Created: 7/1986
Last Revised: 4/2026
When a student believes that a situation exists that is in violation of student rights, Richland Community College policies, rules, standards, or procedures, the student has the right to initiate the grievance process and a subsequent appeal.
The student should follow the Student Grievance Process before proceeding with the Appeal process.
5. The appropriate administrative officer will review the completed Request for an Appeal Hearing and explain the process to the grievant.
6. The administrative officer will notify the Panel Chair and the respondent that an appeal has been filed and that an Appeal Hearing has been requested.
7. The appeal must be filed within sixty (60) school days of the end of the course connected to the grievance. All information and evidence must be provided to the Executive Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Vice President of Academic Services at least seven days prior to the scheduled hearing. No new materials may be presented at the hearing.
8. A hearing shall be held not less than ten (10) nor more than thirty (30) school days after the filing of the Request for an Appeal Hearing. For good cause, the Appeal Panel may grant a reasonable postponement or call an expedited hearing.
9. The individual(s) involved, including named witnesses, will be notified by Richland e-mail 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 the Appeal Panel and the respondent. Members of the Appeal Panel will have access to all materials for review at least seven school days 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) witnesses, (6) advisor or counsel for the grievant or respondent, (7) Student Advocate, and (8) special advisors identified by the Panel Chair, and (9) 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 and, therefore, while advisors may be present, they are not permitted to speak or to participate directly in any hearing before the Appeal Panel. A witness may present information at the Hearing only if the person has first-hand knowledge, was a witness to an exchange that is directly connected to the appeal, and has been identified by the grievant prior to the Hearing and approved by the Panel Chair to present information. A special advisor may be invited to the Hearing by the Panel Chair to offer information related to a component of the Hearing, such as Canvas usage, accreditation requirements, or e-mail usage.
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 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.
16. The decision of the Appeal Panel shall be communicated generally by Richland e-mail to the grievant, respondent, and other appropriate individuals within seven (7) school days following the hearing.
17. The decision of the Appeal Panel shall be final and not appealable.
Online Student Complaint Procedure
Students with concerns about online courses who would like to discuss the concerns or get information about the Student Grievance Policy and/or Procedures should contact the Executive Vice President of Academic and Student 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. A list of contacts by state is available here.