Survivor Rights and Options

A student guide to campus support and options
In accordance with the Illinois Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act (ILPSVHE)

Lincoln Land Community College (the “college”) is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and employment environment that is free from sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking (hereinafter collectively referred to as “sexual violence”) and sex discrimination, which includes discrimination and harassment based on sex, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression. (LLCC Board Policy 1.25) 

Individuals who believe they have experienced, witnessed or possess information regarding sexual harassment or sex discrimination have the right to choose whether or not to report the incident. Reports may be made to Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC), law enforcement, or both, in accordance with the College’s comprehensive policy. 

Confidential advisors are available to discuss reporting options, outline potential outcomes, assist with contacting law enforcement and provide guidance on LLCC’s comprehensive policies. 

Complaints — whether submitted anonymously or with identifying information — regarding potential violations of the comprehensive policy may be filed online.

How to file a report 

If you have experienced an incident, you have several options for speaking with someone and/or filing a report. You may choose any option that feels right for you. Using one option does not prevent you from using others. 

1. Speaking with someone 

You can choose to speak with either confidential or non‑confidential resources. 

Confidential support 

Confidential resources are not required to report information to the Title IX Coordinator. These services allow you to receive support and explore your options privately. 

  • Confidential Advisor – Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault (PCASA)
    • 24‑Hour Hotline: 217‑753‑8081
    • Provides emotional support, guidance, and information about reporting options
    • Conversations remain confidential 

Non‑confidential support 

Non‑confidential resources must report incidents to the Title IX Coordinator. 

All LLCC employees are considered Responsible Employees, meaning they are required to report incidents. 

Before sharing details with a responsible employee, please be aware that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed. All employees may be required to share information with appropriate college officials to ensure safety, comply with laws, and provide necessary support. 

2. Filing a report 

If you choose to file a report, you may do so online or in person. 

Online reporting 

In‑person reporting 

Reports may be filed directly with a member of the Title IX Team: 

When a report is made to the College, the survivor has the right to request interim protective measures and accommodations. Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) will support and assist in implementing these measures, which may include: 

  • Adjustments to class schedules, on-campus work assignments, transportation or other arrangements related to academic or employment responsibilities
  • Issuance of a campus no contact order
  • Enforcement of a state-issued order of protection or no contact order within the campus environment 

At the survivor’s request, LLCC will also provide assistance in accessing and navigating campus and community resources, including health and mental health services, counseling, advocacy support and coordination with law enforcement services, counseling, advocacy services and notification of law enforcement. 

3. If You Choose Not to File a Report 

Support is still available even if you decide not to file a formal report. 

Support hotlines 

Summary of LLCC complaint resolution procedures 

When a survivor formally reports a violation of the college’s comprehensive policies, the institution initiates disciplinary and complaint resolution procedures. If the initial assessment indicates that the alleged misconduct falls under LLCC Board Policy 1.25, the resolution processes outlined in that policy will be followed. All other complaints are addressed through the student conduct procedures, which were designed to ensure prompt, fair and impartial investigation and resolution within a reasonable time frame, based on the specifics of each case.

These procedures are not formal legal proceedings and do not follow the procedural rules of civil or criminal courts, such as the rules of evidence. Determinations regarding violations of the LLCC Board Policy 1.25 are made using the preponderance of the evidence standard — meaning it is more likely than not that the violations occurred. 

If someone is accused of breaking LLCC Board Policy 1.25, the Title IX Coordinator or a designated official will send a written notice to everyone involved within ten business days. This notice explains what will happen during the process, including the option to resolve things informally, and gives a summary of the reported incident under Title IX or the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act. The notice also reminds individuals that giving false information on purpose during the process is against the College’s Code of Conduct. 

The individual accused (referred to as respondent) is considered not responsible unless the investigation proves otherwise. The person who reported the incident (referred to as complainant) and the respondent can each choose someone to support them during the process ­— this can be anyone, including a lawyer. both sides can look at all the evidence, even if the College doesn’t plan to use it. 

Once the investigation is complete, if the respondent is found responsible for violating College policy, they will receive a consequence (called a sanction), and a letter will be sent explaining the outcome. If they are not found responsible, a letter will still be sent to confirm that decision. 

At the end of the disciplinary process, both the complainant and the respondent will get a written notice at the same time. This notice will include the final decisions, how to appeal, any changes made before the decision becomes official, and the date it becomes final. 

Both parties have the right to appeal the decision about responsibility or if a formal complaint (or parts of it) was dismissed. Appeals are reviewed by a neutral third party chosen by the College and must be based on specific reasons. These include: 

  • A mistake in the process that affected the outcome
  • New evidence that could change the results
  • Bias or conflict of interest by someone involved in the case
  • A consequence that doesn’t match the seriousness of the violation 

LLCC and community resources