Southwestern Illinois College

202 East University Street, Suite H, I,& J, Urbana, IL

Southwestern Illinois College, located in Belleville, Illinois, was founded in 1946 as Belleville Junior College. The initial class was made up of 169 students, most of whom were World War II veterans. By 1966 the school had built a new campus, expanding its offerings and facilities.

SIC officially changed its name in 2000 to better reflect the area it served. The school has remained active in its expansion, forming campuses in Granite City and Red Bud, as well as many off campus sites in high school. The three campuses are linked through video telecommunication, allowing instruction in one campus to be followed by students at another.

SW Illinois College takes its role as an education provider seriously and is constantly looking for ways to improve and update its offerings to reflect changes and better serve the community. Programs for adult education and senior services are also in place to assist individuals of any age who wish to follow educational pursuits.

Academics

As a two year institution, Southwestern Illinois College offers programs that lead to associate degrees or certificates. Some of the programs are designed to assist students in pursuing a bachelor degree by providing the freshman and sophomore years of education. SWIC has agreements in place with four year institution allowing for the transfer of credits and admission to a four year program if certain academic prerequisites are met.

Technical and vocational programs are also available, and may result in a certificate or associate degree. These programs impart the skills and knowledge necessary to properly function in a job based in their field of study. Certificate programs typically lack the general education courses that are part of an associate degree curriculum and as a result are typically shorter than two years. Southwestern Illinois College has a large variety of programs to ensure that students will be able to pursue their career or educational interests.

Programs offered include:

• Pre-Law
• Accounting
• Anthropology
• Culinary Arts
• Medical Assistant
• Nursing

Admissions and Financial Aid

Southwestern Illinois College has an open enrollment policy, allowing students to enroll without any prerequisites. Students interested in enrollment should submit a completed application along with all pertinent transcripts. Placement exams will also be administered to new students to help place them in the appropriate courses. The school recommends visiting a counselor to assist in program placement and course selection.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans and scholarships. Students in need of aid must complete their financial aid file, which will hold information necessary to assist in the financial aid process.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be completed and submitted, and no discrepancies should exist between the FAFSA and the financial aid file. The SWIC financial aid application should also be completed in order to further assist students. Scholarships will be applied for separately through their respective administrative bodies, and may award funds for reasons other than need. All applications should be submitted to prior to any posted deadlines.

Athletics

The Southwestern Illinois College Blue Storms participate in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) as part of the Great Rivers Athletic Conference (GRAC). SWIC competes against other community colleges in the region, as well as in national tournaments.

The school promotes athletics as a means for maintaining good health and developing useful skills. These skills include teamwork, discipline, and socializing. Students interested in participating in an athletic program should visit the Athletic Department to obtain all necessary forms and obtain try out dates.

Athletic programs offered include:

• Baseball (Men Only)
• Softball (Women Only)
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Volleyball (Women Only)
• Blue Storm Cheerleading (Women Only)