Policies

• The student must submit the complaint in writing by clicking the following link or using the complaint form in the quick link’s section. The student complaint must contain a detailed description of the claim, including dates, times, and full names of all involved, as well as a timeline of the actions taken by both the student and the school to resolve the matter.
• The Division will contact the institution regarding the complaint within 30 days of receipt.
• The institution will have 30 days to provide a written response that may or may not contain a resolution.
• A report or letter will be provided to the institution and student detailing corrective action, if any is necessary, or stating that the school has no violation of private school licensure polices or procedures if no violations are determined.
• If corrective action is needed the institution will have 30 days to comply or develop a plan to comply with the corrective action.
• If the institution does not comply with the corrective action, the institution’s Private School License may be suspended or revoked.

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) processes complaints alleging violations of state institutional authorization law relative to postsecondary institutions or programs in Alaska.  The complaint investigation process is described in AS 14.48.130 and 20 AAC 17.130-145. A student is encouraged to pursue the complaint/grievance process at their institution prior to contacting ACPE.  This process is outlined in the institution's catalog.  To request a complaint form please send an email to: EED.ACPE-IA@alaska.gov.

For questions or assistance relative to complaints please contact:

Kierke Kussart 
Program Coordinator for Institutional Authorization 
907-465-6741
EED.ACPE-IA@alaska.gov

Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education 
PO Box 110505 
Juneau, AK 99811-0505  

The complaint procedure is stated as follows: 

1. If a student has a complaint against a licensed institution or program and exhausts all available grievance procedures established by the institution, the student may file a written complaint with the Board.  A complaint must be filed within three years of the student's last date of attendance. (This is not a requirement for non-students)
2. The Board's staff shall investigate the complaint if the allegations, if true, violated statute of Board rules.  Upon completion of Board staff's investigation, the complaint shall be referred to the Complaint Committee for a review.

Based upon the information provided pursuant to subsection A or B of this section, the Complaint Committee may do any of the following: 

1. Dismiss the complaint if the committee determines that the complaint is without   merit.
2. File a Letter of Concern.
3. Refer the complaint to the full Board for further review and action.

Most consumers receive a quality education and have a generally positive experience from attending an approved private postsecondary educational institution (institution). However, in the event a consumer believes an institution's administrative processes or educational programs are compromised and not up to the required minimum standards, the Bureau should be notified. A complaint may be filed by writing (Complaint Form) or calling the Bureau's Enforcement Section at the following address and telephone number: 

Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education 
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400 
Sacramento, CA 95833 
Telephone: (916) 431-6959 
FAX: (916) 263-1897 

An alternative avenue for filing a Complaint is to utilize the California Department of Consumer Affairs' (DCA) online Complaint Form (Online Complaint Form). The DCA will forward the Online Complaint to the Bureau.

Print and File Complaint Form Online Complaint Form 

WHO MAY FILE A COMPLAINT 

Anyone may file a complaint if they believe an approved institution has violated the laws governing the institution's operation. Complaints are most often received from students, their families, other members of the private postsecondary education industry, law enforcement agencies, and other regulatory agencies. 

How Complaints are Handled 
We will acknowledge receipt of your complaint in writing and review it to see if it falls within our regulatory authority. If it does not, we will so notify you, and may refer it to another agency. If it does fall within our jurisdiction, we will notify both you and the school/college and share a copy of your complaint with the institution with a request for a written response within 20 days regarding the situation and whether appropriate institutional policies, and state statutes and regulations, have been followed.  Depending on the institution's response, we may request more information from the institution or from you.

Complaints Not Covered 
The Office of Higher Education can only act to assure that Connecticut independent colleges and postsecondary career schools, and SARA institutions comply with state statutes and policies that we 
administer.  Complaints regarding other issues should be directed to the entity which specializes in those issues.  For example: 

• For complaints regarding employer-employee matters, contact the Connecticut Department of Labor at (860)263-6000.
• For complaints regarding discrimination, contact the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities at (860)541-3400.
• For complaints regarding disabilities violations, contact Disability Rights Connecticut at (860)297-4300 or (800)842-7303.
• For complaints regarding higher education institutions located in other states, contact the state agency responsible for authorization.
• For complaints from Connecticut students enrolled in out-of-state SARA institutions, contact the SARA Portal Agency in the state where the institution is located once you have exhausted the complaint process at that institution.

Pursuant to DC Official Code §38-1306(c)(4) complaints may be filed with the Higher Education Licensure Commission (HELC, Commission) against postsecondary educational institutions operating in the District of Columbia. Consumers who have experienced a violation of the HELC statute or regulations should complete this form and submit all supporting documents. This form must be signed and dated by the individual making the complaint and should be mailed: 
Office of the State Superintendent of Education 
Higher Education Licensure Commission 
1050 First St. NE, Fifth Floor 
Washington, DC 20002

Complaints are made available to the institution/alleged violator so that they may file a response to the allegations. The HELC cannot respond to anonymous complaints.

Investigation and resolution of complaints take varying amounts of time. Upon completion of an investigation, the complainant will receive notice of any proposed actions. 
Pursuant to DC Official Code §38-1306(c)(4) complaints may be filed with the Higher Education Licensure Commission (HELC, Commission) against postsecondary educational institutions operating in the District of Columbia. 

Consumers who have experienced a violation of the HELC statute or regulations should complete this form and submit all supporting documents. This form must be signed and dated by the individual making the complaint and should be mailed: 
Office of the State Superintendent of Education 
Higher Education Licensure Commission 
1050 First St. NE, Fifth Floor 
Washington, DC 20002

Complaints are made available to the institution/alleged violator so that they may file a response to the allegations. The HELC cannot respond to anonymous complaints.

Investigation and resolution of complaints take varying amounts of time. Upon completion of an investigation, the complainant will receive notice of any proposed actions. 

To file a complaint against a nonpublic postsecondary institution in Florida, please write a letter or send an e-mail containing the following information: 

 Name of Student (or Complainant) 
 Complainant Address 
 Phone Number 
 Name of Institution 
 Location of the Institution (City) 
 Dates of Attendance 
 A full description of the problem and any other documentation that will support your claim such as enrollment agreements, correspondence, etc.

The complaint process of the Commission involves contacting the institution to obtain their response to your complaint.  If you do not want the Commission to contact the institution you are attending, you must state so in your complaint; however, doing so will greatly hinder the Commission's ability to assist you with your complaint.

Send Letter To: 
Commission for Independent Education 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1414 Tallahassee, FL. 32399-0400

Or E-mail: cieinfo@fldoe.org 
Or Fax: 850-245-3238  

Student Concerns

Any student who feels that an institution for which GNPEC is the complaint agent has not adequately addressed a complaint, or who feels that the institution is not in compliance with the Commission's Minimum Standards, may file a formal complaint. In order to be considered, a formal complaint must be submitted in accordance with the Commission's Complaint Procedures by using its online complaint form. The complaint must include documentation of the basis of the complaint and of the final determination from the institution indicating no further institutional review is available. If preliminary findings indicate a violation of GNPEC regulations by the institution or a failure to follow its procedures, the Commission shall attempt to resolve the complaint through mediation.  All parties will be notified in writing of the outcome of the investigation. 

In order to be reviewed by the Commission, the complaint must be filed within 90 calendar days of the final resolution from the institution, and it must include the following:

Basis for any allegation of noncompliance with GNPEC standards or requirements; 
All relevant names and dates and a brief description of the actions forming the basis of the complaint; 
Copies of all documents or materials related to the allegations, including institutional responses documentation and/or analysis; 
Proof of completion of the institutional complaint or grievance process; and Desired resolution.

The Commission will not review a complaint that fails to provide complete information or does not address an issue that can be reviewed.   In no instance will a complaint be accepted for review that has not completed the process published by the institution. 

STEP 1:  
You may file a complaint with HPEAP after you exhaust all administrative remedies available at the institution. Note, however, if your complaint involves a violation of state or federal criminal law, this requirement does not apply.

STEP 2:  
Are you a former student?  If it is still within two years after you discontinued enrollment at the institution, you may file a complaint. If two years has passed, the time within which you could file a complaint has passed.  Note, however, that if your complaint is related to obtaining transcripts, the two-year restriction does not apply.

STEP 3:  
Complete and submit the HPEAP complaint form.  HPEAP may investigate complaints based on possible violations of Act 180, SLH 2013 or any rules promulgated under this Act.  HPEAP does not have jurisdiction to consider complaints that infringe on the academic or religious freedom of or question the curriculum content of an institution.

STEP 4:  
After you complete the HPEAP complaint form, HPEAP determines whether your complaint was properly filed and whether it warrants investigation.  If a complaint warrants investigation, HPEAP forwards the complaint to the institution.  The institution has 30 days to respond in writing to the complaint.  During the 30-day period, the institution, with HPEAP's assistance, may attempt to resolve the complaint with you.  If HPEAP determines at any time that the complaint no longer warrants investigation, HPEAP dismisses the complaint.

STEP 5:  
If a complaint is not resolved within the 30-day period, HPEAP may: 1) dismiss the complaint based on the response of the institution or 2) investigate and, where appropriate, take disciplinary action in a manner consistent with Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 91. 

This form may be used by a student of a private postsecondary educational institution, distance education, or proprietary school located in Idaho to file a complaint against the institution or proprietary school.  Prior to filing a complaint with the Idaho State Board of Education (SBOE), the student must have first exhausted the institution or school's internal complaint resolution process.  If your complaint involves a claim of a deceptive or unfair business practice, please contact the Office of the Idaho Attorney General.  

Legal authority:  Idaho Code, Title 33, Chapter 24 and Idaho Administrative Code of Procedures, 08.01.11.

This form may be submitted by mail or fax to the following address:

Attn: State Coordinator for Private Colleges & Proprietary Schools 
Office of the State Board of Education 
650 W State Street 
PO Box 83720 
Boise, ID 83720-0037 
Fax number:  208-334-2632.  

Please direct questions regarding use of this form to Val Fenske at: valerie.fenske@osbe.idaho.gov, phone:  208-332-1587.   

Step 1: Follow the institution's complaint procedures. 
You must first make all attempts to resolve the matter directly with the institution. Check the institution's website, student handbook, and/or course catalog for information regarding the institution's complaint procedures.

In cases of criminal activity, contact the proper authorities (e.g. campus security or local police) immediately.

Step 2: Prepare to register a formal complaint with IBHE. 
After you have made all attempts to resolve your issue(s) with the institution, IBHE may intercede with the identified institution depending upon pertinent laws governing agency oversight.

Some institutions are under different oversight statutes, thus limiting IBHE's authority to address complaints. 

 Board of Higher Education Act 1961 
 Private College Act 1945 
 Academic Degree Act 1961 
 Private Business and Vocational Schools Act of 2012 

Step 3: Register a complaint using IBHE's Institution Complaint System. You may register a new complaint or update an existing complaint. Providing personal information is voluntary. However, if you wish to remain anonymous, IBHE will not be able to contact you or address your formal complaint. Anonymous complaints will be reviewed, logged, and counted in IBHE reports about institutional complaints. 

STEP 1 
If a student has concerns related to classroom situations or administrative actions, they should contact the faculty or staff member(s) with whom they have a conflict. It may be possible to resolve the concerns without the need for formal institutional action. However, if the student's complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, or if the complaint cannot be resolved by contacting the faculty or staff member(s), the student should proceed to STEP 2.

STEP 2 
The student should file a complaint through their institution of higher education's established complaint process. Information on the process can usually be found in the institution's academic catalog, student handbook or website. If the student is unable to resolve the complaint in this manner, they should proceed to STEP 3.

STEP 3 
After receiving a complaint through our complaint form, Commission staff will review the submitted materials and contact the submitter for any required additional information or clarifications. The Commission will then send a copy of the complaint to the institution against which the complaint has been filed and ask for a response within three weeks. After receiving the college or university's response, Commission staff will determine whether the institution's student complaint process has been followed and exhausted and what additional steps or follow-up may be taken. The Commission will inform both parties involved in the complaint.

If you have additional questions about the complaint process or want to clarify that your individual complaint is reviewable by the Commission, please feel free to contact complaints@che.in.gov. 

Individuals with a complaint about a private or out-of-state school operating in Kansas must use the online submission form provided below and provide the requested information. Failure to do so may result in the Board office being unable to accept or process the complaint.

If the Board office receives the completed complaint form together with any other pertinent written information, Board staff will ordinarily take the following steps: 

• Review the submitted information in order to determine if it is sufficient. If insufficient information has been submitted, the complainant will be so informed and given a deadline for submitting additional necessary information.
• Once sufficient information is provided, the Board office will determine if it has jurisdiction and authority over the matter. If it does not, the complainant will be so informed, and the file closed.
• If the complaint appears to involve matters over which the Board has legal authority, the Board office will conduct an investigation in the manner that it deems appropriate under the circumstances. In most instances the school will be contacted, provided a copy of the written complaint, and given an opportunity to respond to it in writing. In other situations, the Board office may conduct interviews and speak to witnesses including the involved parties.
• Based upon the results of the investigation, the Board office will determine whether the matter has been resolved or requires further action by the Board.
• The matter may also be referred to other governmental agencies that may have authority over aspects of the complaint such as the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General or a District/County Attorney.
• The complainant will be notified of any proposed resolution or final action by the Board office, if doing so will not compromise any further investigation or adjudicative actions and will always be informed when their complaint file is being closed.

The first step for students who wish to file a complaint against a Louisiana institution is to exhaust all of the institution's student complaint or grievance procedures. An institution's student complaint or grievance procedures are typically available in the academic catalog or student handbook on the institution's website.

Once the institution's procedures have been exhausted, if the matter remains unresolved, a complainant should contact their institution's respective system office. To identify your institution's system office, click here.

After making every reasonable effort to resolve the dispute directly with the institution and system office, if a solution cannot be reached, an individual may submit a written complaint to the Board of Regents. BoR staff will review the facts and facilitate in the resolution of the complaint in a manner consistent with its role as the coordinating board. 

After a student submits a complaint to the Board of Higher Education, the complaint is referred to the institution it concerns for explanation, response, and resolution, if possible. The institution generally has 30 days from its receipt of the complaint from the Board to provide a response to the student and the Board. If the forthcoming clarification and response do not satisfy the Board, the matter shall be referred to the Consumer Protection Division and/or the Public Charities Division of the Attorney General's Office.

An institution's own Board of Trustees has the authority and responsibility to establish and enforce policies necessary for the management of the institution. The Board of Higher Education cannot require any institution to take any specific action in a matter and cannot provide students or other complainants with legal advice.  

If the student is unable to resolve the complaint through the institution's complaint process, they can file a complaint with CSCL.  If a student wishes to complete and submit a complaint, they should complete the CSCL complaint form and attach any pertinent additional documentation.

After CSCL receives a completed complaint form, its staff will review the submitted materials and determine if CSCL has authority to investigate. If CSCL needs additional information or clarifications, CSCL will contact the complainant. If CSCL has authority to investigate the complaint, they will forward a copy of the complaint to the institution against which the complaint has been filed and ask for a response within three weeks. After receiving the institutions response, CSCL staff will determine whether the institution's student complaint process has been followed and exhausted and what additional steps or follow-up may need to be taken. The Department will inform both parties involved in the complaint of the outcome of the investigation. 

How to File a Complaint 
If you are unsure about whether you should file a complaint:

Consider contacting us first to discuss your complaint. We can explain the complaint procedures and let you know whether the Office of Higher Education, or another agency, can address your problem.

You must fill out the student complaint form in order for us to address your complaint. 

• Include as much detail as possible, including the exact nature of the complaint, dates of incidents, names of people at the institution that have been involved, who you have worked with in trying to resolve the complaint internally, and copies of any written documentation. Specificity will be critical to our office's investigation.
• Attach documentation to the student complaint form.
• Keep records that provide evidence of the problem and your efforts to solve it through internal processes. Documentation will help you make your case with the institution and help us learn about the issue and investigate.
• Send the student complaint form to the Office of Higher Education.

Our office needs a "wet" signature as the signature on the back is the privacy release that our office needs to speak to the school about your academic file. The complaint form can be digitized (by scanning or taking a photo with a smart phone) and then emailed, mailed, or faxed it to the contact information below:

Registration & Licensing 
Office of Higher Education 
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350 
St. Paul, MN 55108 
651-259-3975 or 1-800-657-3866
secure fax 651-797-1664
betsy.talbot@state.mn.us

If a student has exhausted the avenues provided by the institution and the complaint has not been resolved internally, the student may file a formal complaint with the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation using the MCCA Student Complaint Form within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made.

Upon receiving a student complaint, MCCA will initiate an investigation if the matter being disputed falls within its jurisdiction. If preliminary findings indicate a violation of MCCA regulations by the institution, MCCA shall attempt to resolve the complaint through mediation. All parties will be notified in writing of the outcome of the investigation. If the complaint is outside of MCCA's jurisdiction, it may be directed to another agency that is authorized to address the concerns, if appropriate.

The student may be contacted during the investigation to submit documented evidence of the allegations against the institution. Students should not submit original documents, as they may not be returned. 

Individuals with complaints regarding institutions that are operating in Montana, but are not part of the Montana University System, have the following options: 

• Utilize the internal complaint processes of the applicable institution.
• Complaints concerning consumer protection violations should be directed to the Montana Department of Justice Office of Consumer Protection.
• Complaints concerning proper licensure under Montana law (see Board of Regents' Policy 221), including, if applicable, complaints related to State

Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Standards, may be directed to the Montana University System Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, 560 N. Park Avenue, PO Box 203201, Helena, Montana 59620-3201, 406-449-9124. 

• Complaints concerning broad institutional academic practices, such as those that raise issues regarding the institution's ability to meet accreditation standards may be directed to the applicable institution's accrediting agency.

1. Any person claiming damage or loss as a result of any act or practice by a postsecondary institution which is a violation of the Postsecondary Institution Act, of the rules and regulations adopted and promulgated under the act, or of standards established pursuant to section 85-2406 may file with the commission a complaint against such institution. The complaint shall set forth the alleged violation and shall contain such other information as may be required by the commission. A complaint may also be filed with the commission by the executive director or the Attorney General. 
2. If efforts by the commission to resolve the complaint are not successful and if the commission deems it appropriate, the commission may hold a hearing on such complaint after ten days' written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to such institution, giving notice of a time and place for the hearing on such complaint. Such hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. If, upon all evidence at the hearing, the commission finds that a postsecondary institution has engaged in or is engaging in any act or practice which violates the Postsecondary Institution Act, the rules and regulations adopted and promulgated under the act, or the standards established pursuant to section 85-2406, the commission shall issue and cause to be served upon such institution an order requiring such institution to cease and desist from such act or practice. The commission may also, as appropriate, based on its own investigation or the evidence adduced at such hearing or both, commence an action:
   1. To revoke an institution's recurrent authorization to operate; or
   2. To refer the complaint and all related evidence to the Attorney General.

Students enrolled in a licensed private postsecondary educational institution have the right to register a legitimate complaint with CPE.

Prior to filing a complaint, the student must attempt to resolve the issue with school officials according to the policies of the school.  If a student is unable to reach a solution, the student can contact CPE and we will attempt to resolve the issue.  

If a resolution cannot be reached or the student is no longer in attendance, the student can complete a formal complaint form.  Formal complaints are investigated by staff with a decision by the Administrator.  If either party does not agree with that decision, an appeal to the full Commission may be requested within 10 days of the Administrator decision.  

Students must provide CPE with a copy of the student enrollment agreement, receipt of monies paid, all support documentation related to the allegation and a written statement.  Failure to provide support documentation can impact the length of time to complete an investigation or impact the final outcome. CPE will not communicate with a student concerning the investigation until the investigation is concluded unless the agency requires additional information from the student.  

Investigations may take several months to complete based the complexity of issues, staff resources and documentation review. 

Before students submit a complaint to this Division, they must first contact the appropriate official(s) at the institution they are attending (or attended), and follow the grievance procedures outlined in that institution's catalog and Web site.

Complete the complaint form at bottom of this page if you have: 

• A complaint regarding a NH degree-granting private institution.
• A complaint regarding a NH non-degree granting career school (Learn more about the Division's career school policies).
• A complaint regarding Dartmouth College, a NH public community college or a NH public university or college (all complaints against these institutions will be reviewed and referred to the proper authorities). Note: these institutions are typically exempt from regulatory oversight of the Division, and as a result complaints received by the Division regarding these institutions will almost always be referred directly to the governing board of the subject institution. Exceptions include complaints from online, out-of-state students and complaints from students that have served, or are serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• A complaint regarding a distance or online education program offered by a NH-based, degree-granting institution and you are an out-of-state student: Note: These complaints fall under NH's participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
• A complaint regarding a NH-based institution and you have served, or are serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces (Learn more about the Division's Veterans Education Services).

Step 1. 
Have you filed a complaint at your institution?  If yes, proceed to the next st ep.  If no, please refer to your institution’s student complaint process.  You must exhaust all opportunities for resolution with the appropriate persons at your institution before filing a complaint with the University of North Carolina General Administration.

Step 2. 
Using the student complaint form (available online), submit all relevant information and supporting documentation regarding your complaint to the University of North Carolina General Administration, 910 Raleigh Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27515 or email your complaint to:  studentcomplaint@northcarolina.edu.

Step 3. 
Once received by the UNC General Administration office, 
complaints will be forwarded to the appropriate staff or agency for investigation as follows:  

1. Complaints against any of the 17 UNC constituent institutions will be forwarded to the Office of Student Affairs at UNC General Administration
2. Complaints against any of the 58 state community colleges will  be forwarded to  the North Carolina Community College System
3. Complaints against any of the 36 independent colleges and  universities will be forwarded to the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities
4. Complaints against any licensed North Carolina institution will be forwarded to the Licensure Division of UNC General  Administration
5. Complaints against out-of-state institutions authorized to operate in the state of North Carolina will be forwarded to the Licensure Division of UNC General Administration

Step 4.  
Students will be notified of the investigation results and/or resolution of the complaint. 

Complaints to the North Dakota University System (NDUS) office regarding North Dakota degree-granting post-secondary institutions authorized or exempted in NDCC and those participating in the National State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).

The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has delegated to NDUS college and university officials authority and responsibility to resolve student and other complaints. Absent applicable law or policy establishing another remedy, the first step in resolving student or other complaints or grievances is to attempt to resolve the matter directly with the administration of the involved institution under established institution complaint or grievance procedures. Every North Dakota institution (private, for-profit, and public) is required to establish, publish, and enforce policies related to redress of complaints and grievances. With limited exceptions, a student or other person who contacts the NDUS office regarding complaints regarding exempted or authorized North Dakota institutions or those participating in the SARA will be referred to college or university officials responsible for resolving those matters. In the event that institutional processes do not result in a successful resolution of a complaint, NDUS is responsible for final resolution of any such complaints originating at any authorized, exempted, or SARA participant institution, public or private. Conversely, if you are a North Dakota resident attending a distance education program at a SARA institution in another state, you will need to begin the complaint process at the institution you attend. In the event that institutional processes do not result in a successful resolution of your complaint, the SARA Portal Agency of that state is responsible for final resolution of the complaint. 

STEP 1 - If a student has concerns related to classroom situations or administrative actions, they should contact the faculty or staff member(s) with whom there has been a conflict. It may be possible to resolve the concerns without the need for formal institutional action. However, if the student's complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, or if the complaint cannot be resolved by contacting the faculty or staff member(s), the student should proceed to STEP 2.

STEP 2 - The student should file a complaint through the institution of higher education's established complaint process. Information on the process can usually be found in the institution's academic catalog, student handbook or website. If the student is unable to resolve the complaint in this manner, the student should contact the Ohio Department of Higher Education using the online complaint form found below. Please note that the complaint must be received within two years of the completion of the institution's complaint process.

STEP 3 - After receiving a complaint through the ODHE complaint form, the Chancellor's staff will review the submitted materials. If needed, the ODHE will contact the person submitting the complaint for any required additional information or clarifications. The Ohio Department of Higher Education will then send a copy of the complaint to the institution against which the complaint has been filed and ask for a response within three weeks. After receiving the college or university's response, the Chancellor's staff will determine whether the institution's student complaint process has been followed and exhausted and what additional steps or follow-up, if any, will be taken. The Chancellor's staff will inform both parties involved in the complaint of the outcome of our review in writing. Depending on the complexity of the complaint, most follow-up contact regarding the complaint will be completed within 4 to 6 weeks. 

This complaint form applies to the following: 

•    A student who attends a degree-granting institution that has a physical presence in the state of Oklahoma and/or

•    A student who attends an institution that 1) has its principal or campus or central administrative unit domiciled in Oklahoma and 2) is participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).*

 If the student pursues the complaint via the institution's formal procedures for complaints to the highest level possible and still perceives the concerns have not been adequately addressed, the student may file a complaint against a higher education institution in Oklahoma with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE).

Complaints must be submitted on the official student complaint form. OSRHE staff request permission to contact the institution on the student's behalf to identify any possible resolution. 

All degree-granting private postsecondary institutions offering academic programs in Oregon, or to Oregon students from outside the state, must be approved by the HECC Office of Academic Policy and Authorization, Office of Degree Authorization (ODA).

If you wish to submit a complaint about a school authorized/regulated by the Office of Degree Authorization 

If a student believes that the issue was not resolved by the university, the student may file a complaint with the State System's Office of the Chancellor. 

1. All complaints must be submitted by the student using the System's official complaint form, available here, and as attached.
2. The completed form must be signed by the student and mailed or emailed to Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education, Academic and Student Affairs Division, Office of the Chancellor, 2986 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 1711O; 717- 720-4200; studentcomplaints@passhe.edu.
3. The complaint must identify specific fundamental elements, policies, or procedures that have been allegedly violated. The complainant should identify all steps already taken to resolve the complaint within the process provided for by the university.
4. Complaints may be assigned to a staff member for substantive review. The State System recognizes the importance of resolution of complaints as promptly as is feasible, consistent with fairness to the complainant and the university.

The United States Department of Education Regulation 34 CFR 600.9, the "Program Integrity Rule," as part of its state authorization provisions, requires states to provide a process for students to file complaints relating to programs offered by postsecondary educational institutions authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The specific types of complaints covered by these regulations are:  

Allegations of state consumer protection violations, including, but not limited to fraud and false advertising;  
Allegations that state laws or rules addressing the licensure of postsecondary institutions have been violated; and 
Allegations regarding the quality of education or other accreditation requirements.

If your complaint regards other matters, you are encouraged to seek resolution from that institution first through the institution's internal complaint procedure. In accordance with the Council on Postsecondary Education's Student Complaint Procedure (S-16, section I), if the institution's internal procedure fails to resolve the complaint, the Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner will then refer the student and/or third-party individuals with complaints related to federal or state laws or regulations to the appropriate federal or state agency. In addition, students or other individuals with complaints involving an allegation of criminal and/or illegal activity will be referred to their campus police department, their local police department, or the Rhode Island State Police. Complaints involving allegations of discrimination will be referred to the institution's Affirmative Action Office and/or Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights (or the applicable federal EEOC office).

If your complaint deals with an online course or program, the Office can help you seek resolution pursuant to the Council on Postsecondary Education's Student Complaint Procedure (S-16, section II). 

RI Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner 

Step 1 - If a student has concerns related to classroom situations or administrative actions, they should contact the faculty or staff member(s) with whom they have a conflict. It may be possible to resolve the concerns without the need for formal institutional action. However, if the student's complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, or if the complaint cannot be resolved by contacting the faculty or staff member(s), the student should proceed to Step 2.

Step 2 - The student should file a complaint through the institution's complaint process. Information about the process can usually be found in the institution's academic catalog, student handbook, or website. Many institutions have an ombudsman to mediate on behalf of the student.  If the student is still unable to resolve the complaint, the student should proceed to Step 3 

Step 3 - Investigate to where assistance may be available from other entities.  

Step 4 - If the complaint cannot be resolved through the above channels, the student may file a complaint with the Commission. Complete and submit the Commission's complaint form Mail the complaint and required documentation to:

SC Commission on Higher Education 
Academic Affairs 
Attn: Student Complaint 
1122 Lady Street, Suite 400 
Columbia, SC 29201 
or   
E-mail:
submitcomplaint@che.sc.gov

13-48-40.   Complaints--Enforcement by attorney general. The Office of Attorney General, Division of Consumer Protection, shall review and act on any complaint, as the term is defined by § 13-48-34, concerning postsecondary institutions providing educational programs at physical locations in the state, including, as necessary, requiring a postsecondary institution to cease its operations in the state. If a complaint relates to a postsecondary institution controlled by the Board of Regents, the attorney general shall refer the matter to the Board of Regents. If a complaint relates to a postsecondary institution with oversight by the South Dakota Board of Technical Education, the attorney general shall refer the matter to the South Dakota Board of Technical Education. In all other cases, the attorney general shall refer the complaint to the institution and provide the institution with no less than thirty days to respond to the matters set forth in the complaint, including an opportunity to demonstrate any actions the institution has taken or plans to take in response to the complaint, and to consider whether the complainant has exhausted all available administrative remedies within the institution's policies and procedures. In administering the requirements of this section, the attorney general may refer a complaint to an institution's accrediting agency for review and investigation, with the accrediting agency providing a report of the agency's investigation to the attorney general for further disposition. In enforcing this chapter, the attorney general has all the enforcement powers, authorities, and remedies provided by chapter 37-24.

Source: SL 2012, ch 100, § 7; SL 2018, ch 9, § 4. 

A formal complaint is one that is (1) submitted in writing using the SACSCOC “Complaint Form” (appended to the end of this document), (2) signed by the person submitting the complaint (complainant), (3) two print copies of the form and any supporting documentation, and (4) sent via ground mail to:

President 

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 

1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097 

The first step for current, former, or prospective students who would like to file a formal complaint against a Texas higher education institution is to exhaust all of the institution's student complaint or grievance procedures as required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Section 1.116(b).

After all of the institution's student complaint or grievance procedures have been exhausted, if the matter remains unresolved, a formal complaint may be filed with the THECB.

Before initiating an investigation, the THECB must receive the following: 

• Fully completed and signed THECB Student Complaint and Authorization Forms [PDF] - (Complaints from students with disabilities must also include an Authorization to Disclose Medical Record Information Form [PDF] if the complaint in any way involves alleged discriminatory treatment as a result of the disabilities);
• Documentation of the student's completion of the institution's complaint or grievance procedures, including the ultimate outcome of the procedures; and
• Evidence to support the complaint, such as copies of correspondence, enrollment agreements, course catalog information, and any other information believed to be relevant to the matter of the complaint.

The required documentation may be submitted to the THECB in one of the following three ways: 

• Completing the online student complaint form and uploading the required supporting documentation in Portable Document Format (PDF). To access the online student complaint form, submit an email to the THECB through the "Inquiries" link with "Student Complaint against a Higher Education Institution" selected as the Contact Reason. A few moments after the email is submitted, the online student complaint form will be presented for use.
• Submitting the required student complaint forms and documentation by email to studentcomplaints@thecb.state.tx.us. Email attachments should be submitted as PDF documents. or
• Mailing the required student complaint forms and documentation to Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Office of General Counsel, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711-2788.

Complaints are formal expressions of concern regarding an institution's compliance with the Standards for Accreditation. Complaints meeting seven criteria may be accepted by NEASC:  

1. Focus on general institutional conditions, not individual grievances
2. Cite specific Standards or Criteria that may be violated and provide substantial evidence of such violation. Such evidence should state relevant and provable facts beyond general allegations.
3. Demonstrate that a serious effort has been made to pursue grievance or complaint procedures provided within the institution.
4. Be submitted through the U.S. Mail or by common carrier on the Commission's Complaint Form, signed, and include permission for the form and related materials to be forwarded to the institution. The Commission does not accept anonymous complaints.
5. Include full disclosure about any other external channels the complainant is pursuing to resolve the complaint, including legal action.
6. Be submitted in a timely manner and refer to current or recent matters at the institution.  Except in extraordinary circumstances, the Commission will not consider complaints if the conditions alleged occurred more than three years prior to the filing of the complaint.
7. Include a summary of the resolution the complainant is seeking.

In accordance with § VAC 40-31-100 of the Virginia Administrative Code, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) is responsible for investigating all written and signed student complaints against postsecondary educational institutions operating in Virginia.

In order for SCHEV to initiate an investigation, the following must be true: 

• The student has exhausted all available grievance procedures established by the institution.
• The student is not satisfied with the resolution provided by the institution and is contacting SCHEV as a last resort in the grievance process. 
• The student has submitted the complaint to SCHEV electronically using the "Student Complaint Form" (below). The student's complaint must contain a detailed description of the claim, including dates, times, and full names of all involved, as well as the actions taken by both the student and the school to resolve the matter.
• The student has electronically signed the form attesting to the truth and accuracy of the complaint.
• The student recognizes that SCHEV will not investigate anonymous complaints.  By signing the form, the student acknowledges that SCHEV may share the information provided with the school or other relevant organizations, in order to help resolve the dispute. SCHEV does not guarantee a resolution resulting from this submission or its investigation into the allegation. 

Upon receiving a student complaint, SCHEV will open an investigation if the matter being disputed falls within its jurisdiction. If preliminary findings indicate a violation of SCHEV regulations by the institution, SCHEV shall attempt to resolve the complaint through mediation. All parties will be notified in writing of the outcome of the investigation.  If the complaint is outside of SCHEV's jurisdiction, it may be directed to the institution's Board of Visitors, accrediting body, or to another agency that is authorized to address the concerns, if appropriate.

The student may be contacted during the investigation to submit documented evidence of the allegations against the institution, which may include copies of enrollment agreement, contracts, syllabi, receipts, financial aid notices, promissory notes, or relevant correspondences from the institution related to the complaint. Students should not submit original documents, as they may not be returned.

Students are reminded that they always have the right to seek advice from a private attorney. Students should be aware that submission of a complaint will be recorded and may be used for statistical reporting or other purposes. 

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has the authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC does not have complaint investigation authority over all schools and may not be able to investigate all student complaints.

Before submitting a complaint form, please note the following: 

• If a complaint is within WSAC's jurisdiction, a student must provide documentation that they have completed the school's complaint process - including any provisions for appeals.
• WSAC cannot investigate complaints regarding grades, disciplinary actions, or conduct unless a student can provide evidence that the school has not followed published procedures or policies.
• WSAC will not accept anonymous complaints or complaints that are currently in litigation.

In order for Council/Commission  to initiate an investigation, the following must be true: 

• The student must have exhausted all available grievance procedures established by the institution of higher education.
• The student must complete the “Student Complaint Form" and submit the form to the Council/Commission.
• The  student's  complaint  must  contain  a  detailed  description  of  the  claim, including
• dates,  times  and  full  names  of  all  involved,  as  well as  the  actions  taken  by  both  the student and the institution to attempt to resolve the matter.
• The Student Complaint Form must be signed, attesting to the truth and accuracy of the complaint, and notarized, verifying the identity of the individual filing the complaint.
• The  student  must  sign  and  submit  the  Family  Educational Rights  and  Privacy  Act  (FERPA) Consent and Release Form
• The student must understand that the Council/Commission will not investigate anonymous complaints.

By signing and submitting the Student Complaint Form, the student acknowledges that the Council/Commission 
may  share  the  information  provided with the school, other  relevant organizations, and  individuals,  in  order  to  help  resolve  the matter  in  dispute.    

The Council/Commission does  not  guarantee  a  student 

• acceptable remedy or resolution resulting from this submission or its investigation into the allegation.
• The  student  understands  and  agrees  that  the  decision  rendere d  by  the  Chancellor of  the Council/Commission is final.

Before filing a complaint with the EAP, state law requires students to try to resolve the matter with the school. Every EAP approved school has a process to resolve student complaints. If the matter is not resolved, a complaint may be filed with the EAP using the Student Complaint Form.

Complaints must be filed within one year after the student's last recorded date of attendance. Upon receiving a complaint, it will be investigated by the EAP. If there is a finding of a violation by a school, the EAP will attempt, through mediation, to resolve the complaint. If an agreement cannot be reached with the school, the EAP may dismiss the complaint or conduct a hearing. This student complaint flowchart provides a visual overview of the process.

Please note that under Wisconsin's Open Records Law (Wis. Stats., Ch. 19), complaints will generally be available for review on request from a member of the public after the EAP has acted. Please contact the EAP at (608) 266-1996 with questions about the complaint process. 

A student MUST first exhaust the complaint/grievance procedures established by the institution. 

1. Quality of education pertains to an institution's: 1) courses and programs that require levels of student performance appropriate to a degree or certificate; 2) faculty and staff associated with the degrees and certificates it offers, as well as student services; and 3)    the process is designed to promote continuous improvement.
2. Complaints related to quality of education should be submitted to the Private School Licensing Program in the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE)