Summer Registration 2023
Registration for summer 2023 classes is now open! Session 1 (6 weeks): begins May 22 Session 2 (8 weeks)...
JJC promotes an open educational environment, rich in values and designed to protect the integrity of teaching and learning. In that spirit, the college encourages all students to first direct their complaints and concerns to the faculty, staff, or administrator specifically involved.
The college believes many complaints can be resolved through an open, honest dialogue between the persons involved. In cases where that may not be possible, the JJC Student Complaint Procedure can assist in facilitating a resolution. Other than grade appeal or claim of sexual discrimination, harassment, or misconduct, a complaint that challenges the decisions or actions of college personnel will be considered under this procedure. Information can be obtained through the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities.
Academic Grade Appeal Concerns
Student Grade Appeal Procedure - The student has a right to a final course grade review if he/she feels the instructor's criteria for determining the final course grade has not been fairly or accurately applied in the calculation of the final course grade. Students should take the following steps:
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The student shall confer with the instructor if there is a question concerning the calculation of a final course grade given by the instructor. If the instructor is unavailable within a three-week period (excluding when classes are not in session), the student may pursue the appeal unilaterally by contacting the appropriate Department Chair (see Step 2). If there is no resolution after the student has conferred with the instructor, the student will complete the online Final Grade Appeal Form (Apelación de calificación académica final) and it will be forwarded to the appropriate Department Chair. If the Department Chair is the instructor and there is no resolution, then the student would proceed with the Step 2 meeting additionally with the Dean.
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By the end of the sixth week (excluding when classes are not in session) following the issuance of the grade in question, the student shall contact the Department Chair and present to the Department Chair a completed Final Grade Appeals Form. If the Department Chair is unavailable or was the instructor who issued the grade, the student should contact the appropriate Academic Dean. The Department Chair will schedule and conduct a meeting with the student, the instructor, and the Academic Dean. At the meeting the student shall present documentation to support his or her appeal. The instructor will have an opportunity to address the concerns presented by the student. At the end of the meeting, the student and instructor will be excused and the Department Chair and the Academic Dean will confer and render a decision. Within five (5) school days, a summary of the findings will be sent to the instructor and the student. If all three parties (instructor, Department Chair, Academic Dean) concur in the recommendation, the appeal procedure is exhausted and the grade will stand or be changed, as recommended.
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Step 3 provides that in the event that an agreement is not reached following the procedures in Step 2, the matter will be referred immediately to a committee composed of five full-time faculty members. The faculty committee shall schedule a hearing to be conducted in the same manner as the meeting described in Step 2. The decision of the committee shall be made by majority vote within thirty days after the hearing. The decision of the committee shall be final and binding to all parties.
Additional Procedures
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Academic Honor Code Violations
The procedures are as follows:
- The student must be notified by the instructor of the specific Academic Honor Code violation(s), including a detailed explanation of the violation(s) and the evidence the instructor has to support their allegation. The notification should be in person. In the notification meeting it should also be explained what course academic sanction will be applied. This should correspond with the information provided in the course syllabus.
- The student has the opportunity to appeal in writing to the department chair within 5 calendar days of notice. The student should be directed to the departmental office to make an appointment.
- The instructor notifies the department chair and the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities about the academic violation.
- Instructors: Please indicate if the consequences for the violation will include an "F" for the course.
- Students: A hold will be placed on your academic records until the entire process is completed.
- If the department chair refuses or fails to meet with the student, the student has the ability to meet with the dean of the academic department.
- The student can make a final appeal in writing to the dean of the academic department.
- The dean of the academic department has the option to work with the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities in conducting an investigation and determining outcome. The academic dean's decision is final.
- The dean of the academic department will notify the student in writing as to the final outcome.
- The final decision is forwarded to the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities.
- Notice is sent from the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities to the student informing of their outcome and next steps.
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Academic Complaints
This section addresses in-classroom complaints.
Complete an academic complaint (Queja del estudiante) here.
- The students should first try to resolve their complaint with the instructor.
- If it is unresolved, the student should complete the linked form above to file a complaint.
- The Student should be contacted within 7 days to meet with the Department Chair or Dean over the area to resolve the complaint.
- The Department Chair or Dean of the Academic Department will notify the student in writing as to the final outcome of the complaint.
- The Dean of the Academic Department's decision is final.
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Non-Academic Complaints
Refers to incidents of unprofessional behavior, harassment, discrimination, and other complaints that are not of an academic grade concern: visit the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities, A-1100, (815) 280-2761, for a review of your rights and how to proceed with a formal complaint.
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Sexual Harassment
Refer to Board Policy 2.01.01.01 Prohibition of Sexual Discrimination, Harassment and Misconduct or visit the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities for assistance with forming a complaint. More information of the new procedures can be found on the Prohibition of Sexual Discrimination, Harassment and Misconduct (PDF) document.
A student can also consult with the Title IX Coordinator, Tracy Morris, Compliance Officer at (815) 280-2704 or tmorris@jjc.edu , Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Cyndi Vasquez-Barrios, Dean of Students at (815) 280-2309 or cyvasque@jjc.edu , or Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Malinda Carter, Executive Director of Human Resources (for cases that involve employees), at (815) 280-2515 or mcarter@jjc.edu. For students that want to discuss the matter confidentially before filing a complaint can consult with the Counseling Office, A-1154, or call (815) 280-2251.
More information on Title IX complaint procedures
You may want to receive confidential services and resources at:
Sexual Assault Service Center
168 N. Ottawa Street
Joliet, IL 60432
Website: Guardian Angel Community Services -
Americans with Disabilities Act
Refer to Board Policy 2.01.08, Americans with Disabilities Act (PDF) or visit Disability Services at Main Campus, A-1125, or call (815) 280-2613.
If you would like to file a formal complaint after consulting with Disability Services, you should visit the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities for assistance or you may file online.
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Affirmative Action
Refer to Board Policy 2.01.13, Equal Employment Opportunity (PDF) or visit with Human Resources at Main Campus, A-3000, (815) 280-2266.
To file a complaint online.
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Out of State Distance Learning Students
Joliet Junior College promotes an open educational environment, rich in values and designed to protect the integrity of teaching and learning. In that spirit, the college encourages all students to first direct their complaints and concerns to the faculty, staff, or administrator specifically involved.
The college believes many complaints can be resolved through an open, honest dialogue between the persons involved. In cases where that may not be possible, the JJC Student Complaint Procedure can assist in facilitating a resolution. Other than grade appeal or claim of sexual discrimination, harassment, or misconduct, a complaint that challenges the decisions or actions of college personnel will be considered under this procedure. Information can be obtained through the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities.
If you are an Out of State student and have a complaint that you feel has not been resolved through the Student Complaint Procedures described above, you may file a complaint with the state in which you reside. In compliance with the Federal Department of Education regulations, JJC provides the following list of State Agencies with contact information: Student Complaint Information by State (PDF). You may also contact the Illinois Community College Board when seeking a resolution.
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Unresolved Complaints
If you have a complaint that you feel has not been resolved through the Student Complaint Procedures described above, you may file a complaint with the state in which you reside. In compliance with the Federal Department of Education regulations, JJC provides the following list of State Agencies with contact information: Student Complaint Information by State (PDF). You may also contact the Illinois Community College Board when seeking a resolution.
Students should make every attempt to pursue concerns in a timely manner and should be reported within 30 calendar days.
Academic complaints should be filed at the department level with the chairperson or supervisor.
- Forms are available in the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities and should be submitted within 30 calendar days of the occurrence of the incident.
- Complaints will normally receive a response within 20 calendar days from the time it is received.
- Unresolved complaints or appeals of resolutions for non-academic matters shall be directed to the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities. Those of an academic nature shall be directed to the dean over academic discipline. Cases involving complaints against either of these areas will be referred to the appropriate Vice President.
- The final college official reviewing the complaint will respond formally and in writing to the complainant.
- For complaints involving grade appeals and sexual harassment policies, please see the college catalog or student handbook (located in the myJJC portal) for proper procedures. Complaints involving matters of a criminal nature, such as theft, battery, etc., should be directed to the JJC Police Department.
