Submit a Complaint

Complaints Involving Applicant and Member Institutions

Instructions:

The Commission accepts complaints involving applicant and member institutions using this form.
Complete the following screening questions.
All documentation and evidence must be submitted in English and in .PDF format. Please have all attachments ready before beginning the form as it is not possible to return to the form once it is submitted.
Complaints may be made anonymously. However, the complainant must identify themselves to the Commission, and despite the due diligence of the Commission, the institution may be able to identify the complainant’s identity.
Substantive questions about complaints cannot be discussed over the phone. If you have questions regarding the complaints process or problems with the submission, please email complaints@msche.org.

Submit a Complaint

Screening Questions

Does this complaint pertain to an institution accredited by or an applicant/candidate for accreditation by MSCHE?(Required)

Yes

If No, The Commission does not have jurisdiction over non-affiliated institutions.

Does this complaint demonstrate non-compliance with Commission Accreditation Standards, Requirements of Affiliation, applicable federal regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures, or non-compliance with the institution's own policies?(Required)

Yes

If No, The Commission can only review complaints that deal with non-compliance with MSCHE policies, accreditation standards, or requirements of affiliation, or non-compliance with an institution's own published policies. See the Commission's policy, Complaints Involving Member and Candidate Institutions.

Are you submitting this complaint on your own behalf?(Required)

Yes

If No, MSCHE policy states that complainants must submit only themselves, not others. All requests made on behalf of others will not be reviewed.

Will you provide your identity and contact information to MSCHE?(Required)

Yes

If No, MSCHE requires complainants to identify themselves to the Commission so that it can process and legitimize the complaint. If you wish to remain anonymous from the institution you may elect do do so in Section 2.

Have three or more years passed since the complainant initiated the institution's grievance procedure or the incident occurred?(Required)

Yes

If Yes, Because of the need for information to be current, the Commission will not consider complaints if three years or more have passed.

Contact Information

Name(Required)

First Last

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Status in Relation to the Institution(Required)

MSCHE does not accept complaints on behalf of another individual. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact complaints@msche.org.

Do you wish to remain anonymous to the institution?(Required)

Yes

If Yes, please note the commission will conduct due diligence to redact any personally identifiable information in the complaint materials. The Commission has full discretion to perform any redactions that the Commission deems appropriate. Despite the Commission's due diligence, it is always possible that the institution may be able to identify the complainant's identity from the circumstance of the complaint. The Commission is not liable if the complainant's identity is identified. The Commission may consider if the complainant's identity is necessary to process the complaint and provide due process to the institution. In such cases, the Commission will request and wait for authorization from the complainant to waive anonymity before taking further action. If the complainant will not waive anonymity, the Commission may be limited in the type of information that can be requested and the resolution that can be obtained from the institution. Any form of retaliation against a complainant is strictly prohibited. If you have questions about our procedures relating to anonymity, please email complaints@msche.org before submitting the form.

Summary and Details

Name of Institution(Required)

Must be a member, applicant, or candidate for accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Select the area(s) that best summarize your complaint.(Required)

You will be asked to provide additional detail below. Please identify the categories to the best of your ability so that the MSCHE Complaints Staff can understand your concerns. The Complaints Staff will review and determine the applicable standards. More information about MSCHE Standards for Accreditation can be found at https://www.msche.org/standards/. For reference: - Standard I: Mission and Goals - Standard II: Ethics and Integrity - Standard III: Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience - Standard IV: Support of the Student Learning Experience - Standard V: Educational Effectiveness Assessment - Standard VI: Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement - Standard VII: Governance, Leadership, and Administration

Select the area(s) that best summarize your complaint.(Required)

Institutional Policies and Procedures (grievance policy, credit hour policy, transfer policy, etc.)

MSCHE Policies and Procedures ( Communication in the Accreditation Process Policy and Procedures, Related Entities, Substantive Change Policy, etc.)

Specifically describe how the institution has not complied with the standards, requirements, or policies and procedures as noted above in # 18 and 19. Indicate the time frame in which the events described occurred.(Required)

Describe the steps you have taken to resolve this matter, including the relevant grievance and appeals policy/procedures followed at the institution.(Required)

Date grievance filed with institution(Required)

If no grievance has been submitted, enter today's date and indicate in the following question the reason a grievance was not submitted to the institution.

Please describe the outcome of grievance filed with the institution.(Required)

Evidence(Required)

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.

Please provide evidence of the institution’s actions to date and include copies of all correspondence between you and the institution related to your complaint. Copies of any relevant institutional policies and/or procedures are REQUIRED.

Certification

I have read the relevant policies of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and agree that this form constitutes my complaint.(Required)

Yes

I understand that the purpose of this review is not to resolve my personal situation. I understand that the Commission's purview is limited to compliance with the Commission's standards, requirements of affiliation, policies and procedures, and the institution's policies.(Required)

Yes

I understand that the Commission (1) does not interpose itself as a reviewing authority in individual matters of admission, grades, granting or transferability of credits, application of academic policies, fees or other financial matters, disciplinary matters, contractual rights and obligations, personnel decisions, or similar matters, nor does the Commission become involved in collective bargaining disputes; and (2) does not seek any type of compensation, damages, readmission, or any other redress on an individual’s behalf.(Required)

Yes

I understand that despite the Commission's due diligence if I request to be anonymous from the institution, it is always possible that the institution may be able to identify the complainant's identify from the circumstances of the complaint. The Commission is not liable if the complainant's identity is identified.(Required)

Yes

I understand that the Commission may determine based on the documentation submitted that it is impossible to maintain my anonymity from the institution. Under these circumstances, I recognized the Commission will request my permission before sharing my identity. If I do not permit, I recognize my complaint cannot be processed.(Required)

Yes

I understand that the Commission considers the institutional response to be confidential and will not share that response with me.(Required)

Yes

All of the information I have provided to the Commission is true and in good faith.(Required)

Yes

I am the individual submitting this form on my own behalf.(Required)

Yes

I understand the Commission strictly prohibits any form of retaliation against complainants, even if the complaint is not substantiated following the Commission's review.(Required)

Yes

I understand that I will receive an automatic email notification at the time of the submission and MSCHE Staff will be in touch with the next steps in the complaints process. If you have any questions, please email complaints@msche.org.(Required)

Yes

Send me an email receipt of my responses.

Yes

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