Procedure for the Resolution of Student Complaints
Complaint Procedure
Students may encounter a variety of conflicts during their course of study at Kishwaukee
College that may require review by appropriate administrative or academic personnel.
The purpose of the following procedures is to provide an equitable system for resolving
conflicts between students and faculty or staff members when a review of the issue
is not otherwise available under established college policies and procedures. The
College has already established appropriate procedures for conflict resolution (Final
Grade Appeal, Academic Forgiveness and Code of Conduct Appeals).
Questions regarding these procedures or guidance on the applicability of any Kishwaukee
College policy or procedure to a student’s specific problem should be directed to
the Office of the Director of Student Success.
Applicability
This procedure applies to all registered Kishwaukee students (full-time, part-time,
special programs, Community Education/Continuing Professional Education) and is applicable
in the review of problems such as the following:
All aspects of the degree-granting process, including grading, evaluation or status
(unless established policies are already available).
Alleged professional misconduct toward a student by a faculty or College staff member
while in the scope of College employment.
Alleged intimidation, discrimination, and harassment based on sex, race, religion,
age, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation, and the College specifically
prohibits such intimidation, discrimination, and harassment, including sexual harassment
(Title IX and 504 complaints are included).
Allegations concerning the application or propriety of College regulations, policies
and procedures regarding student rights and behavior.
Procedures
No student shall be penalized by the College for filing or participating in the complaint
process when the student has acted reasonably and in good faith. All complaints must
be initiated within 60 days of the date of the incident or after the student should
have become aware of the incident giving rise to the complaint. The College reserves
the right to waive the 60-day rule based on the facts and circumstances of the complaint
and after giving due consideration to the protection of the rights of both parties.
All students are encouraged to first utilize informal discussion to resolve any problems
encountered at the College.
When appropriate, the student is encouraged to talk directly to the faculty or staff
member prompting the complaint in an effort to resolve the issue.
If the student prefers to talk to someone other than the direct faculty or staff member
involved, they are encouraged to present the complaint to their assigned academic
advisor or case manager.
Complete the informal complaint form below and make an appointment with your assigned
academic advisor at www.kish.edu/advising.
Each student, faculty member, administrative and staff member has an obligation to
resolve problems fairly and informally through discussion between the aggrieved student(s)
and the specific College person immediately involved with the problem. Although students
are strongly encouraged to use informal discussion for problem solutions, it is not
a requirement for the filing of a formal complaint.
Students should always first attempt to resolve issues through an informal process
with the faculty or staff person. If a student is unable to resolve the issue informally,
they can choose to file a formal complaint.
Students must first consult with the Director of Student Success before filing a written
complaint.
Where a previously established grievance procedure already exists, the Director will
refer the complaint to the appropriate process.
In cases of alleged illegal discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, marital
status, creed, or disability, the Director will contact the Vice President of Student
Services prior to advising the student about a course of action.
After consultation with the Director of Student Success, the student may submit to
the Director a written statement of the problem in order to continue the formal resolution
process.
The written statement must be signed and dated and must clearly state the nature and
basis of the alleged offense, the name(s) of the person(s) committing the alleged
offense, the specifics of the incident(s) in question, and the names of any known
witnesses.
The Director will submit the complaint to the immediate supervisor, who will conduct
an investigation and respond in writing to the student with a copy to the Director
within 30 days of the filing date of the complaint. An extension for additional review
may be granted by agreement of the Director.
If the student feels that the decision of the immediate supervisor is arbitrary or
capricious or if he/she/they has/have new evidence to present, he/she/they may appeal
the decision in writing to the next level of supervision or an individual designated
by the Director of Student Success within 10 days of the decision.
A copy of the appeal must be submitted to the Director.
Upon appropriate review, the appellate determination must be communicated in writing
to all parties involved within 30 days of the date of the appeal.
The decisions of the Director of Student Success or appointed designee regarding review
and appeal shall be final.
As appropriate, the Director of Student Success may designate different persons to
review cases or consolidate complaints when such action is consistent with administrative
efficiency and a fair resolution of the problem. In cases where the complaint itself
is frivolous, harassing in nature, or not specific, the Director may refuse to process
the complaint. Written notification will be provided.
Kishwaukee College will offer six Fast-Track training programs during the Spring 2025 semester. Kish Fast-Track programs provide students with the expertise needed to meet local workforce demands. The programs range from 8-15 weeks, allowing students to immediately start a career or build upon skills with additional training.
Kishwaukee College will host three upcoming information sessions for high school students interested in the Early College Program or Engineering, Math & Science Academy (EMSA). The information sessions are open to current high school sophomores and juniors along with their parents/guardians.