Student Leave and Appeals

Appeals

As outlined in the Student Handbook, students have the right to question or appeal decisions made by college administration or faculty. Because the college has several distinct types of appeals, submit your request to the correct department.

  • Extenuating Circumstances Appeals (Overseen by Dean of Students): Covers non-course-related hardships that impact your academic performance, such as serious illness, mental health conditions, family emergencies, sudden loss of transportation, or severe financial strain.
  • All Other Appeals: For academic grade appeals, conduct decisions, or general grievances, please refer to the Student Handbook guidelines to identify the appropriate process and contact.

If you are filing for non-course-related personal or financial hardships, review the information below:

Extenuating Circumstances Appeals

If non-course-related hardships have impacted your academic performance or ability to complete a class, you have the right to file an appeal. The Dean of Students Office reviews requests based on unexpected personal, financial, or physical challenges.

Common Reasons to File an Extenuating Circumstances Appeal:

  • Serious physical or mental health conditions (or caring for a sick family member)
  • Sudden loss or lack of reliable transportation
  • Significant financial hardship or cost-of-living increases

To view specific appeal categories and start your submission, access the form below.

Submit Extenuating Circumstances Appeal

Temporary Special Leave Requests

If you need to miss class due to bereavement, military service, or other unforeseen special circumstances, you may be eligible for a temporary special leave. The Dean of Students Office will help connect you with your instructors to ensure your academic progress stays on track.

What You Need to Do:

  1. Submit a request using the form below, including your dates of absence and expected return date.
  2. Contact your individual instructors to inform them of your absence.
  3. Provide supporting documentation (e.g., obituary, military orders) if requested.

Leave Types & Timeframes:

  • Bereavement Leave: Eligible for up to 7 calendar days of excused absences for the loss of a family member or relative. Additional time may be granted on a case-by-case basis if travel is required.
  • Military Training (Under 2 Weeks): Short-term leave available with a copy of your training schedule or military orders.
  • Active Duty / Deployment (2+ Weeks): Eligible for a full refund of tuition and fees. Contact the Dean of Students Office to discuss the best path forward for your courses.

Submit Temporary Special Leave Request

 

Temporary Medical Accommodation (TMA) Request

If you are experiencing a short-term medical condition, the Student Access and Accommodations Services (SAAS) Office is here to support you. We coordinate temporary accommodations to help you stay on track with your classes.

Eligible Conditions Include:

  • Recovery from surgery or extended hospitalization
  • Pregnancy, childbirth, or new parenting needs
  • Severe illness or persistent injury

To get started, submit your request and our team will guide you through the next steps.

Review the TMA Process

Contact Information

Dean of Students Office

WDC Student Center 2700
1500 W Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309-268-8407
Email: deanofstudents@heartland.edu