Complaint Procedure - Anderson University Skip to content Complaint Procedure CAMPUS LIFE Policy on Student Complaints Anderson University strives to achieve the highest standards in providing services to students. However, we recognize that concerns or complaints may arise from time to time. In the event that a student wishes to submit a complaint regarding a university policy, process, or personnel, the university will seek to investigate such instances fairly and thoroughly, ensure the process is unbiased, and resolve the matter at the earliest possible opportunity. Information collected is confidential and will only be disclosed to those with a need to know for the purpose of resolving the issue. However, the university is required to share information with its accrediting agency regarding the number and type of complaints it receives. When making such disclosure, the identities of those involved will not be revealed to the agency without the written consent of the complainant or as required by law. If a student has a question about the appropriate procedure to address a concern or complaint, the student should contact the office of the provost, studentcomplaints@andersonuniversity.edu Informal Resolution of Problems As scripture teaches (Matthew 18:15-17), we encourage students to discuss their concerns with the appropriate individual(s) before initiating a formal complaint. Many issues can be resolved by making an appointment with the appropriate faculty or staff member and calmly and honestly communicating the concern(s). If the issue cannot be resolved or the student believes they have been treated unfairly or arbitrarily or the university did not follow established policy, the student may submit a formal complaint. Special Circumstances Problems related to the following matters should not be initiated through the formal complaint process. Rather, they should first be addressed by the university offices and personnel dedicated for these purposes and topics. Academic Integrity (Office of the Provost) Accommodations for Students with Disabilities (Office of Accessibility Services) Discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis (Associate Vice President for Student Development) Family Educational Rights Privacy Act – FERPA (Office of the Registrar) Good Academic Standing (Office of the Provost) Grade Appeal (Instructor/Academic Dean) Harassment or Discrimination on the basis of sex or gender – Title IX (Title IX/504 Grievance Coordinator) Satisfactory Academic Progress (Financial Aid) Student Conduct Discipline (Student Development Office) Conditions for Submitting a Formal Complaint Students may submit a formal complaint when they believe a policy or procedure has been incorrectly or unfairly applied to their case, or they have a complaint about the behavior of a member of the university community that does not fall within the categories cited above. Submitting a formal complaint should not be construed as an appeals process. Many university policies have established appeals processes. Where an appeals process exists, students are expected to follow those steps before filing a formal complaint. In such cases, a formal complaint should only be submitted if the appeals process was not followed. To file a formal complaint, a student must complete the complaint form in its entirety including providing their identity. Anonymous complaints will not be accepted. Complaints must be submitted within 30 days of the event or circumstance that triggered the complaint. Steps for Submitting a Formal Complaint Step 1: Using the hyperlink provided below, a student should complete the complaint form in its entirety, providing as much detail as possible including dates, locations, and the names of individuals involved. Step 2: Once the form has been submitted, the student will receive an email confirming that the complaint has been received. Step 3: The complaint will be automatically sent to the office identified by the student as most relevant to the issue. Step 4: A representative of that office will contact the student within 14 days of receiving the complaint. Additional information or documentation may be requested by the office in order to resolve the complaint. Students are expected to respond to requests for additional information or documentation. Failing to do so within the time period specified by the office(s) involved may result in the complaint being dismissed. Step 5: A final written determination will be sent to the student within 10 days of the complaint outcome, or as soon thereafter as possible. Record of Formal Complaints The university is required to share information with its accrediting agency regarding the number and type of complaints it receives. Therefore, a record of formal complaints and their resolution will be kept indefinitely by the university. When necessary to disclose information about student complaints to the agency, the identities of those involved will not be revealed without the written consent of the complainant or as required by law. Withdrawing a Formal Complaint A student may withdraw a formal complaint at any point by contacting the Office of the Provost and requesting in writing the withdrawal of the complaint. A rationale for the withdrawal of the complaint may be required. Complaints to Third Parties The SC Commission for Higher Education (SCCHE) responds to formal complaints against public, independent non-profit, and proprietary institutions of higher education in South Carolina. The SCCHE may be reached by contacting: Academic Affairs and Licensing 1122 Lady Street, Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29201 Telephone (803) 737-2260; FAX (803) 737-2297; Website www.che.sc.gov Anderson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Anderson University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404.679.4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website  ( www.sacscoc.org ). The policy and procedures for complaints against SACSCOC or its accredited institutions can be found at SACSCOC Complaint Policy. Find Your Program Visit ABOUT AU About AU My City, My University Mission, Vision & Values Statement of Faith Office of the President Campus Map Share Your Photo The University Grace Alma Mater Inclement Weather Information ABOUT About AU My City, My University Mission, Vision & Values Statement of Faith Office of the President Campus Map The University Grace Alma Mater Inclement Weather Information ADMISSION Admission Transfers Special Programs Dual-Enrollment Scholars Program for High School Students Online & Continuous Learning Graduate The University Grace Veterans Scholarships & Aid ACADEMICS Academics Find Your Program College of Arts & Sciences College of Business & Economics College of Christian Studies College of Education College of Engineering College of Health Professions School of Interior Design School of Public Service & Administration The South Carolina School of the Arts Center for Cybersecurity Center for Leadership and Organizations International Graduate School Center for Global Engagement Faculty Directory Innovation & Digital Learning at AU AU PRO Study Abroad Honors College Student Diversity and Outcomes Thrift Library Academic Catalog DEAN'S LIST Student Achievement Commencement Definition of Credit Hour Calendars and Schedules CAMPUS LIFE Campus Life Base Camp Welcome Week Recreation & Fitness Community & Public Service Christian Life Student Activities Campus Housing Dining at AU Thrive Wellness Campus Safety Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family Student Leader Student Handbook Complaint Procedure Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) Commuter Engagement Connect With Us ATHLETICS AU Trojans Athletics Website GIVE Give Our Community is Stronger Together Anderson University Magazine A Day-Online Giving Campaign Blackbaud Security Update Board of Visitors Christian Ministry Foundation Development Staff Donor Recognition Gift & Estate Planning Giving to Anderson University Make a Gift Online Parent Association Parent Leadership Council Trojan Athletic Fund Ways to Give ALUMNI Alumni Association AU Network Ways to Get Involved ADMISSION Admission Transfers Special Programs Dual-Enrollment Scholars Program for High School Students Online & Continuous Learning Graduate The University Grace Veterans Scholarships & Aid ACADEMICS Academics Find Your Program College of Arts & Sciences College of Business & Economics College of Christian Studies College of Education College of Engineering College of Health Professions School of Interior Design School of Public Service & Administration The South Carolina School of the Arts Center for Cybersecurity Center for Leadership and Organizations International Graduate School Center for Global Engagement Faculty Directory Innovation & Digital Learning at AU AU PRO Study Abroad Honors College Student Diversity and Outcomes Thrift Library Academic Catalog DEAN’S LIST Student Achievement Commencement Definition of Credit Hour Calendars and Schedules CAMPUS LIFE Campus Life Base Camp Welcome Week Recreation & Fitness Community & Public Service Christian Life Student Activities Campus Housing Dining at AU Thrive Wellness Campus Safety Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family Student Leader Student Handbook Complaint Procedure Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) Commuter Engagment Connect With Us ATHLETICS AU Trojans Athletics Website GIVE Give Our Community is Stronger Together Anderson University Magazine A Day-Online Giving Campaign Blackbaud Security Update Board of Visitors Christian Ministry Foundation Development Staff Donor Recognition Gift & Estate Planning Giving to Anderson University Make a Gift Online Parent Association Parent Leadership Council Trojan Athletic Fund Ways to Give ALUMNI RESOURCE MENU CURRENT STUDENTS PARENTS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FACULTY & STAFF ACCREDITATIONS & AFFILIATIONS GRADUATE WRITING HUB Policies, Procedures, and Expectations for Students Preferred Partnership Program State Authorization and Disclosures Tuition & Fees University Center of Greenville Employment Find Your Program Visit ABOUT AU About AU My City, My University Mission, Vision & Values Statement of Faith Office of the President Campus Map Share Your Photo The University Grace Alma Mater Inclement Weather Information ABOUT About AU My City, My University Mission, Vision & Values Statement of Faith Office of the President Campus Map The University Grace Alma Mater Inclement Weather Information ADMISSION Admission Transfers Special Programs Dual-Enrollment Scholars Program for High School Students Online & Continuous Learning Graduate The University Grace Veterans Scholarships & Aid ACADEMICS Academics Find Your Program College of Arts & Sciences College of Business & Economics College of Christian Studies College of Education College of Engineering College of Health Professions School of Interior Design School of Public Service & Administration The South Carolina School of the Arts Center for Cybersecurity Center for Leadership and Organizations International Graduate School Center for Global Engagement Faculty Directory Innovation & Digital Learning at AU AU PRO Study Abroad Honors College Student Diversity and Outcomes Thrift Library Academic Catalog DEAN'S LIST Student Achievement Commencement Definition of Credit Hour Calendars and Schedules CAMPUS LIFE Campus Life Base Camp Welcome Week Recreation & Fitness Community & Public Service Christian Life Student Activities Campus Housing Dining at AU Thrive Wellness Campus Safety Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family Student Leader Student Handbook Complaint Procedure Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) Commuter Engagement Connect With Us ATHLETICS AU Trojans Athletics Website GIVE Give Our Community is Stronger Together Anderson University Magazine A Day-Online Giving Campaign Blackbaud Security Update Board of Visitors Christian Ministry Foundation Development Staff Donor Recognition Gift & Estate Planning Giving to Anderson University Make a Gift Online Parent Association Parent Leadership Council Trojan Athletic Fund Ways to Give ALUMNI Alumni Association AU Network Ways to Get Involved ADMISSION Admission Transfers Special Programs Dual-Enrollment Scholars Program for High School Students Online & Continuous Learning Graduate The University Grace Veterans Scholarships & Aid ACADEMICS Academics Find Your Program College of Arts & Sciences College of Business & Economics College of Christian Studies College of Education College of Engineering College of Health Professions School of Interior Design School of Public Service & Administration The South Carolina School of the Arts Center for Cybersecurity Center for Leadership and Organizations International Graduate School Center for Global Engagement Faculty Directory Innovation & Digital Learning at AU AU PRO Study Abroad Honors College Student Diversity and Outcomes Thrift Library Academic Catalog DEAN’S LIST Student Achievement Commencement Definition of Credit Hour Calendars and Schedules CAMPUS LIFE Campus Life Base Camp Welcome Week Recreation & Fitness Community & Public Service Christian Life Student Activities Campus Housing Dining at AU Thrive Wellness Campus Safety Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family Student Leader Student Handbook Complaint Procedure Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP) Commuter Engagment Connect With Us ATHLETICS AU Trojans Athletics Website GIVE Give Our Community is Stronger Together Anderson University Magazine A Day-Online Giving Campaign Blackbaud Security Update Board of Visitors Christian Ministry Foundation Development Staff Donor Recognition Gift & Estate Planning Giving to Anderson University Make a Gift Online Parent Association Parent Leadership Council Trojan Athletic Fund Ways to Give ALUMNI RESOURCE MENU CURRENT STUDENTS PARENTS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FACULTY & STAFF ACCREDITATIONS & AFFILIATIONS GRADUATE WRITING HUB Policies, Procedures, and Expectations for Students Preferred Partnership Program State Authorization and Disclosures Tuition & Fees University Center of Greenville Employment