2022-2023 Course Catalog

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Student Grievance Policy

When a student believes that a condition exists which is in violation of a person’s rights, College policies, rules, standards, and procedures, that individual has the right to file a grievance. Refer to the “Student Rights and Responsibilities Guide” located in the Student Success Center, Room N117, and in Division offices.

A grievance may be categorized as follows:

  1. Academic Concerns
    1. Academic Dishonesty
    2. Academic Suspension
    3. Educational Guarantee
    4. Grade Appeals
    5. Graduation Requirements
    6. Other Academic Concerns
  2. Americans With Disabilities Act (accommodations)
  3. Discrimination (age, disability, gender, race, color, sexual orientation, religion)
  4. Financial Aid Suspension
  5. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (confidentiality)
  6. Sexual Harassment (by students, staff, or faculty)
  7. Student Conduct
  8. Student Employment
  9. Tuition Refunds
  10. Others not represented above

A grievance may be resolved through either an informal or formal process. Informal or formal hearings and resolution of complaints will be conducted in a prompt and fair manner without fear of retribution.

Formal hearings are conducted by the College’s Judicial Board or by a Special Committee appointed by the President.

The College student grievance process, although encouraged in resolving grievance issues, is not mandatory. Students may seek alternatives in resolving grievances. Procedures for filing a grievance are available in the Student Success Center, Room N117, the “Student Rights & Responsibilities and Grievance & Disciplinary Proceedings Guide” and the College Catalog.

Hearing Procedure

 

Formal Appeal Hearing Procedures for Students

 

When a student believes that a situation exists that is in violation of student rights or Richland Community College policies, rules, standards, or procedures, the student has the right to initiate a grievance through the informal grievance process. The student also has the right to file a formal appeal of that decision.

  1. The student should meet with the appropriate administrative officer to determine if a formal appeal hearing is appropriate.

     

  2. Once the grievant (student) has indicated a decision to proceed with a formal appeal, the administrative officer will offer contact information for the Student Advocate and notify the Student Advocate of the grievant’s intention. Working with the Student Advocate is recommended but not required.

     

  3. The Student Advocate will meet with the grievant to review the Request for a Formal Appeal Hearing, discuss and/or review available documentation/information, help identify documentation to provide to the Appeal Panel, and/or answer questions regarding the hearing. The Student Advocate will review the complete Request for a Formal Appeal Hearing if the grievant desires.

      

  4. The grievant will complete the online Request for a Formal Appeal Hearing and submit it electronically to the designated administrative officer. Forms are available at www.richland.edu/info/process. Because some departments have special appeal guidelines determined by Federal or State agencies, the form is not applicable for all areas.

 

      Academic Concerns – Vice President, Academic Services

  1. Academic Dishonesty
  2. Academic Suspension
  3. Educational Guarantee
  4. Program Dismissal
  5. Grade Appeals
  6. Classroom Conduct
  7. Other Academic Concerns

      Accommodations – Section 504 Coordinator

      Discrimination and Sexual Harassment – Title IX Coordinator

      Financial Aid Suspension – Director of Financial Aid

      FERPA – Registrar

      Graduation Requirements – Registrar

      Online Student Complaints – Vice President of Academic Services

      Tuition Refunds – Controller

      Student Employment – Career and Completion Coach

      Student Conduct (outside class) – Dean of Student Success

      Others Not Listed – Vice President of Academic Services

 

Complaints against a Vice President, Director of Human Resources, or other executive staff should be directed to the President of the College. A Special Committee will be convened by the President and will follow the steps outlined here.

  1.  The appropriate administrative officer will review the completed Request for a Formal Appeal Hearing and explain the formal hearing process to the grievant.
  2.  The administrative officer will notify the appropriate individual(s) (the respondent) that an appeal has been filed and that a formal hearing has been requested.
  3. The appeal must be filed within sixty (60) school days of the end of the course connected to the appeal. All information and evidence must be provided in the time frame provided by the appropriate administrative officer. No new materials may be presented at the hearing.
  4.  A hearing shall be held not less than ten (10) nor more than thirty (30) school days after the filing of the Request for a Formal Appeal Hearing. For good cause, the Appeal Panel or Special   Committee may grant a reasonable postponement or call an expedited hearing.

9.  The individual(s) involved, including named eyewitnesses, will be notified in writing as to the location and time of the hearing.

10.  All information and evidence offered or received as part of the investigation shall be fully disclosed to both the Appeal Panel and Special Committee and the named respondent. Members        of the Appeal Panel will have access to all materials for review one week prior to the hearing.

11.The hearing shall be closed to the public.

12.Attendance at the hearing MAY include (1) the grievant, (2) members of the Appeal Panel or Special Committee, (3) a recording secretary, (4) the respondent(s), (5) eyewitness(es) with            firsthand observations, (6) advisor or counsel for the grievant or respondent, (7) Student Advocate, and (8) security personnel when deemed appropriate.

13. The grievant and respondent have the right to be assisted by any advisor they choose, at their own expense. The grievant and respondent are responsible for presenting his or her own            case; therefore, while advisors may be present, they are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any hearing before the Appeal Panel or Special Committee. Eyewitnesses may          be allowed to speak as long as they have firsthand observations of the issue being appealed.

14.The failure of a grievant or his/her advisor or counsel to appear shall not be taken as an admission of guilt. However, the Appeal Panel or Special Committee may proceed in the absence          of any party who has received due notice of the hearing and may render a decision in their absence.

        15.  Decisions shall be made by a majority of the Appeal Panel or Special Committee.

16.  The decision of the Appeal Panel or Special Committee shall be communicated in writing to the grievant, respondent, and other appropriate individuals within seven (7) school days                   following the hearing.

17.The decision of the Appeal Panel or Special Committee shall be final and not appealable.

 

Initiation of Grievance or Disciplinary Proceedings Faculty/Staff

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. 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.

 

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 the concerns or obtain 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 http://www.richland.edu/info/process/online .

Initiation of Grievance or Disciplinary Proceedings

When a student believes that a situation exists that violates student rights, College policies, rules, standards, or procedures, the student has the right to initiate the grievance process.  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 procedures 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.

Student Grievance Process 

The grievance process takes place between the student and faculty or administrator responsible for the area. This process will be conducted in a prompt, fair manner without fear of retribution. Some departments have developed a process based on federal or state guidelines. Process guidelines and contact information are available on the website and in myRichland (log-in required). In cases of student academic dishonesty (Board Policy 4.15.3) or academic suspension, Richland has the right to bypass the grievance process and initiate a hearing.

Students should contact the appropriate individual or office to initiate the grievance process:

  • Academic Concerns Instructor
  • Academic Suspension Registrar
  • Americans with Disabilities Act Violation Accommodations Specialist
  • FERPA Registrar
  • Financial Aid Suspension Director of Financial Aid
  • Graduation Requirements Registrar
  • Student Conduct (classroom) Instructor
  • Student Conduct (outside of classroom) Dean, Student Success
  • Sexual Harassment or Discrimination Title IX Coordinator
  • Student Employment Career and Completion Coach
  • Tuition Refunds Controller
  • Others Not Listed Vice President, Academic Services

Initiation of the grievance process must begin within thirty (30) work days from the end of the course/semester.

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

Appeal Process

If a student grievance or disciplinary problem cannot be resolved through the steps outlines in the Student Grievance Process, the student may follow the Appeal Process, which includes a hearing before the Appeal Panel. The Vice President of Academic Services will convene the Appeal Panel. The appeal must be filed within sixty (60) schools days from the end of the course connected to the grievance. All information and evidence must be provided in the time frame provided by the appropriate administrative officer. 

The student grievant may seek assistance from a Student Advocate, a Richland employee who serves as a neutral party to support the student during the grievance or appeal process. Information about the Student Advocate is available on the Richland website or on myRichland (log-in required).

The student grievance must complete the online Request for a Formal Hearing and follow the steps outlined in myRichland (log-in required).

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 these concerns 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.