Illinois Valley Community College
Encyclopedia
Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) is a two-year institution of higher learning
located in Oglesby
, Illinois
. The college serves a 2000 square miles (5,180 km²) district encompassing all of Putnam and parts of Bureau
, LaSalle, DeKalb
, Grundy, Lee, Livingston
, and Marshall
counties. The college sits on a 425 acres (1.7 km²) campus that was constructed in 1972 and currently serves a student body of 4,519 students. The college was accredited by The Higher Learning Commission
of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
in 1929.
Illinois Valley Community College offers a variety of associate degrees and certificates. Associate in Applied Science degrees and certificates prepare students for employment upon completion of the program. Associate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Engineering Sciences and General Studies are available for students wishing to transfer to a four-year institution. Besides the different programs of study, IVCC provides student services, including counseling, free tutoring, an open computer lab, and an on-campus bookstore.
IVCC was founded in 1924 under the name LaSalle-Peru-Oglesby Junior College with an entering class of 32 students studying in facilities provided by the LaSalle-Peru Township High School. The mission of the college during this time period was to lay the foundations for successful careers. The first president of the college was Dr. Thomas J. McCormack, who had served as superintendent of the high school since 1903.
On July 1, 1966, LaSalle-Peru-Oglesby College was given a new name and a new location. Illinois Valley Community College replaced LPO, and was relocated to its current location on the opposite side of the Illinois River from the LaSalle-Peru area. The new name seemed fitting because much of the area that the college district encompasses is referred to as the Illinois Valley. The relocation was possible due to an $8.25 million referendum voted on by members of District 513 to finance the beginning of IVCC. The first courses took place in this new location on September 9, 1968.
. In November 2002, IVCC was accepted into the HLC's Academic Quality Improvement Program. The majority of courses occur in buildings A through E, but the campus is not limited to this area. Many industrial courses are taught in buildings on the eastern side of the campus, and a cultural center and gym with a fitness center are also present. Although 89% of students attend class during the day, IVCC offers a number of night courses for those whose schedules conflict with the earlier class periods.
In 2000 the college opened a branch campus at Ottawa Center
. The college is supported by an active Foundation created in 1976 to manage bequests and other financial gifts to the college. In 2007 the Foundation created IVCC's first alumni association. In 2009, Cassie Fuller and Veronica Blue were named to the All-USA Community College Academic Team, placing them in the top 50 and 150 community college students nationwide.
, Black Hawk College
, Black Hawk College — East, Kishwaukee College
, Highland Community College
and Sauk Valley Community College
. The college offers eight varsity sports despite Board concerns on financial expenditures and budget pressures.
. A background in laboratory science and a 2.5 GPA are required for students enrolling in the nursing program to be a Registered nurse
.
Higher Learning
Higher Learning is a 1995 American drama film, starring an ensemble cast. It also featured Tyra Banks' first performance in a theatrical film...
located in Oglesby
Oglesby, Illinois
Oglesby is a city in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,791 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Ottawa–Streator Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Schools:...
, Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
. The college serves a 2000 square miles (5,180 km²) district encompassing all of Putnam and parts of Bureau
Bureau County, Illinois
Bureau County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 34,978, which is a decrease of 1.5% from 35,503 in 2000. Its county seat is Princeton. Bureau County is part of the Ottawa–Streator Micropolitan Statistical Area...
, LaSalle, DeKalb
DeKalb County, Illinois
DeKalb County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 105,160, which is an increase of 18.2% from 88,969 in 2000. Its county seat is Sycamore. DeKalb County is part of the Chicago metropolitan statistical area.-History:DeKalb County...
, Grundy, Lee, Livingston
Livingston County, Illinois
Livingston County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 38,950, which is a decrease of 1.8% from 39,678 in 2000. Its county seat is Pontiac....
, and Marshall
Marshall County, Illinois
The median income for a household in the county was $41,576, and the median income for a family was $48,061. Males had a median income of $35,765 versus $21,452 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,065...
counties. The college sits on a 425 acres (1.7 km²) campus that was constructed in 1972 and currently serves a student body of 4,519 students. The college was accredited by The Higher Learning Commission
The Higher Learning Commission
The Higher Learning Commission is part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Higher Learning Commission oversees the accreditation of degree-granting colleges and universities in nineteen Midwestern and South-Central states, including Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa,...
of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools , also known as the North Central Association, is a membership organization, consisting of colleges, universities, and schools in 19 U.S. states, that is engaged in educational accreditation...
in 1929.
Illinois Valley Community College offers a variety of associate degrees and certificates. Associate in Applied Science degrees and certificates prepare students for employment upon completion of the program. Associate Degrees in Arts, Sciences, Engineering Sciences and General Studies are available for students wishing to transfer to a four-year institution. Besides the different programs of study, IVCC provides student services, including counseling, free tutoring, an open computer lab, and an on-campus bookstore.
Mission Statement
“IVCC teaches those who seek and is enriched by those who learn". Illinois Valley Community College operates for a number of reasons. First of all, it assists students in identifying and achieving educational and career goals. It does by offering a number of services and a variety of courses to its students. The institution also promotes the understanding of diverse cultures and beliefs and understands the need to respond to new technological demands.Core Values-ReaCH FaR
Illinois Valley Community College is a system of programs, services and people that is committed to continuous improvement. The people of IVCC strive to improve the satisfaction, achievement and excellence of among students and other stakeholders. IVCC's ideas, goals and mission statement can be summarized with the acronym "ReaCH FaR". Each letter of ReaCH FaR is explained below with a brief definition.Responsibility
"We will follow through on our commitments, welcome constructive assessment and suggestions for improvement. We will meet performance expectations for personal and professional conduct. We will be accountable for appropriate, efficient, and effective use of resources."Caring
"We will nurture a culture of mutual appreciation, cultivate empathy and a compassionate response to others."Honesty
"We speak and act truthfully, without hidden agenda – saying when we make mistakes or do not know, avoiding silence when it may be misleading, identifying and working with each other to communicate and solve problems."Fairness
"We treat students and colleagues equitably, without favoritism or prejudice, giving all the benefit of the doubt, and providing opportunities for individual success."Respect
"We will consider the talents, feelings and contributions of all in our interactions and behaviors; practice active listening and collaborating in our daily work; base our relationships on the essential dignity of each individual, value diverse cultures, backgrounds, lifestyle and abilities; understand that inclusion makes us stronger and able to perform at higher levels."LPO Junior College
On July 1, 1966, LaSalle-Peru-Oglesby College was given a new name and a new location. Illinois Valley Community College replaced LPO, and was relocated to its current location on the opposite side of the Illinois River from the LaSalle-Peru area. The new name seemed fitting because much of the area that the college district encompasses is referred to as the Illinois Valley. The relocation was possible due to an $8.25 million referendum voted on by members of District 513 to finance the beginning of IVCC. The first courses took place in this new location on September 9, 1968.
IVCC Today
The Illinois Valley Community College district encompasses roughly 2000 square miles (5,180 km²), contains 21 high schools, and includes more than 146,000 residents. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The HLC is a division of the North Central Association of Colleges and SchoolsNorth Central Association of Colleges and Schools
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools , also known as the North Central Association, is a membership organization, consisting of colleges, universities, and schools in 19 U.S. states, that is engaged in educational accreditation...
. In November 2002, IVCC was accepted into the HLC's Academic Quality Improvement Program. The majority of courses occur in buildings A through E, but the campus is not limited to this area. Many industrial courses are taught in buildings on the eastern side of the campus, and a cultural center and gym with a fitness center are also present. Although 89% of students attend class during the day, IVCC offers a number of night courses for those whose schedules conflict with the earlier class periods.
In 2000 the college opened a branch campus at Ottawa Center
Marquette High School (Ottawa, Illinois)
Marquette Academy is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Ottawa, Illinois. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peoria.-History:...
. The college is supported by an active Foundation created in 1976 to manage bequests and other financial gifts to the college. In 2007 the Foundation created IVCC's first alumni association. In 2009, Cassie Fuller and Veronica Blue were named to the All-USA Community College Academic Team, placing them in the top 50 and 150 community college students nationwide.
Clubs and Athletics
The Student Activities department at Illinois Valley Community College makes a variety of clubs available to its students. The department “compliments the student’s academic experience through the development of, exposure to, and participation in social, cultural, multicultural, intellectual, recreational, community service and campus governance programs”. The College also puts on a number of theatrical and musical performances each year. Performers range from students to visiting artists. In addition to the arts, IVCC is home to varsity and intramural sports teams. Varsity sports include basketball, baseball and tennis. The college's Eagle's athletic program is a member of the Arrowhead Conference, that also includes Carl Sandburg CollegeCarl Sandburg College
Carl Sandburg College is a two-year community college based in Galesburg, Illinois, and serving the west-central Illinois region. The Main Campus is located in Galesburg, a Branch Campus is located in Carthage, and an Extension Center is located in Bushnell...
, Black Hawk College
Black Hawk College
Black Hawk College is a community college with campuses located in the city of Moline and near Kewanee, Illinois.-History:Black Hawk College is a community college with campuses located in Moline and in Galva, Illinois...
, Black Hawk College — East, Kishwaukee College
Kishwaukee College
Kishwaukee College is a community college located west of Malta, Illinois. The campus is rural in nature, and is surrounded on all four sides by corn fields....
, Highland Community College
Highland Community College
Highland Community College may refer to:*Highland Community College *Highland Community College...
and Sauk Valley Community College
Sauk Valley Community College
Sauk Valley Community College is a community college in Dixon, Illinois. Whilst technically in Dixon it is closer to the city limits of Sterling, Illinois.SVCC was built on the Rock River between the cities of Sterling and Dixon, Illinois...
. The college offers eight varsity sports despite Board concerns on financial expenditures and budget pressures.
Services
Illinois Valley Community College provides a variety of services to its students. Counselors are available to assist students in developing academic strategies or even determining a career path. Counseling, however, is not limited to just academic matters. Students facing other issues are also welcome to talk to a counselor. In addition to the typical counseling and advising services, students can also take advantage of the peer tutoring and reading, writing and study skills lab. Peer tutors are hired by the College to assist other students who are struggling in given areas. An on-site bookstore, computer resource center and day care are also available.Programs of Study
Illinois Valley Community College is primarily a two-year institution; therefore, the majority of the programs offered are either completed in this two-year period, or they set the foundation for students transferring to a 4-year institution. Associate in Applied Science Degrees are completed in two years and prepare students for employment. Computer Aided Engineering and Design, Early Childhood Education and Therapeutic Massage are just a few of these two year programs. In addition to these programs, forty-one different certificate programs are available to students. Certificates offered by the college typically require one to four semesters and prepare students for a vocational career upon completion of the program. Additional Associate Degrees are available for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution. Associate Degrees in the Arts, Sciences, Engineering Sciences and General Studies are offered to potential transfer students. Even though the IVCC offers a variety of programs, some students will be unable to take the necessary courses for their intended major. For situations such as these, Illinois Valley Community College “maintains a close cooperative agreement with 20 other colleges in the Illinois community college system”. Students may complete their degree at the appropriate institution and not have to pay any out-of-district fees.Admissions
Illinois Valley Community College generally offers open admission; however, prospective students must have a high school diploma or GED to be enrolled in the institution. Acceptance into the nursing and dental programs is selective, and minimum GPAs are specified for these programs. A minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale is required for students planning to enroll in the dental assistant program or the nursing program to be a Licensed practical nurseLicensed Practical Nurse
Licensed practical nurse is the term used in much of the United States and most Canadian provinces to refer to a nurse who cares for "people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. The term licensed vocational nurses is used in...
. A background in laboratory science and a 2.5 GPA are required for students enrolling in the nursing program to be a Registered nurse
Registered nurse
A registered nurse is a nurse who has graduated from a nursing program at a university or college and has passed a national licensing exam. A registered nurse helps individuals, families, and groups to achieve health and prevent disease...
.
Presidents
- 1. Thomas J. McCormack (1924 - )
- 2.
- 3.
- 4. Francis Dolan (1947–1967)
- 5.
- 6. R. Earl Trobaugh (1969–1974)
- 7. Alfred E. Wisgoski (1974–1996)
- 8. Jean Goodnow (1996–2005)
- Charles R. Novak (interim)
- 9. Larry Huffman (2006–2007)
- Dave Louis (interim)
- 10. Jerome Corcoran (2008–present)