Registration Guidelines

In an effort to promote student success, new degree/certificate seeking students without previously earned college credit must be registered prior to the start of classes. Please contact the counseling office at 815/835-6354 for specific dates/times and registration options.

Class Schedules

A detailed schedule of classes is available prior to each semester on the College's website, www.svcc.edu/schedules 
Schedules will be available for viewing on Monday following midterm of the previous semester.

Fines and Financial Obligations

Students that have financial obligations to the College may not register for the next semester, or obtain a release of transcripts until the financial obligations have been met. Contact the Business Office for more information.

Registration Change Period

During the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters, students may make changes in their class schedule. During the first week of the semester, students may add and drop classes without prior written consent from the instructor. During the second week of the semester, students must receive written consent from the instructor to add classes; during this period the students can drop classes without instructor consent. Students may change their schedule via www.svcc.edu/soar during the 100% refund period (see college calendar for specific dates) or by visiting the Office of Admissions and Records and submitting a ADD or DROP slip. After the 100% refund period, all schedule changes must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records on a ADD or DROP slip. The length of the Registration Change period for the summer semester or a shorter session is prorated (see the Academic Calendar on the college website for specific dates).  Full tuition will be charged for any course added after the designated Registration Change period.

Students that receive financial assistance or veteran benefits should consult the Office of Student Financial Assistance before dropping or adding courses.

Dual Admission

Sauk Valley Community College has a Dual Admission agreement with Western Illinois University. This agreement provides students with the opportunity to gain admission to a four-year university while attending Sauk. Students participating in the Dual Admission program benefit by receiving early notification and advisement from the transfer school while enrolled at Sauk. This program enables students to begin their college career at Sauk, complete a transfer associate degree, and continue their education at the institution to complete their bachelor's degree. For more information, contact the Counseling Office, 815/835-6354.

Sauk Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts of a student's complete academic record may be obtained through the student's SOAR account. Official transcripts may be obtained through the Office of Admissions and Records or through the National Student Clearinghouse, via SOAR. Transcript requests not made through the National Student Clearinghouse must be made in writing. A fee will be assessed for all official transcripts; all unofficial transcripts are free and can be viewed at www.svcc.edu/soar  SVCC has the ability to both accept and send transcripts electronically.

Degree or Enrollment Verification

Sauk Valley Community College has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide degree and enrollment verification. Individuals may print an enrollment certificate from the National Student Clearinghouse by logging into SOAR at www.svcc.edu/soar

Student Records and Confidentiality

The College policy on student records complies with the "Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)." This Act is designed to protect the privacy of education records, establish the rights of students to inspect and review their education records, and provide guidelines for correction of incorrect or misleading data through formal and informal hearings. More specifically, FERPA affords students the following right to:

1. Inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Registrar or the Dean of Student Services written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. Students educational records at the College which the students may request to review are: 1) official college transcript filed in the Office of Admissions and Records, and 2) official student file in the Office of Admissions and Records. Educational records do not include records of instruction, administrative, and educational personnel which are not accessible or revealed to any individual except a temporary substitute, student health records, employment records, or alumni records. Health records, however, may be reviewed by physicians of the students choosing. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. Request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.
3. Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is defined as a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The Office that administers FERPA is:
        Family Policy Compliance Office
        U.S. Department of Education
        400 Maryland Avenue, SW
        Washington, DC 20202-4605

No one outside of the College shall have access to nor will the College disclose any information about student education records without the written consent of the student. Exceptions are:

• School officials demonstrating a legitimate educational interest
• Schools in which a student seeks or intends to enroll
• Federal, State, and local authorities involved in auditing or evaluating compliance with education programs in connection with financial aid
• Organizations conducting studies for or on behalf of educational institutions
• Accrediting organizations
• Parent/Legal Guardian of a dependent student, as defined by the IRS
• Compliance with a judicial order or subpoena (the College must make a reasonable effort to notify the student in advance of compliance)
• Health or safety emergencies
• Results of a disciplinary hearing to an alleged victim of a crime of violence
• Certain agencies such as the U.S. Attorney General's Office, Secretary of Education, and state education agencies

The following information is designated by the college as public or "Directory Information" and may be released for any purpose at the discretion of the College.

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Full-time/Part-time status
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Degrees and awards received
• Photographs
• Most recent educational institution attended
• Participation in recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams

Currently enrolled students may request to withhold Directory Information by submitting to the Office of Admissions and Records a "Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information" form. A copy of the Act or questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be referred to the Dean of Student Services, 815/835-6326. 

Images of Unnamed Students

Students may appear occasionally in photographs and/or videotapes taken by College staff, other students, or individuals authorized by the Marketing Department. The College may use these images without identifying students in various media, including print (view books, catalogs, brochures, and other publications), television, website, and other forms that market SVCC and its programs. No consent or notice is needed nor will be given before the College uses any images of unnamed students taken while at SVCC or SVCC-related activity.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

Sauk will accept credits earned at other regionally accredited institutions. Official transcripts MUST be submitted in a sealed envelope from the college/university. Students must also submit a Transcript Evaluation Request form (found in the Admissions Office or the College website at www.svcc.edu) to the Office of Admissions and Records. Upon complete evaluation, students will be notified in writing of course articulation. For additional information, contact the Admissions Office Records Analyst at 815/835-6327.