MISSION SUCCESS: Assessment and Course Placement
MISSION SUCCESS is a program designed to assist you with entry to Southwestern Illinois College. MISSION SUCCESS will provide you with valuable information about the college, assess your current academic skill levels and advise you on the courses you need to take in order to meet your goals.
MISSION SUCCESS Steps
Step 1: College Information Session
This session provides you with information about the college, as well as the resources and services available to you as a student. You also have the opportunity to meet other students who are starting their college careers at Southwestern. Information provided during the College Information Session can help you become a more successful student.
Step 2: Assessment
Participating in the COMPASS program completes this step. See below for important information about assessment and learn which students are required to participate. See below for Assessment Locations and Dates. Assessment dates are subject to change. Be sure to call for an appointment.
Step 3: Individual Counseling
You are encouraged to meet with a counselor after your assessment to discuss your individual needs and academic plans. You will receive an individual interpretation of your assessment in preparation to register for classes.
What is Assessment?
- The main goal of the assessment process is to gather information about your current skills.
- The assessment process identifies your skill levels in math, reading and language, and tells you the proper level at which to begin your math and English classes.
- Assessment is a component of MISSION SUCCESS, a three-step program for new students to assist you with successful entry into Southwestern Illinois College.
Starting in the right classes can lay the groundwork for success in future classes. Math is a discipline that exercises your thinking and reasoning skills. English addresses reading, comprehension, grammar and writing skills. Improving your reasoning, reading and writing skills will be necessary as you climb the educational ladder. Also, these skills can be of great importance throughout your life.
Because assessment is simply an indicator of your skill level, you cannot pass or fail this program. Assessment will not prohibit you from entering the college. However, some of Southwestern's Allied Health programs may require assessment or additional testing before you may enter the programs. See the college catalog for more details.
COMPASS, an untimed, computerized assessment tool, is available at each of Southwestern's campuses.
To view some sample COMPASS questions, you can go to http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html 
Who will be Assessed?
- All degree-seeking students
- New students taking three or more college credit classes
- Students taking a first-time college-level English or math course
- Students wishing to enroll in classes which require specific English and/or math competency levels
- Students applying for admission to the Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts or Associate in Science degree program
- Students taking any Electrical/Electronic Technology course except Electrical/Electronic Technology 100
- All students MUST be assessed prior to accumulating more than 12 baccalaureate credit hours.
Who will be Exempt?
- Students who have taken college-level math and English courses and received a grade of "C" or better at another college or university.
- Students taking certificate programs or some classes that do not require college credit math or English, unless specified elsewhere.
If students are exempt, they must see a counselor to obtain written permission before enrolling. Documentation of previous coursework (transcript, grade report, etc.) is required. Assessment scores remain current for a two-year time period. Any questions should be addressed to a counselor at the Belleville, Sam Wolf Granite City or Red Bud campuses, or the East St. Louis Community College Center.