University of St. Francis
Student Complaint Process
Academic Issues
Students with grievances that involve academic issues should file those grievances according to the
"Grievance Procedure: Grading and other course matters" described in the University Catalog. This is
initiated with a Documentation of Formal Grievance form secured from the Registrar's Office within 10
work days of contested occurrence or receipt of grade report. This form can be found at:
https://myusf.stfrancis.edu/portal/secure/content/29700.
Nonacademic Issues Process
The purpose of this process is to provide guidelines which promote constructive dialogue, understanding,
and resolution of student complaints and concerns. A complaint expresses dissatisfaction with the
performance or action of a University student, employee or process which the student believes to be
unfair or inconsistent with University policy or usual practices.
Any student who believes that the policy on Equal Opportunity, Harassment and Nondiscrimination has
been violated should contact the Title IX Coordinator or deputies. It is also possible for students to notify
an administrative advisor or faculty member, or any member of the community may contact Campus
Safety and Security. These individuals will in turn notify the Title IX Coordinator. The University
website also includes a reporting form at
https://publicdocs.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofStFrancis&layout_id=2 which may serve to
initiate a complaint.
If a student has a complaint about USF’s accommodations for disabilities, the Disability Coordinator and
Learning Specialist in the Academic Resource Center of the Library has been designated as the ADA/504
Coordinator responsible for coordinating efforts to comply with these disability laws, including
investigation of any complaint alleging noncompliance.
Students are encouraged to take complaints about a person or office directly to the person against whom
the complaint is directed. However, not all complaints can be resolved one on one. Therefore, the
university has created an online process by which a student can file an official complaint
(https://publicdocs.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofStFrancis&layout_id=10). Complaints
submitted on this form will be directed to the person who can most appropriately address the complaint.
Students will be notified of the actions taken regarding the complaint.
Procedures
1. The complaint must be filed in a timely fashion, usually within 90 days of the occurrence of the
action that led to the complaint.
2. The student will be notified of the actions taken to address the complaint.
Resolution
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1. All attempts at resolution will be made by the office or person directly related to the complaint.
2. If there is no resolution, the complaint will be sent to administrator overseeing the department
with the complaint for possible mediation should both parties agree to it.
3. If a mediation is completed, a written response from the administrator overseeing the department
with the complaint will be provided to the complainant within 10 days of the receipt of the
complaint.
If an on campus student does not feel that their complaint has been resolved they can contact the Illinois
State Board of Higher Education: http://www.ibhe.org/. On this page is “File a Complaint Online”.
If an online student does not feel the complaint has been resolved, they may take the complaint a step
further to their state higher education department. The State Complaint Process is a compilation of all the
complaint process web links and/or explanation of the process for the 68 agencies within the US
(including Puerto Rico and Washington, DC).
If a student has exhausted all of the University of St. Francis options and their state options for handling
complaints, the student may contact our accreditation organization: the Higher Learning Commission, 30
N. LaSalle St, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (800) 621-7440 FREE; (312) 263-0456; Fax: (312)
263-7462
Off Campus State Complaint Process
If an online student does not feel the complaint has been resolved using the USF complaint policy, they
may take the complaint a step further to their state higher education department. The State Complaint
Process is a compilation of all the complaint process web links and/or explanation of the process for the
68 agencies within the US (including Puerto Rico and Washington, DC).
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ALABAMA
Complaint Process: Each school or course/program domiciled outside the State of Alabama shall
designate a registered state agent who is a resident of Alabama to service all complaints against the
school. For the University of St. Francis, the state agent is Mr. Maurice Gandy of Mobile AL who can be
reached at Mgandy1110@aol.com. In the event that he cannot be reached, contact Janine Hicks at
jhicks@stfrancis.edu.
Alabama Community College System Complaint Form:
http://www.accs.cc/newlicense/Complaints.aspx
ALASKA
Complaint Process: 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. Students are encouraged to pursue the complaint process at the University of St. Francis prior
to contacting ACPE. If the USF grievance process does not result in a resolution, the student may appeal.
Students would have the availability of appeal to the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education,
PO Box 110505, Juneau, AK 99811-0505.
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To request a complaint form, please send an email to: EED.ACPE‐IA@alaska.gov For questions or
assistance relative to complaints, please contact the Program Coordinator for Institutional Authorization
(907‐465‐6741) or at EED.ACPE‐ IA@alaska.gov. Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education;
P.O. Box 110505; Juneau, AK 99811‐0505.
ARIZONA
Complaint Process: In accordance with State law, the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary
Education ("Board") is responsible for investigating student complaints against educational institutions
licensed by this Board. Pursuant to Arizona Administrative Code Rule R4-39-403, the complaint
procedure is stated as follows:
Any complaints regarding the University of St. Francis should follow the procedure at the beginning of
this document. If the complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s grievance procedure,
the student may file a complaint with the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. The
student must contact the State Board for further details. The State Board address is 1400 W. Washington
Street, Room 260, Phoenix, AZ 85007, phone number: 602-542-5709, website address: www.ppse.az.gov
Student Complaint Form
ARKANSAS
Program Availability in your State:
Currently, there are no programs available in your state.
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CALIFORNIA
Complaint Process: To file a complaint against a private postsecondary institution subject to the laws of
the Postsecondary Education Act: http://www.bppe.ca.gov/enforcement/complaint.shtml
COLORADO
Complaint Process: Before submitting a complaint with Colorado’s Department of Higher Education
(DHE), you must exhaust opportunities with the University of St. Francis. If the institutional procedure
has been utilized with no resolution, visit the Colorado DH website to determine your next step in
reporting a complaint/grievance to the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
http://highered.colorado.gov/Academics/Complaints/default.html
CONNECTICUT
Complaint Process: Before contacting the Office of Higher Education, you must first exhaust the
school’s internal grievance or complaint procedures. These policies are usually published in the
institution’s catalog, student handbook and/or posted on the institution’s website.
Once you have pursued your concerns using the institution’s dispute resolution procedures, and have not
reached a mutually agreeable resolution, you may proceed with filing a formal complaint with the Office
of Higher Education. To do so, contact the Education & Employment Information Center at (800)8420229 or edinfo@ctohe.org and ask for a complaint form which must be completed and sent to our
agency. http://www.ctohe.org/StudentComplaints.shtml
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DELAWARE
Complaint Process: Link not found for complaint process. General link: http://www.doe.k12.de.us/ .
The Delaware Department of Education will investigate complaints. Such complaints must be in writing
and verified by the signature of the person making the complaint. Oral, anonymous or unsigned
complaints will not be investigated. Until the web site is functional, please write or call for more
information. The Delaware Department of Education; Teacher and Administrator Quality; John W.
Collette Resource Center; 35 Commerce Way; Dover, DE 19904. The Delaware Department of Education
phone number is 302‐857‐3388.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Complaint Process: The commission investigates and processes complaints against institutions.
Investigation and resolution of complaints take varying amounts of time. If the Education Licensure
Commission (ELC) takes formal disciplinary action. If the ELC closes your complaint with a finding that
there has been no violation committed, the ELC will notify you of such in writing. Complaints to the ELC
made on this form must be signed and dated by the individual making the complaint.
Complaints are made available to the institution or facility so that he/she may file a response to the
allegations with the ELC. The ELC will not accept any anonymous complaints
Use the following form and procedures to file a public complaint - Public Complaint Form
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Download and print the form.
Fill out the appropriate information.
Sign and date the form at the bottom.
Mail or hand deliver the form to:
Education Licensure Commission
810 First Street, NE, 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20002
202-727-6436 (Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm)
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FLORIDA
Complaint Process: To file a complaint against a nonpublic postsecondary institution in Florida, please
write a letter or send an e-mail containing the following information:
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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.
Send Letter To:
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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
Note: Documents received in this office are considered public record. Confidentiality cannot be
guaranteed. This office cannot give legal advice to any individual or take any legal action on
behalf of any individual. We will investigate your complaint to see what assistance, if any, we
may be able to offer.
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GEORGIA
Complaint Process: Any person/student claiming damage or loss against an institution subject to the
regulation of Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (located at www.gnpec.org) may
file a verified complaint with the executive director after going through the complaint process published
by the institution. The Complaint must contain a detailed description of the claim, including dates, times,
and full names of all involved. Verification means that the complaint must be signed by the
student/person filing the complaint and notarized and states that the matters set forth in the complaint are
true and correct. http://rules.sos.state.ga.us/docs/392/5/06.pdf
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HAWAII
Complaint Process: The Hawaii Postsecondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP) complaint
process http://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/student-complaint-process/:
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 twoyear 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.
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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. Student Complaint Form
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IDAHO
Complaint Process: Complaints about institutions with “No physical presence” in Idaho should/will be
referred to the state authority in the state where the institution is based.
http://www.boardofed.idaho.gov/priv_col_univ/student_complaint.asp
ILLINOIS
Complaint Process: The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) procedure for filing complaints
about a college or university are: It may be that there is an Ombudsman at the institution who hears both
sides of a dispute and attempts to resolve it. If there isn’t an Ombudsman, most colleges and universities
have a Dean or Office of Student Affairs that assists students with a wide variety of services.
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If the concern has to do with financial aid or tuition and fees, you should go directly to the
financial aid or business office of the institution you attend.
If it is a grade dispute, you should try to resolve it with your professor, the chairperson of the
department, the dean of the college where you are enrolled, or the vice president for academic
affairs, in that order.
If the concern involves the behavior of an individual student or professor, you should address this
concern with that person first. If this is not feasible, you may choose to discuss your concern
confidentially with your academic advisor or with the office of student services.
http://www.ibhe.state.il.us/consumerinfo/complaint.htm
INDIANA
Complaint Process: The Commission for Higher Education is responsible for responding to formal
complaints against public, independent non-profit and proprietary institutions of higher education in
Indiana. While the Commission has limited authority over colleges and universities, and cannot offer
legal advice or initiate civil court cases, Commission staff will review submitted complaints and work
with student complainants and institutions. http://www.in.gov/che/2744.htm
Student Complaint Form
IOWA
Complaint Process: In an effort to assist Iowa's students and families in their pursuit of continued
education, the Iowa College Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid) has created this form to document
concerns, questions and complaints related to postsecondary educational institutions. Iowa College Aid
will review submitted forms and determine the appropriate course of action. Actions may include, but are
not limited to: contacting the constituent, contacting the institution in question and/or referral to another
agency. In all cases, the constituent will receive written response to his or her request and the request
from will be retained for Iowa College Aid's records.
http://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/constituentrequest.asp
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K
KANSAS
Complaint Process: It is the mutual goal of the Kansas Board of Regents and the certified institutions
to provide quality educational training and programs. When problems arise, students should make every
attempt to find a fair and reasonable solution by taking the following steps:
1. Discuss the problem thoroughly with the teacher. (If there is no resolution continue to Step
2)
2. Discuss the problem with the manager or director of the school. (If there is no resolution
continue to Step 2)
3. Discuss the problem with the owner of the school. Unless the complaint involves a violation
of a state law that KBOR (Kansas board of Regents) is authorized to enforce, KBOR cannot
intervene or direct the school to change its decision.
http://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/27712014_Private_complaintprocedureandform.pdf
KENTUCKY
Complaint Process: A person with a complaint or grievance involving misrepresentation against a
college licensed under this administrative regulation shall make a reasonable effort to resolve the
complaint or grievance directly with the college. If a mutually satisfactory solution cannot be reached,
the procedures established in this section shall be followed.
http://cpe.ky.gov/policies/academicpolicies/faqs-students.htm
1. A person shall submit a written complaint to the president which contains evidence relevant to
the complaint and documentation that a reasonable effort was made to resolve the complaint
directly with the college.
2. The president shall require an institution to file a written response setting forth the relevant facts
concerning the consumer complaint, including a statement on the current status of the complaint,
and any resolution of the complaint.
3. The president shall review the facts as presented and may intervene to bring the matter to a
satisfactory conclusion through facilitation, but the facilitation shall not include legal action on
behalf of any party.
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LOUISIANA
Complaint Process: Click on the link below for the Student Complaint Procedure for the State of
Louisiana Board of Regents:
http://regents.louisiana.gov/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/StudentComplaintProcedure.pdf
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MAINE
Complaint Process: A dispute resolution request form is available from the Department and on its
website at: www.maine.gov/education/speced/dueprocess/documents. Individuals filing complaints are
encouraged to use the dispute resolution request form to ensure that necessary information for
processing
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a complaint is submitted. In addition to the complaint process, complainants may wish to indicate on the
form a willingness to participate in mediation as another option available for the resolution of disputes.
If,
however, a complaint involves general, systemic allegations, whether or not accompanied by allegations
concerning a specific family and/or student, the complainant may not resolve those systemic allegations
through mediation. The Department has formulated a specific policy and procedure, including a separate
form, for systemic complaints, available on the Department’s website at:
www.maine.gov/education/speced/dueprocess/documents/systemic_complaint_policy.doc .
Complaints may be submitted to:
Due Process Office
Maine Department of Education
Special Services Team
23 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0023
Fax: (207) 624-6641
http://www.maine.gov/doe/specialed/forms/disputeres-req.pdf
MARYLAND
Complaint Process: A student must first exhaust the complaint/grievance procedures established by the
institution. Maryland Higher Education Commission - Individuals who wish to submit a complaint may
use the following contact information:
Academic Affairs – Student Complaints
Maryland Higher Education Commission
6 N. Liberty Street, 10th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21207
acadprop@mhec.state.md.us;
Student Complaint Process [pdf]
MASSACHUSETTS
The Board of Higher Education receives and refers complaints/inquiries to the specific college for
clarification and response. It is the college's Board of Trustees which has responsibilities for
establishing and enforcing policies necessary for the management of the institution under its authority.
http://www.mass.edu/forstufam/complaints/complaintform.asp
To submit a complaint, complete the complaint form.
MICHIGAN
Complaint Process: All complaints and inquiries should be submitted using our Michigan On-line
Consumer Complaint Form. When you submit the form you will immediately be informed of your
Web File Number. Make a record of this number. To file a written complaint by mail or fax go to:
Consumer Complaint/Inquiry Form (printed)
MINNESOTA
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Complaint Process: When a complaint may be filed with the Office of Higher Education The following points can help you decide if a complaint might be appropriate for your
situation:
Before contacting the Office of Higher Education, you should first bring the problem to the
institution's attention. Many issues can be handled quickly and informally once the institution is aware
of your concern. For more serious problems, you should follow the institution's formal complaint
procedures. If you call us before you have pursued all internal options, we will discuss them with you
and defer taking your complaint until you are sure that the institution will not respond adequately.
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, if an Office of Higher
Education complaint becomes necessary, help us learn about the issue and investigate.
If, after exhausting internal grievance procedures, the school or college has not responded to
your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with:
Registration & Licensing
Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108
651-259-3975 or 1-800-657-3866
info@ohe.state.mn.us
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.
To initiate action by the Office of Higher Education, make a written complaint. There is a specific form to
use. We will provide the form upon request. 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 in trying to
resolve the complaint internally, and copies of any written documentation.
We prefer that you give your name, address, telephone number, and email address on the written
complaint. Our ability to take action is restricted if you file an anonymous complaint.
Complaints must be submitted to the office within six (6) months of the alleged violation. If you did not
discover the violation on the day it happened, the six months' limitation period begins on the date of the
discovery of the alleged violation.
A copy of your complaint will be shared with the institution unless you specifically request that we do not
share it.
Please click http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=1078 to see How Complaints are handled.
MISSISSIPPI
Complaint Process: In order for the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation (MCCA)
to facilitate an investigation of a complaint, the following must be true:
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1. The student followed the institution’s published grievance policy in an attempt to resolve
the dispute.
2. The student did not receive a satisfactory resolution and is contacting MCCA as a last
resort in the grievance process.
3. The student has submitted the complaint to MCCA in writing using the Student Complaint
Form.
4. The student has signed the form attesting to the truth and accuracy of the complaint.
5. The student must submit evidence to support the allegation against the institution. Please
do not submit original documents as they may not be returned.
6. The student recognizes that MCCA will not investigate anonymous complaints. By signing
the form, the student acknowledges that MCCA will share the information provided with
the institution and other State agencies as applicable/appropriate in order to help resolve
the complaint.
MISSOURI
Complaint Process: Any complaint against an institution should begin by going through your
institution's complaint process. Exhaustion of all informal and formal institutional processes, including
both campus processes and any applicable system processes, is a prerequisite to filing any formal
complaint with the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) pursuant to this policy.
Note: Prior to initiating this formal process, complainants must first call the MDHE at 573-526-1577 to
indicate their desire to file a complaint. At that time, the MDHE will ascertain whether the issue can be
resolved through informal means and also determine whether administrative processes available within
the institution of concern have been exhausted. If after that screening the complainant still desires to
initiate a formal complaint, the MDHE will send the complainant the form to be filled out and returned
for that purpose. Please review the process at:
http://www.dhe.mo.gov/documents/POLICYONCOMPLAINTRESOLUTION-reviseddraft.pdf
MONTANA
Complaint Process: Institutions outside the Montana University System
Individuals with complaints regarding institutions that are operating in Montana, but are not part of the
Montana University System, have the following options:
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Utilize the internal complaint processes of the applicable institution.
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Complaints concerning consumer protection violations may be directed to the Montana
Department of Justice Office of Consumer Protection. http://www.doj.mt.gov/consumer/
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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,
2500 Broadway PO Box 203201, Helena, Montana 59620-3201, 406-444-6570.
Complaints concerning broad institutional academic practices, such as those that raise issues regarding
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the institution’s ability to meet accreditation standards may be directed to the applicable institution’s
accrediting agency.
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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.
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NEBRASKA
Complaint Process: Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education directs
complaints from Nebraska students enrolled in an out-of-state institution to the home state of the
institution. Please note that institutions offering courses or programs that are exclusively online are
not required to seek authorization from CCPE. If students have complaints about such institutions,
We refer them to the home state of the institution or the Nebraska Attorney General’s Consumer
Protection Division.
NEVADA
Complaint Process: If you are experiencing a problem with the school you are attending and cannot
resolve it with the appropriate school officials, the Commission may be able to help.
Many complaints can be resolved with Commission intervention. To best serve you, please complete
this form and submit it to the Commission as indicated on the form. Staff will process the complaint
and work with you and the school to reach a resolution.
If you have any questions concerning this process, please contact the Commission
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Complaint Process: To file a complaint against a New Hampshire institution (public or private) with the
NH Department of Education, Division of Higher Education – Higher Education Commission, you must
exhaust all avenues with the institution for resolution (including the Chancellor’s Office for the
University System of New Hampshire or for the Community College System of New Hampshire). If you
have done so, then please complete the Complaint Form and submit to this office. Once received,
personnel at the Division of Higher Education will review the information provided and where
appropriate, initiate an investigation. On all matters, this Division will either investigate the complaint or
send it directly to another agency that is authorized to address the concern(s). If academic or personal
records from the institution are required to investigate the complaint, you will be required to submit
signed authorization permitting the institution to release records to us.
NEW JERSEY
Complaint Process: Link not found for complaint process. General link:
http://www.state.nj.us/highereducation/
NEW MEXICO
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Complaint Process: The New Mexico Higher Education Department handles student complaints
against licensed private postsecondary institutions by encouraging the parties involved in the
complaint process to find a mutually acceptable resolution. (Complaint Form FY 2014), FERPA
Release Form and HIPPA Release Form
State rule provides a requirement that students or other parties with complaints or grievances
against an institution first seek to resolve their complaint or grievance directly with the institution in
accordance with the institution's complaint or grievance policy. A student or other party not satisfied
with an institution's resolution of a complaint may submit a complaint to the Department in writing
on the form provided below. A student must file a complaint with the department within three (3)
years of his/her last date of enrollment.
The Department will verify that the complaint involves one or more standards for licensure of the
institution and is therefore a legitimate subject of complaint to the Department. If the complaint is
determined to be legitimate, the Department or its authorized representative will forward the
complaint to the institution for a written response and will encourage resolution of the complaint
between the student and the institution. The institution has thirty (30) days to forward its response
to the department A copy of the institution’s response will be forwarded to the student with a
request that the student indicate satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the response.
NEW YORK
Complaint Process: For all types of complaints concerning colleges and universities in New York
State, the first course of action must be to try to resolve the complaint directly with the administration
of the college or university involved. The Office of College and University Evaluation will not review a
complaint until all grievance procedures at the institution have been followed and all avenues of appeal
exhausted and documentation provided that such procedures have been exhausted. Please note: Every
New York State college and university is required to establish, publish, and enforce explicit policies
related to redress of grievances.
Please do not send a complaint to the Office of College and University Evaluation until you have read
all of the information below. This will assure that you are sending your complaint to the appropriate
agency/office.
The Office of College and University Evaluation handles only those complaints that concern educational
programs or practices of degree-granting institutions subject to the Regulations of the Commissioner of
Education, with the exceptions noted below.
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The Office does not handle anonymous complaints.
The Office does not intervene in matters concerning an individual’s grades or examination
results, as these are the prerogative of the college’s faculty.
The Office does not handle complaints concerning actions that occurred more than five years ago.
The Office does not intervene in matters that are or have been in litigation.
Complaints concerning programs in fields leading to professional licensure (e.g., nursing) should
be directed to:
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Office of the Professions
Professional Education Program Review
Education Building , 2 West
Albany, NY 12234
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A complaint of consumer fraud on the part of the institution should be directed to the Office of
the New York State Attorney General, Justice Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223.
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For a complaint about state student financial aid matters, contact the Higher Education Services
Corporation (HESC) Customer Communications Center at 1-888-NYS-HESC.
Complainants should be aware that the Office of College and University Evaluation does not conduct a
judicial investigation and has no legal authority to require a college or university to comply with a
complainant’s request.
If your complaint does not fall into one of the exceptions noted above, click here for the Office of
College and University Evaluation Complaint Form
NORTH CAROLINA
Complaint Process: If the complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s grievance
procedure, the individual may file a complaint with the following office: Post-Secondary Education
Complaints, c/o Assistant Director of Licensure and Workforce Studies, University of North Carolina
General Administration. 910 Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, telephone (919) 962-4558,
studentcomplaint@northcarolina.edu. The individual may contact UNC General Administration for
further details.
NORTH DAKOTA
Complaint Process: Complaints to the North Dakota University System office regarding North
Dakota degree-granting post-secondary institutions participating in the National State Authorization
Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has delegated to North Dakota University System
(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 North Dakota
institutions participating in the National State Authorization Agreement (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 SARA complaint, NDUS is responsible for final
resolution of any such complaints originating at any SARA participant institution, public or private.
Conversely, if you are a North Dakota resident attending a distance education program at a SARA
(State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) 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.
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With the exception of reporting fraud, waste or abuse as noted below, the NDUS does not review
anonymous complaints or matters that are or have been in litigation. Further, matters concerning an
individual's grades or examination results are the prerogative of the college/university faculty. The
NDUS does not conduct a judicial investigation or evidentiary hearing. The NDUS may conduct a
paper review, discuss the matter with the parties and take other steps as may be appropriate in an
attempt to resolve the complaint.
Absent specific statutory authority for not allowing access or disclosure, all documents relating to
public business in possession of NDUS employees, including complaints or grievances, responses to
complaints or grievances and related documents are open to the public upon request. However,
according to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student information and
records that contain personally identifiable information regarding students, including student
complaints or grievances and related documents, are confidential, subject to limited exceptions.
The following contact information has been provided to assist you with directing your complaint to
the appropriate agency/office.
Tanya Spilovoy, D. Ed.
Director of Distance Education and State Authorization
1815 Schafer St., Ste. 202
Bismarck, ND 58501-1217
tanya.spilovoy@ndus.edu
O
OHIO
Complaint Process: The agency does receive student complaints. Students are encouraged to try to
resolve their issue through their institution’s formal grievance procedures. If the student’s issue is not
resolved through this process, the agency may then contact the institution on the student's behalf and
request that the institution work with the student to resolve the issue. If the grievance involves an
issue that violates the agency’s standards for authorization, the agency would contact the institution
to determine the severity of the issue and what agency action would be taken.
If you have additional questions about the complaint process, or want to clarify that your individual
complaint is reviewable by the Ohio Board of Regents, please feel free to contact Matt Exline at (614)
728-3095 or mexline@regents.state.oh.us.
OKLAHOMA
Complaint Process: Current and prospective student complaints are handled through Oklahoma State
Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) Academic Affairs Office by reviewing the circumstances of
the complaint and providing the individual with contact information for the most appropriate campus
office with the authority to resolve the complaint. If the individual has exhausted the process for
review and appeal at the institution and believe the complaint is unresolved, OSRHE staff requests
permission to contact the institution on their behalf to identify any possible resolution. OSRHE staff
remains in contact with the student to determine if their issue has been resolved or adequately
addressed.
When students who live in Oklahoma are enrolled in out-of-state institution, it is required that those
institutions make available for review to any enrolled or prospective student upon request, a copy of the
documents describing the institution’s accreditation and its state, federal, or tribal approval or licensing.
Moreover, those institutions should provide its students or prospective students with contact information
for filing complaints with its accreditor, its state approval (i.e., OSRHE) or licensing entity and any
14
other relevant state official or agency that would appropriately handle a student’s complaint. This is
consistent with the United States Department of Education Code of Federal Regulations § 668.43(b).
Contact information:
Mr. Jose Dela Cruz
Coordinator of Academic Affairs Projects
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
405-225-9141
OREGON
Complaint Process: All complaints about schools under the Oregon Office of Degree Authorization
(ODA) regulatory jurisdiction or an exempt status approved by this office are handled by ODA
staff. Complaints about exempt schools are referred to the Attorney General’s office
https://justice.oregon.gov/complaints/ .
We accept written or email complaints. When a complaint is received, we first evaluate the information
to substantiate its relevance to Oregon rules and statutes. If the complaint appears to have merit or
indicate non-compliance on the part of the school, we contact the school to request information
regarding the case. All correspondence is kept in the school’s file. We continue to mediate between the
student and the school until it we receive an indication that the complaint is unfounded or resolved.
Contact:
Juan Baez-Arevalo
Director of Private Postsecondary Education
Higher Education Coordinating Commission
Email: Juan.baez-arevalo@state.or.us
Phone: (503) 947-5977
P
PENNSYLVANIA
Complaint Process: The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will accept all written and
signed
complaints against colleges, universities and seminaries certified to operate in Pennsylvania. To file a
formal complaint against a postsecondary institution, click on the link below and follow the
appropriate
procedure process. Community Colleges, Colleges, Universities and Seminaries (PDF)
PUERTO RICO
Complaint Process http://www.ce.pr.gov/
Mrs. Carmen L. Berrios Rivera
Executive Director
Puerto Rico Council on Education
787-641-7100
cberrios@ce.pr.gov
R
RHODE ISLAND
Complaint Process: In compliance with the Federal Program Integrity Rule, the Rhode
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Island Board of Governors for Higher Education has listed the following alternatives for individuals
who wish to submit complaints. It is expected that any student complaint will be first filed in
accordance with
any student complaint procedures currently in place at the student’s institution before resolution is
sought from the Board’s Office of Higher Education or the institution’s accreditation body. In the
absence of a
specific procedure, a student’s complaint should be filed with the institution’s President. Please click
on the link for further recommendations.
http://www.ribghe.org/pdfs/BOGStudentComplaintProcessII011012.pdf
S
SOUTH
CAROLINA
Complaint Process:
http://www.che.sc.gov/CHE_Docs/AcademicAffairs/License/Complaint_procedures_and_fo
rm.pdf
SOUTH DAKOTA
Complaint Process: Complaints are handled by The Office of Attorney General, Division of Consumer
Protection. If the complaint relates to a postsecondary institution controlled by the Board of Regents, the
attorney general shall refer the matter to the Board of Regents; the attorney general shall refer the matter
to the Board of Regents. 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 it 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 institutions’ 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 its investigation to the attorney general
for further disposition.
http://atg.sd.gov/Consumers/HandlingComplaints/ConsumerComplaintForm.aspx
T
TENNESSEE
Complaint Process: Any complaints regarding the University of St. Francis should be made to the
Director of Institutional Effectiveness, 500 Wilcox St., Joliet, IL 60435. Telephone is (815) 740-3807. If
a complaint is not settled at the institutional level, the student may contact:
Shauna Jennings, Investigations Officer & Complaint Specialist, Tennessee Higher Education
Commission, 404 James Robertson Parkway, Suite 1900, Nashville, TN 37243;
shauna.jennings@tn.gov; 615-741-0662. Click on the web link to the complaint form.
http://www.tn.gov/assets/entities/thec/attachments/ComplaintForm.pdf
TEXAS
Complaint Process: How to submit a Student Complaint: After exhausting the institution's
grievance/complaint process, current, former, and prospective students may initiate a complaint with
THECB by sending the required forms either by electronic mail to
StudentComplaints@thecb.state.tx.us, or by mail to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board,
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Office of General Counsel, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711-2788. Facsimile transmissions of the
forms are not accepted.
All submitted complaints must include a student complaint form, a signed Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Consent and Release form, and a THECB Consent and
Agreement Form.
 THECB Student Complaint Form – Required

Authorization to Disclose Medical Record Information – Required Form
only if a disability is alleged.
U
UTAH
Complaint Process: http://consumerprotection.utah.gov/complaints/index.html. If you would like
to file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection, you may do so through the U.S. mail or
by facsimile. Your complaint will be screened to determine whether it is a matter that can be handled
by us. If it is something that we handle, your complaint will be assigned to an investigator who will
determine what further action, if any, should be taken. Please let us know if you do not get a response
from us within thirty (30) days of our receipt of your complaint. You may also use the Consumer
Resource Guide to help determine the appropriate contact for a complaint.
V
VERMONT
Complaint Process: http://education.vermont.gov/documents/EDU-VTAOEComplaint_Resolution_for_Postsecondary_Education.pdf
VIRGINIA
Complaint Process: The student must complete and submit the Student Complaint Form to
SCHEV electronically after exhausting all grievance procedures established by the institution.
SCHEV will not respond to anonymous complaints. The Virginia Student Complaint Process .
W
WASHINGTON:
Complaint Process: Students may submit a formal complaint to the WSAC, provided it is against an
institution authorized by the WSAC and is within one year of the last date of attendance. Students can
contact:
Karen Oelschlager
Program Administrator
Washington Student Achievement Council
P.O. Box 43430
17
Olympia, WA 98504-3430
360-753-7869
kareno@wsac.wa.gov
Students who believe they have lost tuition and fees as the result of unfair business practices by
institutions authorized by the Council should outline their concerns and send them with contact
information to DegreeAuthorization@wsac.wa.gov Examples of unfair business practices include
misrepresenting faculty qualifications or making false claims in a college catalog.
WEST VIRGINIA
Complaint Process:. Student complaints are addressed in Section 14 of Series 20.
https://www.wvhepc.org/resources/133-20.pdf . Students can contact:
Dr. Kathy Butler, Senior Director of Academic Affairs
WV Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Blvd., E. Suite 700
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304-558-0261
Email: kbutler@hepc.wvnet.edu
WISCONSIN
Complaint Process: Before you file a complaint with the EAB, state law requires that you try to resolve
the matter with the school. Every EAB approved school has a process to resolve student complaints. If
the matter is not resolved, you may file a complaint with the EAB using the attached Student Complaint
form.
Complaints must be filed within one year after the student's last recorded date of attendance. Upon
receiving a student complaint, EAB investigates it. If preliminary findings indicate a violation by a
school, the EAB shall attempt, through mediation, to resolve the complaint. If no agreement is reached,
the EAB may dismiss the complaint or conduct a hearing. 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 EAB has acted. Please contact the EAB at (608) 266-1996 if you have any questions
about the complaint process.
Download the Complaint Form
WYOMING
Complaint Process: Complaints related to postsecondary licensure should be submitted to the Private
School Licensing Program in the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE).
Wyoming Department of Education Student Complaint Process
Wyoming Complaint Form
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