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Illinois Valley Community College

Former names	LaSalle-Peru-Oglesby Junior College
Motto	No Place So Close Can Take You So Far
Established	1924
President	Jerry Corcoran
Students	2940 (Degree-seeking)
Location	Oglesby , IL , USA
Campus	Rural, 425 acres
Sports	Eagles
Colors	Purple and White
Website	http://www.ivcc.edu/

Illinois Valley Community College is an institution of higher learning located in Oglesby, Illinois. This community college is a two-year public facility. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and was also accepted into the HLC's Academic Quality Improvement Program in Fall 2002.. Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) 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 and an on-campus bookstore.

Introduction

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."

History

LPO Junior College

Illinois Valley Community College opened its doors as LaSalle-Peru-Oglesby (LPO) Junior College. On April 24, 1924, the LaSalle-Peru Board of Education approved the founding of a college for District . LPO was actually located on the same campus as the LaSalle-Peru High School. In the Fall of 1924, the college welcomed in its first freshmen class. The mission of the college during this time period was to lay the foundations for successful careers. At the time, a semester’s tuition cost only $16.00 . 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, 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 Schools. 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 .

Student Activities and Services

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 seven varsity sports teams, and several intramural sports are open to students . Varsity sports include basketball, baseball and tennis.

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 .

Academics

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 nurse . A background in laboratory science and a 2.5 GPA are required for students enrolling in the nursing program to be a Registered nurse.

References

• "Illinois Valley Community College". CollegeBoard. 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-26.
• "Illinois Valley Community College". Illinois Valley Community College. 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-26.
• "Illinois Valley Community College". College Bound Network. 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-26.