Distance Learning Complaint Process for Out-of-State Students
In addition to ensuring that institutions are authorized to offer academic programs in other states, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) provides a pathway for students in all states to submit complaints (also known as grievances). Initial responsibility for the investigation and resolution of complaints resides with the institution against which the complaint is made. Further consideration and resolution, if necessary, is the responsibility of the SARA Portal Entity, and other responsible agencies of the institution’s home state. Examples of consumer protection complaints for SARA purposes include, but are not limited to:
- Veracity of recruitment and marketing materials;
- Accuracy of job placement data;
- Accuracy of information about tuition, fees and financial aid;
- Complete and accurate admission requirements for courses and programs;
- Accuracy of information about the institution’s accreditation and/or any programmatic/specialized accreditation held by the institution’s programs;
- Accuracy of information about whether course work meets any relevant professional licensing requirements or the requirements of specialized Accrediting Agencies;
- Accuracy of information about whether the institution’s course work will transfer to other institutions; and
- Operation of distance education programs consistent with practices expected by institutional accreditors (and, if applicable, programmatic/specialized accreditors) and/or the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C‐RAC) Guidelines for distance education.
Student complaints, including claims that their rights under law or university policy have been violated, may be resolved by a two-step process.
STEP 1 (Internal Complaint):
Students residing outside of the State of Louisiana while attending NSU through electronically delivered classes who would like to resolve a grievance should contact the appropriate NSU office. However, if an issue cannot be resolved internally, you may file a complaint with your State.
STEP 2 (External Complaint):
If a grievance is not resolved to the students’ satisfaction by the school, the next step is to appeal (within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made) to the SARA Portal Entity for Louisiana, the Board of Regents. See the links below for information about the process to file a complaint with the Board of Regents:
See the NC-SARA Student Complaint Process for more information.
SACSCOC Complaints
Northwestern State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). Complaints filed against Northwestern State University with SACSCOC must adhere to the following criteria:
- The complaint policy only addresses significant, documented, alleged non-compliance with the SACSCOC accreditation standards, policies or procedures.
- Complainants are expected to have attempted to resolve the issue through the institution’s complaint processes before filing a complaint with SACSCOC.
- The SACSCOC complaint process is not intended to be used to involve the Commission in disputes between individuals and member institutions or to cause the Commission to interpose itself as a reviewing authority in individual matters; nor does the policy allow the Commission to seek redress on an individual’s behalf.
- The primary purpose of the SACSCOC complaint procedure is to acquire valuable information regarding an accredited institution’s possible non-compliance with accreditation standards, policies and procedures rather than to resolve individual disputes.
- Complaints must be tied to specific standard numbers from The Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement.