2022-2023 Course Catalog

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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 .