Complaints to the University
The ³Ô¹ÏÍø welcomes the opportunity to address and respond to complaints that someone might have regarding the University, its operations, or its community. The University provides a comprehensive reporting system which can be accessed online (including anonymously) at
or by calling toll-free to the University’s Compliance Reporting Hotline at (888) 317-8072. The University's comprehensive reporting system is primarily designed to receive complaints in the following general areas:
- Accounting & Financial
- Civil Rights
- Health, Safety, and Threats
- Human Resources
- Information Security/Privacy Matters
- Research
- Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Reporting
- Student Related Matters
- Other Potential Violations of University Policy
Complaints received through the University's reporting system are directed to the appropriate department or office for handling, in accordance with University policy. University policy may be found online in the and in the , , and Handbooks.
In addition, complaints may be brought with appropriate governmental and non-governmental agencies, including the following:
Complaints to External Agencies
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)
Overview: THECB adopted rules codified under Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code, , on October 25, 2012. The rules create a student complaint procedure to comply with the U.S. Department of Education's "Program Integrity" regulations, which require each state to have a student complaint procedure in order for public and private higher education institutions to be eligible for federal Title IV funds. In December 2011, the Office of Attorney General of Texas issued an opinion stating that THECB has authority under Texas Education Code Section 61.031 to promulgate procedures for handling student complaints concerning higher education institutions.
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, Office of General Counsel, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711-2788. Facsimile transmissions of the forms are not accepted.
The Commission on Colleges - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (COC-SACS)
Overview: The Commission expects individuals to attempt to resolve the issue through all means available to the complainant, including following the institution's own published grievance procedures, before submitting a complaint to the Commission. Therefore, the Commission's usual practice is not to consider a complaint that is currently in administrative proceedings, including institutional proceedings, or in litigation. However, if there is substantial, credible evidence that indicates systemic problems with an accredited institution, the Commission may, at its discretion, choose to proceed with the review.
How to submit a Student Complaint: In order to be considered, a formal complaint must be submitted in writing using the Commission's "Complaint against Institutions: Information Sheet and Form," signed, and two copies sent to: President, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097. The Commission will neither entertain complaints that are not in writing or which are anonymous, nor will it consider complaints sent electronically or through facsimile transmission. In addition, the Commission will not act on complaints submitted on behalf of another individual or complaints forwarded to the Commission. Full policy including form available .
Office of the Ombudsman
Overview: If you've completed the steps to resolve your loan dispute (William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan, Federal Family Education Loan, or Federal Perkins Loan), and you still are not satisfied, you may need to contact the Federal Student Aid (FSA) of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The Ombudsman Group is a neutral, informal, and confidential resource to help resolve disputes about your federal student loans.
Contact the Ombudsman Group as a last resort. Make every effort to before contacting the Ombudsman Group. The Ombudsman can be contacted at the following address:
U.S. Department of Education
FSA Ombudsman Group
P.O. Box 1843
Monticello, KY 42633
Phone: 1-877-557-2575
Fax: 606-396-4821