Dean of Students
Office: U242
Phone: 217/353-2048
Email: deanofstudents@parkland.edu
Website: parkland.edu/deanofstudents
Vice President for Student Services and Chief Student Services Officer
Michael Trame
Office: U334
Phone: 217/351-2551
Email: mtrame@parkland.edu
Student Support Services
The Student Union (U-Wing) is the home of most Student Services offices on the campus, making it easy for students to get help for any step in their college career. The Union also holds the college cafe and dining area. The MTD bus pick-up/drop-off is located conveniently at the front entrance of the Student union.
Accessibility Services
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, Parkland College provides auxiliary aids and services for students who self-identify their disability.
Students with disabilities who desire academic accommodations must register with Accessibility Services. They should provide appropriate documentation of their disability and schedule an intake appointment by visiting U260, emailing accessibilityservices@parkland.edu, or calling 217/353-2338.
Parkland offers academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. These accommodations can include but are not limited to:
- alternate testing arrangements
- note takers
- textbooks in alternate format
- sign language interpreters
- captioning services
- adaptive aids
Students with disabilities, like all students, are expected to comply with all standards and policies of the college, including admission procedures, behavior/conduct, assessment testing, attendance, auditing a class, and others.
Students who feel they have been excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, any program, service, or activity due to their disability are encouraged to contact the dean of counseling services at 217/351-2219.
Parkland’s Student Handbook contains the ADA Grievance Policy and Procedures. The handbook is available on the Parkland website, from the dean of counseling services (U264), or the vice president of student services (U334).
Adult and Returning Student Services
Parkland’s Adult and Returning Student Services, located in the Admissions and Records Office (U214), helps busy adults find a convenient way to finish their college degrees. Guidance is provided through the development of individualized learning plans, which outline exactly what is needed and which courses are necessary for degree completion.
Several four-year universities offer advanced degrees that can be earned by taking courses through Parkland or online.
For information, call 217/351-2482 or email admissions@parkland.edu.
Academic Advising
Academic and educational planning are provided to support students in the completion of their chosen degree or certificate. Advising assists students with course selection, transfer options, and guidance throughout their educational path. The Academic Advising office is located in U267.
For office hours, scheduling options, or more information, call 217/351-2219 or see the Academic Advising website.
Counseling Support Center
Free short-term, solution-focused, and confidential mental health counseling is provided for currently enrolled students. Students experiencing significant distress are seen as soon as possible. The Counseling Support Center is located in U238.
For office hours, scheduling options, or more information, call 217/351-2461 or see the Counseling Support Center website.
TRiO/Student Support Services
TRiO/Student Support Services is a federally-funded program open to first-generation college students, students with demonstrated financial need, and/or students with documented disabilities.
TRiO/SSS provides a welcoming environment, and is committed to encouraging and supporting students along their academic journey toward graduation and transferring to a four-year university. The program provides opportunities for academic development and personal growth to individuals who are members of groups that are typically underrepresented in post-secondary education. These opportunities include:
- academic advising
- academic, career, and personal development workshops
- financial and economic literacy programs
- cultural and social events to help students become actively involved in the college community
- tutoring
Participation is limited to 180 students per year, and admission is competitive.
For more information, call the TRiO/SSS office at 217/353-2267, email TRiO@parkland.edu, visit U252, or see the TRiO website.
Student Life
The Office of Student Life (U111) coordinates and administers programs, activities, and services that facilitate the student’s academic, social, cultural, and personal adjustment to college as well as support the academic mission through co-curricular programming.
Services and programs offered through the Office of Student Life include Parkland IDs, leadership development, honors organizations, new student orientation, volunteer opportunities, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, wellness programs, and commencement.
Housing
The Office of Student Life refers students and parents seeking off-campus housing to resources on the Student Life website. The linked information providing off-campus housing sites in the Parkland area is not intended to be an endorsement by Parkland College for any housing site.
Student ID cards
Parkland ID cards are issued free of charge to all students through the Office of Student Life, and are valid as long as the student is enrolled at Parkland. Parkland ID cards are required to check out library materials and for many other on-campus activities and services.
To obtain a Parkland ID, students must show a photo ID and proof of enrollment. A charge applies for replacement ID cards.
For ID office hours and other information, see the Student Life website.
Wellness Center
The Wellness Center (U111) provides health education programs and presentations that help Parkland students and employees develop healthy lifestyles while cultivating a culture of wellness on campus through knowledge and behavioral change.
The Wellness Center guides individuals towards healthy living initiatives by providing community referrals, smoking cessation education, stress management techniques, general wellness consultations, and alcohol and other drug education. Social media and interactive technology is used for fun wellness challenges throughout the year.
Illness, first-aid, and medical emergencies should be directed to Public Safety. Call 217/351-2492 for more information.
Career Services
Career Services offers one-on-one advising sessions to assist students in exploring interests, skills and values to select their college majors and career goals. Additional services include assistance with LinkedIn, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills and job search strategies. Classroom presentations are also available. (U267)
For office hours, upcoming events, or more information, see the Career Services website.
Tech Service Desk
The Tech Service Desk, located in room A184, assists students, faculty, and staff with technical issues, Parkland system questions, and username/password problems.
Answers to questions can also be found in the Parkland College KnowledgeBase.
For hours and more information, call 217/353-3333 or visit the Tech Service Desk website.
Bookstore
The Parkland College Bookstore is located on the first floor of the Student Union. It offers new and used textbooks, general school supplies, and a wide variety of student-oriented merchandise such as college-imprint sportswear, academically-priced computers and related accessories as well as gifts and snack foods.
Call 217/351-2212 or visit the Bookstore website to check selection and book prices, to place an order, or for information about returns, book buyback, or hours.
Assessment Center
The Assessment Center (U203) offers a wide variety of testing services for Parkland students and community members.
New students take placement tests in reading, writing, mathematics, or English as a Second Language. The staff also administer certification exams on behalf of Pearson VUE, Meazure, PSI, and National Testing Network while still providing board exams and standardized tests such as the GED and CLEP exams. Proctoring services are offered for students who need to take an exam under secure conditions.
Appointments are required for some testing services and a valid physical photo ID must be presented to test. For appointments, visit the Assessment Center website. For more information, call 217/351-2432.
Academic Support Services
Learning Commons
The Learning Commons is the center of academic support services at the college. Services are free and provided on a walk-in basis or by appointment.
For hours and more information, call 217/373-3839 or visit the Learning Commons website.
The Learning Commons is located on the second floor in the center of the college (R201). Stop by the Learning Commons information desk for directions to any of the support services.
Library
The Parkland Library connects students with the information resources, tools, spaces, and services they need for personal and academic success. It is located on the third floor of the College Center, accessed through the Learning Commons. Library services include:
- Spaces for individual study and research, including the only designated silent study area on campus
- An extensive print and electronic collection of books, magazines, databases, multimedia, and other materials, with 24/7 access to electronic resources via the library’s website
- Librarian assistance for information and research questions, available during all library opening hours by:
- Librarian-taught research and information literacy classes offered in the 24 seat computer classroom (R227), which also serves as an open computer lab when not in use
- 60+ internet-enabled computers throughout the library
- A loanable technology collection, which allows students to borrow calculators, laptops, iPads, Kindles and more for use at home and in the classroom
For more information, including borrowing policies and opening hours, visit the library website.
Peer Tutoring
The Peer Tutoring Program is designed to help students understand course material, complete assignments, and prepare for tests. Peer tutors are students who have excelled in their classes and received tutor training.
Tutoring is available for accounting, biology, chemistry, computer information systems, computer science, economics, mathematics, physics, Spanish, and other areas.
Presentation Center
Communication faculty provide one-on-one coaching to help students or staff members practice presentations, cope with speech anxiety, develop and organize solo or group presentations, and improve oral communication skills. Services are free and provided on a drop-in basis or by appointment.
Visit the Presentation Center in X227 (located in the Learning Commons Connection Zone), email presentationcenter@parkland.edu, or visit the Presentation Center website for more information about drop-in hours.
Writing Lab
The Writing Lab provides writing help for students, faculty, and staff. It is staffed by experienced English instructors who will work with writers at any stage of the writing process: understanding an assignment, developing a focus, organizing a paper, researching, drafting a paper, documenting resources, and using correct grammar and punctuation.
Assistance is given for writing assignments in any Parkland course. Writing help is also offered for personal essays for transfer and scholarship applications and cover letters for employment.
For more information, online resources, and the current drop-in hours, visit the Writing Lab website.
Computer Technology Center
The Computer Technology Center provides students and District 505 residents with opportunities to improve their technology skills.
The CTC offers self-paced computer courses, as well as computer skill assistance provided by qualified faculty and peer tutors. Students can choose from free tutorials that cover basic computer literacy skills, or a variety of low-cost, open-enrollment courses covering topics from keyboarding to advanced-level Microsoft Office applications.
Students are welcome to visit the open classroom located in the Learning Commons to complete coursework, study online, or receive in-person help.
For specific information about courses and hours, call the Business/Computer Science and Technologies department office at 217/353-2099, the CTC director at 217/351-2506, or visit the CTC website.
Academic Development Lab
The Learning Commons provides academic development specialists who work one-on-one with students to acquire college-ready math, reading, study, and writing skills. The lab is also equipped with learning software to support students in improving academic skills.
First Year Experience Program
The Learning Commons offers a First Year Experience course (FYE 101 ) that helps students succeed in college and beyond. This course includes self-assessment, goal setting, educational and career planning, time management, interpersonal communication, and personal development.
Student Government Association
All Parkland students are members of the Student Government Association and can vote in Student Government elections.
Student Government is composed of the executive officers (president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary) and 10 senators. Student Government:
- Represents the Student Association in developing and recommending policies and procedures regarding the welfare of students
- Establishes a budget for student activities
- Develops cultural, social, and educational activities
- Promotes student organizations
The Student Government Association also elects a student trustee to serve as a representative with an advisory vote on the college Board of Trustees.
All students are encouraged to be candidates for Student Government and student trustee. Elections and qualifications are detailed in the Student Association Constitution available in the Student Government office, U117, or the Office of Student Life in U111.
Student Organizations and Activities
Parkland College offers many extracurricular activities for all Parkland students. These activities provide opportunities for self-expression and to make new friends, learn new skills, develop lifelong interests, and learn through practical experiences.
For more information, please call the Student Life coordinator of activities, 217/353-2627, or visit room U111.
Student Organizations
The list of current student organizations is below. Students interested in participating in any of these organizations, or in starting a new group, should contact the Office of Student Life in U111.
To start a new club, students need 10 peers and a faculty/staff advisor.
- Ag Club
- Alpha Phi Omega
- Art and Design Club
- Astronomy Club
- Black Student Association
- Board Game Club
- Club Latino
- Engineering Club
- International Students Association
- Japanese Culture Club
- Parkland College Student Education Association
- Parkland PRIDE!
- Parkland Scholars Group
- Parkland Science Club
- Phi Theta Kappa
- Psi Beta
- Psychology Club
- Rad Tech Club
- S.A.D.H.A.
- S.N.A.P.
- S.V.A.P.
- Science Club
- Veterinary Technology Club
Student Publications
The Prospectus is a digital format newspaper which provides students with academic and pre-professional experiences in reporting, writing, photography, advertising, production, layout, design and online media platforms, led by Parkland College faculty.
Scholarships and paid positions are open to all students; those majoring in communication and visual arts find this experience particularly helpful for building a portfolio with published materials.
Images is the literary and visual fine arts magazine published by the Prospectus, featuring short fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual and digital art created by Parkland students. Submissions for inclusion in this publication are accepted January through March each year.
For more information on the Prospectus and Images, call 217/353-2627.
Art, Music, Speech/Debate, and Theatre
The Arts, Media, and Social Sciences department provides students with opportunities to enrich their artistic and performance skills through a variety of activities.
- Art students participate in juried shows held annually in the Donna Hyland Giertz Gallery.
- The Music program offers a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles.
- The Harold and Jean Miner Theatre and Parkland Second Stage provide beautiful settings for music and theatre productions that range from comedies to Broadway-style musicals to serious contemporary plays.
- Communication students may participate in an annual David Jones persuasive speech contest for scholarship awards, and the Speech/Debate Team competes with other colleges and universities in team and individual events.
Study Abroad
Parkland College encourages students to explore the world and discover the benefits of living and studying in another country. Students may choose a short-term stay, or spend the entire semester abroad.
To be eligible, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours, including ENG 101 , with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75. Final determination of acceptance rests with Parkland College.
For more information, call 217/351-2532, email jlittleton@parkland.edu, or visit the Study Abroad website.
Student Handbook
The following policies are published in the Parkland College Student Handbook:
- Academic Honesty
- Academic Standards
- ADA Grievance Policy and Procedures
- Alcohol and Other Drug Use
- Chronic Communicable Diseases
- Computer and E-mail Use Policies
- Financial Aid and Satisfactory Progress
- Grade Appeal
- Harassment/Discrimination of Students
- Refund: Tuition and Fees
- Right to Assembly
- Sexual Assault
- Student Conduct Code
- Student Grievance Procedure
- Student Records
- Students with Disabilities
The student handbook may be obtained online at parkland.edu/studenthandbook.
If you need a copy of the handbook in another format, please contact the dean of students (U243) or the vice president for student services (U334).
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Rights and Responsibilities
Some important factors should be considered when deciding to pursue higher education. Education is a large investment of time, money, and effort, and every student should carefully evaluate their potential commitment.
In making this decision, the student should find out about the school’s academic programs, facilities, cost, job placement services, refund policy, and financial aid programs.
The student has the right to ask the college:
- what the cost of attending is and what the refund policy for students who drop or withdraw is
- what financial assistance is available, including information on all federal, state, local, private, and institutional financial aid programs
- what the procedures and deadlines for submitting applications for each available financial aid program are
- what criteria are used to select financial aid recipients
- how it determines financial need, that is, how costs (tuition and fees, food and housing, travel, books and supplies, and personal and miscellaneous expenses) and what resources (such as parental contribution, other financial aid, assets, etc.) are considered in the calculation of need
- how much of a student’s financial need, as determined by the institution, has been met
- to explain each type and amount of assistance in a financial aid package
- in the case of a loan, what the interest rate is, the starting date of repayment, the duration of repayment, and any cancellation and deferment provisions
- in the case of work-study, the type of job available, its working hours, duties, and the rate, time, and frequency of payment
- to reconsider a financial aid package, if a mistake has been made
- how the school determines if a student is making satisfactory progress and the consequences of unsatisfactory progress
- what special facilities and services are available to a student with disabilities
Along with these consumer rights, students must realize there are responsibilities assumed in order to qualify for and receive any award.
It is the student’s responsibility to:
- review and consider all information about a school’s program before enrollment
- pay special attention to the application for student financial aid, completing it accurately and submitting it on time to the right place (errors can delay financial aid payments)
- provide all additional documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested by either the Office of Financial Aid and Veteran Services or the agency to which the application was submitted
- read, understand, and keep copies of all forms that must be signed
- accept responsibility for the promissory note and all other agreements that are signed
- notify the lender, in the case of a loan, of changes in name, address, or educational status
- perform in a satisfactory manner the work that is agreed upon in accepting a Federal Work-Study job
- know and comply with the school’s refund/repayment policy
- know and comply with the school’s satisfactory progress policy (see Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Recipients )
Equal Education Opportunities
Parkland College ensures equal educational opportunities for all students. The college prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment, including those that violate federal and state law, or college policy. It will not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender, race, color, age, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, religion, genetic information, gender identity/expression, or sexual orientation in its employment practices or educational programs and activities. It takes appropriate steps to ensure that the lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in vocational education programs.
Parkland College has designated the vice president for student services (217/351-2551, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Rm. U334, Champaign, IL 61821) and the director of human resources (217/353-2024, 2400 W. Bradley Ave., Rm. A116, Champaign, IL 61821) as the college officials responsible for coordinating civil rights compliance activities and grievance procedures.
For Parkland policy, refer to policies 3.01, 3.02, 8.12, and 8.26.
Program Dismissal
A student may be dismissed from a program of study for reasons including incompetence, impaired practice, or behavior that is unethical, illegal, and/or jeopardizes the safety of others. The action of program dismissal can be taken only by the appropriate department chair in consultation with the academic division dean.
Additional information on specific dismissal procedures pertaining to Health Professions or Aviation programs is provided in student program handbooks or student guidebooks respectively.
Student Records
Educational records are maintained by the Office of Admissions and Records in U214. In accordance with the college policy and state and federal regulations, student records are maintained in a manner that protects the privacy of students and provides eligible students access to the information recorded.
For further information, consult the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) - What You Should Know booklet available in the Office of Admissions and Records or the college’s informational FERPA website.
Privacy Act
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (PL 93-380) includes provisions that protect the privacy of students. These include:
- The right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the day the college receives a request for access.
- The right to request the amendment of their education records that they believe are inaccurate.
- The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in their education record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. An exception is disclosure to school officials within the college who have a legitimate educational interest.
- 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.
When a student seeks or intends to enroll in another academic institution, officials of that institution may request educational records of the student from the college and the college may disclose these records without the consent of the student.
Public Directory Information
Parkland College defines public directory information as name; address; telephone numbers; major field of study; dates of attendance; enrollment status (full- or part-time); degrees, honors, certificates received or anticipated; e-mail address; weight and height if athletic team member; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; institutions previously attended; photo ID.
One provision of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act requires educational institutions to allow students who are currently enrolled to suppress certain information regarded as public directory information. Only a student who is currently enrolled at Parkland College may suppress the above public information items by completing and submitting a Public Directory Information form. Forms may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Records in U214.
Release of Financial Information
The Office of Financial Aid and Veteran Services will release information about the financial status of a student to those parties within the college concerned with financial welfare as related to the student’s attendance at Parkland.
Inquiries from off-campus agencies and individuals such as landlords will be answered only if the student has completed a Permission to Release Student Record form, which is available from the Office of Financial Aid and Veteran Services in U286.
Use of Student Images
All students and alumni (“students”) are advised that the Parkland College (“Parkland”) Marketing and Public Relations Department takes photographs and videos throughout the year. These photographs and videos often include students in classrooms and study areas, and at athletic events and Parkland‑related activities.
Parkland College reserves the right to use these photographs and videos as a part of its publicity and marketing efforts. Students who enroll at Parkland do so with the understanding that these photographs and videos might include their names, pictures, images, voices, and likenesses; that such photographs and videos might be included, published, or used in Parkland publications including print, broadcast, or electronic media for publicity, commercial, or marketing purposes; and that enrollment at Parkland constitutes students’ consent to the inclusion, publication, or use of their names, pictures, images, voices, and likenesses in Parkland publications, both printed and electronic, for publicity, commercial, promotional, or marketing purposes.
Additionally, Parkland College reserves the right to reproduce student work and retain copies of student work for teaching and exhibition purposes. Parkland College is not held liable for lost, stolen, or damaged student or alumni work.
Honors Program
The Parkland Honors Program is open to all students who have demonstrated consistent academic excellence, motivation, and leadership. The objectives of the program include:
- integrating academic study and extracurricular projects
- bridging school, community, and the workplace
- fostering collaboration among faculty and students
- promoting a synthesis of various academic disciplines
Students will be accepted into the Honors Program based on any one of the following: high school GPA, SAT score, ACT score, Parkland GPA in 100 and 200 level courses, or Honors Application Essay. Students must apply for admission into the Honors Program, and the director of the Honors Program may interview each applicant before admission is confirmed.
After being admitted to the Honors Program, students may receive a scholarship each semester they successfully complete an honors project.
To graduate as an Honors Program Scholar, students must:
- have a 3.5 GPA
- participate in the annual Honors Symposium
- participate in the Honors Graduation Convocation
- earn three honors credits
Honors credits are earned by completing A with honors projects, doing independent honors projects, or participating in an honors class. Students may complete A with honors projects in many Parkland classes, but professors are not required to allow honors projects. One of the three required honors credits must be a service learning project. An honors designation will appear on the transcripts and diplomas of all students who meet Honors Program graduation requirements.
For information about the Honors Program, contact the honors program director at 217/373-3739 or mjones@parkland.edu.
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Phi Theta Kappa, international honor society of the two-year college, invites applications from students who have completed at least 12 credit hours at Parkland in courses numbered 100-299 toward an associate degree, or at least 6 credit hours toward a 1-year certificate and achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.
Phi Theta Kappa promotes scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship among members. Membership provides exclusive access to millions of dollars of scholarship opportunities, recognition on members’ transcripts and diplomas, online leadership and professional development programs, and much more.
Parkland’s chapter is Alpha Psi Eta. New members are inducted in the fall and spring.
For more information, please call the chapter advisor at 217/353-2131 or email lgarrett@parkland.edu.
Athletics
Intercollegiate Athletics
Parkland College intercollegiate athletics provides opportunities for students to participate in state, regional, and national levels of competition. The intercollegiate program includes competition for men in baseball, basketball, golf, and soccer, and for women in basketball, cross-country/half marathon, soccer, softball, and volleyball.
The college is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA-Div. II) and Region 24, as well as the Mid-West Athletic Conference (M-WAC).
Since 2018, Parkland teams have won two national championships (Volleyball and Golf in 2021) and have played in five national championship games/matches. Cobra teams have qualified for the NJCAA national tournament 17 times and finished in the top eight of these 17 tournaments:
- Baseball - 2018 National Runner-up
- Men’s Basketball - 2022 7th place
- Women’s Basketball - 2021 3rd place, 2023 5th place
- Golf - 2018 3rd place, 2019 5th place, 2021 National Champions, 2022 4th place, 2023 National Runner-up
- Men’s Soccer - 2021 5th place
- Women’s Softball - 2021 7th place, 2023 5th place
- Women’s Volleyball - 2018 National Runner-up, 2019 National Runner-up, 2020 National Runner-up, 2021 National Champions, 2022 3rd place, 2023 5th place
Parkland also boasts twenty conference championships since 2018, including every conference championship since 2018 for men’s golf and women’s volleyball.
Each year, many Parkland athletes earn All-Conference, All-Region, and NJCAA All-American recognition. Parkland College alumni include four players in Major League Baseball, notably two-time Rawlings Gold Glove winner, Kevin Kiermaier. Parkland Athletes traditionally excel in the classroom as well as on the field of play. In the 2022-23 academic year, Parkland athletics had 50 student-athletes qualify for members of the NJCAA All-Academic teams, including 15 perfect 4.0 GPA student-athletes.
Students interested in tryouts and scholarship opportunities should contact the Athletics department at 217/351-2226.
Admission to all Parkland College sporting events is free to Parkland students, faculty, and staff (Parkland College ID required).
The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) Report is available on the Parkland Data and Reports website.
Intramural Activities
Intramural activities are provided for all Parkland students and staff. Funded and staffed by students, the intramural program offers bowling, volleyball, basketball, running, and other sports, contests, activities, and special events.
Individuals interested in participating in intramurals can obtain information in room P204. For information, call 217/351-2226.
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