Academic Affairs
The Academic Affairs division of ICCB provides support and guidance to the colleges in developing and maintaining high demand, high quality and cost-effective academic programs. This division is responsible for the review and approval of instructional programs/courses, distribution and monitoring of federal/state grant funding that supports instructional programming, and providing leadership and technical assistance related to instructional programs and services to the colleges.
Academic Affairs includes the areas of Baccalaureate/Transfer Education, Career & Technical Education, International Education, Remedial Education, and Postsecondary Perkins. Staff in this division represents the Board through involvement in a variety of statewide initiatives and projects such as the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), P-16, College & Career Readiness, Partnership for College & Career Success (PCCS), and the Gender Equity Advisory Committee, as well as working closely with other state agencies whenever possible to provide the community college system with a consistent and coordinated state-level approach to program development and funding.
ICCB Academic Affairs staff are charged with providing state-level leadership and technical assistance related to program/course approval and revision, program review, Perkins & PCCS grant plan development, programs of study development, dual credit, Recognition, and the ICCB Administrative Rules.
Fiscal Year 2023 Status of Developmental Education and College-Level Coursework Placement Policy and Outcomes in the Illinois Community College System (June 30, 2023) – this report provides an overview of each community college’s developmental education and college-level coursework placement policy and the policy’s outcomes. The data is consistent with the Illinois Community College Board’s requirements for data collection and is disaggregated by developmental education course model, by gender, race and ethnicity, and federal Pell Grant status.
The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), as the state coordinating board for community colleges, administers the Public Community College Act in a manner that maximizes the ability of the community colleges to serve their communities. As an integral part of the state’s system of higher education, community colleges are committed to providing high-quality, accessible, cost-effective educational opportunities for the individuals and communities they serve. The ICCB Academic Affairs staff provide guidance and guidance to the colleges in developing and maintaining high demand, high quality and cost-effective academic programs. This division is responsible for the review and approval of instructional programs/courses, distribution and monitoring of federal/state grant funding that supports instructional programming, and providing leadership and technical assistance related to instructional programs and services to the colleges.
Staff are responsible for:
- Review and approval of programs, such as AAS and AA degrees and career certificates
- Distributing and monitoring federal and state grant funding
- Planning and coordinating professional development for colleges through relevant statewide workshops and conferences
- Monitoring colleges’ compliance with ICCB Administrative Rules
- Providing technical assistance to the colleges on state-level issues and the development of local programs and services
- Manage Illinois Articulation Initiative and provide assistance to the college on all transfer related issues and question
Our Partners:
- Illinois Board of Higher Education
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Illinois Community College System Foundation
- Illinois Community College Trustees Association
- Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy
- Office of Community College Research & Leadership
Academic Affairs and Student Success Staff
Marcus Brown
Deputy Director for Academic Affairs and Student Success
217-524-5503
Marcus.Brown@illinois.gov
Mackenzie Montgomery
Director for Student Support
217-557-7119
Mackenzie.Montgomery@illinois.gov
Melvin Harrison
Director for Academic Affairs
217-785-5003
Melvin.Harrsion@illinois.gov
Tricia Broughton
Associate Director for Academic Affairs
217-785-0082
Tricia.Broughton@illinois.gov
Academic Affairs - Dual Credit
Dual credit is a process, dual credit is a tool, and dual credit is a solution. Dual credit amplifies the usefulness and applicability of the 11th and 12th grades, maximizes state and local educational resources, and provides a platform that fosters secondary and postsecondary collaboration and interdependence. By aligning program content and reducing curricular duplication, dual credit impacts the way educators, students and institutions connect. It builds on the cooperation developed through previous articulation structures and raises interaction to a higher level. Secondary-to-postsecondary program linkages are strengthened and what develops is a truly seamless program that engages faculty at both levels in the structuring, planning, and teaching of a truly integrated program of study.
Dual Credit – An instructional arrangement where an academically qualified student currently enrolled in high school enrolls in a college-level course and, upon successful course completion, concurrently earns both college credit and high school credit (see ICCB Rule 1501.507(b)(11)-Credit Hour Claims).
Dual Credit Administrative Rules
Dual Credit Endorsement for High School Teachers – A Dual Credit Endorsement, as designated in 110 ILCS 27/Dual Credit Quality Act, is an endorsement valid for grades 11-12 to be placed on the Professional Educator License (PEL) at the request of an instructor who meets the appropriate credential standards.
Dual Enrollment – An academically qualified student who is still enrolled in high school also enrolls in a college level course at the community college. Upon successful course completion the student exclusively earns college credit. No high school credits are earned.
Model Partnership Agreement (default agreement)
Based upon mandates in Section 16 of the Dual Credit Quality Act (DCQA), the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois State Board of Education was charged to establish a committee to develop a Model Partnership Agreement (MPA) to serve as a default agreement for local high schools and community colleges as they negotiate dual credit arrangements for students. These MPA provisions are made available in the event that local agreement between a school district and community college cannot be reached. Furthermore, the agreement may be modified / utilized to help formulate existing agreements, and specific portions of the agreement may be used in the event of issue-specific impasses. Community Colleges are still encouraged to continue to develop their own local agreements with their local districts to develop partnerships that benefit the students served by dual credit. The MPA is required only in instances where a local agreement cannot be reached.
The following documents are available below and under “Resources” (to the right) to assist partnerships when a local arrangement cannot be agreed upon.
1. Model Partnership Agreement Form with signed letter
2. Associated Exhibits of the Model Partnership Agreement
3. MPA FAQ document
4. Model Partnership Agreement and Associated Exhibits
For more information, visit the CTE Website.
Academic Affairs - Student Support: Mental Health
Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act
Governor Pritzker signed HB 0969 into law on January 24, 2023 (P.A. 102-1122). The bill amended Illinois Public Act 102-0698, Article 134, and provided FY23 supplemental appropriations to Illinois community colleges for administration of the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act (110 ILCS 58). The allocations were based on college survey submissions to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) and were for utilization in fiscal year 2023. On May 27, 2023, the General Assembly approved the Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget, which allocated additional funds to Illinois community colleges for administration of the Act. The allocations were also based on college survey submissions to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) and are for utilization in fiscal year 2024.
Recognizing the growing issue with mental health on college campuses and the disparities college students face in understanding mental health and accessing mental health supports, the State of Illinois passed the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act (110 ILCS 58). This Act addresses gaps in mental health services and supports on college campuses across Illinois. This Act outlines key requirements for colleges, some of which colleges have already initiated or completed. The FY23 supplemental funding and FY24 funding is intended to help colleges continue to work to implement the requirements of the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act. The following documents are available to provide additional information on the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act and related funding. Please note, the FY23 supplemental appropriation and the FY24 appropriations are not grants.
110 ILCS 58 Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act
FY24 Mental Health Action on Campus Funding FAQ March 2024
Mental Health Early Action on Campus Overview and Funding Feb 2023
FY23 Mental Health Early Action on Campus Funding FAQ April 2023
Academic Affairs - Undocumented Student Resource Liaisons
The Undocumented Student Resource Liaison role is outlined in House Bill 3438. This bill requires each public institute of higher education to designate an employee as an Undocumented Student Resource Liaison by the beginning of the 2022-2023 academic year. This liaison is to be available on campus to provide assistance to undocumented students and mixed status students within the United States. Additional Undocumented Student Resource Liaison responsibilities are detailed in H.B. 3438.
State Law
House Bill 3438 Undocumented Student Liaison
Additional Resources
Illinois Student Assistance Commission, ISAC
Illinois Dream Fund Commission
If you have any questions about the Undocumented Student Resource Liaison program, please contact Deana Schenk, Senior Director for Student Success and Learning Renewal, deana.schenk@illinois.gov, or Mackenzie Montgomery, Director for Student Success, Mackenzie.Montgomery@Illinois.gov.
Academic Affairs - Benefits Navigators
The Benefits Navigator role is outlined in Public Act 102-1045, section 50. This act requires each public institution of higher education in Illinois to designate a member of staff to serve as a Benefits Navigator to help students in need determine eligibility for benefit programs and identify campuswide and community resource support by January 1, 2023.
Benefits Navigator roles are in response to increased student needs for basic needs support. Institutions are required to provide training for the Benefits Navigators. Additionally Benefit Navigators must participate in a statewide community college consortium facilitated by the Illinois Community College Board. Additional HOUSE Liaison responsibilities are detailed in P.A. 102-1045, section 50.
State Law
IL Public Act 102-1045 Benefits Navigator Legislation
Additional Resources
June 6, 2023 State Consortium Meeting Resources and Recordings
IDHS: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP
IDHS: Cash Assistance Programs
IDHS: Women, Infants, and Children – WIC
IDHS: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families – TANF
IDHS Child Care Assistance Program – CCAP
IDHS Medical Assistance Program
If you have any questions about the Benefits Navigator program, please contact Deana Schenk, Senior Director for Student Success and Learning Renewal, deana.schenk@illinois.gov, or Mackenzie Montgomery, Director for Student Success, Mackenzie.Montgomery@Illinois.gov.
Academic Affairs - HOUSE Liaisons
The Benefits Navigator role is outlined in Public Act 102-1045, section 50. This act requires each public institution of higher education in Illinois to designate a member of staff to serve as a Benefits Navigator to help students in need determine eligibility for benefit programs and identify campuswide and community resource support by January 1, 2023.
Benefits Navigator roles are in response to increased student needs for basic needs support. Institutions are required to provide training for the Benefits Navigators. Additionally Benefit Navigators must participate in a statewide community college consortium facilitated by the Illinois Community College Board. Additional HOUSE Liaison responsibilities are detailed in P.A. 102-1045, section 50.
State Law
IL Public Act 102-1045 Benefits Navigator Legislation
Additional Resources
June 6, 2023 State Consortium Meeting Resources and Recordings
IDHS: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP
IDHS: Cash Assistance Programs
IDHS: Women, Infants, and Children – WIC
IDHS: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families – TANF
IDHS Child Care Assistance Program – CCAP
IDHS Medical Assistance Program
If you have any questions about the Benefits Navigator program, please contact Deana Schenk, Senior Director for Student Success and Learning Renewal, deana.schenk@illinois.gov, or Mackenzie Montgomery, Director for Student Success, Mackenzie.Montgomery@Illinois.gov.
Academic Affairs - Program Review
The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) coordinates a statewide system for the review of instructional programs. The Program Review Manuals, FY2017-2021, and the newly released FY2022-2026, provide guidelines and describe reporting methods for statewide review of instructional programs by community colleges.
The Statewide Program Review System recognizes that individual colleges have the primary responsibility to evaluate instructional programs, to make decisions about improvement and continuation, assure that program review results are considered in campus planning and budget development, and to report results to the Illinois Community College Board.
The purpose of Statewide Program Review is to:
- support strategic campus-level planning and decision-making related to instructional programming and academic support services, including but not limited to program revisions, program closures, and revisions to services;
- address inequities to support program improvement;
- support the delivery of locally responsive, cost-effective, high quality programs and services across Illinois’ community college system.
The manual, templates, and other resources are noted below. Scroll down to access the FY2022-2026 Program Review Manual and its accompanying templates.
2017-2021 Statewide Program Review Manual (revised June 2019)
Overview of Program Review Manual Revisions June 2019
Resources
Annual Program Review Template
Advancing Program Review: External Evaluation, Findings, and Recommendations
In collaboration with the participation of 49 experts from community colleges across the state and ICCB, the Office of Community College Research and Leadership (OCCRL) conducted a participatory evaluation of the ICCB program review process, with a focus on career and technical education programs. Preliminary findings from that process include 1) key environmental and institutional factors that vary among colleges statewide that must be accounted for in the program review design; 2) five critical design challenges and ideas for addressing them; and 3) design considerations for advancing the program review moving forward.
The ICCB has contracted with OCCRL to provide a space for networking, discussion, and additional resources to the field on program review.
Student Services Program Review Webinar
High-Quality CTE Programming Presentation (11.16.18)
Program Review Webinar Recording (12.12.17)
Program Review Webinar Presentation (12.12.17)
- Cover Page
- Review Instruments:
- Career and Technical Education Programs (revised June 2019)
- Academic Disciplines (revised June 2019)
- Student and Academic Support Services (revised June 2019)
- Prior Review Supplemental Information
- Cross-Disciplinary Review Instruments:
- Remedial Math
- Remedial English Language Arts
- Adult Education and ESL (revised June 2019)
- Vocational Skills
- Self-Assessment Toolkit:
FY2022-2026 Program Review Cycle
- FY2022-2026 Program Review Manual
- Cover Page
- Review Instruments:
- Cross-Disciplinary Review Instruments:
Academic Affairs - Resources
Administrative Rules | Biennial Report | Data & Characteristics | Data Due | Faculty Qualifications Information | Illinois Public Community College Act
Postseconday and Workforce Readiness (PWR) Act
Public Act 9-674 (previously HB 5729) passed the Illinois House and Senate unanimously in May 2016, and Governor Rauner signed it on July 29, 2016. The bill was presented to the ICCB at the March 18, 2016 board meeting. It creates the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act that sets forth provisions concerning postsecondary career expectations; a competency-based, high school graduation requirements pilot program; transitional mathematics courses; reading and communication transitional competencies; College and Career Pathway Endorsements and State Distinction programs. The bill calls for the development and establishment of a uniform, cooperative system to prepare high school students for college and career readiness and requires intensive and consistent partnership and cooperation between ISBE, ICCB, and IBHE, as well as community colleges, high schools, and local school districts. In particular, the bill requires the development, implementation and support of transitional mathematics courses. Partnerships between school districts, community colleges and universities will promote articulation and transfer agreements of these courses.
The act is made up of 4 components:
- Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE)
- Pilot for Competency-based High School Graduation Requirements
- Transitional English
- Transitional Math
- College & Career Pathway Endorsements on High School Diplomas
It is important to note that the integration of these strategies is the focus, and the PWR Act places learners at the center of the effort. It supports preparation for college and career readiness and requires coordination among school districts, postsecondary education providers, employers, and other private and public organizations.
Other Resources Links:
- IMACC
- PWR Act
- ISBE
- IBHE
- ISAC
- Webinar
- Overview Sheet
- Competency Pilot
- NIU
- Bridging the Gap Grant
- Public commenting website for transitional math competencies and policies