Complaints and Third-Party Comments Form

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 submissions, please email complaints@msche.org.

Display Third Party Questions?

Third Party

CONTACT INFORMATION

First Name

Middle Initial

Last Name

Street Address

City

State

Zip or Postal Code

Country

Email Address

Telephone Number

Required in case the Commission is unable to reach you via mail or e-mail. Please include area code.

Status in Relation to the College or University:

Do you wish to remain anonymous?

Yes No

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 uncovered. 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 any questions about our procedures relating to anonymity, please email complaints@msche.org before submitting the form.

SUMMARY AND DETAILS

You will be asked to provide additional detail below. Please identify the categories to the best of your ability so that the Complaints Staff can understand your concerns. The Complaints Staff will review and determine the applicable policies and procedures. For more information, visit the Commission's Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation.

*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.

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.)Both Institutional and MSCHE Policies and Procedures

Specifically describe how the institution has not complied with the standards, requirements, or policies and procedures as listed above. Indicate the time frame in which the events described occurred.

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

Date grievance filed with institution

Please describe the outcome of grievance filed with the institution.

Evidence

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

By submitting this form, I certify that:

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

When you click on the Submit button below, you will be directed to our e-signature tool to sign and date the form, at which point the form will be considered complete, and your submission will be processed.