Kishwaukee College has an open-door admission policy and welcomes members of its community regardless of background, identity or status and is committed to addressing complex issues facing our student community. Kish is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, focused on respect and fairness, in all aspects of the College experience.
Disclosure: The information shared on this page is general and informational only. This page does not constitute legal advice and is subject to change at any time. Kish is committed to supporting a diverse culture and is committed to its safety.
Kish offers resources to our students and community members who may feel uncomfortable interacting with police. Anyone with emergency issues should call 911. For non-emergency safety concerns, you can contact the following areas:
• Academic Advising: onestop@kish.edu or 815-826-9375
• Undocumented Liaison, Greg Putra: 815-825-9649
• Submit a H.U.B Referral Request
Illinois state law prohibits law enforcement from acting on federal detainers or stopping, arresting or searching an individual based solely on immigration status (5 ILCS 805/-Illinois TRUST Act). As of June 21, 2019, the Keep Illinois Families Together Act (5 ILCS 835) officially prohibits state and local law enforcement in the state of Illinois from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE.
Kishwaukee College has an "open door" admission policy and is open to all in-district residents of Community College District 523. All new students, including dual credit and students who have been inactive for two years or more, should complete the Kishwaukee College Application. DACA or undocumented students who apply do not require a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
To apply to Kish, follow these simple steps.
Illinois MAP Grant — Undocumented students can apply for Illinois MAP Grants through the RISE Act.
Scholarships — Apply for a Kish Foundation Scholarships to help cover the cost of attendance.
FAFSA — Students who are citizens but have parents who are undocumented can still apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Kish does not report this information to any agencies.
Payment Plan — Students can set up a payment plan with the Kish Business Office.
Kishwaukee College's Benefits Nagivator can help students find the benefits they qualify for, including housing and citizenship matters. To get started on finding assistance, please fill out the H.U.B. (Housing, Undocumented and Benefits Navigation) Referral Form.
Kishwaukee College recognized two outgoing Board members at the Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees' special reorganizational meeting in April. Board Secretary Kathleen Spears and Trustee Kathleen Watkins were commended and received a plaque recognizing their dedicated service to the College.
Read MoreKishwaukee College seated Diego Gonzalez Zabala as the new Student Trustee on the College's Board of Trustees at the April meeting. Gonzalez Zabala was elected by his peers to the position and took over the role of outgoing Student Trustee Aiyanna Washington.
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