Out-of-State Student Grievance Procedure (Online Distance Education)

The University of Alabama in Huntsville strives to resolve student grievances, complaints and concerns in an expeditious, fair and amicable manner. Students with concerns regarding online courses and grades should reach out to their faculty members first, and follow the procedures for resolving Academic Complaints. Students with other concerns should follow the appropriate procedures below, depending on the type of complaint.

Students residing outside of the State of Alabama while attending UAH through electronically delivered classes who would like to resolve a grievance should follow the same procedures as on-campus students. The Provost's office is the appropriate point of contact if you need assistance in this. If an issue cannot be resolved internally on the UAH campus, you may file a complaint with the Alabama State Portal contact.

“The information for complaints should include the "normal" student complaint process as well as the SARA complaint process.  See https://www.nc-sara.org/student-complaints”

TYPES OF COMPLAINTS:

UAH students go through the Dean of Students office to submit complaints directly related to students issues and types of misconduct. In addition to the policy and procedures in the Student Handbook, the processes and steps are also provided on the Dean of Students website under Student Code of Conduct.

TYPES OF COMPLAINTS IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:

In addition to the above mentioned internal complaint policies and procedures, a student may file a complaint alleging a violation of one or more of the following three categories:

  1. Alleged complaint violation in consumer protection laws:
    • Includes, but not limited to false information to students. See information under the state portal contacts above.
  2. Alleged complaint violation of state law relating to licensure of postsecondary institutions.
    • The university must authorize and provide contact information about professional licensures at postsecondary institutions in Alabama and other U.S. states and territories to students. At present time, please see College and Departments (list of professional licensures). See Professional licensure section above for contact information and check back often for updates.
  3. Alleged complaints related to the quality of education or state or accreditation requirements:
    • UAH is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award certificates, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The university’s status with its regional accrediting agency is available at www.uah.edu/sacscoc.
    • Academic programs at UAH have been accredited by special agencies. Those are listed at www.uah.edu/academic-affairs/offices/oira/program-accreditation.

COURSES/ACTIVITIES TAKING PLACE OUTSIDE OF ALABAMA:

  • Document for any student residing outside of Alabama and enrolled in online courses and programs with information on filing one or more of these three types of complaints.
  • Those students residing inside or outside the state of Alabama and enrolled in supervised field experience that takes place outside of Alabama (e.g., student teaching, clinical) for information to file a complaint on one or more on the three types of complaints detailed on this page.
  • Students residing outside of the State of Alabama while attending UAH through electronically delivered classes who would like to resolve a grievance should follow the procedures noted in the UAH Student Handbook. The Provost's office is the appropriate point of contact if your grievance has been unsuccessfully resolved at the faculty and departmental level. If your complaint is non-academic, refer to the student handbook section 6.13 (grievance procedures), you may contact the Dean of Students office to discuss it further. If an issue cannot be resolved internally on the UAH campus, you may file a complaint with the Alabama Portal contact.

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR COMPLAINTS WITH ACCREDITING AGENCIES:

  • The University of Alabama in Huntsville expects that the student filing the complaint follows the internal complaint procedure process prior to seeking a resolution from the University’s accreditation body. If a student is not satisfied with the complaint resolution AND if the complaint relates to non-compliance with one of the accreditation standards, the student can file a complaint with SACSCOC as described below. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award certificates, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. For information on accreditation status, contact:

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097
(404) 679.4500; www.sacscoc.org

  • Complete the Commission's Complaint Form: Complaint Procedures Against the Commission or Its Accredited Institutions
  • Please read the document carefully before submitting a complaint:
  • 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
  • Provided is a link to all UAH University Policies and Procedures.