2024 - 5 Accommodations to Help Students Achieve Academically

The struggle is real. But does it have to be? At Elgin Community College (ECC), we know that it takes hard work and dedication to succeed on your academic journey. We also understand that you’re more than just a student; you’re a person with an entire life outside of campus walls. 

With that said, you’re not alone. Here are five accommodations at ECC to help you stress less and breathe easier:

1. Class Formats: A college class is not one-size-fits-all. At ECC, we offer various class formats to meet your learning and scheduling needs.
   • Face-to-Face: There's nothing wrong with tradition! ECC offers the well-known, on-campus classroom instruction at a scheduled time. 
   • Online-Only: We understand that it isn’t easy for everyone to get to campus for various reasons. These classes are delivered 100% online, have no face-to-face sessions, and are interactive primarily through discussion boards and written messages, with assignments submitted online.  
   • Online-Synchronous: Similar to online-only classes, online-synchronous classes offer just a bit more interaction with your instructor and classmates. The class is 100% online, with specifically scheduled online interaction with the instructor and class.  
   • Hybrid: Maybe you’re looking for the best of both worlds. Hybrid classes are both face-to-face and online. Win-win! 
   • Weekend Classes: You’re not a traditional student, and that’s okay. At ECC, we have certain classes offered on the weekends – just use the “Advanced Search” tab to take a look.  
   • 8 to 12-week classes: Not all classes at ECC are your traditional 16-week long course. If you’re looking for a fast way to knock out some credits, ECC offers courses shorter in length to fit what you needs. Visit elgin.edu/academics for more information.
2. Tutoring: There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. ECC offers free tutoring available in over 50 subjects through online and in-person help. In addition to tutoring in multiple subjects, ECC’s Write Place provides individual or collaborative professional advice on all aspects of writing, ranging from essays to resume help. Visit elgin.edu/tutoring for more information. 
3. The Library: Don’t underestimate the power a library can have for your academic career. ECC’s Renner Learning Resources Center offers over 65,000 books, CDs, recorded books, videos, and DVDs. You’ll also find public access computers on the ECC student network with Internet access, word processing, print stations, and more, including one-on-one reference service, and the opportunity to make a research appointment with a librarian. Visit elgin.edu/library for more information. 
4. Wellness Services: Life isn’t easy. Add ‘student’ to your already packed brain, and things might get dicey. ECC Wellness Services encourages you to participate in your overall health and well-being and are here for you, no matter who you are or what you’re going through. Some services include confidential phone sessions, mental health screenings, and campus support groups. Visit elgin.edu/wellness for more information. 
5. Advising: One great thing about ECC are the class options – there are so many to satisfy the diverse needs of our students. We also understand that choosing your class schedule can be stressful. What classes do I need to even take? What times are they offered? Are they in-person or online? Will I have to adjust my work schedule to accommodate? Do I need to plan for a babysitter on certain days? Will I vibe with the instructor? And many, many more questions that must be considered will run through your head when putting together your class schedule. Fear not. No one expects you to go about it on your own. You’ll be assigned to an academic advisor who will work one-on-one with you to plan your courses and help you succeed academically and, ultimately, in your career path. You can think of your advisor as your coach, encouraging your success every step of the way. Visit elgin.edu/advising for more information.