Complaint Process

Beginning July 1, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education regulations to improve the integrity of programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA), as amended (the “Program Integrity Rule”), take effect. The Program Integrity Rule requires, among other things, that each college or university authorized to offer postsecondary education in one or more States ensure access to a complaint process that will permit student consumers to address the following:

  1. Alleged violations of State consumer protection laws that include but are not limited to fraud and false advertising;
  2. Alleged violations of State laws or rules relating to the licensure of postsecondary institutions; and
  3. Complaints relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements.

Illinois Central College, as an institution authorized to provide postsecondary education in the State of Illinois, is committed to full compliance with the Program Integrity Rule, and provides the following confirmation to all current and/or prospective students:

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Illinois Central College. You may review the College’s accreditation information.

Complaint Process

Illinois Central College seeks to resolve all student concerns in a timely and effective manner. To that end, this complaint process serves as an ongoing means for students to discuss concerns or register formal complaints that pertain to alleged violations of State consumer protection laws that include but are not limited to fraud and false advertising; alleged violations of State laws or rules relating to the licensure of postsecondary institutions; and complaints relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements.

If you have concerns related to academic programs or accreditation, please contact the Academic Affairs Office at [email protected] or (309) 694-5784. If you have concerns related to student and campus life, admissions eligibility, tuition/fee payments, academic records or financial aid, please contact the Student Services Office at [email protected] or (309) 694-8971. If you have concerns related to sexual harassment and discrimination please contact the Vice President of Human Resources at (309) 694-5593 or the Vice President of Student Services at (309) 694-8970.

It is expected that students will fully utilize any/all of the College’s administrative procedures to address concerns and/or complaints in as timely a manner as possible. On occasion, however, a student may believe that these administrative procedures have not adequately addressed concerns identified under the Program Integrity Rule. In those select cases, the following independent procedures are provided:

  1. The Office of the Attorney General for the State of Illinois is authorized to investigate and prosecute violations of State consumer laws, including laws relating to deceptive advertising, credit, charitable solicitations, telecommunications, telemarketing and sales. The Office cooperates with other States, the Federal Trade Commission and other federal agencies in addressing national consumer protection issues.
  2. The Higher Learning Commission (“HLC”) is an independent body responsible for the accreditation of programs offered by Illinois Central College. HLC relies on constant contact with the College to ensure quality higher learning. Accredited institutions are required to submit progress reports, monitoring reports, contingency reports, and annual reports, as well as to participate in focus visits. Each year, HLC receives a number of complaints from students or other parties. When a complaint raises issues regarding an institution’s ability to meet accreditation criteria, HLC will forward a copy of the complaint to the institution and request a formal response.

If you have a general request for information about Illinois Central College, its programs and departments, please e-mail your question(s) to [email protected].