Policies

Click on any of the following links for information:

• Course Placement Policy
• Tuition Information and Refund Policy
• Tuition Refund
• Grading Policy
• Grade Definitions
• Grade Option Procedures
• Withdrawal From Classes (types)
• Recognition for Academic Achievement
• Academic Standing (Students in College Level Courses)
• Academic Appeals
• Alternative Instructional Offerings
• Alternative Credit Options
• Transfer Agreements
• Graduation
• Statement of Nondiscrimination

General Information

This section of the catalog is designed to familiarize the student with College regulations and policies, academic terminology, the College grading system, assessment of student learning outcomes, special courses and programs, and other pertinent student information concerning learning opportunities at SVCC.  

Sauk Valley Community College is an institution dedicated to continuous instructional improvement. As part of our assessment efforts, it is necessary for us to collect and analyze course-level data. Data drawn from students' work for the purposes of institutional assessment will be collected and posted in aggregate, and will not identify individual students. Your continued support in our ongoing effort to provide quality instructional services at SVCC is appreciated.

Access to Faculty

The College prides itself on providing a caring, friendly atmosphere conducive to the learning process. A student experiencing academic difficulties is encouraged to contact his or her instructor to determine what additional assistance, if any, can be provided. College faculty maintain convenient office hours to provide interactive opportunities for students to discuss class work. Official faculty hours are linked from the College faculty/staff directory at svcc.edu/employees/faculty. Information about contacting faculty can be attained by calling or visiting the Information Center.

Student Classifications

Class Standing

A first-year student (freshman) is one who has earned fewer than 30 semester hours including any semester hours accepted in transfer from other colleges or universities. A second-year student (sophomore) is one who has earned 30 or more semester hours including any semester hours accepted in transfer.

Full-Time

A full-time student is defined as one who is registered for 12 or more semester hours during a regular semester, or 6 or more semester hours during the summer session. This definition applies only for academic purposes. Financial assistance has a different definition of what constitutes a full-time student.

Student Load

The anticipated course load for a full-time student during the fall and spring semester is 16 semester hours. The full-time load during the summer semester is 6 semester hours. Course loads greater than 16 hours are recommended only for students who have a high school average of "B" or minimum College grade point average of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale).

Students in most academic courses are expected to spend at least two hours of preparation for each hour of class. Students who are working are cautioned to plan a course load that is in proportion to their workload. A suggested schedule for working students is as follows:

Students desiring to take 19 or more credit hours during a regular semester or more than 10 credit hours during the summer semester must have prior approval from the Dean of Student Services.

Attendance

Regular and prompt attendance is expected in all Sauk courses. Attendance requirements will be established by the individual instructor and included in each course syllabus. The student is responsible for adhering to each instructor's attendance requirements as set forth in the course syllabus. The instructor may withdraw a student involuntarily from a course when excessive absences have occurred. The instructor will determine the validity of absences and whether the student will be allowed to make up class work and/or examinations. Only students actively enrolled are allowed to attend classes unless instructor permission is granted.

Academic Records

A permanent cumulative record is kept on each student. This record shows for each term all credits attempted and earned, all grades earned, and term and cumulative grade point averages (GPA). Only transfer and occupational courses will be included in the GPA. Grade reports at the end of each term indicating course work for the current semester, grades earned, and term and cumulative GPA may be viewed at svcc.edu/soar. Upon request, an official grade report will be mailed to students. 

Placement Testing

Sauk Valley Community College is committed to placing students in courses that correspond with their ability level in order to provide each student with the greatest chance of success in those classes and future course work. The key to accomplishing this goal is a placement testing structure that determines academic skills which students bring to SVCC and to match those skills with appropriate courses offered by the College.

To establish appropriate levels, placement tests in language arts (English), and mathematics are required of all students wishing to register for any English composition course, mathematics course, or any other college course requiring a specific English or mathematics co-requisite or prerequisite.

All entering degree or certificate-seeking students must be tested prior to registration and all non-degree seeking students are tested as required for the courses in which they plan to enroll. Comprehensive placement is not required for enrollment in community service (noncredit), continuing education classes, or physical education activity courses. Students that currently hold an associate's or a bachelor's degree may be exempt from the placement policy, but may still be subject to placement testing for admissions to specific courses or programs of study. Any student exempt from the course placement policy for the reasons listed above may need to secure permission from Academic Advising prior to enrollment. 

Course Placement Policy

Placement test results will be used by academic advisors to match students with courses that are consistent with their skill level. Students are required to meet the individual course and/or program co-requisites or prerequisites in language arts (English) and mathematics prior to course enrollment. Students should expect to repeat developmental courses as necessary until they have achieved college-level skills.

Students may retest if eligible. The highest score achieved by the student is used for course placement. Test scores are good for three years.

Students with documented disabilities will be accommodated on an individual basis as each disability dictates and should make an appointment with the Coordinator of Disability Support prior to testing and/or enrollment.

Baccalaureate Transfer Programs (A.A., A.S., A.E.S., and A.F.A.)

Students interested in baccalaureate transfer programs should pursue, while in high school, a college preparatory curriculum to include:

• Four years of English including two writing-intense courses, oral communication, and literature.
• Three years of mathematics including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or advanced math (general/basic/technical mathematics and pre-algebra are not acceptable).
• Three years of social science with one year emphasizing history and government.
• Three years of science including laboratory courses in biological and physical science (general science is not acceptable).
• Additional courses:  Some colleges and universities require other classes as prerequisites for admission, such as two or more years of the same foreign language or courses in the visual arts, music, theater, drama, dance, computer science, etc.

Specific high school course requirements vary from institution to institution. Be sure to check with the schools you're interested in to see what they recommend or require.

Students who have not completed the above curriculum will satisfy these requirements by fulfilling the transfer degree requirements as outlined below:

Science courses, social science courses, and MAT 115 or higher that are taken to meet program admission requirements will also count toward associate degree general education requirements. 

Tuition Information and Refund Policy

Determination of Residency and Tuition Information

In-District Students

An in-district student is one whose legal residence is within the boundaries of the SVCC District. All students are required to certify on the application that the address given is correct. A student is considered a resident of District 506 if one of the following criteria is met for at least 30 days prior to beginning of the term.

• The student resides with his/her parents within District 506.
• The student is an emancipated minor, completely self-supporting and resides within District 506.
• The student is 18 years or older, self-supporting, and maintains a residence within District 506.
• The student works full-time within District 506 and can show proof of his/her employment.

Students that move into the district for reasons other than attending Sauk Valley Community College shall be exempt from the 30-day requirement if they demonstrate a verifiable interest in establishing permanent residency. Verification will consist of employment documentation, home purchase document, and/or other legal documents. Special cases regarding legal residency of students shall be considered individually.

Out-of-District Students

An out-of-district student is any person whose legal residence is outside the boundaries of SVCC District 506, but in the State of Illinois, (with the exception of Internet courses).

Out-of-district residents who wish to attend Sauk and pay tuition and fees at the in-district rate must file a "Notification of Intent to Attend a Recognized Illinois Public Community College" application. These forms can be obtained from the student's community college district and should be filed in the Business Office prior to the semester when the out-of-district student wishes to begin attending Sauk.

1. An out-of-district resident who files an "Intent to Attend a Recognized Public Community College" with his/her community college district board and receives an "Authorization for Partial Financial Support" will be enrolled on the same tuition basis as the in-district resident.
2. An out-of-district resident who does not submit an "Authorization for Partial Financial Support" will be charged the out-of-district rate.

Out-of-district charges are subject to changes based on fiscal year audits ending each June 30th. The charges for each fiscal year change each fall semester.

Out-of-State Students

Anyone who is a resident of another state at the time of application will be considered an out-of-state applicant. Out-of-state students will be charged the current rate of tuition for out-of-state students (with the exception of internet courses).

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees established by the Board of Trustees are subject to change. Up-to-date tuition and fees are available online at svcc.edu/tuition

Tuition Refund

Any request for a refund of tuition must be made by the following schedule:

Fall and Spring Semesters:

 Community Service Public Workshops

Classes that meet 10 weeks or more will follow the College-approved schedule for refunds.

Grading Policy

Final Exams

Instructors give final examinations at scheduled times.  Final exam schedules for the current semester are located online at the exam schedule link at svcc.edu/schedule/final-exams.html. Schedules will be available by the third week of classes.  See individual instructors for questions.

Grading System

Grades are recorded at the end of each semester with a system of letters indicating the quality of academic work as follows:

These grades are used in calculating a student's GPA

These grades are not used in calculating a student's GPA

The student's GPA is determined in the following manner:

Example:

Student X is taking five classes and received the corresponding grades:

Your grade point average  (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total amount of grade points earned by the total amount of GPA credit hours.  Your grade point average may range from 0.0 to a 4.0.

Note: Developmental grades are not calculated in the GPA.

For students wishing to appeal grades, please refer to the Academic Appeals Policy.

Grade Definitions

Incomplete Grade

If a student is unable to complete a course and the student-initiated withdrawal date has passed, the instructor may assign a grade of "I" under the condition that it is practical for the student to complete the requirements of the course in the following major term.  Re-registering in the course is not required in order to change an incomplete to a grade.

A grade of "I" must be changed to a letter grade by completing the requirements of the course no later than the end of the following major term, or the "I" grade will be changed to an "F" on the student's permanent record. A grade of "W" is not acceptable once the incomplete option is taken. It is the student's responsibility to initiate the contract with the instructor for the completion of the course. When the "I" grade is requested, the student and the instructor will submit an appropriate written plan noting projects and a time line for completion of the course to the Vice-President of Academics and Student Services for consideration. Then, when the course requirements are completed, the instructor will submit a grade change to the Admissions and Records Office. Incomplete grade contracts must be submitted to the Vice-President of Academics and Student Services prior to the week of finals. Re-registering is not a requirement.

Grade Option Procedures

Administrative Transfer

Sauk Valley Community College will recognize an "administrative transfer" from one course level to another course level, or from one section of a course to another section of that course, until the last date in the term to withdraw from a course as long as the "sending" instructor, "receiving" instructor, and the student all agree to the transfer in writing.

Audit

A student who wishes to gain knowledge but does not wish to earn credit for the course, may, at the time of registration or during the registration change period, register to audit the course. Registration is required and the tuition for auditing is the same as for enrollment for credit. Transfer from audit to credit or credit to audit status is not permitted after the registration change period. A grade of "X" will be recorded on the transcript and the credits will not be computed in the GPA.

Fresh Start

At times, it may be in the student's best interest to change from one program of study to another or re-enter the College after a period of absence. In such cases, grades earned in the previous program of study which are not required as part of the new program will not be used to determine the student's Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) or in the computation of degree or certificate requirements in the newly selected program. The student must follow a prescribed course of study as set forth in the College catalog. Once this policy has been enforced it cannot be rescinded.

Students wishing to choose this option should contact the Dean of Student Services for further details at 815-835-6305.

Repeat Policy

A student may repeat a course or courses previously taken at the College or courses transferred in from other accredited institutions of higher learning. All grades earned at Sauk shall be recorded on the official transcript; however, only the last grade and credit shall be used to determine the student's grade point average. A student should be aware that other colleges may interpret repeated courses according to their own policy.

The College offers courses systematically, regularly, and as often as possible; however, the College will not necessarily offer a course requested for the purpose of repeating.

Withdrawal

Failure of a student to attend class does not constitute student-initiated withdrawal. A Drop Form is available in Admissions and Records. Withdrawal from class becomes valid only after the proper procedure has been followed. Drop Forms are available in Admissions and Records or students may withdraw via the SOAR website www.svcc.edu/soar during the 100% refund period (see college calendar for specific date). The student will receive a final grade of "W" when withdrawing from a class after the registration change period. This is a non-punitive grade and does not affect the student's GPA. Students receiving financial assistance should contact Financial Assistance prior to withdrawing from any class, since withdrawing from a class or multiple classes may affect future financial aid eligibility.

Withdrawal From Classes (types)

Student Initiated

During the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters, a student may drop a course by filing a drop form in Admissions and Records.

From the third through the tenth week of the class, a student may withdraw from a course by filing an instructor signed drop form in Admission and Records. The signature indicates that the instructor is aware of the withdrawal and has had an opportunity to discuss reasons for the withdrawal and possible alternatives. The instructor must indicate the official last date of attendance on the program change form. A grade of "W" will be recorded on the student's transcript. Faculty removal of a student from class for non-attendance does not constitute a formal withdrawal from the class. It is the discretion of the faculty to either record a failing grade  (F) or a Never Attended (NA). This does not relieve the student from their obligation to make payment for this class.

Deadlines for withdrawal will be pro-rated for classes that meet less than 16 weeks, including summer sessions. See the current class schedule for exact dates for withdrawal. Students receiving financial assistance should consult Financial Assistance before withdrawing from classes. FYE 101 students must have the signatures of their instructor and the Dean of General Education and Transfer Courses prior to submitting a valid program change form. Dual-enrollment students should contact their high school counselor prior to withdrawing.

Students who stop attending without completing the proper college procedure may receive a grade of "F" in the course.

Instructor Initiated

Prior to the final examination, an instructor may withdraw a student if the instructor believes a student cannot successfully complete the course. Admissions and Records will notify the student of this withdrawal. The student will receive a final grade of "W" as outlined above. Students should consult individual instructors about his/her policy on withdrawing the student from the course. Any time a "W" grade is assigned, the official last date of attendance must be recorded. Students may appeal this withdrawal by using established department and College appeal procedures. Students enrolled in classes requiring course/programs internal or external mandatory levels of compliance may be withdrawn if they are found during the course of the course/program to be out of compliance. The student appeal process will be used to adjudicate when necessary. An example would be a course/program that requires the passing of a background check and if one were to commit and be found guilty of an act that would no longer allow them to pass that background check, they could be dropped from the course/program.

Students enrolled in health career courses may be withdrawn immediately from these courses if their clinical performance contributes to either the physical or emotional jeopardy of clients. Students who stop attending without completing the proper college procedure may receive a grade of "F" in the course.

Withdrawing from First Year Experience Class (FYE)

Prior to withdrawing from the FYE class, the student must make an appointment with the Dean of General Education and Transfer Courses. The Dean of General Education and Transfer Courses will counsel students in their options for the FYE class and sign a letter of commitment for their completion of the FYE class.

Withdrawal from the College

Full-time students who decide to withdraw from the College must notify the Dean of Student Services or their designee, complete the withdrawal process, and clear all obligations with the College. Grades for students who withdraw from the College after the second week of classes will be recorded as "W".  Students withdrawing from the College may, with official permission, do so during the designated withdrawal period. Students who stop attending classes without completing the proper college procedure may receive a grade of "F" in all courses.

Recognition for Academic Achievement

Deans'/President's List

As an expression of commitment to academic achievement, the College recognizes superior scholarship in several ways. Students taking courses numbered 100 or above, in good academic standing, and maintaining a semester average of 3.5 to 3.749 for the semester will be placed on the Deans' List. The Deans' List will recognize and distinguish between full-time students (12 or more GPA credit hours) and part-time students (6-11 GPA credit hours) achieving this honor. Students maintaining a semester average of 3.75 or higher in courses numbered 100 or above and in good academic standing will be honored through placement on the President's List. The President's List will recognize and distinguish between full-time students (12 or more GPA credit hours) and part-time students (6-11 GPA credit hours). Students attending during the summer semester with 6 GPA credit hours will also be recognized for the Deans'/President's List.

Graduation with Honors

Students who maintain high academic achievement throughout their period of study at the College may be graduated with honors or high honors. Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5-3.749 will be graduated with honors, while students with a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher will be graduated with high honors. Students who graduate with honors will be designated as "Honors Graduates" on their SVCC transcripts.

Honors Program

Educational opportunities are available to successful students through the SVCC Honors Program. Honors students receive an enriched general education, the basis for all future academic experiences.

The Sauk honors experience includes specially designed academic work that extends beyond normal course activities, individual interaction with faculty members in the pursuit of special interests, and the opportunity to work with advanced scientific instruments. Honors students may receive financial awards from the College Foundation and recognition for academic work at honors gatherings. They also have the opportunity to transfer to an honors program at a four-year college or university.

Once admitted to the program, students may take one or more courses on an honors basis. That means going beyond the normal course requirements by doing a research project, writing a paper, or engaging in other academic work designed specifically for each student. While executing honors projects, students will improve their abilities to speak, write, listen, and conduct research.

Each semester, students who satisfy one or more of the following criteria are invited to apply for membership to Sauk's Honors Program:

• current Sauk student who has earned 12+ semester hours and a 3.5 cumulative GPA out of 4.0
• has been recommended for consideration by a faculty member
• an earned ACT composite score of 27+
• former member of high school honors program
• in the upper 10 percent of high school graduating class
• has been an Illinois State Scholarship recipient

For more information, visit the Honors Program web page at svcc.edu/students/student-activities/honors.

Academic Standing (Students in College Level Courses)

Academic Alert, Supervision, Suspension, and Dismissal

All students are expected to maintain progress toward achievement of their academic goals. Students who do not comply with academic standing requirements at SVCC are subject to academic alert, supervision, suspension, or dismissal.

For academic standing, a student's cumulative GPA includes courses numbered 100 or above taken at SVCC and any course work transferred from other colleges. The cumulative GPA excludes developmental and adult basic education courses. Attempted hours include courses below 100 level (developmental courses), transfer credit, and pass/fail courses.

Academic alert, supervision, suspension, and dismissal are NOT recorded on a student's academic transcript.

Alert:

After attempting 12 credit hours at SVCC,  a student who does not maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher and/or does not complete 67% of term credit hours attempted will be placed in academic alert status and will be notified by the College.

• CSS 100 required
• 13 hours maximum enrollment
• Students on Alert whose cumulative GPA is below 2.0, yet achieve a minimum 2.0 term GPA and complete 67% of term credit hours attempted, will continue under alert.

Supervision:

A student on alert status who does not achieve a term 2.0 GPA and/or does not complete 67% of term attempted hours, will be placed on supervision status and will be notified by the College.

• Reenrollment in CSS 100 required
• 10 hours maximum enrollment
• Permission to register (approved of classes by an academic advisor)
• Required to participate in Coaching for Academic Success program
• Students under supervision who achieve a minimum 2.0 GPA each term and complete 67% of term credit hours will return to Alert status until their cumulative GPA is at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.  

Suspension:

A student under supervision who does not does not achieve a term 2.0 GPA and/or does not complete 67% of term attempted hours will be placed on suspension. Students who are suspended from the College will not be allowed to attend any classes until after the next regular major semester (i.e., spring or fall).

Re-admittance after Suspension:

Students who are suspended from the College may return after remaining out for one major semester (fall or spring). Prior to returning to the College, the student must schedule a conference with the Dean of Student Services. The student will agree on guidelines under which she/he will be allowed to return. Upon return, the student will be placed on supervision status.  Students are required to participate in Coaching for Academic Success program.

Academic Dismissal:

Academic dismissal occurs if a student returning from suspension fails to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA each term and/or does not complete 67% of term attempted hours after returning. This represents a separation of students from Sauk Valley Community College for at least two major semesters (fall and spring).

Students are eligible to apply for readmission to the College after the dismissal period. Admission will be on a petition basis to the Dean of Student Services. In order for readmission to be approved, the petition must present evidence of some change in the students' circumstances.

Academic Appeals

The following procedures shall govern appeals by affected persons of post-admission student academic issues. This procedure shall not apply to decisions of agencies other than Sauk Valley Community College such as National Junior College Athletic Association, clinical facilities, employers of students, and other businesses allowing job site training of students; the College has no authority over those decisions.

Step One: Informal Resolution

1. Appeals regarding instructional or grade issues will be handled informally insofar as possible. Ordinarily, matters will be decided by the instructor, who is the first point of contact.  The student has the right to have an advisor present during the meeting with the instructor.
2. Any student may appeal any instructional or grade issues to the appropriate dean/director within ten (10) College business days after receiving the grade. The student has the right to have an advisor present during the meeting with the appropriate academic dean/director.

Step Two: Appeals Board

1. Should the decision of the appropriate dean/director still not satisfy the student, the student may request an appeal to the Vice-President of Academics and Student Services. Should the decision of the Vice-President of Academics and Student Services not satisfy the student, the student may then request an appeal to the Academic Appeals Board. The student must present his/her appeal in writing stating 1) the specific action being appealed and 2) the remedy sought. The student should present this appeal to the Dean of Student Services, who will act as the ombudsperson throughout this process.
2. When the written appeal for an Academic Appeals Board has been received, the Dean of Student Services will notify the Vice-President of Academics and Student Services that a request for an Academic Appeals Board has been received and that Academic Appeal Policy procedures were followed prior to this request.
3. The Academic Appeals Board hearing shall consist of three members from instructional faculty, serving alphabetically-rotating appointments, that are not in the area being appealed (appointed by the Vice-President of Academics and Student Services), one student member and one student services member, who is not the student's primary advisor or was not previously involved in the case (appointed by the Dean of Student Services).  Attendance of five board members shall be required as a quorum.  The selected members of the Academic Appeals Board will be required to attend an organizational/training meeting and shall elect its Chair at the start of the first meeting.
4. The Academic Appeal Board will consist of college faculty and staff who have been selected by the Dean of Student Services to serve on this committee for a three year period. All members of the Academic Appeal Board are required to go through formal training on student rights, ethics, and the appeal process prior to serving. Annually, students for the Appeal Board will be selected by the Dean of Student Services and will be required to attend formal training prior to serving.

 Hearing(s)

1. The Dean of Student Services will call a meeting of the Academic Appeals Board at a time arranged in consideration of the schedules of the student and the members, with avoidance of conflict with class schedules. The student will be notified of the scheduled time of the meeting in writing at least five (5) College business days prior to the meeting. The Academic Appeals Board Chair may request other students or College staff members who have information relevant to this case to appear at the meeting of the Board. The student or instructor may also make such a request in writing to the Dean of Student Services, and the Chair shall decide if such person(s) (in addition to their advisor[s]) shall be permitted to appear. All meetings of the Academic Appeals Board are closed.
2. The student and the instructor involved may each request the removal of any one member of the Academic Appeals Board from the hearing for legitimate reason. Issues of removal shall be decided by the Academic Appeals Board at the first meeting, and the Dean of Student Services shall coordinate any necessary replacement(s).
3. If the student gives notice and appropriate justification requesting a rescheduling of the meeting, the meeting may be rescheduled once.
4. The student and the instructor may each have one pre-approved advisor present. (Each party has the right to object to a chosen advisor upon just-cause, i.e., personal conflict issues. The Academic Appeals Board chair makes the final decision.) The advisor is not permitted to speak or to participate directly in the proceeding before the Academic Appeals Board and is not permitted to examine or cross-examine witnesses.
5. The hearing shall not be public. For all stages of presentation of evidence and argument to the Academic Appeals Board, the Dean of Student Services*, the appellant student's advisor, the student's parents or legal guardian (only if the appellant student is a minor), the involved instructor, and the involved instructor's advisor, shall be present. Admission of any other person shall be at the discretion of the Academic Appeals Board.
6. The hearing will be recorded utilizing a video camera for possible use during an appeal to the President and/or Board of Trustees. The video will be disposed of immediately following any last appeal.

*The Dean of Student Services shall act as the facilitator/resource person for the elected Board Chair in order to ensure consistency and fairness in the process.

Academic Appeals Board

1. Only the members of the Academic Appeals Board shall be present during their deliberations. Discussion must remain confidential and only the final decision is to be discussed.
2. All deliberations of the Academic Appeals Board will remain confidential.

Recommendation(s)

1. The Academic Appeals Board may choose to reach its recommendation(s) by secret written ballot. All members have a vote, but if the final vote is taken openly, the Chair shall vote last. A majority decision of those present shall constitute the recommendation to the Dean of Student Services.
2. The Board may recommend upholding the previous academic action, or it may recommend that the previous academic action be overruled in whole or in part. The Chair shall forward the Board's written recommendation and rationale to the Dean of Student Services for action within five (5) College business days. Copies shall also be provided at the same time to the student and the involved instructor.  Decision is binding unless appealed by the student.

 Disposition

1. The Dean of Student Services shall notify the student, the instructor, and the President in writing of the decision made by the Academic Appeals Board within ten (10) College business days of the date of the Board meeting.  
2. When the written decision of the Academic Appeals Board is given to the student and the instructor, the student will be provided with options as to follow-up action she/he may pursue.  All evidence and minutes from the appeals process, including the student's written request, reasons, response, and decision will be kept on file by the Dean of Student Services.  All other copies/documents will be destroyed.

Step Three: President

1. The decision of the Academic Appeals Board may be appealed by the student to the College President within ten (10) College business days after the date of the Academic Appeals Board decision letter.
2. As the final step in the formal procedure, the President will render his decision within ten (10) College business days.

*The Dean of Student Services shall act as the facilitator/resource person for the elected Board Chair in order to ensure consistency and fairness in the process.

Step Four: Final Appeal-Board of Trustees

1. In accordance with Board Policy 601.01 the Board of Trustees serves as the final appeal for grievances in any matter concerning the College, provided that the student shall have first exhausted all relevant procedures and appeals provided by College policy or procedure.

Alternative Instructional Offerings

Independent Study/Tutorial

Tutorial courses are offered when a student is unable to register for a needed regularly offered course due to one of the following reasons: medical, course was canceled because of insufficient enrollment, or a student is in his/her last semester and has been unable to register for a course required for graduation.

Independent study courses are specially designed to allow a student to pursue a particular topic or subject, under the guidance of a qualified instructor. The student requesting an independent study course will discuss the project with the instructor who will then prepare an independent study outline. The student will work on his/her own to achieve mastery of the material in the course. Periodic conferences are scheduled with the instructor to ensure that satisfactory progress is made. It is the student's responsibility to discuss the transferability of the course with a receiving institution.

A student wishing to take courses in a tutorial or independent study format may enroll by securing an Application for Tutorial/Independent Study Form and submitting it to the instructor and dean for recommendation.  All tutorial/independent study applications are approved by the Vice-President of Academics and Student Services.

A student may begin an independent study or tutorial program only after receipt of approval from the Vice-President of Academics and Student Services, who determines the action taken. The instructor will specify the testing, attendance, and other requirements of the class. The regular grading system applies to all independent study or tutorial students. Grades earned through independent study or tutorials have the same effect as those earned through regular classroom instruction.

Internet Courses

Sauk offers courses via the Internet with communication between instructor and student, or student-to-student, taking place electronically. These classes are equivalent to traditionally-delivered classes and offer an alternative to students who prefer to take classes at non-traditional locations and times. All require the use of a computer and Internet access.

Sauk Valley Community College is a member of Illinois Community College Online (ILCCO) www.ilcco.net, a consortium created to share Internet courses across the State. This allows Sauk students a wider array of online course offerings. Please see an academic advisor for more details 815-835-6354. Internet online courses are not available to out-of-state students at this time.

Hybrid Courses

Sauk offers some of its courses in a delivery mode currently termed as hybrid. Hybrid courses meet on campus in a traditional face-to-face classroom setting for a portion of the class time and online (asynchronously) as an Internet Course for another portion of the time. As with Internet Courses, these courses require access to a computer and the Internet.

Dual Credit

Dual Credit is a program that allows eligible high school students to take Sauk courses to earn credit simultaneously toward both a high school diploma and a college degree. The student can fulfill high school graduation requirements while at the same time earn college credits toward a specialized certification, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree. Dual Credit courses are offered at SVCC, Whiteside Area Career Center, online, and at area high schools. Contact either a high school counselor or Taylor Baker at 815-835-6240 or visit svcc.edu/students/dual-credit, for more information. To check the transferability of specific courses, contact Academic Advising at 815-835-6354.

Alternative Credit Options

College Credits Earned at Other Institutions

Sauk Valley Community College will accept credits earned at other regionally accredited institutions of higher learning if the institutions' grading symbols are "A," "B," or "C" in credit given by American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). College level transfer grades are computed in the students' cumulative GPA.  

Credit successfully completed will be accepted:

• On a course-for-course basis, or
• As a division elective, or
• As a general elective, or
• As an IAI equivalent elective.

Students requesting transfer of "D" or "P" grades must see an academic advisor for consideration. If approved, "P" grades are not computed in the cumulative GPA.  Program completion limits the number of credits earned with a grade of "P".

Some programs do not accept transfer credit. Refer to individual program requirements for more information.

Credit for Prior Experience

Students enrolled at SVCC may earn credits based on prior experience in the following ways:

1. Armed service experience;
2. Evaluation;
3. Proficiency examination;
4. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) in general and subject examinations;
5. DANTES examinations;
6. The Advanced Placement Examination Program;
7. Credit by Certification, License or Registry; and/or
8. High School Articulation Agreement.

Credit for prior experiences does not count toward the residency requirement for a certificate or degree at SVCC except for credits by proficiency examination.  A maximum of 30 credits gained through prior experience can be used toward a degree at SVCC; up to 50 percent of the credits earned through prior experience may be applied toward a certificate at SVCC. Students should be aware that acceptance of credit for prior experience varies among transfer institutions.

1. Armed Service Experience
   Credit toward graduation may be granted a veteran for certain armed service experience. All claims for experience, including armed service schooling, must be documented. All veterans must submit a copy of form DD 214 or separation record. In the case of special schooling claims, a certificate of completion for the appropriate training must be presented to Admissions and Records for credit evaluation. The College will accept armed service experiences toward college credit as recommended by the Commission on Accreditation of Service Experience of the American Council of Education.
    
   1. All USAFI courses numbered 400 599 are accepted for college credit if a passing grade was obtained. A grade of "P" is assigned to these credits.
   2. The College accepts credits earned through various Armed Forces Education experiences as recommended by A Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.
   3. A veteran may receive Sauk Valley Community College physical education credit at the rate of one semester hour for one year of active duty served in the armed services up to a maximum of four semester hours.
       
2. Evaluation
   Credit by Evaluation certifies knowledge gained through work experience, technical or vocational training, and other learning experiences. The first step for such an evaluation should begin in the office of the Vice-President of Academics and Student Services. Appropriate work experience in which a body of knowledge is parallel to SVCC courses will be evaluated and credit will be given when approved by the Vice-President of Academics and Student Services. A maximum of 15 semester hours may be earned through credit by evaluation. If the student is allowed credit by evaluation, he/she will be required to pay a $10 per credit hour fee for the number of semester hours requested.
3. Proficiency Examination
   Proficiency examinations may be taken in certain courses or programs upon petition by the student. These examinations may be taken only with the approval of the Vice-President of Academics and Student Services. They are open to those students that, in the judgment of the above listed people, meet the requirements through previous course work, experience, or a combination of both. Applications for proficiency examinations are available in the office of the appropriate dean or Vice-President of Academics and Student Services .
   
   If the student passes a proficiency examination, he/she will be given credit, which will be shown on the record as "Credit by Proficiency." A grade of "Z" will be recorded and the credits will not figure in the GPA. A maximum of 15 semester hours may be earned through proficiency examinations.
   
   The following restrictions apply to proficiency examinations:
    
   1. They may not be taken to raise a grade, remove a failure, or replace an incomplete;
   2. They may not be taken before the student is admitted to SVCC;
   3. They may not be taken more than once in a given course;
   4. They may not be taken in a course that is below the level of previous course work that the student has completed; and
   5. They may not be taken in a course which the student has previously audited or in which he/she has enrolled.
      
      Exceptions to these policies may be made only upon approval by the Vice-President of Academics and Student Services.
4. Credits Earned by College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
   Sauk Valley Community College will accept credits earned by CLEP to a maximum of 30 semester hours, as recommended by the American Council on Education. Guidelines established by the American Council on Education will be considered in granting credits by CLEP.
   
   The College follows Illinois Community College Board guidelines in granting credit for general examinations. For a complete list, go to svcc.edu/admissions, proceed to Other ways to earn College Credit and then see CLEP Information. Credit for subject matter examinations is granted in accordance with guidelines of the American Council on Education. Students may not use CLEP credits for purposes of completing the 16 semester hour residency policy at SVCC. CLEP credits will not affect a student's GPA. Students should consult with the Advising Department prior to testing to ensure compatibility of the CLEP examination with SVCC courses. A fee must be paid prior to testing. For further information call the Testing Center, 815-835-6530.
5. Credit Earned through the DANTES Program
   Sauk Valley Community College accepts credits earned through the DANTES program to a maximum of 30 semester hours as recommended by the American Council on Education. Guidelines established by the American Council on Education will be considered in granting credits through the DANTES program. Students may not use DANTES credits for purposes of completing the 16 semester hour residency policy at SVCC. DANTES credits will not affect a student's GPA. Students should consult with the Advising Department prior to testing to ensure compatibility of the DANTES examination with SVCC courses. A fee per exam must be paid prior to testing. For further information call the Testing Center, 815-835-6530.
    
6. Credit Earned through the Advanced Placement Program
   Sauk Valley Community College accepts Advanced Placement (AP) for college credit through tests administered from the College Entrance Examination Board, Advanced Program. Credit may be granted to students who have participated in the Advanced Placement Program in their high schools. Students who have taken Advanced Placement Program examinations through their high school should request that the scores be sent to Sauk's Admissions and Records. An advising appointment should be made to review scores and determine credit awarded. Call 815-835-6354 to make an appointment.
    
7. Credit by Certification, License, or Registry
   Sauk Valley Community College provides credit for currently enrolled students that have successfully completed state and/or national certification, licensing and registry examinations. The credit must be applied in a program in which the student is enrolled. The college currently provides credit recognition in the following disciplines:
   • Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
   • Nursing (LPN)
   • Real Estate (BUS)
   • Fire Science (FIR)
   • Radiography (RAD)

Emergency Medical Services and Fire Science students presenting with certification(s) or licensure will not be required to assure maximum residency gained through prior experience (30 credit hours) and/or major field (16 credit hours) requirements required for a degree. Students should be aware that acceptance of credit for prior experience varies among transfer institutions.

To request credit recognition for a state or national exam passage, contact the dean or Vice-President of Academics and Student Services responsible for the program discipline in which the student is enrolled and credit is requested.

8. Area High School Articulation Agreements
   Through a mutual agreement between various high schools and SVCC, high school graduates are eligible to receive non-transferable SVCC credits for certain courses upon presentation of an official high school transcript. If you wish to receive more information on the agreement between your high school and SVCC, please see your high school counselor or Admissions and Records at SVCC.

Transfer Agreements

Articulation

Transfer to Other Institutions

Credit in college-level courses earned at SVCC may be transferred to other institutions of higher education, academic advisors will assist students in planning appropriate transfer programs. It remains the responsibility of the student to select his/her transfer institution and to follow the requirements for transfer to that institution.  Such requirements are prescribed in the catalog of each college or university. Transfer agreements to other institutions are located on the Sauk transfer institution website at svcc.edu/students/advising/transfer.html.

MyCreditsTransfer

MyCreditsTransfer (formerly u.select Illinois) is a web-based transfer information system that provides fast and accurate course and transfer information.  MyCreditsTransfer allows you to view programs and degree requirements offered at an institution, see how courses transfer from one institution to another, learn how courses transfer and apply, the degree requirements that have been met, and the courses needed to complete the requirements. The web site may be accessed at www.itransfer.org/uselect.

Illinois Articulation Initiative

Sauk Valley Community College is a participant in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI), a statewide agreement that allows transfer of the completed Illinois General Education Core Curriculum between participating institutions.  This agreement is in effect for students entering an associate or baccalaureate degree-granting institution as a first-time freshman in summer 1998 and thereafter.  Application of credit completed prior to the summer of 1998 is each institution's decision. SVCC will use credits completed prior to 1998 towards the GECC. However, some institutions may choose not to include courses taken prior to the summer of 1998 within the general education core curriculum. Acceptance of evaluated transfer credit outside of IAI may be applicable to meet Illinois GECC and transfer degree requirements at SVCC.  Some receiving institutions may choose to re-evaluate these courses.  The General Education Core Curriculum is outlined at the IAI web site at www.itransfer.org. 

Graduation

Catalog for Graduation

A student has six years from the date of initial enrollment to fulfill the graduation requirements outlined in the College catalog in effect at the time of his/her first enrollment. A student may choose to meet the graduation requirement stated in the catalog in effect at the time of his/her initial enrollment or any subsequent valid catalog during the six-year period. If a student has not fulfilled the requirements within the six-year period, he or she is subject to the requirements in effect at the time of graduation. The student must remain consecutively enrolled during this period. A break in consecutive enrollment occurs when a student is not enrolled at college for a period of two or more years. If a student is unable to complete his/her requirements within six years, an appeal to use a different catalog may be made to the appropriate academic dean or the Vice-President of Academics and Student Services. When an enrollment break occurs, the student is subject to the degree requirements in the catalog in effect at the time of re-enrollment.

Students may be required to follow degree requirements outlined in later catalogs when certificates, degree programs, or courses have been extensively modified from previous catalogs.

Graduation requirements

The College reserves the right to administratively award degrees/certificates upon completion of any program.

Degree Programs

To be eligible for the associate in arts, associate in science, associate in liberal studies, associate in engineering science, associate in fine arts, or associate in applied science degree at SVCC, a student must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Satisfy all admissions requirements;
2. Complete a minimum of 16 semester hours at SVCC toward a degree; complete 16 hours in the major field for A.A.S. degree;
3. Complete no fewer than the required semester hours in a prescribed program of study;
4. Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00;
5. Fulfill all financial obligations to the College;
6. File an "Intent to Graduate" form with Admissions and Records. Deadline to file this form is midterm week of the semester which the student intends to graduate;
7. If the student wishes to participate in the commencement ceremony, he/she must pay a commencement fee by a designated date of the graduation year.

To be eligible for a second associate degree a student must complete, in addition to the above requirements:

1. All course requirements necessary for the second degree, and
2. A minimum of 16 semester hours at SVCC in addition to those credits applying to the initial degree.

Certificate Programs

To be eligible for a certificate, a student must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Satisfy all admission requirements;
2. Complete the prescribed program of study;
3. For certificates of 30 hours or more:
   complete a minimum of 16 semester hours toward the certificate at SVCC;
4. For certificates of fewer than 30 hours:
   complete a minimum of one-half of the total credit hours toward the certificate at SVCC;
5. Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00;
6. File an "Intent To Graduate" form with the Office of Admissions and Records for the program from which the student intends to graduate. Deadline to file is the end of the fourth week of the fall or spring semester or the second week of the summer semester in which the student intends to graduate.
7. If the student wishes to participate in the commencement ceremony, he/she must pay a commencement fee by a designated date of the graduation year.

Graduation Procedures

Intent to Graduate

Degree and certificate-seeking students must apply for graduation at the beginning of the semester in which they will fulfill their graduation requirements. It is recommended that the student apply for graduation the semester prior to graduation to verify that all requirements are met or are in progress. Proper notification of intent to graduate must be on file in Admissions and Records no later than the mid-term of the fall, spring or summer semester in which students intend to complete their award. The College reserves the right to administratively award degrees/certificates upon completion of any program.

Commencement

A College-wide commencement is held once each year in May. Students completing degree and certificate graduation requirements at the end of the fall or spring terms and those students who will complete their requirements at the end of the summer term following commencement, are invited and encouraged to participate in the spring commencement ceremony. All participants in the May commencement ceremony should have an "Intent to Graduate" form on file in the Office of Admissions and Records by the mid-term of the spring semester prior to commencement. A non-refundable fee is required by a designated date of the year of graduation to participate in the commencement ceremony. This fee entitles the student to participate in the commencement ceremony, including cap and gown, graduation tassel, and diploma cover.

Statement of Nondiscrimination

English

Sauk Valley Community College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an effective policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity in all employee and student relations. Except to the extent and subject to the exemptions permitted by law, no qualified employee or student shall be excluded from employment or educational opportunity, be denied benefits, or be subjected to discrimination on the basis of differences in race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation (as that term is defined in the Illinois Rights Act), marital status, handicap, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service classified as Re-3 or the equivalent thereof. Any student who has questions or needs advice concerning matters about discrimination should contact the Equal Opportunity Officer, 815-835-6291.

Vocational opportunities will be offered by Sauk Valley Community College without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, marital status, disability, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service. When special requests are made from persons with disabilities during the hiring process, every effort will be made to accommodate such requests.

Notification of Sexual Harassment and Section 504 Coordinators

It is the policy of Sauk Valley Community College to maintain a working and learning environment for all students and employees that is free from sexual discrimination and sexual harassment. Any student or employee who feels that he/she has been subjected to sexual discrimination or sexual harassment should contact:

Sexual Harassment
Kathryn Snow, Room 3L20, Phone 815-835-6291
Steve Nunez, Room 3L12, Phone 815-835-6263

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its accompanying regulations prohibit discrimination towards any individuals on the basis of his/her disability. Accordingly, all employees of Sauk Valley Community College are expected to adhere to the applicable college policies, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. Any student or employee who feels he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of a disability should contact:

Section 504 Compliance Officer
Kathryn Snow, College ADA Coordinator, Room 3L20, Phone 815-835-6291
Sandra Geiseman, ADA Coordinator, Room 1F27, Phone 815-835-6246

Español

Sauk Valley Community College es un empleador que promueve igualdad de oportunidad, comprometido a una política efectiva de no discriminación y de igualdad de oportunidad en todas las relaciones de empleado y estudiante.  Ningún empleado ni estudiante calificado será excluido de la oportunidad de empleo ni de la oportunidad educativa, ni se le negarán beneficios, o estará expuesto a discriminación por su raza, color, religión, origen nacional, ascendencia, edad, sexo, orientación sexual (como el término se define en la Declaración de los Derechos Humanos de Illinois), por estado civil, discapacidad, posición militar o por descarga desfavorable del servicio militar clasificado como Re-3 o el equivalente del mismo, excepto a la extensión y sujeto a las exenciones permitidas por la ley. Cualquier estudiante con preguntas o que necesite asesoramiento sobre cuestiones relacionadas con la discriminación debe comunicarse con el Oficial de la Igualdad de Oportunidad, 815-835-6291.

Notificación de los Coordinadores de Título IX y Sección 504.

La norma de Sauk Valley Community College es de mantener un ambiente de trabajo y de aprendizaje libre de toda clase de acoso sexual, discriminación sexual, y otras formas de hostigamiento. Toda persona que sienta que fue victima de discriminación sexual o de acoso sexual, u otra clase de hostigamiento, deberá notificarlo a las siguientes personas:

Oficiales de Acoso Sexual en conformidad con el Titulo IX
Kathryn Snow, Oficina 3L20, 815-835-6291
Steve Nunez, Oficina 3L12, 815-835-6402

Oficial de Hostigamiento Sexual en Conformidad con el Titulo IX para casos de estudiante-a-estudiante:

Oficina 1G04, 815-835-6246.

La sección 504 del Acta de Rehabilitación de 1973 y sus regulaciones adjuntas, prohíben la discriminación a individuos en base a su discapacidad. Por lo tanto, se espera que todos los empleados de Sauk Valley Community College cumplan con las normas del colegio, el cual prohíbe la discriminación a individuos en base a discapacidades. Todo aquel estudiante o empleado que sienta que ha sido discriminado en base a su discapacidad deberá notificarlo a Kathryn Snow, Coordinadora ADA del Colegio, en la oficina 3L18, 815-835-6291

Affirmative Action

Sauk Valley Community College shall utilize Affirmative Action as required by law. The College has adopted an Affirmative Action Plan. Copies of this document are available in the Human Resources Department. The Sauk Valley Community College Affirmative Action Plan contains a grievance procedure that any employee, employment applicant, student, or student applicant may obtain by contacting the Affirmative Action Officer.