Why join ICCTA?

The Illinois Community College Trustees Association has provided legislative advocacy and educational opportunities for the state's public community college boards since 1970.

Full membership
Any public community college district organized and operating under the Illinois Public Community College Act may become a member of the Association upon payment of the current annual membership dues. For more information, contact ICCTA at 217-528-2858.

Associate membership
ICCTA Associate Membership allows individuals, businesses, and educational allies to affiliate with one of Illinois' most reputable and experienced educational organizations. Learn more about our Associate Membership program here.

Lifetime membership
ICCTA Lifetime Membership program provides a prime opportunity for an Illinois community college to honor its current and retiring board members for their service and contributions to the community college movement. Learn more about our Lifetime Membership program here. 

Benefits of ICCTA membership

Legislative advocacy

Tracking and monitoring of state and federal legislation ▪ Lobbying and direct contact with legislators, state agencies, and other public officials ▪ Testimony at legislative and congressional hearings ▪ Drafting of bills and amendments ▪ Coalition-building with other education and grassroots organizations ▪ Legislative updates to trustees and colleges ▪ Lobby Day in Springfield ▪ Coordinated visits at the National Legislative Seminar in Washington, D.C. ▪ Toll-free legislative hotline

Trustee training and education

Educational seminars ▪ Regional meetings and programs ▪ Annual convention ▪ Mandatory leadership training ▪ Welcome to the Board packets for new trustees ▪ Trustee leadership DVD ▪ Resource library ▪ Trustee achievement and service awards ▪ Student trustee award ▪ Trustee Roundtable ▪ Minimum Continuing Legal Education seminars for board attorneys ▪ Professional development conference for presidential secretaries and assistants

Public relations

News releases and daily e-mail news alerts ▪ Recognition of outstanding faculty, alumni, business partners, and legislators ▪ Trustee training certificates ▪ Paul Simon Student Essay Contest ▪ Gandhi/King Peace Scholarship ▪ Cooperative efforts with college PR personnel and the Illinois Community College Marketing Collaborative

Consultation & expertise

Direct access to ICCTA staff on board policy and performance, referenda campaigns, and related topics ▪ Board self-evaluation services ▪ Referrals to outside consultants and search firms ▪ Retreat leadership ▪ Board self-evaluation facilitators ▪ Policy handbook development ▪ ICCTA staff support for Presidents Council and Illinois Community College Board activities

Local board input

Involvement with ICCTA Board of Representatives ▪ Participation on ICCTA committees on Government Relations, Trustee Education, Finance, Diversity, Bylaws, and Awards ▪ Task forces ▪ Coalitions ▪ Regional meetings ▪ Member surveys ▪ College visits by ICCTA staff

Information and research services

Website ▪ Social media posts ▪ Legislative bulletins and reports ▪ Membership and legislative directories ▪ Resource materials for newly elected or appointed trustees ▪ Compilation of community college laws ▪ Quick Surveys