Student Policies

Admissions
Moraine Valley Community College is committed to an “open door” admission policy. The college shall admit all high school graduates or the equivalent who demonstrate an ability to benefit from one of its programs, subject only to space limitations. Admission may be denied to an applicant when it is not in the best interest of the college or of the applicant to grant admission.

No person will be denied admission to the college or any of its programs on the basis of sex, race, age, national or ethnic origin, religion, or disability.

Once admitted, students may select courses or programs according to their interests and ability. These are determined by evaluating the individual student’s high school experiences, previous test scores and college assessment results. Moraine Valley provides advising and counseling services to help each student choose an appropriate field of study according to individual abilities and interests. With some programs, particularly the Health Science programs, space may not be available for all applicants. See Health Science Web site for more information.

High School Students – Students still in high school, 16 or older, may be admitted to college classes if facilities are available and if there is sufficient evidence that they can profit from the instruction. To be accepted, the student shall be recommended by the local principal or designated representative.

Interested students shall submit completed admission information and a high school student authorization form signed by the appropriate high school official. Forms shall be returned to the Registration Office and presented at the time of registration. Those seeking an exception to the college policy must contact the dean of Enrollment Services. All courses taken at Moraine Valley will become part of the student’s permanent record.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Moraine Valley Community College complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

According to these laws, no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall, solely by reason of his/her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of a public institution receiving federal financial assistance.

Inquiries about accommodations for students with disabilities should be directed to the Center for Disability Services, Room L150, (708) 974-5711.

Athletic and Equity Disclosure Act (EADA) http://ope.ed.gov/athletics/search.asp

1. To view information specifically for Moraine Valley, type "moraine valley" into the "Name of Institution" Search at the bottom of the page.

Attendance Policy
The college values regular class attendance as an essential component contributing to the learning process and therefore expects students to attend all class meetings of each course for which they are registered.

The attendance policy of each instructor is included in the course syllabus distributed by the instructor on the first day of class. Compliance with each instructor’s attendance policy is the student’s responsibility. An instructor’s attendance policy may go into effect with the first class meeting of the course. Late registration does not exempt the student from adhering to the attendance requirements in the course syllabus.

Make-up work or work submitted late due to absence (including an instructor’s decision to award less than full credit for work submitted late) will be handled at the discretion of the instructor in accordance with the course syllabus.

Students not regularly attending class are strongly advised to withdraw officially from the course. Students who do not withdraw officially will receive a grade of “F” for the course, which will become a part of the student’s permanent record.

Students who must be absent due to prolonged illness or extended emergency should notify their instructor(s) immediately to determine a plan of action appropriate to the situation.

Use of Cellular Phones and Pagers
Students, faculty, staff, and college visitors may not use and must silence cell phones, pagers and other communication devices in all instructional areas, which include all labs, classrooms, conference rooms, and lecture halls during instructional sessions, workshops and meetings; the Library; the Testing Center (B101), and other areas designated by the college.

Chargebacks
A resident of the Moraine Valley Community College district may receive a chargeback to attend another Illinois community college if that individual is accepted into a program at another Illinois community college that is not offered by Moraine Valley. Both full-time and part-time attendance is allowed. Chargebacks will be approved only if submitted by the appropriate deadline.

Chargebacks do not apply if:

• You are enrolling in a transfer program.
• The program you are seeking is part of a cooperative agreement with another community college. For more information about cooperative programs see college catalog.
• A student enrolls in classes that are part of continuing education, general studies, community services, or short-term job training programs (noncredit).

Chargeback requests must be made at least 30 days prior to the anticipated enrollment at another community college. Application forms are available in the Registration Office.

Courses which are remedial (under the 100 level) are not covered under the chargeback agreement. Take remedial courses at Moraine Valley; repeated courses are the student’s responsibility and are not covered by chargeback.

Cheating or Plagiarism
Each student is expected to be honest in his or her class work. The college regards cheating or plagiarism in the classroom and laboratories, and on assignments or examinations, as a serious offense. Instructors at the college will clearly state their cheating or plagiarism policies and penalties in their course syllabi. The penalty may include a grade of “F” being entered for the student for the course. All incidents of cheating or plagiarism must be reported by the faculty member to the appropriate subdivision office using the official Report Form for Cheating or Plagiarism.

Children on Campus
For the safety of children on campus, children may not accompany students to class. Also, children may not be left unattended on the campus grounds, whether in college buildings, extension centers or at any college event.

Code of Student Conduct

Computer Use Policy
MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE INTERNET/E-MAIL GUIDELINES Moraine Valley Community College (“College” or “Moraine Valley”) provides use of electronic mail (“e-mail,”) electronic bulletin boards, and the Internet (including FTP and Telnet facilities, news groups, and World Wide Web Browsers) as sources of information and a means of communication for the College community. All standards of behavior, courtesy, etiquette and values espoused by Moraine Valley govern the use of the e-mail, Internet, and other computer facilities provided by the College. Specifically, users are expected to comply with the Policy for Responsible Use of Information Technology (Policy No. 6710), adopted by the Board of Trustees of Moraine Valley Community College. A copy of Policy 6710 is available to any user of Moraine Valley Community College’s Internet, e-mail, and computer system upon request. The following Guidelines are intended by the College to be consistent with Policy 6710. Should any discrepancy exist between these Guidelines and Policy 6710, Policy 6710 shall control. While set of guidelines can establish rules to cover every possible situation, the following Guidelines are designed to express the College’s philosophy and to set forth the following general principles for users of the e-mail, Internet, and other computer facilities provided by Moraine Valley Community College:

1. Users shall observe and comply with all applicable copyright and other intellectual property rights.
2. Users shall respect the rights of others to be free from harassment and intimidation. Users shall not use the College computer system to send abusive, clearly unwanted, harassing, and/or threatening materials to others or to disrupt the work of others. The college retains the right to review, retain, make use of, or delete electronic communications and electronic files existing on college systems.
3. Users shall use resources efficiently. For example, storage space, computer paper, and computer access time are limited resources. Users shall respect any limitations or restrictions imposed upon the use of such resources to ensure fair access for all users.
4. Users shall extend these Guidelines, and learn and respect any additional rules or Guidelines that may apply, to remote systems accessed using Moraine Valley Community College facilities. Further, College facilities shall not be used to try to gain unauthorized access to Moraine Valley Community College systems or remote systems.
5. While users shall respect the privacy of the electronic communications and electronic files of others and shall not attempt to violate the privacy of others, users must also understand that they have no expectation of privacy or ownership with respect to electronic communications or electronic files on the College network.
6. Users shall accept responsibility for their own actions and communications, and shall not use anonymous or pseudonymous communications that conceal their identity. Users shall not hold themselves out as official spokespersons for the College, or otherwise create such an impression, when expressing personal opinions in any communications.
7. Users shall not reveal their account password to anyone in the college or allow any other person to use their password. This includes family and other household members when work is being done at home.

STUDENT AGREEMENT ON USE OF E-MAIL AND THE INTERNET
I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the foregoing Guidelines governing the use of the Moraine Valley Community College e-mail, Internet, and other computer facilities. I understand that I have no expectation of privacy when I use the Moraine Valley Community College e-mail, Internet, and other computer facilities. I am aware that violations of these Guidelines on appropriate use of Moraine Valley Community College’s computer system, e-mail, and Internet systems may subject me to disciplinary action, legal action and/ or criminal liability. I further understand that my use of the College e-mail, Internet, and other computer facilities may reflect on the image of Moraine Valley Community College to our staff, students, and others who come in contact with the College and that I have a responsibility to maintain a positive representation of the College. Furthermore, I understand that these Guidelines may be amended at any time.

Crime Statistics Concerning Crimes Committee on Campus
Policy on Gathering Crime Statistics Concerning Crimes Committed on Campus
The Moraine Valley Police Department, in keeping with the requirements of the Jeanne Clery Act, is required to report criminal activity that has occurred both on campus and at our off-campus facilities. These statistics are provided for your use in comparing Moraine Valley Community College incidents to that of other institutions of higher learning.

The Annual Crime Statistics and Security Report is available upon request at the Moraine Valley Police Department located in Building P or you can call (708) 974-5555 and request a copy be mailed to you.

This information also is available on the Moraine Valley Police Department’s Web site at: www.morainevalley.edu/police. Statistics comply with Title II of the Campus Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990.

The crime statistics are compiled in accordance with definitions used in the uniform crime reporting system of the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act
This federal law requires colleges to annually publish information relating to the number of crimes reported on the college campus and the security measures that are in place to reduce the risk of criminal victimization for members of the college community. For more details, contact the Moraine Valley Police Department in Building P or call (708) 974-5555.

Drug-Free Campus
In accordance with the Drug-Free School and Communities Act of 1989, Moraine Valley provides the following information about the use of alcoholic beverages and illegal chemical substances.

Help on Campus—Peers Educating Peers (PEP) is a student organization dedicated to preventing drug and alcohol abuse among college students. For information, call (708) 974-5722.

The Police Department also is available to Moraine Valley students. Call (708) 974-5555.

Help Lines—Some resources to help you or someone you know deal with drug or alcohol abuse:
  Adult Children of Alcoholics (800) 279-4440
  Alcoholics Anonymous (312) 346-1475
  Families Anonymous (773) 777-4442
  Ingalls Family Care Center
     Tinley Park (708) 429-3300
     Harvey (708) 333-2300
  Al-Anon and Alateen (312) 409-7245
  Palos Community Hospital (708) 361-4500
  24-Hour Crisis Line (708) 361-TALK
  Suburban Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse (708) 957-2854
Consult your local telephone directory for additional resources.

Violation of the Drug-Free Campus—Any Moraine Valley student guilty of being under the influence of or possessing intoxicating beverages or illegal chemical substances on college property is subject to immediate dismissal or possible criminal prosecution.

Laws—The following information pertains to federal and state laws concerning possession, usage, and sale of drugs and alcohol.

Federal Regulations
Federal Regulation 21-844
Possession of Controlled Substances
It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess a controlled substance unless such substance was obtained directly or pursuant to a valid prescription or order from a practitioner. Any person who violates this subsection shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than one year, a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.

In an effort to curb the alarming trend of drug use among young people, Congress enacted legislation making it a federal offense to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute them on school property or within 1,000 feet of school property. Severe penalties of imprisonment and fines are applicable to such offenses.

Illinois Compiled Statutes
Chapter 720
Cannabis Control Act
550/4 (a) Possession of Cannabis—Not more than 2.5 grams
     Charge: Misdemeanor (Class C)
     Bond: $75

550/4 (d) Possession of Cannabis—More than 30 grams
     Charge: Felony (Class 4)
     Bond: Must be set by judge

Chapter 235, ILCS, Dram Shops

5/10-1 Manufacture, importation, distributions, and sale—misrepresentation of age by minor.

For more information on federal and state laws, call the Moraine Valley Police Department at (708) 974-5555 or your local law enforcement agency.

Health Risks of Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Chemical Substances

Early Warning Support System
The Early Warning Support System assists students who are encountering academic difficulties. Its goal is to help students be successful in their course work. Early in each semester, teaching faculty identify students who are experiencing poor progress and/or attendance problems. The identified students receive a letter from the dean of Counseling and Advising encouraging students to seek discussions with the referring instructor or a member of the counseling staff regarding the situation.

Many times strategies for improvement can be agreed upon with very positive outcomes.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA-1974)
This 1974 federal law defines the kinds of information Moraine Valley can release about a student and spells out how the college can release educational records to other schools and employers.

The act requires that students be advised of their rights concerning education records and of certain categories of public information which the college has designated “directory information.”

Students have the right to inspect and review all records that meet the act’s definition of “education records.” Education records are all records maintained by the college about each student. The following are exceptions:

• employment records
• medical, psychological and counseling records used solely for treatment
• records of the Moraine Valley Police Department
• financial records of a student’s parents
• confidential letters and statements of recommendations placed in records prior to Jan. 1, 1975
• confidential letters and statements of recommendation for admission, employment or honorary recognition placed in records after Jan. 1, 1975, for which students have waived the right to inspect and review

In accordance with the act, the college has designated the following categories of information as public “directory information.” This information will be released to any inquirer with the approval of the dean of Enrollment Services unless students request that all or part of this information be withheld. These categories are the following:

• name
• city/town of residence
• major field of study
• participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• weight and height of members of athletic teams
• dates of attendance (including current classification and year, matriculation and withdrawal dates)
• degrees and awards received (type of degree and date granted)

If students wish to file a request withdrawing some or all of the information in the directory classification, they should report to the Registration Office and complete the necessary form. After students file this form, the Registration Office will notify the appropriate college offices and begin to comply as soon as possible.

If students have questions regarding the provisions of the act, they may contact the office of the dean of Enrollment Services.

Financial Aid Standards of Academic Progress (SOAP)
Standards of Academic Progress for Recipients of Financial Aid—According to federal and state guidelines, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to be eligible to receive financial assistance.

Moraine Valley has established the following standards of progress for students receiving federal and state financial assistance:

• To be eligible for financial assistance, students must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 grade point average, which includes developmental and remedial courses.
• Students must earn credit (grade of A, B, C, or D) for 67 percent of the cumulative hours in which they enroll.
• A student’s eligibility for financial aid at Moraine Valley will terminate when the student has attempted over 93 credit hours. Credit hours attempted include developmental courses, remedial courses, transferred hours, and hours forgiven under the Forgiveness policy.
• Students who transfer hours from another institution which count toward the completion of their program at Moraine Valley will have those hours counted in their maximum of 93 hours attempted.

Repeated courses will be counted in hours attempted, but only the most recent grade received will be computed into the grade point average. The hours for the original course will not be added to hours earned.

Courses in which students receive “W” or “I” will count as hours attempted but not as hours earned. They will not be included in the grade point average.

Student records will be reviewed at the end of each semester, including the summer session. If a student’s grade point average is below 2.0 and/or the student has earned less than 67 percent of the hours attempted, a letter will be sent to the student stating the following:

• The criterion for academic progress has not been met.
• The criterion of 67 percent of cumulative credits earned in relation to hours attempted and a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average must be achieved in the next semester of enrollment.

If not, the student will not be eligible for federal and/or state financial assistance until such criteria have been met. Students applying for a Stafford loan must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 for the loan to be disbursed. There is no probationary period or appeal procedure for student borrowers per the college’s default management plan.

Forgiveness Policy
The Moraine Valley Forgiveness Policy is designed for those students who have demonstrated success in credit courses at Moraine Valley and who now wish to build a solid academic record that is not undermined by past failures. Candidates for the Forgiveness Policy would include those students who have succeeded in a new major or program after experiencing failure in courses of study that were inappropriate for their talents or ability level. Other candidates for this policy would be students returning to college after military service, extended work experience, or recuperation from serious illness or personal problems who are now committed to a new beginning in their academic career and can demonstrate their ability to succeed in credit courses.

This policy represents a formal process that allows students to have their cumulative grade point average recalculated without the inclusion of certain previously earned “F” grades.

This policy does not raise individual course grades.

Eligibility—A student can petition for forgiveness any time after the following requirements of the policy are met:

• A student must earn, in subsequent terms, a consecutive number of credit hours with no grades of “P,” “F,” “D,” or “I,” and no more than two “W’s,” equal to the number of credit hours of “F” grades to be forgiven but no less than 15 credit hours.
  “Consecutive hours” means credit hours earned in sequence and does not refer to consecutive semesters.
• For example, a student who wants 15 credit hours or less of “F” grades forgiven must earn 15 consecutive hours with no grades of “P,” “F,” “D,” or “I,” and no more than two “W’s” in subsequent terms (fall/spring/summer). A student who wants to have more than 15 hours of “F” grades (i.e., 18 hours) forgiven must, in subsequent terms, earn a consecutive number of hours with no grades of “P,” “F,” “D,” or “I” equal to the number of hours of “F” to be forgiven (i.e., 18 hours).

Procedures—A student must complete the official Moraine Valley Application for “F” Grade Forgiveness form and submit it to the Registration Office after the eligibility requirements are fulfilled.

• Grades earned in developmental and remedial courses which include, but are not limited to, CHM-099; COM-060, COM-070, COM-080, COM-085, COM-090, COS-100, IEL-062, IEL-064, IEL-066, IEL-072, IEL-074, IEL-076, IEL-082, IEL-084, IEL-086, IEL-092, IEL-094, IEL-096, MTH-060, MTH-070, MTH-080, MTH-090, MTH-095, MTH- 097, MTH-098, RDG-040, RDG-041, RDG-070, RDG-071, RDG-090, RDG-091 cannot be applied toward the eligibility requirements.
• Grades earned at other colleges cannot be applied toward the eligibility requirements.
• Moraine Valley “U” (audit) grades will not be counted when calculating consecutive hours earned.
• Forgiveness of “F” grades will only be granted once for each student.
• When the eligibility requirements have been fulfilled and forgiveness granted, the student’s cumulative grade point average will be recalculated with “F” grades removed from the calculation.

The “F” grades will remain on the official transcript with a notation indicating the student has been granted “F” forgiveness.

Any considerations above and beyond these statements should be directed in writing to the vice president of Academic Affairs.

Grade Information
Grade Definitions
The following letter grades are used on semester grade reports and transcripts:
A—Student demonstrates achievement of learning objectives at a level of outstanding mastery.
B—Student demonstrates achievement of learning objectives at a level beyond mere minimum competency.
C—Student demonstrates achievement of learning objectives at a level of minimum competency.
D—Student demonstrates achievement of learning objectives at a level below minimum competency but sufficient to receive credit.
F—Student demonstrates insufficient achievement of learning objectives to receive credit.
U—audit*
I—incomplete**
W—official withdrawal***
P—pass****
R—repeating a class†

*Audit—Students may elect to audit a course (no credit, no grade points, not figured in grade point average). Audit status indicates that the student will attend the classes but will not receive credit. A student must declare audit status before the end of the refund period.

**Incomplete—Upon prior arrangement and agreement with the course instructor and upon submission of the college’s “incomplete grade contract” with the final grade sheet, an incomplete (I) grade will be recorded on the student’s record. An “I” grade will be issued at the discretion of the instructor when course requirements are not fulfilled by the end of the term only when it is fully justified by serious circumstances, and when the instructor believes that the reason the student cannot complete the course in a timely fashion is sufficiently serious to warrant the issuance of the “I” grade.

The incomplete grade contract is an agreement between the student and the instructor, and states specifically what the student must do to complete the course work. The course work must be completed by the end of the semester following the term in which the course was taken (not including summer semester) and must be in agreement with the terms of the incomplete grade contract. Upon completion of the course work, the instructor will change the “I” grade to the appropriate letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F) by obtaining a Change of Grade Form from the subdivision office. If the student does not complete the course work within this prescribed semester restriction, a grade of “F” will be entered for the course.

Guidelines for the Issuance of an Incomplete Grade

• Students may request an “I” grade only when unusual and serious circumstances arise during the final weeks of the semester that in some way prohibit the completion of course requirements for a course that the student has been successfully pursuing. These circumstances may involve a severe personal or family crisis, grave personal illness, or extraordinary job responsibilities. The instructor may, and should, request written documentation.
• Students may not request an “I” grade if they have failed to attend the course on a regular basis and/or have failed to pursue the course work during the semester in a timely fashion.
• Students, who have been consistently failing throughout the semester, may not request an “I” grade in order to avoid a low or failing grade on the student’s transcript.
• Students will not be issued an “I” grade by the course instructor for the sole purpose of allowing a student to repeat the course.

****Pass—For specified courses (i.e., APL), credit is recorded only by a “P” (pass) or “F” (fail). The “P” grade signifies that the student completed the requirements of the course with a grade of “C” or better. Credit from courses in which a “P” is granted counts toward the completion of the student’s program of study but is not figured in the grade point average.

†Repeating a Class—Students may repeat a course twice. In accordance with this policy, a student may be denied enrollment in a class based on lack of academic progress and/or proof of an ability to benefit from the course. Some courses are approved to be taken more than two times (e.g., designated music and physical education courses). The repeat policy will go into effect when the allowable number of repeats for these courses has been exceeded. Those seeking an exception to the college policy must contact the dean of Enrollment Services. The most recent grade (the repeated grade) received will be computed into the cumulative grade point average. The repeated grade will be designated by an “R.” All previous attempts will remain on the transcript, but will not be included in the cumulative grade point average.

Variable Credit—Some courses are offered for varying amounts of credit (i.e., one credit hour, two credit hours, three credit hours, etc.). Students who enroll in courses offered with variable credit must indicate at the time of registration the amount of credit for which they are enrolling. The initial registration commitment can be changed during the designated late registration period but cannot be changed after that time.

Grade Point Values and College Credit
Each letter grade is assigned a specific grade point value per credit hour; however, only certain letter grades are used in the calculation of the student grade point average (GPA), and only certain letter grades will earn college credit. The student should consult the table below:

Calculation of Grade Point Average
The college uses the grade point average (GPA) as a measure of academic quality and academic progress. However, the student must be aware of the following distinctions used by the college in the reporting and calculation of the GPA.

For the purposes of the semester grade report, official transcript, honors at graduation, and the President’s and Dean’s Lists, the GPA calculation will not include developmental and remedial courses. For the purposes of Illinois Veteran Grants, financial aid, and Standards of Academic Progress, the GPA calculation will include developmental and remedial courses.

Developmental and remedial courses include, but are not limited to, CHM-099; COM-060, COM-070, COM-080, COM-085, COM-090; COS-100; MTH-060, MTH-070, MTH-080, MTH-90, MTH-095, MTH-097, MTH-098; and RDG-040, RDG-041, RDG-070, RDG-071, RDG-090, RDG-091.

Example Calculation (Semester Grade Report)

* Since developmental and remedial courses are not included in the GPA calculation, the “grade point value” and “credit hours” are zero. Thus, dividing 28 grade points by 13 credit hours gives a GPA of 2.154. A student’s cumulative GPA is calculated by using total grade points divided by total credit hours attempted.

Withdrawal (Official) Policy
***Official Withdrawal—After the prescribed period of tuition refund and before the end of the 13th week of a 17-week semester (see table), an official withdrawal will result in a “W” on the student’s record. A student who does not withdraw officially from a course will receive a grade of “F,” depending on course progress or course attendance, which will become a part of the student’s permanent record.

To withdraw officially from a course, a student must obtain a withdrawal form from the Registration Office or Extension Center coordinators. The withdrawal form must be completed and returned to the Registration Office. Once a student has withdrawn from a class, he or she will no longer be allowed to attend that class.

Class Length in Week                 Deadline to Obtain “W” in Weeks
            3 ....................................................2
            4 ....................................................3
            5 ....................................................4
            6 ....................................................5
            7 ....................................................5
            8 ....................................................6
            9 ....................................................7
            10 ....................................................7
            11 ....................................................8
            12 ....................................................9
            13 ....................................................10
            14 ....................................................10
            15 ....................................................11
            16 ....................................................12
            17 ....................................................13

Forgiveness Policy

Tuition Refund (Credit and Non-Credit)

Guidelines for Leafleting, Free Speech and Demonstrations
Leafleting and Free Speech Request Form pdf
Guidelines for Moraine Valley students, staff and nonaffiliated individuals and groups for Leafleting, Free Speech and Demonstrations as they relate to Board Policies #4620 Student Demonstrations, #3514 Sales and Solicitation, and #7291 Canvassing and Soliciting

Introduction
Moraine Valley Community College will accommodate leafleting and other free speech activities by both students or others affiliated with the College, and individuals or groups not affiliated with the College pursuant to the time, place and manner regulations set forth below. This exercise of free speech, not to include advertising or solicitation of for-profit products and services, may take place during normal business hours in traditional campus public forums such as park areas, sidewalks, streets or other common areas.

Students and college staff who engage in activities which violate this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action and/or subject to the control of public authorities. Persons who are not members of the student body or college staff who violate this policy shall be subject to the control of public authorities.

Procedures

• For scheduling purposes, the requestor’s name and contact information must be provided to the College prior to distribution of leaflets or speech activities.
• No one may interfere with, block, or impede, the normal access, ingress or egress to or from any building or portion of one, including walkways that connect such buildings.
• No one may engage in any activity which endangers personal safety and/or that results in damage to personal or College property.
• No one may interfere with or disrupt normal College business, classes or any organized and authorized College activity inside or outside a campus building.
• No one may refuse to follow the lawful directions of a College officials or police officers acting in their official capacity.
• No one may interfere with the ability of vehicle to enter or exit a roadway or with the normal flow of vehicular traffic.
• No one may force-hand someone leaflets that are not wanted, and must stay within designated areas.
• No one may leave leaflets around campus offices, lounges, classrooms as well as on car windshields, in bathrooms, in stairwells or on tables. Leaflets may be given directly to students or in approved designated areas.
• The use of amplified sound may be used on this campus unless disruptions occur due to close proximity to classrooms, labs, library and offices.
• Displaying a sign (without sticks or poles), wearing clothing conveying a message, gesturing, standing or otherwise protesting noiselessly is acceptable unless the protest interferes with the audience’s view, physically prevents the audience from paying attention to the speaker, or impairs the ingress or egress of a building.
• In support of a clean and safe campus, the college will require individuals and sponsoring organizations to restore affected areas to their original form. All debris must be removed at the conclusion of the event; if not, a charge will be assessed to the group.

Any individual or group interested in distributing leaflets or speaking on campus grounds must schedule their visit with the Assistant Dean of Student Life and Judicial Affairs.

    Leafleting and Free Speech Request Form pdf

Military Service
A student who is called to active duty during a state of war shall have the choice of the following options, upon furnishing proof of activation (copy of orders):

1. full tuition refund – no grade;
2. incomplete – no refund – complete course within one complete semester of return;
3. at faculty discretion – student negotiated grade – no refund after 13th week of semester.

Non-Academic Complaint Form pdf

Non-Discrimination and Human Rights Statement (Title IX)
It is the policy of Moraine Valley Community College not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, or disability in its educational programs, activities or employment practices. Such discrimination is prohibited by Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, the Age Discrimination Acts of 1974 and 1975, and other federal and state statutes and regulations.

Inquires concerning application of Title IX may be referred to the Vice President of Student Development, (708) 974-5209, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, IL 60465. Other inquiries concerning the application of other federal or state laws may be directed to the Director of Human Resources, (708) 974-5704, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, IL 60465.

Parking
There are more than 4,000 parking spaces on the Moraine Valley campus. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A properly displayed permit is required for faculty, visitor and handicapped parking. Vehicles parked in violation of the restricted areas will be issued a parking citation with a fine of $15, and a fine of $100 for handicapped violations. Individuals or groups with questions concerning parking or parking permits should contact the Police Department at (708) 974-5555. www.morainevalley.edu/police

Appeal Policy—It is the policy of the Police Department to fairly and impartially enforce the parking regulations at Moraine Valley. In the interest of the fair and impartial administration of justice, any person issued a citation at Moraine Valley may appeal. The appeal will be reviewed by the Moraine Valley parking appeal officer. A second review (if needed and/or requested) will be processed by the appropriate Moraine Valley vice president.

The appellant must fill out the appeal form completely, including all details which it is claimed excuse the parking violation. Every appeal will be reviewed on an individual basis. For first offenders, whether student, staff, faculty, or visitor, the review will result in a determination of:

1) No justification—Full fine due
2) Partial justification—1/2 fine due
3) Full justification—No fine due

The review of any individual’s subsequent violation will be more
stringent.

Photo Identification
A student is eligible to receive a Student Photo ID upon completion of course registration. The Photo ID Fee of $3.00 per semester must be paid with tuition. Students will need to produce current photo identification and proof of registration at Moraine Valley Community College to obtain a Student ID.

Students should maintain possession of their photo ID despite enrollment status. The photo ID will be continuously updated for two years or six semesters, following initial issue. After the completion of the second year and/or the sixth semester, a student is eligible to have a new ID issued, at no charge, subject to the same terms as the original ID.

Returning students previously issued a photo ID may be eligible for a new photo ID at no charge if at least twelve months have lapsed since last enrollment.

Lost, misplaced, stolen or damaged ID cards within two years of issuance are subject to a $5.00 replacement fee. The only exception will be those students noted above with a twelve-month enrollment lapse.

Please note that the Library requires current semester validation to gain access to circulation materials and online services.

Placement Testing/COL-101
Placement Testing
Full-time Students—Students registering for 12 or more credit hours are required to complete placement tests in reading, writing and mathematics, and participate in an orientation program prior to their first registration. Students may be exempt from placement testing if they meet the following requirements: completed college-level courses in English and/or mathematics with a “C” or better, or received a score of 20 or higher on the ACT in both the English and reading, and/or the mathematics test. To be considered for an exemption, students need to present a college transcript or grade report/ACT report showing successful completion at the Academic Advising Center. No student will be exempted from this policy based on his or her original date of admission. Information about placement tests and orientation will be given at time of application. A fee is charged for placement tests.

Students who place into RDG-041, RDG-071 or RDG-091 must enroll in that reading course their first semester and continue in the reading sequence until RDG-091 is successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better. Students who place into RDG-041 or RDG-071 must see a counselor or advisor for additional course selections.

COL-101 Course Requirement
All full-time students are required to enroll in and successfully complete COL-101 unless they have:

• Previously earned at least 30 semester hours of college credit. Credit must be documented on a college transcript or
• Successfully completed Moraine Valley course COL-101 or PSY-100 or
• Successfully completed a course equivalent to COL-101 at another college. Course must be documented on a college transcript.

Part-time Students—Students registering for less than 12 credit hours are required to complete the appropriate placement tests in reading, writing and mathematics prior to registering for English composition courses (COM-090 or higher) and/or any mathematics course (MTH-095 or higher) or they must complete the reading and writing tests after attempting 11 credit hours.

Students may be exempt from placement testing if they meet the following requirements: completed college-level courses in English and/or mathematics with a “C” or better, or received a score of 20 or higher on the ACT in both the English and reading, and/or the mathematics test. Students need to take a college transcript or grade report/ACT report showing successful completion to the Academic Advising Center. No student will be exempted from this policy based on his or her original date of admission. Part-time students who need assistance with educational planning and course selection should contact the Academic Advising Center.

Students who place into RDG-041, RDG-071 or RDG-091 must enroll in that reading course their first semester and continue in the reading sequence until RDG-091 is successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better. Students who place into RDG-041 or RDG-071 must see a counselor or advisor for additional course selections.

Postings on Campus
Posters, signs and other printed material which advertise commercial products, services or other profit-making ventures or which endorse candidates for public office may not be posted on campus.

Not-for-profit groups or individuals who would like to post an item on campus must have the approval of the College and Community Relations Office (D106).

To be accepted for display, posters and/or fliers must promote activities or events sponsored by a not-for-profit organization that does not compete with the activities or offerings of Moraine Valley.

Student clubs and organizations on campus must receive the approval of the Student Life Office (U115) prior to posting information.

Additionally, items must be posted on bulletin boards only. Windows, walls, doors, cement poles, restrooms, etc., are not acceptable locations. Items should be displayed on bulletin boards with tacks, not tape or staples.

Residency Policy
Residency—A resident must live in the Moraine Valley Community College district at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester and meet at least one of these criteria:

• Under 18 whose parents or legal guardians reside in the college district;
• Under 18 who is married and who is established in a permanent family residence in the district;
• Under 18 who resides in the district in a dwelling he or she has purchased; and/or
• 18 or older who resides in the district, providing residence was not for the sole purpose of attending college.

Refer to a map of the Moraine Valley district. To verify your residency status, call (708) 974-2110.

Tuition rates are determined by the legal residence of the student. These rates are lower for residents of the Moraine Valley Community College district than they are for out-of- district residents who attend Moraine Valley. A student who temporarily moves into the district for the purpose of attending the college at a reduced tuition rate will not be considered as having established a bona fide residence within the district.

It is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate residency status. A student may be asked to display verification of residence before class registration can be completed. The following documents may be presented to verify residency: property tax statement, driver’s license, Illinois state ID card, vehicle registration, copy of lease or purchase agreement, utility or telephone bill, or voter’s registration card. Documents or bills that are used to verify residence are required to be in the student’s name.

Residency status is determined at the time of registration. It will not be changed after the refund period for that semester.

The dean of Enrollment Services or a chosen representative will determine whether an applicant meets the residency criterion.

Sexual or Discriminatory Harassment Allegations
Addressing Student Allegations of Sexual or Discriminatory Harassment—Moraine Valley is committed to providing a learning atmosphere that is free from intimidation and harassment.

A process exists to report and resolve such incidents. A procedural statement, defining sexual and discriminatory harassment, and outlining the reporting and resolution process, is available from the offices of the vice president of Student Development (D201), Student Life (U115).

Counselors are available to confidentially discuss situations that might be construed as harassment. Counselors can also help you identify courses of action to resolve incidents of this nature. Sexual or discriminatory harassment includes any behavior or communication by an employee or a student which improperly singles out, stigmatizes or victimizes a student to his or her detriment because of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, creed, ethnicity, age, or disability. For a more detailed description, consult the Moraine Valley Community College Student Complaint and Hearing Process document. Sexual or discriminatory harassment by an employee or a student of Moraine Valley will not be tolerated.

The options to report and resolve allegations of sexual or discriminatory harassment include the following:

1. Informally discuss your concerns with a trained harassment advisor. All information obtained, as well as attempts to resolve issues, will be held in confidence. The primary goals are informal exploration of concerns and uncomplicated resolution of issues. Call the Counseling and Career Development Center at (708) 974-5722 or stop by S202 to arrange a meeting with a harassment advisor.
2. File a formal complaint. Complaints signed by the complainant must be submitted in writing within 40 college days following the incident, and directed to the assistant dean of Student Life and Judicial Affairs (U115), to the vice president of Student Development (D201) or to the affirmative action officer (L167). Students are asked to read the complete procedural statement available in designated offices to review the components of a formal complaint.

Preliminary Investigation
Formal complaints will be carefully investigated by the assistant dean of Student Life and Judicial Affairs, the vice president of Student Development or the affirmative action officer, normally within 40 college days, to determine if reasonable grounds exist. If no reasonable grounds for harassment exist, the complainant will be informed of such a finding and the complaint will be dismissed. When reasonable grounds appear to exist, the investigator will identify the relief sought by the student and attempt to resolve the situation.

3. Request a formal investigation. The complainant must request, within 10 college days, in writing, that a formal investigation occur. This option is granted only if the existence of reasonable grounds has been determined, and no resolution has occurred during the preliminary investigation.

Formal Investigation
A three-person panel will be appointed by the vice president of Student Development to conduct either a formal investigation or a formal hearing. The panel will make a determination about the facts of the case and may recommend that disciplinary sanctions be directed to the respondent. The panel will write a report and direct it to the appropriate vice president, who will review the full written report and take appropriate action. All actions will be conveyed to both the complainant and to the respondent.

Following this action, the investigation of the college will be concluded. If the actions taken are not acceptable to the parties involved, each retain the right to obtain legal remedies outside the college.

Smoke-free Campus/Clean Air Policy
This college policy is in compliance with the Illinois Clean Indoor Air Act and in recognition of the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report indicating that passive or secondary smoke (smoke that exists in the air because of a smoker nearby) is hazardous to the health of nonsmokers. The Moraine Valley Board of Trustees prohibits smoking in all campus buildings. Individuals who smoke in campus buildings are in violation of this policy and are engaging in conduct harmful to the health and welfare of others.

Smokers are reminded to use the designated smoking areas throughout the campus, marked with red lines and signs. Each area has trash receptacles with tops for extinguishing cigarette butts. The smoking huts are located between Buildings B and S and on the east side of Building A. All entrances have posted signs prohibiting smoking within 15 feet of the entrance. Smoking areas are enforced by the Moraine Valley Police Department.

Standards of Academic Progress (SOAP)
To promote academic progress, the following standards are applied to all students who have attempted at least 12 credit hours (including developmental courses). However, additional requirements will apply to special student populations, such as financial aid, scholarship, and students on F1 visas.

These standards (1) clearly define academic progress at the college; (2) offer the student assistance in setting realistic goals; (3) outline the role and responsibility of students and college personnel in promoting academic success.

*GPAs and credit hours referred to below include grades earned in college credit classes, plus developmental and remedial courses, and may differ from the semester grade report and transcript GPA. For Standards of Academic Progress, this is referred to as the “SOAP GPA.”

Good Standing—Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and students who have attempted fewer than 12 credit hours are in good standing.

Academic Caution—Students who have attempted 12 or more credit hours and have earned less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA (including developmental course work) will receive a caution notice and be required to participate in identifying success strategies with a counselor prior to their next registration.

Academic Probation—Students placed on academic caution who earn a cumulative and semester GPA less than 2.0 the following semester are placed on academic probation. These students will continue to participate in success strategies developed with a counselor. Students who earn a 2.0 or above semester GPA will remain on caution. Students who earn a 2.0 or above cumulative GPA are in good standing.

Academic Suspension—Students placed on academic probation who earn a cumulative and semester GPA less than 2.0 the last semester they were enrolled are placed on suspension. These students will be suspended from the college for one semester. Students must participate in developing success strategies with a counselor prior to re-enrolling. Students who earn a 2.0 or above semester GPA will remain on probation. Students who earn a 2.0 or above cumulative GPA will be in good standing. Suspended students with a SOAP GPA of 1.50 or higher may see their counselor about the suspension appeals process.

Academic Dismissal—Students who have returned to the college after one semester/summer on suspension and who receive a semester GPA of less than 2.0 will be dismissed for one year (summer/fall/spring or spring/fall/summer). After this dismissal period, these students must petition for reinstatement. If reinstated, students will be placed on academic probation. Students who earn a semester GPA of 2.0 or above will be placed on probation. Students who earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above will be in good standing.

Student Complaint and Hearing Process
Students have the right to express concern if they believe to have been treated unfairly, subjected to harassment, or discriminated against. The student complaint and hearing process provides a means to express such concern, request some form of relief, and receive an objective hearing. Student complaints are categorized in three ways:

1. Those arising out of an academic decision, primarily, the assignment of a final grade.
2. Those unrelated to an academic decision.
3. Those arising out of perception of discrimination or harassment by a member of the college community.

You are encouraged to use the complaint and hearing process when you believe it is necessary to do so. The right to complain, however, is accompanied by the responsibility to act with integrity. As such, it is inappropriate to file unfounded complaints against a student or staff person. Members of the college staff can assist you in deciding if filing a complaint is an appropriate step.

Student Complaints Arising out of Academic Decisions—Academic decisions are defined as those actions that affect the student’s academic standing at the college. Primarily, but not exclusively, these actions involve the assignment of a final grade. Students have the right to express their concerns regarding the fair treatment of their academic achievements, keeping in mind that faculty have complete and sole responsibility for determining and issuing academic credit and final grades.

The following procedure should be used to appeal an academic decision.

1. Express your concerns to your instructor: Try to resolve the situation informally.
2. If Step 1 does not resolve your concerns, you may appeal in writing to the faculty member’s dean, using the Academic Complaint form that is available in any academic subdivision office.
   
   Remember that complaints must be initiated within 20 college days of the occurrence of the alleged violation. The dean will thoroughly investigate your concerns and communicate the faculty member’s decision in writing, normally within 40 college days of the written appeal’s initiation.
3. If you are not satisfied after your appeal to the dean, you may continue the appeal to the vice president of Academic Affairs in writing within 10 college days.

The vice president will investigate your concerns. This investigation may involve the convening of a committee to consider the appeal. Once completed, the vice president will communicate in writing the faculty member’s final decision, normally within 70 college days of the written appeal’s initiation.

The decision made after the investigation by the vice president of Academic Affairs will be final.
Note: A college day is defined as any day excluding Saturdays, Sundays, breaks in the academic year or any holiday recognized by the college.

Academic Complaint Form pdf

Student Complaints Unrelated to Academic Decisions—If a student has a complaint about the conduct of an instructor, member of the staff, another student, or about any aspect of college operations (for example, admission, refunds, withdrawal, parking), the complaint shall be handled according to the following procedure. (This procedure does not apply to allegations of sexual or discriminatory harassment, for which a separate process exists.)

1. When appropriate, express your concerns to the person immediately responsible. Attempt to resolve the complaint informally at this level.
2. If Step 1 does not resolve your concerns, you may appeal in writing to the assistant dean of Student Life and Judicial Affairs, using the Non-Academic Complaint Form available from the office of Student Life (U115), from the office of the vice president of Student Development (D201) or from the office of the dean of Student Services (B205).
   
   The written complaint must set forth:
   A) the nature of the complaint,
   B) the facts on which it is based,
   C) the alleged violation, and
   D) the relief requested
   
   Remember that complaints must be initiated within 20 college days of the occurrence of the action being grieved. The assistant dean of Student Life and Judicial Affairs will refer your complaint to the administrator responsible for the area of concern. A thorough investigation will be conducted, and you will be provided with a written determination, normally within 40 college days of the written appeal’s initiation.
    
3. If resolution of your concerns does not occur, you may ask the vice president of Student Development to continue the appeal. You have 10 college days, after receiving the written determination, to request further review.
   
   The vice president of Student Development will either address the complaint directly or refer it to the vice president responsible for the area of concern. The appropriate vice president will conduct an investigation and communicate a written decision to you, normally within 70 college days of the written appeal’s initiation.
   
   The action of the vice president is final.

Note: A college day is defined as any day excluding Saturdays, Sundays, breaks in the academic year or any holiday recognized by the college.

Non-Academic Complaint Form pdf

Addressing Student Allegations of Sexual or Discriminatory Harassment—Moraine Valley is committed to providing a learning atmosphere that is free from intimidation and harassment.

A process exists to report and resolve such incidents. A procedural statement, defining sexual and discriminatory harassment, and outlining the reporting and resolution process, is available from the offices of the vice president of Student Development (D201), Student Life (U115).

Counselors are available to confidentially discuss situations that might be construed as harassment. Counselors can also help you identify courses of action to resolve incidents of this nature. Sexual or discriminatory harassment includes any behavior or communication by an employee or a student which improperly singles out, stigmatizes or victimizes a student to his or her detriment because of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, creed, ethnicity, age, or disability. For a more detailed description, consult the Moraine Valley Community College Student Complaint and Hearing Process document. Sexual or discriminatory harassment by an employee or a student of Moraine Valley will not be tolerated.

The options to report and resolve allegations of sexual or discriminatory harassment include the following:

1. Informally discuss your concerns with a trained harassment advisor. All information obtained, as well as attempts to resolve issues, will be held in confidence. The primary goals are informal exploration of concerns and uncomplicated resolution of issues. Call the Counseling and Career Development Center at (708) 974-5722 or stop by S202 to arrange a meeting with a harassment advisor.
2. File a formal complaint. Complaints signed by the complainant must be submitted in writing within 40 college days following the incident, and directed to the assistant dean of Student Life and Judicial Affairs (U115), to the vice president of Student Development (D201) or to the affirmative action officer (L167). Students are asked to read the complete procedural statement available in designated offices to review the components of a formal complaint.

Preliminary Investigation
Formal complaints will be carefully investigated by the assistant dean of Student Life and Judicial Affairs, the vice president of Student Development or the affirmative action officer, normally within 40 college days, to determine if reasonable grounds exist. If no reasonable grounds for harassment exist, the complainant will be informed of such a finding and the complaint will be dismissed. When reasonable grounds appear to exist, the investigator will identify the relief sought by the student and attempt to resolve the situation.

3. Request a formal investigation. The complainant must request, within 10 college days, in writing, that a formal investigation occur. This option is granted only if the existence of reasonable grounds has been determined, and no resolution has occurred during the preliminary investigation.

Formal Investigation
A three-person panel will be appointed by the vice president of Student Development to conduct either a formal investigation or a formal hearing. The panel will make a determination about the facts of the case and may recommend that disciplinary sanctions be directed to the respondent. The panel will write a report and direct it to the appropriate vice president, who will review the full written report and take appropriate action. All actions will be conveyed to both the complainant and to the respondent.

Following this action, the investigation of the college will be concluded. If the actions taken are not acceptable to the parties involved, each retain the right to obtain legal remedies outside the college.

Student Right to Know:
This federal law requires colleges to disclose graduation rates for full-time degree-or certificate-seeking students. Information of this nature is available from the Office of Institutional Research and Planning Office in L144 or call (708) 974-5377.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
This 1974 federal law defines the kinds of information Moraine Valley can release about a student and spells out how the college can release educational records to other schools and employers.

The act requires that students be advised of their rights concerning education records and of certain categories of public information which the college has designated “directory information.”

Students have the right to inspect and review all records that meet the act’s definition of “education records.” Education records are all records maintained by the college about each student. The following are exceptions:

• employment records
• medical, psychological and counseling records used solely for treatment
• records of the Moraine Valley Police Department
• financial records of a student’s parents
• confidential letters and statements of recommendations placed in records prior to Jan. 1, 1975
• confidential letters and statements of recommendation for admission, employment or honorary recognition placed in records after Jan. 1, 1975, for which students have waived the right to inspect and review

In accordance with the act, the college has designated the following categories of information as public “directory information.” This information will be released to any inquirer with the approval of the dean of Enrollment Services unless students request that all or part of this information be withheld. These categories are the following:

• name
• city/town of residence
• major field of study
• participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• weight and height of members of athletic teams
• dates of attendance (including current classification and year, matriculation and withdrawal dates)
• degrees and awards received (type of degree and date granted)

If students wish to file a request withdrawing some or all of the information in the directory classification, they should report to the Registration Office and complete the necessary form. After students file this form, the Registration Office will notify the appropriate college offices and begin to comply as soon as possible.

    Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA-1974)
    Graduation Rates
    Homeland Security
    Percent of Students Who Graduate
    Security/Crime Stats

Title IX (Non-Discrimination and Human Rights Statement)

Tuition Refund (Credit and Non-Credit)
Tuition Refund (Credit)—In order to receive a tuition refund, it is the student’s responsibility to officially drop courses within the following refund deadlines:

• 100 percent refund—before the end of the first week in which the class is scheduled;
• 50 percent refund—before the end of the second week in which the class is scheduled; and
• Full tuition charged—after the end of the second week in which the class is scheduled.

Refunds for short-term classes vary according to the length of the course.

A student is entitled to a full refund of tuition and fees for a class cancelled by the college.

Workforce Development and Community Services (Noncredit) Cancellation Policy— It is a student’s responsibility to drop a course at least three business days (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) prior to the start of the class to receive a full refund. Classes dropped less than three days before the start of classes will receive no refund.

No-shows do not constitute cancellation. No credit may be used toward another section for missed classes.

Voter Registration

Withdrawal (Official) Policy