Colleagues,
Over the past couple of years, many across our colleges have talked openly about the barriers and gaps we have experienced with ICCOC. We took a hard look at those concerns, including a careful review of the financial model, and it became clear the structure no longer made sense for EICC. Based on that work, we made the decision to exit ICCOC.
We first shared this direction in September during Fall Development Day, and we have continued the conversation through the Renfro Roundtables this spring and in other spaces. Today, I want to provide an update on our progress.
As we have worked through the details, our timeline has accelerated. Rather than transitioning in Fall 2027 as originally planned, EICC will fully exit ICCOC by Fall 2026. The final details of our exit agreement with ICCOC are currently being finalized as we continue to work through the transition process collaboratively and responsibly.
This means we will have full operational control of our online courses starting this fall. Their design, their quality, and their accountability will sit with us.
Importantly, this transition work is already underway.
EICC has acquired and launched its own independent Canvas instance, and implementation work has begun. Course content from EICC taught ICCOC sections will be migrated into EICC’s Canvas environment over the coming months to support the Fall 2026 transition. Simple Syllabus has already been installed in the new environment, and the online team is actively working through integrations, course structure, and migration planning.
We are also reviewing the usage and effectiveness of current ICCOC Canvas add-ins and third-party tools currently integrated within the platform. This transition provides EICC with the opportunity to assess existing tools, evaluate potential new additions, and determine what best supports our students, faculty, and long-term institutional goals. As part of this process, determinations will be made regarding which tools continue forward within EICC’s environment based on instructional value, student experience, accessibility, security, cost, integration effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.
In addition, work is underway to review and migrate documents, files, and instructional materials housed within Canvas to ensure continuity and minimize disruption for faculty and students.
At the same time, it is important to note that no changes are occurring for Summer 2026 instruction. Summer courses will continue to be delivered through the ICCOC Canvas environment as originally planned. This allows us to maintain continuity for students and faculty while transition work continues in parallel.
Charting your own destiny is never easy. It takes work, and there will be bumps along the way. But if we stay focused and move forward together, we will take control of our path, and that path leads to something better for our students.
This is our opportunity to reduce barriers and build an online learning experience that reflects who we are at EICC. Accessible. High quality. Built for student success. Not just one of the best in the state, but the best.
The road to better is not easy. Meaningful change rarely is. But we have known for a long time we can do better, and now it is time to do it together.
You will continue to hear more throughout the summer regarding timelines, migration work, training opportunities, system changes, and the role each of us plays in this transition. This work will require collaboration, flexibility, and patience as we build an online environment fully aligned to EICC’s mission and expectations.
I am grateful to be in this work with you. We have a strong foundation, and now we build forward together.
Bryan Renfro, PhD
Chancellor
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
101 West Third Street, Davenport
563-336-3301