Rights & Responsibilities
The RVC campuses are a collegiate society with rules and regulations that respect and protect the rights of both individuals and the campus community. The following policies and procedures establish both the rights and the responsibilities of Rock Valley College students. Students are expected to know and adhere to RVC policies, regulations, rules, and the Student Code of Conduct, which are available in the RVC Student Handbook.
This College Catalog should not be construed as constituting a contract between the college and any person. The college reserves the right to modify its policies.
A complete copy of each policy or procedure and the Student Code of Conduct is available in the
RVC Student Handbook. Questions regarding the handbook may be directed to the Dean of Students Office.
Academic Integrity
The faculty and administration expect that RVC students are enrolled in courses as serious and honorable scholars. Students are expected to do their own original work, except when collaboration on projects is directed by faculty as part of the course or a specific assignment. Students are expected to observe commonly accepted standards of academic honesty at all times. Students who commit any form of academic dishonesty (plagiarism, cheating by copying, dishonest collaboration, or fabrication), as outlined in the Academic Integrity Standards and Procedures found in the
RVC Student Handbook, are subject to penalties and sanctions.
Attendance Requirement
Students are expected to attend every class meeting. There is no college policy permitting absences. Each faculty member will decide when and how absences affect grades.
Discipline Procedures
The Rock Valley College Dean of Students Office has the right to impose disciplinary sanctions and/or corrective actions for a student found responsible for violating the RVC Student Code of Conduct, college regulations, and/or college policies. Students may also be subject to civil or criminal penalties, as appropriate.
Drug-Free Schools and Communities Amendment Act
Rock Valley College complies with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act as articulated in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), Part 86. RVC students receive an annual notice that outlines standards of conduct; possible legal sanctions and penalties; statements of health risks associated with alcohol or drug abuse; prevention programs available; and college disciplinary sanctions for violations of standards of conduct. The college seeks to improve the campus atmosphere by eliminating drugs and alcohol on campus, except where liquor permits have been procured or alcohol is utilized for instructional purposes.
Children on Campus
For the safety of children on campus, children may not accompany students to class, tutoring, or testing sessions. Children may not be left unattended on campus grounds, including college buildings, extension centers, or at any college event.
Pregnant and Parenting Student Act
In June 2013, the Office of Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Education issued a “Dear Colleague” letter stating that it is illegal for schools to exclude a pregnant student from participating in any part of an educational program.
Please refer to the
RVC Student Handbook for the complete policy.
Procedure for Resolution of Student Complaints
Students may encounter problems during their course of study at RVC that require review by appropriate administrative or academic personnel. The college has established procedures for resolving such concerns. Questions or guidance regarding these procedures should be directed to the Dean of Students Office at (815) 921-4101. The procedures are also available in the
RVC Student Handbook.
Student Assembly Policy
Students are welcome to gather to express and discuss ideas. All assemblies must be held in accordance with the student assembly policy, which is available in the
RVC Student Handbook.
Section 504 and ADA
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Rock Valley College has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging actions prohibited by U.S. Department of Justice regulations implementing Title II of the ADA.
The grievance process is outlined in the
RVC Student Handbook and on the
RVC Disability Support Services website.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Rock Valley College provides students with notice of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. These rights include access to education records, limits on disclosure of personally identifiable information, procedures for correcting inaccurate records, and the right to file complaints with the Family Policy Compliance Office.
Students wishing to review their education records must submit written notice to the Registrar. Directory information may be released unless the student submits written notice to withhold it by the tenth day of each semester.
A FERPA waiver form is available through the
Records and Registration Office. Contact the Registrar at (815) 921-4148 for FERPA-related questions.
Mental Health Act
Under the Illinois Student Optional Disclosure of Private Mental Health Information Act, students may authorize the college, in writing, to disclose private mental health information to a designated individual. This authorization is completed through a FERPA form.
Consistent with FERPA, the college may disclose information during a health or safety emergency. RVC may contact the designated person if Personal Counseling Services determines that the student poses a clear danger to themselves or others.
Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act
Effective August 1, 2016, this Illinois law applies to all higher education institutions and aligns with federal Title IX and Clery Act requirements. Additional information is available in the
RVC Student Handbook.
Registered Sex Offender List
The Rock Valley College Police Department maintains a registered sex offender list, available for public review in the Support Services Building, Room 1100. State law requires registered offenders to report their status and meet with the Dean of Students each semester.
Sexual and Other Harassment Policy
Rock Valley College prohibits sexual harassment and all other forms of harassment by students, employees, or third parties. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or termination.
Students who believe they have been subjected to harassment may contact:
Rock Valley College
Title IX Coordinator and Dean of Students, Dr. Luevinus Muhammad
Phone: (815) 921-4187
Contact the Title IX Coordinator
Stenstrom Student Center, Second Floor, Room 2130
3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61114–5699
Student Right-to-Know Information
Federal law requires Rock Valley College to disclose consumer information, including graduation, transfer, and retention rates, as well as campus security statistics. A complete list is available on the
RVC Student Right-to-Know page.