reading, projects, or work experience. CL EP General Examination scores can be used to earn 3 or 6 credit hours and waiver of all or part of the requirement in each of the two general education areas. College policies vary in terms of the tests that are acceptable for earning credit and waiver, and in terms of the scores required for partial or complete waiver of a requirement.
Students may take CLEP examinations at any CLEP National Testing Center designated by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), Box 966, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. Official score reports should be sent by ETS to Coordinator, Placement and Proficiency Testing, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 247 Armory Building, 505 East Armory Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820. Locations of CLEP National Testing Centers and test administration dates may be obtained by writing to ETS, or by inquiring at most college and high school counseling offices.
CLEP test scores earned by beginning freshmen at the Urbana-Champaign campus, including students with less than 12 semester hours of transferable classroom credit attempted at other collegiate institutions, are evaluated for credit according to norms established for the campus. Transfer students should refer to the section on Acceptance of Nontraditional Transfer Credit for the policy on accepting credit earned through CLEP examinations.
CLEP examination scores reported by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) testing centers will be evaluated against the same criteria that are applied to continuing students on the Urbana-Champaign campus.
CAMPUS HONORS PROGRAM
The Campus Honors Program (CHP) offers special challenges and opportunities to a small number of academically talented and highly motivated undergraduate students. It fosters collaborative relationships between students and distinguished faculty through small intensive classes, a faculty mentor system for introducing students to the intellectual standards and methodologies of academic disciplines, and informal contacts encouraged by cocurricular offerings. CHP sponsors four series of noncredit cocurricular events: a "Scholar Adventurers" lecture series on faculty research; a "Study Abroad at Home" series of seminar-workshops centering on other cultures; a series of dress-rehearsal visits at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts; and an "International Tasting Club" lunch series. The aim is to encourage breadth and excellence from the outset of the student's college career, and to facilitate interaction with scholars at the cutting edge of their disciplines.
Only approximately 125 new students can be admitted to the CHP each year as first-year students. A few additional students, however, may join the program on an off-cycle basis at the beginning of the sophomore year. Designated as Chancellor's Scholars, CHP students may be enrolled in any undergraduate curriculum. Those who meet retention requirements continue as Chancellor's Scholars throughout their undergraduate career. Required CHP course work is concentrated in the freshman and sophomore years when students take intensive and specialized versions of general education courses. At the junior and senior level, when students are necessarily involved in their majors, they are required to take one advanced CHP seminar. In short, the emphasis is on fundamental principles and interdisciplinary connections because the CHP is directed at students who desire an undergraduate education that is broad and general as well as professionally specialized.
It is as important to understand what CHP is not, as to understand what it is. CHP courses represent additional opportunities for academically gifted and adventurous students; they are not an alternative curriculum. Basically, they provide an honors-quality way of satisfying general education requirements for graduation and of helping students to discover the interrelations between their own discipline and other disciplines. Nor does CHP supplant or conflict with departmental honors programs. In consultation with their departmental academic advisers, Chancellor's Scholars develop their own combination of regular and CHP courses. Accordingly, most of the courses CHP students take are regular University offerings.
Most importantly, CHP is a challenge. A Chancellor's Scholar must make a special commitment to the intellectual life, and to the dialogue and community in the Honors House.
Benefits
As a small general studies program within a large state university, the Campus Honors Program seeks to combine the advantages of a major public institution with those of a small liberal arts college. Opportunities offered by the program include:
- Challenging courses designed especially for CHP students, with limited enrollment (usually fifteen students or fewer);
- Summer grants to fund student research projects ($1,000) and to support student domestic and foreign travel ($500 and $1,000, respectively);
- A variety of social and intellectual activities outside the classroom, including cultural events and seminars on topics of interest;
- Access to the University Library stacks;
- Transcript notation of Chancellor's Scholar status;
- Access to computer facilities in the Honors House and to a special communications electronic bulletin board;
- Orientation and senior sibling programs for incoming students;
- Honors House, the honors student center, which offers an atmo- sphere conducive to study and relaxation;
- Priority registration for classes; and
- Interaction with an outstanding group of peers.
Admission
Entering freshmen with high ACT/SAT scores and exceptional high school records are invited by CHP to apply for admission to the program, but any incoming or currently enrolled freshman may ask to be considered. Acceptance is based upon such factors as standardized test scores, high school class rank and grade point average, evidence of creative and leadership abilities as displayed in extracurricular interests and activities, the strength of application essays, and evidence of willingness to accept CHP challenges and contribute to the program. The Honors Program is open to students in all majors offered on the Urbana-Champaign campus, and an effort is made to ensure that each incoming class of Chancellor's Scholars is broadly representative of the curricula of the University as a whole. Students who are strongly motivated not only to excel, but also to make a difference at Illinois are sought for Chancellor's Scholars.
For additional information or to obtain an application form, contact the Campus Honors Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1205 West Oregon Street, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 244-0922. For full consideration, completed applications should be received by February 1 for admission the following fall.
EDMUND J. JAMES UNDERGRADUATE HONORS PROGRAMS
Undergraduate honors programs, named for one of the University's distinguished presidents, Edmund J. James, provide a number of special curricular opportunities to academically talented undergraduate students. Designation by the University as "James Scholars" recognizes students of extraordinary ability and achievement. It entitles students to certain academic privileges, including the extended use of library facilities, and charges them with the responsibility for seeking sustained intellectual achievement throughout their undergraduate careers. James Scholar honors students are characterized by outstanding academic records; high general aptitudes for college work; and reputations for seriousness of purpose, persistence, and self-discipline in educational endeavors.
Students enrolled in any undergraduate curriculum may elect to participate in the program; special academic arrangements are open to James Scholar honors students in all courses of study. These arrangements include provision of honors courses and sections, special seminars, and interdisciplinary colloquia. In addition, James Scholars are encouraged to pursue individual scholarly interests through independent study and research projects. There is no monetary award associated with this program, and students who need financial assistance should apply to the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Nomination Procedures
Academic requirements for participation in the program are determined by the respective colleges. Undergraduates in most colleges may "self-nominate" into the program, provided that the decision is based on prior achievement and on high school and college faculty or administrative advice, and is accomplished prior to the terminal dates set for entry into academic programs leading to honors degrees. In the Colleges of Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Commerce and Business Administration, entering students with higher than a predetermined college selection index are automatically admitted as James Scholar Designates. Students may elect to leave the program or may be removed for failure to meet standards of academic performance in the various colleges.
During summer orientation/registration, freshmen in most colleges will receive additional information regarding specific college programs leading to honors degrees. At that time, in consultation with an adviser, a student may self-nominate into the program and select an honors course or plan other honors activities.
Although the honors program in each college varies in detail, any incoming freshman electing to undertake an honors program will enter the University as a James Scholar Designate. After completion of a period on campus, each designate's record will be reviewed by his or her college. The student then will be invited to continue annual certification as a James Scholar honors student or advised to leave the program on the basis of criteria developed by the college. Resident and transfer students wishing to self-nominate into the program should inquire at their college offices.
James Scholar Recognition
Successful performance for one year as a James Scholar honors student is recognized and recorded on the student's University record as Edmund J. James Scholar (year).
Specific inquiries regarding the honors program of a particular college may be addressed to the college office in care of the honors dean.
Honors Credit Learning Agreements
It is not expected that a James Scholar honors student will take a full schedule of special courses; however, at least one honors activity each semester is considered normal. To encourage sustained independent intellectual activity by superior students, the campuswide Honors Credit Learning Agreement Program enables students to earn officially recognized honors credit in regular undergraduate courses. This is accomplished by a learning agreement between student and instructor whereby the student undertakes a special course-related project. Upon successful completion of the project, the student is awarded transcript-designated honors credit for the course. Forms for initiation of honors credit learning agreements are available in the college offices.
TRANSITION PROGRAM
Established in 1986, the Transition Program is a campus-sponsored academic support program designed to provide assistance to a group of 100 students admitted each year who have academic weaknesses that could place them "at risk" if they were permitted to enter the University without such assistance. The goal of the program is to provide students with a home base where they feel comfortable about asking questions, expressing their concerns, and receiving the support, advice, and encouragement they need to be academically successful at, and to graduate from, the University of Illinois. Students are consistently encouraged to succeed; more important, they are shown how to succeed in the college classroom.
These bright and talented students are admitted to the University through the Educational Opportunities Program and placed in the Transition Program, housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where they will receive developmental academic support for two years. After a student has successfully completed four semesters in the Transition Program, an admission space is reserved in the college and/or curriculum of his or her choice, if the student is in good academic standing (C average or better) and has completed the required core courses for admission to that college and/or curriculum.
The Transition Program is divided into two major components-the Summer Bridge component and an academic year component. Both components provide the student with:
1. Intensive academic and career counseling.
2. Extensive academic and personal support services plus opportunities to enroll in support-based sections of existing courses.
3. Comprehensive developmental skills as well as enhancement and enrichment activities.
Only those students who officially apply to the University in the standard manner prescribed by the Office of Admissions and Records and who meet established campus and program deadlines for application will be considered for admission and placement in the Transition Program. The final decision on which students will be admitted and placed in the Transition Program is the joint responsibility of the director of the Office of Admissions and Records and the director of the Transition Program, acting on behalf of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
General Criteria for Placement in the Transition Program
An applicant with a score of 17 or lower on the ACT English subtest area (320 on the SAT Verbal subtest area) or a score of 17 or lower on the ACT mathematics subtest area (350 on the SAT Math subtest area) is eligible for admission consideration through participation in the Educational Opportunities Program and placement in the Transition Program. In some cases, an interview with a Transition Program staff member may be required before an admission decision can be reached.
Bridge Admission
An applicant with a score of 15 or lower on the ACT English subtest area or a score of 16 or lower on the ACT mathematics subtest area is eligible for admission consideration only through participation in the Educational Opportunities Program and placement in the Summer Bridge component of the Transition Program, unless there is strong evidence that participation in Summer Bridge is not necessary for the applicant's success. (Other applicants may be invited or required to participate in the Transition Program or the Summer Bridge component if, in the judgment of the director of the Office of Admissions and Records and the director of the Transition Program, such participation is necessary for the applicants' success at the University.)
A student who meets Summer Bridge criteria will be required to complete placement tests designed for the Transition Program, followed by a personal interview with a program staff member before an admission decision can be reached.
Eligibility of Summer Bridge participants to continue enrollment in the fall semester is contingent upon acceptable academic performance in the summer program and recommendation by the director of the Transition Program.
The Summer Bridge Component
Each summer, 50 of the 100 students selected for placement in the Transition Program are required to participate in a six-week residential summer session on the Urbana-Champaign campus sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The session engages these students in intensive course work in mathematics, composition, and basic skills development. In addition, Summer Bridge participants are provided with a variety of cultural enrichment activities and orientation to University resources, support services, and campus living.
The Summer Bridge experience is provided at no cost to the students. Each participant receives institutional financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition, room, board, and books. In addition, with the exception of students who will participate in intercollegiate athletics and who are not eligible for such added financial assistance under current National Collegiate Athletic Association regulations, each participant receives a stipend of a modest weekly allowance and a lump-sum payment at the end of the summer session.
Each Summer Bridge participant must successfully complete all course work with a grade of C or better before gaining admission for the fall semester. The Bridge experience offers students an invaluable opportunity to get a head start on their undergraduate education and to make important adjustments to the multiple demands of college life, including learning the difference between getting by and getting ahead. At the end of Summer Bridge, each student fully understands the relationship between hard work and success in the college classroom; the summer experience makes a significant difference.
The Academic Year Component
Each fall, the successful Summer Bridge participants join the 50 other newly admitted Transition Program students. Each of the 200 Transition Program students (including 100 returning sophomores) is assigned to an adviser who is a graduate or professional student at the University. Each graduate adviser is responsible for providing academic, career, and personal counseling to a group of 20 students; each student is required to meet with his or her graduate adviser at least once a week. The graduate advisers, along with the director and assistant director of the program, carefully monitor the academic progress of the students daily to ensure their success.
In cooperation with various departments and colleges on campus, the Transition Program sponsors special sections of existing courses that are tailored to meet the students' individual needs. These courses are small and allow for extensive teacher-student interaction; in addition, the instructors for these courses meet regularly with the program staff and submit weekly reports on the progress of the students. At no cost to the students, additional academic support is provided by the Office of Minority Student Affairs.
Additional Information
Additional information about the Transition Program may be obtained by contacting the office of the director of the Transition Program, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 270 Lincoln Hall, 702 South Wright Street, Urbana, IL 61801, (217) 244-1588 or 1-800-TOP-BEST (867-2378).
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM
General Nature and Purpose
The Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) was established in 1968. It is administered by the Office of Minority Student Affairs and it provides academic services and counseling support to students who (1) have high potential but are academically underprepared for their major area or (2) come from backgrounds that are underrepresented on the Urbana campus. The program's emphasis is on supporting incoming students identified by the Office of Admissions and Records and college offices as being academically at risk in their preferred curricula.
Students admitted through the program, along with many other students, receive financial support from federal loans and grants, Illinois Student Assistance Commission Monetary Awards, and University tuition waivers. They also contribute toward their expenses through family contributions, summer and part-time employment, and personal loans. Supportive services for the program are provided by federal and University funds.
Through the Educational Opportunities Program, the University is attempting to:
- Admit students who otherwise might not be able to undertake a college-level program at a major educational institution, and assist them in completing a baccalaureate degree. Participants receive the same benefits as other students and additional support if required.
- Increase the number of students from ethnic minority groups underrepresented on campus and raise the retention and graduation rates of participants.
- Develop educational programs and policies, both academic and administrative, that will assist and support students in the program and that may well benefit all students.
- Provide students not in the program the vital cultural and social experience of meeting, living with, and learning from students from other cultures.
- Add ethnic diversity to the campus and ensure that all participants have a high probability of graduating from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
- Provide and disseminate to other educational institutions and agencies information that will increase their ability to deal with educational and sociological problems of students from nontraditional backgrounds.
- Provide information on securing financial aid, student employment, and postgraduate opportunities to program participants.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Educational Opportunities Program is limited to applicants from Illinois who are educationally or economically disadvantaged and who fall into one of the following categories:
- Beginning freshmen who meet the high school subject pattern requirements and the high school rank and test score combinations prescribed for the colleges and curricula of their choice.
- Students not meeting the stated academic requirements, if the deans of the colleges concerned and the director of admissions and records (or their designated representatives) concur.
It should be noted that in some curricula, such as the performing arts and aviation, additional requirements must be met.
Supportive Services
Supportive services are available to help Educational Opportunities Program students meet a wide range of needs, as follows:
- Extensive academic advising, taking into consideration students' past educational achievements, test results, abilities, and interests. The optimal class schedules and course selections are determined by students in consultation with special academic advisers in the various colleges.
- Specially designed course offerings, including basic courses in rhetoric, mathematics, and special class sections in regular courses.
- A Reading and Study Methods Clinic and Writing Laboratory to help improve reading, writing, and study skills.
- A tutoring system conducted by the Office of Minority Student Affairs and students to help students in the program effectively approach and master subject content.
- An office with a specially trained staff to provide academic, social, personal, financial, and career assistance and general counseling.
- Precollege orientation programs to help students gain a greater awareness of the programs and services available at the University.
Application
Applicants for participation in the Educational Opportunities Program must submit complete admission applications and arrange for their high school transcripts and test scores to be sent to the Office of Admissions and Records.
Application forms and additional information about the program may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Records.
SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
The Division of Rehabilitation-Education Services is the designated office of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that obtains and files disability-related documents, certifies eligibility for disability services, determines reasonable accommodations, and develops plans for the provision of such accommodations for students and guests of the University with disabilities. Services offered by the Division include study skills consultation and training, academic and disability counseling, auxiliary aids (e.g., notetakers, lab or library assistance, interpreters, etc.), document conversion to alternative formats (e.g., Braille, tape, enlarged print, etc.), assistive listening devices, modified testing services, assistive computer technology, priority registration, time extensions, and numerous other services. For example, the Division offers physical therapy and functional training, housing for students requiring assistance in the performance of activities of daily living, accessible campus transportat ion, wheelchair and equipment repair, financial aid assistance, and an internationally acclaimed adapted sports program. The Division works closely with Campus Parking and the Housing Division to arrange appropriate housing and parking for students with disabilities.
Prospective students are urged to contact the Division to request information about services and resources, and are strongly encouraged to visit the campus and the Division of Rehabilitation-Education Services well in advance of enrollment to plan for their needs. The Division is located at 1207 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820; (217) 333-1970 (V/TDD); Fax (217) 333-0248.
COURSE ATTENDANCE BY ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Qualified local high school students are permitted, while in high school, to attend University classes for college credit. They may also enroll for college credit in correspondence and extramural courses offered by the University.
To qualify for high school and on-campus University concurrent enrollment, a student must be recommended by his or her high school principal and have a 3.5 (A = 4.0) grade point average and have prerequisite courses completed. Students are assessed tuition at the regular undergraduate nondegree student rates.
Courses taken by these students involve work over and above the secondary school curriculum. Grades and course credits will appear on their permanent University records and on official transcripts. If these students enter the University after high school graduation, the courses, if applicable, will be credited toward University graduation.
A student applying for on-campus admission under this program should be prepared to submit the following materials upon request:
- A nondegree application for admission to the University (not required of students who were previously enrolled under this plan).
- An official copy of the high school transcript covering all work completed in high school and courses in progress, together with ACT or SAT test score if available. Acceptance under this program does not guarantee later acceptance as a degree candidate.
Information and applications for this program may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Records at the address on the inside back cover. A separate undergraduate admission application is required if a student desires to attend the University after high school graduation or under the Early Admission Program described in the next section.
A student interested in correspondence study should request information and an application form from Guided Individual Study, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Suite 1406, 302 East John Street, Champaign, IL 61820. It is suggested that students begin correspondence study to coincide with the start of a fall or spring semester at the University. Applications should be submitted before the beginning of a semester. For the summer session, applications should be submitted by the middle of May.
EARLY ADMISSION PROGRAM
Under the Early Admission Program, a high school student meeting competitive admission requirements except receipt of a high school diploma may be enrolled in the University before graduating from high school. Although each application is treated as a special admission case, a prospective student must be at least 15 years of age by the time of desired term of enrollment, have earned 15 units toward a high school diploma, be in good academic standing, and be recommended by a high school staff member who is able to evaluate the student's work, and meet competitive admission standards. Those accepted in the program are enrolled in regular four-year curricula and treated as first-year students.
A student interested in this program may apply for admission no sooner than January preceding the fall term of planned entry so that the application can include complete information about the student's fall semester. However, application should be completed as soon as possible after January 1.
For complete information, contact the Office of Admissions and Records at the address on the inside back cover.
DELAYED ADMISSION
A person approved for admission may request that the admission be delayed for a maximum of one year to allow participation in nonacademic pursuits. An applicant who wishes to consider this alternative should request further information from the Office of Admissions and Records at the time that he or she accepts the admission offer since the program is limited.
CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT WITH PARKLAND
A student in good academic standing at Parkland College or at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign may concurrently enroll in courses offered by the other institution if such courses are not available at the student's primary campus. Prior written approval for concurrent enrollment must be obtained from the dean of students at Parkland College and the appropriate college office at the University campus.
Generally, concurrent enrollees must take fewer hours at the secondary institution than at the primary institution. Concurrent enrollees are part-time nondegree students at the secondary institution and pay the tuition and fees regularly assessed at that institution in accordance with the amount of work taken. The application fee is waived.
STUDY AWAY FROM CAMPUS
The University permits a student who has been enrolled on campus for at least a semester or summer session, with the approval of the student's adviser and the appropriate departmental and college offices, to undertake independent study away from campus either in the United States or abroad.
Colleges and departments may establish variable credit courses that permit students, upon payment of an appropriate fee, to continue enrollment in the University while studying away from campus. Final determination of credit is made by the department and college concerned.
Overseas study programs offered by each college are described in the individual college sections of this catalog.
Produced by the Computing and Communications Services Office (CCSO) and the Office of Publications and Marketing for the Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The University of Illinois is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. Cover photograph by Don Hamerman.