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Distance Education Student Grievances Process

Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act includes regulations regarding the delivery of distance education to out-of-state residents. The United States Department of Education (USDOE) requires that institutions comply with any applicable state approval or licensure requirements in each state to which distance education instruction is delivered.

Higher education institutions delivering courses by distance education are required to provide current or prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with the institution's State approval or licensing entity.

Texas A&M University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. View the outlined NC-SARA student complaint process.

Filing Complaints with Texas A&M University

In most cases, these complaint procedures require the student to exhaust all complaint avenues internal to the institution before a complaint can be filed at the state or accrediting agency level. Students are advised to first attempt to resolve complaints through appropriate channels within Texas A&M University.

Texas A&M University Student Rules are written to provide all students, including those enrolled in DE courses and programs, with instructions and contact information for each administrative unit through which to register a complaint or grievance.

Student rules 45 through 62 outline grievance processes and procedures including the Texas A&M University offices responsible for assisting students with matters related to civil rights violations (including discrimination, disabilities, sexual harassment, etc.), academic matters (including grades, unexcused absences, suspensions, and blocks), student conduct and disciplinary matters, financial assessments, and parking citations.

For more information regarding Texas A&M University Distance Education Grievance Policies and Procedures or to submit a Distance Education complaint, please contact:

Office of the Registrar
Distance Education
P.O. Box 30018
College Station, TX 77842-3018
Phone: (979) 845-8201
Fax: (979) 845-4757
Email: distance@tamu.edu

Filing Complaints with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

THECB Complaints Procedures

For more information, contact:

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
1200 E. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78752
512.427.6101
studentcomplaints@highered.texas.gov

Filing Complaints with Other States

The Complaint Process for Individual States provides links to state education agencies and any other relevant State official or agency that would appropriately handle a student's complaint. The Student Grievance Contact Information for Individual States lists the contact information for all states.

Filing Complaints with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

You may also file a complaint with TAMU's regional accrediting agency, SACSCOC. Complete the Commission's Complaint Form (PDF) and send two print copies to:

President
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097