Student Appeals
Students can use the Student Appeals process when they question a decision that has been made. Students can appeal course-related matters or other non-course issues.
Students should seek issue resolution immediately. Students must appeal within 30 business days from the end of the semester in which the issue occurs. The appeal must be finalized by the end of the next semester.
Specific Steps for Course-Related Issues
As issues arise, students must seek resolution from faculty and staff.
Step 1: When a student has a course-related issue, he/she should immediately email or meet with the faculty member. The student should explain the issue and state what he/she wants the College to do. The faculty member will provide a dated decision in writing.
Step 2: If the student is still unsatisfied with the decision from Step 1 above, the student can appeal to the Instructional Associate Dean/Dean. The student should in writing explain the issue and state what he/she wants the College to do. The Associate Dean/Dean will provide a dated decision in writing.
Step 3: If the student is still unsatisfied with the decision from Step 2 above, the student can initiate a final appeal to the Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs. The final appeal must be made within 10 business days of the dated Associate Dean/Dean’s response. A final appeal includes a written document explaining the reason for the appeal and the proposed resolution. Each appeal must provide supporting documentation.
Appeals may be emailed to: appeals@heartland.edu
The Provost and Vice President will provide a dated and written response to the final appeal. The College will send communication to the student’s official my.heartland email, and the College will scan the communication into the student record.
| Course-Related Dispute | First Contact | Second Contact | Formal & Final Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Instructor | Dean of Academic Division or Instructional Chair | Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs |
| Adult Education | Instructor | Director of Adult Education | Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs |
| Continuing Education | Instructor | Dean of Continuing Education | Vice President, External Relations |
Specific Steps to Appeal Non-Course Issues
As issues arise, students must seek resolution from staff.
Step 1: When a student has a non-course related issue, he/she should immediately email or meet with the First Contact listed in the table below. Students appealing due to medical or extenuating circumstances should start by filling out the Student Appeal Due to Extenuating Circumstances form. The student should explain the issue and state what he/she wants the College to do. The First Contact will provide a dated decision in writing.
Step 2: If the student is still unsatisfied with the decision from Step 1 above, the student can initiate a final appeal. The final appeal must be made within 10 business days of the dated First Contact’s response. A final appeal includes a written document explaining the reason for the appeal and the proposed resolution. Each appeal must provide supporting documentation.
Appeals may be emailed to: appeals@heartland.edu
Staff will provide a dated and written response to the final appeal. The College will send communication to the student’s official my.heartland email, and the College will scan the communication into the student record.
| Non-Course Issues | First Contact | Formal and Final Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Probation & Dismissal | Dean of Students | Vice President, Enrollment & Student Services |
| Assessment & Placement | Dean of Students | Vice President, Enrollment & Student Services |
| Comptroller Collection | Vice President, Enrollment & Student Services | |
| Financial Aid | Director of Financial Aid | Vice President, Enrollment & Student Services |
| Graduation | Dean of Students | Vice President, Enrollment & Student Services |
| Late Withdrawal | Dean of Students | Vice President, Enrollment & Student Services |
| Medical Withdrawal | Dean of Students | Vice President, Enrollment & Student Services |
| Military | Dean of Students | Vice President, Enrollment & Student Services |
| Refund of Tuition/Fees | Dean of Students | Vice President, Enrollment & Student Services |
| Registration | Dean of Students | Vice President, Enrollment & Student Services |
| Past Student Accounts/Bills | Dean of Students | Vice President, Enrollment & Student Services |
If after following the College’s process for addressing Student Disputes & Appeals, an issue cannot be resolved internally, students may file a complaint about Heartland Community College with the Illinois Community College Board or with the Higher Learning Commission. If you are a student living out of the State of Illinois, you may also file your complaint with the state in which you reside. See Student Complaint Information by State (PDF) for more information.