Student Grievance Policy

Student Resolution Process Chart

* if applicable

This process is subject to review; please check with the Student Success Center for a current copy of the formal Student Resolution Process Chart

Hearing Procedure

The general rules governing a formal hearing are outlined below:

1. A Request for a Formal Hearing shall be completed and delivered to the appropriate administrative officer (refer to the Student Resolution Process Chart). Forms are available in the Academic Services Office, Human Resources Office, Student Success Center, and division offices.   
2. The appropriate administrative officer will review the completed Request for Formal Hearing and explain the formal hearing process to the grievant.
3. The administrative officer will notify the appropriate individual(s) that a grievance has been filed and that a formal hearing has been requested.
4. A hearing shall be held not less than three (3) or more than thirty (30) school days after the filing of the statement of charges with the administrative officer. For good cause, the Judicial Board or Special Committee may grant a reasonable postponement.
5. The individuals involved, including named witnesses, will be notified in writing as to the location and time of the hearing.
6. The hearing shall be closed to the public.
7. Attendance at the hearing MAY include (1) the grievant, (2) members of the Judicial Board or Special Committee, (3) a recording secretary, (4) the respondent(s), (5) witnesses, (6) advisor or counsel for the grievant or respondent, and (7) security personnel when deemed appropriate.
8. A grievant or respondent may elect to have an attorney present at his or her own expense.
9. All information and evidence offered or received at the investigation shall be fully disclosed to both the Judicial Board and Special Committee and the individual(s) charged.
10. The failure of a grievant or his/her advisor or counsel to appear shall not be taken as an admission of guilt. The Judicial Board or Special Committee may proceed in the absence of any party who has received due notice of the hearing.
11. Decisions shall be made by a majority of the Judicial Board or Special Committee.
12. The decision of the Judicial Board or Special Committee shall be communicated in writing to the grievant, respondent and other appropriate individuals within seven (7) days following the hearing.
13. The decision of the Judicial Board or Special Committee shall be final and not appealable.

The disposition of the hearing shall be communicated to the President. Complaints against a Vice-President, Director of Human Resources, or other executive staff should be directed to the President of the College.

Initiation of Grievance or Disciplinary Proceedings

If a student, faculty, or staff member feels that a condition exists in which a student’s behavior is unsatisfactory or is in violation of College policies, rules, standards, or procedures, that individual may file a grievance against a student. Every attempt will be made to resolve grievances or problems at the point of origin. With the exception of a complaint of discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment, the following process should be followed. Complaints alleging discrimination and/or harassment, including sexual harassment, must be filed with the Human Resources Office. The process for investigating a complaint of discrimination or sexual harassment may be obtained from the Student Success Center, Room N117, or the Office of Human Resources, Room N171.

Informal Resolution Process

• First, contact the faculty or staff member involved at the point of origin or the appropriate administrator to resolve the matter.
• Second, contact the coordinator, director, dean or other appropriate administrator responsible for the area to resolve the matter.
• Third, contact the Vice President over the area. In all cases where appropriate, grievances/complaints will be investigated by the appropriate administrators or third party.

If resolution of the grievance or disciplinary charge is reached informally, a written agreement (if deemed appropriate) must be signed by the student. The agreement shall outline the provisions of the resolution and indicate that the student was aware of, but waived the right to, a formal hearing.

In cases of sexual harassment or discrimination, a student has the right to bypass the informal process and request a formal hearing. In cases of academic dishonesty and academic suspension, the College has the right to bypass the informal process.

If a student grievance or disciplinary problem cannot be resolved at the informal level, a formal hearing of the Judicial Board or Special Committee appointed by the President may be convened.

Formal Resolution Process

A formal hearing before the Judicial Board or Special Committee appointed by the President may occur at the request of a student, faculty, or staff member. Formal hearings must be coordinated through a Vice President or Director of Human Resources. The Vice President of Academic Services will convene the Judicial Board. The President or designee will convene the Special Committee. 

Online Student Complaint Procedure

Richland Community College is committed to serving all students efficiently and fairly. The College has a process in place to facilitate positive resolutions to student concerns.

Students with concerns about online courses who would like to discuss it or get information about the Student Grievance Policy and/or Procedures should contact the Vice President of Academic Services, 217.875.7211, Ext. 6224, e-mail studentgrievance@richland.edu, or visit Room W141.

Online students who feel that a complaint has not been satisfactorily resolved through the Student Grievance Policy and Procedures may file a complaint through the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Students from SARA states may file a complaint with the Illinois Community College Board. Out-of-state students may file a complaint with the state in which they reside. Contact information is available at www.richland.edu/academics/online-learning/online-student-complaint-procedure.