Policy

Eureka College is committed to respecting all members of our college community and providing a quality educational experience for all students.

Student Complaint Policy and Procedure

The objective of the Student Complaint Policy and Procedure is to ensure that the concerns and complaints of students are addressed fairly and resolved promptly. Complaints related to this policy are usually the result of behavior that the student feels is unjust, inequitable, or creates an unnecessary hardship. Students may file complaints if they believe a problem is not governed by any other Eureka College complaint or appeal procedures. Examples of these other procedures include:

• Food Service Requirement Waiver
• Housing Exemptions

Please note that the institution’s Title IX policy is in compliance with federal guidelines and is adjudicated by the Title IX Coordinator. Title IX allegations are adjudicated separately from other complaints and/or appeals procedures. If there is a question regarding which appeal or complaint procedure is the most appropriate, students should contact the Office of Student Life.

Incidents related to racial, hate crimes, or bias-related behaviors should be filed with the Chief Diversity Officer.

Admissions and Financial Aid Appeals will be reviewed by the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid. Academic Appeals, Academic Forgiveness, Academic Suspension/Dismissal Appeal, Satisfactory Academic Progress and Grade Appeals will be reviewed by the Provost.

Procedure

Whenever possible, students are encouraged to seek an informal resolution of the matter directly with the faculty or individual(s) involved. Complaints are often resolved in this way. However, if an informal approach is neither successful nor advisable, the student should use the following procedure:

• A student complaint form should be submitted to the Office of Student Life. It should contain (at a minimum) the date and time of the alleged conflict or action, the reason(s) for the complaint, a summary of the complaint, a list of other persons who may provide information and any appropriate documentation. The student must also include the resolution or outcome he or she is seeking. The complaint must be submitted within ten (10) business days of the alleged conflict or action.
• Upon receipt of a completed form, a conference will take place with the student and a staff member from the Office of Student Life.
• The staff member will notify appropriate persons and request any information or documentation needed to resolve the complaint.
• The staff member may attempt to resolve the complaint by encouraging discussion between the student(s) and the faculty member/administrator or by taking the appropriate action to resolve complaint.
• A review of the complaint with the supervisor(s) or others in the line of supervision may be used when deemed appropriate and beneficial to the process.
• All relative documentation and possible outcomes must be submitted by the student or other appropriate persons within ten (10) business days of the date the complaint is filed.
• When possible, the final resolution (or a finding of “unresolved”) within fifteen (15) business days of the date the complaint is filed. If there are circumstances requiring an extension of this deadline, the staff member assigned to the complaint will notify the parties involved.
• Appeals will be reviewed by faculty and staff members of the College’s Judicial Committee.

Documentation

A record of all complaints and their resolution will be documented and the records will be kept in the appropriate office.

Registering an Institutional Complaint

Prior to registering a complaint you must first make all attempts to resolve the matter directly with Eureka College.  If the matter is still not resolved, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) may intercede with the identified institution depending upon pertinent laws governing agency oversight.  IBHE Complaint Form