The Illnois Articulation Agreement and SNL

Overview

DePaul University participates in a state-wide agreement with over 100 colleges in Illinois that is aimed at making transfer from one college or university to another predictable and smooth; the agreement is called the Illinois Articulation Initiative, or the “IAI.”

DePaul participates in the General Education Core Curriculum of the Illinois Articulation Initiative. Completion of the IAI General Education Core Curriculum (also called the IAI/GECC), at any participating college or university in Illinois ensures transferring students that most of the lower-division general education requirements at DePaul have been satisfied.  Students not successfully completing the IAI/GECC will have their transfer courses reviewed on a course-by-course basis and any other college-level courses that an adult transfer student has completed above and beyond the IAI/GECC will be considered for transfer under normal SNL transfer course policies.  (This agreement is in effect for students entering an associate or baccalaureate degree-granting institution as first time freshmen in the summer of 1998 and thereafter).

Beginning in Fall 2008-2009, policies were developed for The School for New Learning (SNL), the college at DePaul with degree programs designed for adult learners age 24 and older, to allow for the smooth transition of adult transfer students from Illinois community colleges who have completed the IAI/GECC package into any of the SNL degree programs.  The SNL curriculum can be individualized or students can pursue joint degrees that include courses from SNL and other colleges at DePaul. 

Attend a free SNL Information Session to learn about SNL undergraduate degree program offerings that are particularly suited to adult learners seeking to complete their bachelor's degrees.  These are offered at DePaul's Loop, Naperville, O'Hare and Oak Forest Campuses as well as Online.  After attending an Information Session, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with an SNL Academic Advisor to determine how transferring into SNL with the IAI/GECC package can work for you; appointments can be scheduled by calling 312-362-8001.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do students confirm that they completed the IAI/GECC?
While some colleges automatically confirm that the IAI/GECC has been completed by providing a completion letter or by stamping the transcript, others may require that students request the confirmation when they want to transfer or when they are applying for graduation with an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree.   Others leave the responsibility up to students, who need to check the catalog and use Web-based tools to confirm that the IAI/GECC is completed.  Some colleges have not confirmed their practice so students may have to contact the student records office of their particular school to determine the process for obtaining confirmation.  To find out what your institution does, review our Community Colleges pages.

How does my IAI/GECC transfer credit apply to each of SNL’s four degree programs?
Students transferring to DePaul’s School for New Learning can see how their IAI/GECC transfer credit is applied to each of SNL’s four degree programs: BA with an Individualized Focus Area; BA in Computing; BA in Early Childhood Education; and BA in General Business. (Adobe Reader required).

What are the IAI/GECC categories?
Read about the IAI/GECC categories.

What colleges participate in the IAI agreement?
See the list of participating institutions in Illinois.  Also, check the community college catalogs for IAI information:  Every community college in Illinois discusses in its catalog how to complete the GECC .

What classes have been approved for the IAI/GECC?
The u.select Illinois website allows students to enter classes into the system and create a report showing if the IAI/GECC is completed.
You can see what classes at Illinois colleges have been approved for the IAI/GECC at: IAI/GECC Transfer Planning Worksheet.   IAI/GECC approved courses can be taken at community colleges as well as at participating four-year schools, including DePaul University.

Can I transfer to DePaul if I have NOT completed the IAI/GECC? 
Yes.  It is not required that students complete this curriculum before transfer.  Transfer credit evaluation can be discussed with an SNL Academic Advisor during an in-person or phone appointment.  Contact SNL at 312-362-8001 to schedule an advising appointment. 

Can I complete the IAI/GECC at DePaul?
Yes.  DePaul courses approved for the IAI/GECC can be found at: DePaul IAI courses. 

If I finished the IAI/GECC, can I change my mind at the time of transfer and follow an alternate transfer path at DePaul’s School for New Learning?
Yes, an SNL Academic Advisor can discuss your transfer options with you.  

If I transfer a completed IAI/GECC package, will I have junior status at DePaul? 
SNL students are considered sophomores at the time of application; upper level status is determined by completion of degree requirements.  Junior standing requires completion of 20 competencies or degree requirements.   Completion of the IAI/GECC accounts for accomplishing 12-13 degree requirements in the SNL undergraduate degree program.

Does transferring in an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree grant junior standing?
Not necessarily.  As noted above, junior status at DePaul’s School for New Learning is attained upon completion of 20 SNL degree requirements.

If I complete an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science, have I completed the IAI/GECC?
Probably.  The IAI/GECC is built into all A.A. and A.S. degrees, BUT if the associate’s  degrees include out-of-state courses, then the IAI/GECC might not be met.  The IAI/GECC is an Illinois agreement and the inclusion of out-of-state courses in General Education categories will mean that the IAI is not fulfilled. However, if the out-of-state courses were not part of the General Education Core Curriculum, then the GECC might have been completed.  Your community college will have to confirm whether the GECC has been met with IAI approved course work. See Community Colleges.

If I complete an Associate of Applied Science, have I completed the IAI/GECC?
Probably not.  The A.A.S. degrees usually include 3-6 general education courses and therefore the IAI/GECC is not completed.

If I combine out-of-state courses with IAI courses at a community college, what will happen when I transfer to DePaul? 
DePaul’s School for New Learning will apply your courses to the degree requirements in the SNL curriculum, as it does for the many students who transfer to DePaul with credit from more than one institution.

How do I ensure that my completed IAI/GECC is considered when I transfer to DePaul’s School for New Learning?
Transfer students are urged to mention completion of the IAI/GECC to their School for New Learning  Academic Advisor to ensure that the advisor is aware of IAI/GECC completion.  As noted above, transfer students will need to have completion confirmed by their community college.