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Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is organizing a coordinated student support response following Oakland City University’s recent announcement that it will suspend undergraduate operations for the 2026-27 academic year.
“Our focus is on students and making sure they can continue making progress toward their academic goals,” said IECC Chancellor Ryan Gower. “Behind institutional announcements are real students and families facing uncertainty about credits, financial aid, scholarships, athletics and what comes next. As a public community college system serving this region, we believe we have a responsibility to help where we can.”
As part of that response, IECC announced plans to honor qualifying OCU academic and athletic tuition and fee scholarships for transferring students.
Under the framework currently being finalized, IECC will honor the dollar amount of qualifying OCU institutional academic and athletic scholarships as first-pay institutional aid, up to the full cost of tuition and fees at IECC.
“Our goal is to create as much continuity and stability for students and their families as possible,” Gower said. “Students should not feel like their educational momentum has to stop because of circumstances outside their control.”
IECC officials also acknowledged that a significant number of OCU students participated in intercollegiate athletics and said opportunities may exist for some student-athletes to continue competing at IECC campuses where roster space and program needs align.
“We recognize athletics are an important part of the college experience and educational pathway for many OCU students,” Gower said. “Where our coaches believe a good fit exists and NJCAA requirements can be met, we want those students to know IECC campuses may be able to provide pathways for them to continue both academically and athletically.”
In addition to scholarship support, IECC is preparing several immediate student support efforts, including:
• dedicated walk-in advising and transcript review days at Wabash Valley College for OCU students and families;
• rapid preliminary transcript evaluations and transfer guidance;
• financial aid counseling and enrollment support;
• exploration of reverse transfer opportunities where appropriate; and
• a centralized student support webpage containing resources, advising dates, contacts, enrollment guidance, scholarship information and frequently asked questions.
Chris Forde, IECC director of marketing and public information, said the institution’s goal is to provide clear and accessible information as quickly as possible.
“We understand students and families are processing a great deal of uncertainty right now,” Forde said. “Our focus is on making sure they have clear information, direct points of contact and immediate opportunities to begin planning their next steps. Additional details regarding advising events, scholarship information and student support services will continue to be shared through IECC’s website and official social media channels.”
IECC officials said additional information about advising events, scholarship support, transfer guidance and student resources will be available at iecc.edu/ocu as details are finalized.
Gower emphasized that the institution’s response is rooted in IECC’s public mission and commitment to the region.
“Community colleges exist to create access, opportunity and stability for students,” Gower said. “This is one of those moments where that mission matters deeply.”