The mission of our college is to educate the whole person in a learning-centered environment, recognizing our responsibilities to one another, to our community, and to the world we share. Consistent with our mission and core values of integrity, responsibility, respect, fairness, diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is expected that students, faculty, and staff members commit to a student-centered environment. So, if you have experienced something that causes you concern, or does not seem right, please report it.
You are encouraged to use the complaint 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, faculty, or staff member. Members of the college staff can assist you in deciding if filing a complaint is an appropriate step. Complaints should be made as soon as possible after the alleged incident or knowledge of the alleged incident. A failure to promptly report may impair the college’s ability to investigate and address the incident. Additionally, some procedures outlined below include specific reporting timelines.
Informal Process
When appropriate, express your concerns to the student, faculty, staff, or administrator immediately responsible. Attempt to resolve the complaint informally at this level. If this attempt does not resolve your concern, you may file a formal complaint in writing following the procedures outlined below.
Formal Process
Student complaints are categorized below. Choose the appropriate category to learn more information about resources on our campus and the appropriate procedures that the college will follow to investigate your complaint. To report a concern, select the report button in the appropriate box below, complete the form and submit it.
For Criminal Conduct: If you believe you or someone you know has been a victim of a crime, please contact the Moraine Valley Police Department at (708) 974-5555. These forms do not constitute filing a criminal complaint with the police.
Academic Complaint/ Grade Grievance
Use this form to appeal a grade or an action that affects your academic standing at the college. This may include but is not limited to:
- A grade for an assignment, paper, or exam
- A final grade for a course
- An accusation of cheating or plagiarism
Non-Academic Complaints/ General Student Concerns
Use this form to report complaints against college employees or general concerns about your campus experience, in or out of the classroom. Concerns may include but are not limited to the following:
- Lack of professionalism
- A situation not addressed in a fair, honest and/or timely manner
- Unsatisfactory student services
- College policies, procedures and/or standards not maintained
Sex Discrimination (Title IX) Concern
Use this form to report an incident that may violate the Policy Prohibiting Sex-Based Misconduct. Prohibited conduct includes:
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual violence
- Domestic violence
- Dating violence
- Stalking
Bias or Discrimination Incident
Use this form to report discrimination based on legally protected characteristics including but not limited to:
- Race
- Color
- Age
- Religion
- National or ethnic origin
- Gender identity/expression
- Disability
- Military status
- Citizenship status
Student Misconduct Concern (Code of Student Conduct Violation)
Use this form to report general student misconduct to the Code of Conduct Office. This may include but is not limited to:
- Disruptive behavior
- Physical/verbal abuse or harassment
- Violation of college policy
- Alcohol or drugs
- Hazing
- Student organization violations
Threat Assessment and Behavior Intervention Teams Concern
Use this form to report concerns to the Threat Assessment or Behavior Intervention Team, including but not limited to:
- Directly communicated threats of harm
- Overt physical or verbal intimidation
- Erratic behavior/mood swings
- Noticeable change in behavior
- Not picking up on social cues
Filing Complaints about an Illinois Community College
If you attempted to file a complaint at the institutional level and were not successful you may file a complaint with the Illinois Community College Board. Please see the instructions here.
Online Learning Complaint Process for Moraine Valley’s Out-of-State Students
Moraine Valley students residing outside the state of Illinois who desire to resolve a grievance are encouraged to follow the college’s complaint and hearing process. If you are unable to resolve your concern internally with Moraine Valley, you also may contact your home state agency to file a complaint about the college by referring to your state agency. Details can be found on the Student Complaint Information by State and Agency survey.
Filing a Complaint through the Higher Learning Commission
Moraine Valley is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Students, faculty, staff, and members of the public may submit a complaint to the HLC if they have identified substantive problems with the college’s ability to meet the Criteria for Accreditation or other HLC requirements. HLC’s policy on complaints provides a full description of the type of complaints that HLC will review. A complaint regarding an HLC-affiliated institution must be submitted using the form found here. HLC does not accept complaints via mail, email, or phone.
