New Student Orientation Resources

Key Terms Definitions

Academic Advisor

Academic Advisors guide and empower students to make informed, strategic educational decisions. They encourage student development and create meaningful pathways toward goal achievement.

Academic Pathway

A sequence of intentionally designed courses guides each student from the start of their educational journey to attaining their educational goals.

Associate in Arts Degree

A degree designed to prepare a student for transfer to a 4-year college or university to pursue a bachelor's degree.

Credit Hour

A credit hour measures a course based on class time and the expected time spent studying outside class.

ECC is a semester-based college, so credit hours are sometimes called semester hours. Students must complete a required number of credit hours and maintain a minimum GPA, depending on their chosen program. Please visit www.elgin.edu/records for more information.

First Stop

This department provides on-campus support for the AccessECC portal and assists students with registration and payment procedures. In addition to helping students in person, they also help over the phone and by email. Students are welcome to print up to 15 pages each day from the computer stations. Located on the main floor of Building A, First Stop serves as the primary information desk for students, staff, and visitors.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Before each college year, apply for federal grants, student employment (work-study program), and student loans. Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for this process.

ECC uses your FAFSA data to determine your federal aid eligibility. It is also used to award the Illinois Monetary Award Program Grant (MAP). To learn more about the FAFSA or apply, go to www.studentaid.gov.

Payment Plan

Payment plans are offered each semester as a convenient way to budget tuition. Payment plans are interest-free and require a $30.00 non-refundable set-up fee each semester. Payments are automatic. Enter your account information; payments will be drafted using that account according to the payment schedule. You can use a payment plan if you have $250.00 or more in tuition charges.

Placement Tests

Assessments are used to place new students in courses that match their math, reading, and writing knowledge and skills.

Residency

In compliance with the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), Elgin Community College (ECC) sets tuition based on a student's permanent residence. Tuition charges differ depending on whether the student resides within or outside the community boundaries.

Online Orientation Resource Page

College District 509. Tuition charges are based on residency statuses: 1) in the district, 2) out of the district, 3) out of state, or international.

Self-Service App

Application found on AccessECC for students to view and update personal, enrollment and financial information. Student Photo ID Your student photo ID identifies you as an Elgin Community College student. It is valid three years from the issue date and will serve as your library card. Make sure to always carry your student photo id with you, as it will be needed to use campus services.

Helpful Elgin.edu Links

1. Placement Testing and Services
2. Disability Services and Accommodations
3. Rave Alert
4. Free Application for Federal Student Aid
5. Scholarships
6. Student Loans
7. Student Code of Conduct
8. Title IX
9. Tuition and Fees
10. Payment Plans
11. Library
12. Bookstore
13. Tutoring, The Write Place, and Math Lab
14. FOCUS2 Career Planning
15. Career Development Appointments
16. AccessECC

Student Resources

Time Management

This workshop provides tools and strategies to help you manage your time more effectively. It covers essential time management topics: goal setting, time tracking, scheduling, and creating a to-do list. You can explore sections independently, but if you need guidance on time management, an Academic Advisor is available to assist.