Concerns and Complaints

Student Concerns/Complaints Policy

Students may register complaints/concerns in the area of academic and/or student life. Complaints/concerns should be written and presented according to the following procedure.

Regarding Accredidation Procedure

Formal complaints by students in reference to issues that relate to accreditation standards are the concern of the academic office. The academic office maintains records relating to issues raised by students as well as action taken by the college to resolve those issues. The proper procedure for formal complaints is as follows:

  1. Student's academic advisor
  2. Academic Dean
  3. President
  4. Board of Trustees (at the President's initiative)
  5. Accrediting Association (contact information in College Catalogue)

Regarding Campus Life Procedure

The proper procedure for a student to follow in registering a concern, suggestion, criticism, complaint or conflict is as follows:

  1. If at all possible, the student should talk with the person involved to see if the matter can be resolved.
  2. If the matter is not resolved satisfactorily, the student should go to his Program Advisor for assistance, if the problem is academic. If outside the academic area the student should see his housing representative.
  3. If the student is still not satisfied, a written statement should be given to the Academic Office (with a copy to the President) if the matter deals with a major, course, curriculum, grade(s) or professor. If the matter involves issues outside the classroom, a written statement should be given to the Dean of Institutional Advancement (with a copy to the President). The appropriate office will issue a written response in a timely manner. All written statements need to be addressed in a fair and professional manner.
  4. If the student feels the need to further pursue this matter, he/she may confer personally and at length with the President.

SARA Student Complaint Process

Complaints regarding issues that may involve the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement should go first to the Office of Academic Affairs. If resolution is not achieved at that level, the student should follow the process outlined at the following resource: SARA Student Complaint Process

*Student complaints about grades or student conduct may not be appealed to the SARA State Portal Entity. Complaints about fraud or criminal activity can go to any state Attorney General or the Office of Inspector General or complaint unit of the Dept of Education.