Policy Parameters for Academic Exceptions/Billing Adjustments:

 

  1. Students who enroll at Parkland are paying for the seat. Unlike the University of Illinois, Parkland’s staffing decisions are made directly from enrollment numbers and once resources have been committed to the teaching of a class, those resources cannot be regained. The drop period is intended to allow students to ensure that they have selected the appropriate class and instructor style that fits their needs. After the drop period ends, students should not expect a refund or clearing of record except under extenuating circumstances, as described below.
  2. Students are encouraged to be proactive about their enrollment. Withdrawal is the responsibility of the student; students should not assume that instructors are withdrawing them. In cases where instructors do withdraw students however, such as nonattendance early in the semester, an instructor-initiated drop will not generate an automatic refund. Online courses are not excepted from this policy.
  3. Students who drop or withdraw should obtain verification of such in writing from admissions and maintain personal records.
  4. Preexisting conditions:
    1. Students with physical or mental conditions that may limit their ability to attend or perform in class should consider accommodations through disability services if the condition is documented and a “bona fide physical or psychological disability as defined by law” (http://www.parkland.edu/ss/disability/).
    2. Student with physical or mental conditions that are not eligible for accommodations should consider carefully their decision to register for courses. Preexisting conditions are not likely to be eligible for exceptions or billing adjustments.
  5. Extenuating circumstances:
    1. Students requesting a change in record or refund for medical or other reasons need to submit a letter from the attending physician (in the appropriate field) the following. Upon request, medical records will be shredded after deliberation:

                                                   i.     Time of incident

                                                 ii.     Nature of incident

                                               iii.     Duration of incapacitation or hospitalization. Medical incidents that are minor in nature or short in duration should be dealt with by working with the student’s instructors, not through the appeal process.

                                                iv.     A statement of the limits of the student’s ability to perform cognitive and/or skills related work in school.

                                                  v.     Supporting documentation from a faculty or staff member at Parkland. Recommendations from faculty and staff are always welcome, but will be considered along with all other available information. For example, statements supporting intent of a student to withdraw are not sufficient grounds for exception unless other information is available.

                                                vi.     Loss of transportation, childcare, etc is not considered extenuating because other options exist in the community and Parkland’s resources have already been committed on behalf of the student.

    1. The information should be submitted to the Dean of Academic Services or the Controller for consideration along with a Request of Exception to Policy or a Billing Adjustment Request. All requests which will affect the student’s academic record, even if they include billing adjustments, should originate with a Request for Exception submitted to the Dean’s Office.
  1. Parkland will consider the above and also will consider the gap in time between the incident and the request. Waiting to file a request reduces the options available for aiding the student and requests that are filed after the semester has passed likely will not be approved. Provided the request is timely and serious in nature, Parkland will work with the student to resolve the issue . As frequently as possible, Parkland will work with the student and faculty to complete the semester.If this is not possible due to the time in the semester during which the incident occurred or the nature of the incident, Parkland may consider other alternatives, such as a change in record or billing adjustment.
  2. Prior to any action regarding enrollment, drops, withdrawals, etc, students who are concerned about the effects of such actions on financial aid or billing should see an academic advisor or financial aid advisor.