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SWIC Adult Education now offering online High School Equivalency classes

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If you left high school without earning a diploma, let Southwestern Illinois College help you earn one from the comfort of your home or anywhere.  The SWIC Adult Education and Literacy department is now offering online High School Equivalency preparation classes.

Students must live in the college district and have a separation letter from their school district if 16-17 years old.

Learn more about upcoming classes and schedule an appointment for orientation by calling 618-235-2700, ext. 5525, or toll free in Illinois at 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5525 or email tanja.anglin@swic.edu.

COVID-19 Crisis update

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Southwestern Illinois College campuses will remain closed throughout Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order in Response to COVID-19.

Summer and Fall registration are now open.  All summer courses will be conducted through on-line/alternative delivery methods. If the Governor lifts the executive order, courses that include a face-to-face requirement (i.e. labs, clinicals, vocational) will have the ability to meet on campus through a structured and controlled plan.  Students enrolled in those specific courses will be contacted by their instructor if applicable.

For Spring 2020 Grading, instructors will be issuing the following letter grades:  A, B, C, D, and W (withdrawal).  Instructors will not be issuing F or WF grades due to the impact of Coronavirus and any hardship incurred.  Please note that the option for a student to withdraw from a course remains with a deadline of April 22.

As questions arise, please note that all student services are available through email, telephone/voicemail, and virtual means.

            Academic Advising – advising@swic.edu

            Enrollment Services – enrollmentservices@swic.edu

            Financial Aid/Veteran Services – fin_aid@swic.edu

            Student Accounts – businessoffice@swic.edu

Bookstore Update – The bookstore webpage on swic.edu will include spring, summer, and fall book rental/return information.

SWIC looks forward to serving our students and continuing meeting students’ education and career goals. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during these changing times.  

Stay healthy, and stay safe! 

SWIC to extend spring break March 16-22 as precaution

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Southwestern Illinois College’s President Nick Mance announced the College will extend spring break for students by one week (March 16-22) as a precautionary measure related to COVID-19. Students currently enrolled in online courses are continuing their academic progression as normal. To reduce the density of people on campus, alternative instructional delivery will resume on March 23 and continue through April 3. 

No student, faculty or staff has tested positive on any SWIC campus; however, Mance indicated: “SWIC will continue to assess the situation and develop plans for continued operations should we need to take additional measures.  Students are urged to concentrate on academics and should closely monitor SWIC email and swic.edu for announcements and updates.” 

Although spring break is being extended for students, College operations and all campuses remain open. College-sponsored events with large attendance are suspended through April 17, 2020.

“I want to thank everyone for their cooperation, patience, and understanding as we navigate through this complicated and difficult issue.  Again, we continue to assess this situation as it evolves and will provide timely updates as needed,” Mance said.

For more information, visit https://www.swic.edu/students/public-safety/notifications/coronavirus-information/.

SWIC to offer additional Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Education Credentials

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Students in the Southwestern Illinois College Early Childhood Education program now have the opportunity to qualify for several state-recognized credentials as they take courses toward their associate degree.

SWIC has been approved as an entitled institution for Gateways to Opportunity Infant and Toddler Credentials Level 2; ECE Credentials Level 2, 3 and 4; and Illinois Director Credential Level 1.

 “This credentialing system allows students to be recognized for their work in courses as they seek their degree,” said SWIC ECE Program Coordinator Carolyn Beal. “These credentials mean students are meeting the highest professional standard.”

The Gateways to Opportunity is administered by the Illinois Network of Child Resources & Referral Agencies on behalf of the Illinois Department of Human Services.

The credentials mean that students have met specific criteria in each of these areas. Each Gateways Credential has components that include coursework and/or training, as well as work and practical experience. Gateways Credentials were created by practitioners, providers, and key stakeholders to support and recognize progressive levels of knowledge and skills in these areas.

Working with children, youths, and families requires specific knowledge and skillsets in order to provide high quality programs and services. Credentials validate that an individual has attained the knowledge and skills necessary to practice this profession. When hiring, some employers give priority to professionals who have earned these credentials, Beal said.

In order to earn these credentials, students must meet all academic criteria set by the college and the INCCRRA, then apply online to Gateways to Opportunity.

SWIC Offers a 66-semester-credit Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education which is equivalent to the ECE level 4 credential. The Early Childhood Level 3 Certificate is 27 semester credits; the Early Childhood Level 2 Certificate is 15 semester credits; and the Infant Toddler Level 2 Certificate 15 semester credits. 

For more information, contact Beal at 618-235-2700, ext. 5593 or carolyn.beal@swic.edu; or visit swic.edu/early-childhood-aas.

SWIC taking additional precautions in response to COVID-19

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Southwestern Illinois College is closely watching the activities associated with the coronavirus. The following policies will be implemented by SWIC beginning March 22, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

INSTRUCTION

• SWIC college courses will be delivered via online or alternative delivery mechanisms beginning March 22 for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester in order to limit exposure and possible transmission of the virus. Instructors will be utilizing Blackboard and email for online courses. Students who need assistance with Blackboard and/or do not have computer or Internet access should notify their instructor.

• For those classes that are not conducive for online instruction and require hands-on learning, instruction has been suspended through April 18. The college will continually reassess the situation to determine if other alternatives are needed. Special arrangements have been made for certain programs in Health Sciences and Homeland Security. Please contact Dean Julie Muertz at 618-235-2700, ext. 5298, or julie.muertz@swic.edu.

STUDENT SERVICES

Enrollment/Advising/Financial Aid/Student Accounts/Testing Centers/Library:

• Registration and advising for the summer and fall 2020 semesters are available online. Students are encouraged to register online. If this is not possible, contact the Registration Office at 618-235-2700, ext. 5599 to make individual arrangements.

• Services will be available via phone and email. Refer to the most up-to-date information on the college website.

• The Testing Centers at all campuses will be closed. 

• The Disability and Access Center will be closed until April 18, 2020.

• The Libraries at all campuses will be closed.

SUCCESS CENTER

• Success Center operations will be available on the Belleville Campus only during specified times, as well as via phone or online. Please refer to the most up-to-date information on the college website. 

• Students may also choose to use the tutoring online resource.

• Students returning to campus to study and/or use the Success Center will be limited to six people in the same area. No groups larger than six will be allowed. All individuals are subject to screening.

CAMPUSES OPERATIONS — March 22 through April 18

• Sam Wolf Granite City Campus will be closed.  

• Red Bud Campus will be closed.

• Belleville Campus will be open for essential operational functions.

• The Information Sciences Building will be closed except for employees. Entry will be accessible via employee PIN or SWIC badge.

• The Main Complex and the Liberal Arts Building will be open to students and employees who must show their SWIC identification badge. Entry will be limited to Entrances A and G in the Main Complex and the Quad door and Circle Drive door in the Liberal Arts Building.

FOOD SERVICE — March 22 through April 18

• The Cafeteria will be open for made-to-order take-away services only.  Hours of operation are 8 am to 2 pm.

• All patrons should utilize the additional hand sanitizer dispensers that have been placed in various places in the serving area.

• Starbucks will be closed.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES, EVENTS, AND COMMENCEMENT

• Student activities will be suspended until April 18, at which time the health situation will be reassessed. 

• Events with more than 10 attendees that are college-sponsored or hosted by registered student organizations are suspended indefinitely.

• Social gatherings outside the college with more than ten attendees are also discouraged.

• Spring Commencement Ceremonies are cancelled. Degrees will be mailed.

TRAVEL

• Any college-sponsored international travel is prohibited, along with non-essential domestic travel until further notice.

• Personal international travel is strongly discouraged, and we urge caution and the exercise of good judgment for personal domestic travel.

Visit swic.edu for up-to-date details.

SWIC faculty and STL Blues announcer Tom Calhoun inducted into STL Sports Hall of Fame

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With a passion for communication, sports and a strong work ethic, it is no surprise that Southwestern Illinois College Adjunct Communications Professor and Blue Storm Radio General Manager Tom Calhoun was recently awarded three honors by the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.

He was inducted into the hall of fame by being presented the President’s Choice Award and also received a commemorative 1500th-game plaque at the 4th Annual Illinois Enshrinement Dinner on February 10. Previous inductees into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame include Bob Costas, Jack Buck and Dan Kelly; which Calhoun has had the pleasure of working with.

Growing up, Calhoun had a love for sports. He played baseball while attending Belleville West High School and was especially fond of Stan Musial. He also played street hockey. As a child, Calhoun was a part of a church youth group. One day after delivering a sermon, a lady told him that he had a great speaking voice and that compliment would go on to pave the path for his future career.

Calhoun went on to pursue a career in mass communications. While in college, he worked at the college radio station. After graduation, he took a position at WIBV, 1260 AM in Belleville and went on to work at several other radio stations throughout the years. In 1987, Calhoun started as the public address announcer for the St. Louis Blues hockey team. During his 33 years announcing for the St. Louis Blues, he has never missed a game.
As of Feb. 24, he has announced over 1,514 games.

“One of my fondest memories of my career will always be announcing for the 2019  Stanley Cup Finals series, where the St. Louis Blues took home their first Stanley Cup,” said Calhoun. “I was also blessed with my health and a strong family growing up; which helped teach me and guide me in the right direction.”

In 2013, he began teaching at Lindenwood University in Belleville and in 2019, started teaching at SWIC and managing Blue Storm Radio. Calhoun enjoys seeing students light-up when they finally understand something. “It is gratifying,” he says. “I love to have the opportunity to connect with my students and help them achieve their future career goals.”    

Calhoun suggests that anyone looking to enter any mass communications field should put in effort in their language arts classes, understand phonics, be able to diagram a sentence and understand the English language better than the average person. At SWIC, he has taught Introduction to Mass Communication and Radio Production.

Being inducted into St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame by receiving the President’s Choice Award and receiving a commemorative 1500th game plaque from the NHL off-ice officials meant a great deal to Calhoun..

“I am grateful that all my years of hard-work are being recognized and the effort I have put into my career is being highlighted,” said Calhoun. “That’s special stuff right there, it doesn’t get much better than that.”

In the future, Calhoun hopes to continue announcing for the St. Louis Blues and to raise awareness of SWIC’s Blue Storm Radio. He would like to make it a recognized entity within the community.     

He earned his Associate in Arts degree from Belleville Area College; a Bachelor of Science from South Illinois University Edwardsville and a Master of Arts from Lindenwood University. In his free time, Calhoun and his wife train their seven chihuahuas and enter them into dog shows. He also enjoys woodworking.

Calhoun and his wife of 42 years, Barb, live in Millstadt, Illinois. They have two children, Ian, 39 who lives in Vail, Colorado and Stewart, 35 who lives in San Diego. Stay connected with him via his social media channels: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

For more information about SWIC classes and programs visit swic.edu.

SWIC HSE and CNA grad earns perfect scores on program tests, finals and clinicals

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Brandy Ballett was a stay-at-home mom for many years until she decided she wanted to better the lives of her family members, and help other people at the same time. Ballett then took the first step toward her future by enrolling in the High School Equivalency certification program at Southwestern Illinois College.

“I wanted to return to school and chose to attend SWIC because my aunt graduated from SWIC and had a great experience,” Ballett said.

While attending her Healthcare Bridge classes, Ballett was informed that she might qualify for a free Certified Nursing Assistant course through Adult Education. After she went through the review and qualification process, she was approved and began taking the CNA course.

“SWIC has opened the door to help me achieve what I want to do,” Ballett said. “My instructors, Stephanie Reid and Lori Phillips, were extremely helpful, understanding, made learning fun and gave me real-world experience.”

Ballett made sure to study hard, ask questions, be on-time to class and have good attendance. This dedication paid-off for her because at the end of her CNA course, she was notified that she earned a perfect score on all of her exams and clinicals.

“I studied a lot and my instructors were always helpful, passionate about teaching and truly want their students to succeed,” said Ballett.

Ballett received her HSE certification in October of 2019. She plans to work part-time as a CNA, return to SWIC in the fall to continue her studies to become a nurse and eventually work in a hospital.    

When not attending school, Ballett enjoys being with her family. She and her husband, Robert, live in Fairview Heights with their two sons: Jackson, 4, and Joseph, 2.

For more information about SWIC’s HSE certification, call 618-235-2700, ext. 5525, or toll free in Illinois at 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5525. For more information about the CNA program visit swic.edu/nurse-assistant.

Complete the SWIC Steps to Enrollment during Class of 2020 Enrollment Days

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If you’re graduating from high school and worried about the college enrollment process, let Southwestern Illinois College ease your mind. You can complete the SWIC steps to enrollment for the Summer or Fall 2020 Semesters during Class of 2020 Enrollment Days at the Belleville Campus, 2500 Carlyle Ave., the Red Bud Campus, 500 W. South Fourth St., or the Sam Wolf Granite City Campus, 4950 Maryville Road.

Stop by at any SWIC Campus during these days and times:
– Wednesday, May 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
– Thursday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop by the SWIC Belleville Campus only on Tuesday, May 19 from noon to 7 p.m.

During Enrollment Days you can:

  • Complete an application and get a student ID number
  • Take the SWIC Accuplacer assessment for placement in English and Math
  • Meet with an academic advisor to discuss degree requirements or transfer courses
  • Set up eSTORM and SWIC student email accounts
  • Register for classes
  • Ask general financial aid and payment arrangement questions

Students taking the Accuplacer assessment for placement in English and Math on Tuesday, May 19, must check-in by 5 p.m.

Check-in with Admissions in the Information Sciences Lobby. Please bring a photo ID!

For more information, email the SWIC Admissions Office at admissions@swic.edu or call 618-235-2700, ext. 5675.

SWIC releases fall 2019 grad list

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The following is a list of Southwestern Illinois College students who graduated at the conclusion of the fall 2019 semester. The students’ names are listed alphabetically according to hometown.

The list also denotes students who graduated with honors (a 3.5 grade point average or higher) and with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

SWIC Fall 2019 Graduate List

For more information, contact SWIC Enrollment Services at 618-235-2700, ext. 5455 or 866-942-SWIC (7942), ext. 5455.

SWIC students to display their works at Varsity Art XXIV in St. Louis

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Southwestern Illinois College art students will showcase their artistic talents at the annual Art Saint Louis multi-media exhibition “Varsity Art XXIV.”

The show will feature 40 original artworks by undergraduate and graduate-level art students, representing 20 St. Louis regional colleges and universities from Missouri and Illinois.

This year, outstanding art students Sasha Nicole Agnew of Fairview Heights and Rebekah Segelhorst of Venedy, Illinois have been chosen to represent SWIC at the event. Agnew will be showcasing paintings and Segelhorst will be presenting a wearable art piece.

The show kicks off Friday, Feb. 28, with a FREE opening reception on Friday, March 6 from 6-8 p.m. at Art Saint Louis, 1223 Pine St. in St. Louis.

Student artwork created from a variety of media including ceramics, drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and video will be on display through Thursday, March 26.

The Varsity Art XXIV annual event is a collaboration between Art Saint Louis and the participating collegiate institutions, their art faculty and students. The Art Saint Louis artistic director works closely with art faculty at the area’s colleges and universities, inviting the professors to select two outstanding art students to represent their art department and institution in the annual show.    

To view the Facebook event click here and to view the Facebook opening reception event click here. For more information about the SWIC art department or art program visit swic.edu/art.