Outside State Complaint Process Related to Distance Learning
Distance Learning Education - State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. Ch. 39.85, et. al, the State of Wisconsin is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) through the Midwestern Higher Education Compact which regulates the manner in which participating institutions may offer distance learning education to students who reside in other states. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a participating institution in MSARA. The terms and conditions of SARA can be found at http://nc-sara.org/content/sara-policies-and-standards. If a student has a complaint that involves distance learning education offered under the terms and conditions of SARA, the student must file a complaint with the institution first to seek resolution. Undergraduate students should follow the grievance procedure found here. Graduate students should follow the grievance procedure found here. If no resolution is reached, then the student may file a complaint with the Wisconsin Distance Learning Authorization Board (DLAB) through the following State Authorization Reciprocity Complaint Process at the following link: https://www.wisconsin.edu/student-complaints/ or by email to afgp@uwsa.edu. For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of this agreement, or of laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements Policies and Standards have been violated by the institution operating under the terms of SARA.
Additional information can be found at http://www.heab.state.wi.us/DLAB/faq.html
Program Integrity Rule - UW System Complaint Process
Notification of UW System Complaint Process for Program Integrity
Contact Information for Program Integrity Complaints:
Pursuant to the United States Department of Education's Program Integrity Rule, an individual may file a complaint against any of University of Wisconsin System's public institutions alleging a violation of one or more of the following categories with the University of Wisconsin System Administration ("UWSA").
- Complaints that allege a violation of state consumer protection laws that include but are not limited to fraud and false advertising;
- Complaints that allege a violation of state law or rule relating to the licensure of postsecondary institutions; and/or
- Complaints relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements.
Under the UWSA policies and procedures, an individual should utilize the institution's internal complaint or review policies and procedures through the Office of Student Affairs or Office of the Provost prior to contacting the UWSA. If a resolution is not reached at the institution level, or if you believe that the nature of the complaint or its impact on the system as a whole warrants an immediate review by the University of Wisconsin System Administration, please contact the University of Wisconsin System Administration - Office of Academic, Faculty and Global Programs (AFGP), afgp@uwsa.edu or call 608.262.5862. You may also find additional information at https://www.wisconsin.edu/student-complaints/.