How to File a Student Complaint with SCHEV
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Purpose

A student complaint is a concern that a postsecondary school has incorrectly or unfairly applied its own written policy or procedure in your specific case.

SCHEV reviews complaints as a final step after the school’s internal complaint process has been fully completed.

Matters Outside SCHEV’s Authority

• Academic decisions such as admissions, grading, class scheduling, attendance, plagiarism determinations, etc. (handled by the institution).
• Disputes involving other students, staff conduct, housing, or student account issues (handled by the institution).
• Federal financial aid issues, discrimination complaints, or civil rights violations (contact the U.S. Department of Education).
• Criminal matters such as assault, theft, property damage, stalking, etc. (contact campus or local law enforcement).

  Before Submitting a Complaint, You Need to Know

• This process is for the affected student only.
• Schools establish their own written policies and procedures. By enrolling, students agree to follow those policies.
• You must complete the school’s formal written complaint or grievance process, including all appeals, before submitting a complaint to SCHEV.
• The complaint submitted to SCHEV must be the same issue that was reviewed by the school.
• Most school catalogs or handbooks explain their complaint process and include filing deadlines.
• SCHEV does not have automatic access to your academic, financial aid, or student account records.
• You may be asked to provide documentation, including your original complaint, appeal documents, school responses, and the specific policy in dispute.
• Anonymous complaints are not reviewed.

Before You Proceed – Checklist

☐ I have completed the school’s full complaint process, including all appeals.

☐ I have copies of my original complaint and all appeal decisions.

☐ My issue involves the application of a written school policy or procedure.

Complaint Process Overview

Step 1: Complete the School’s Complaint Process
Step 2: Complete All Appeals
Step 3: Submit Complaint to SCHEV
Step 4: SCHEV Authority Review
Step 5: Investigation (if within our authority)

SCHEV Complaint Process

1. Complete all required questions on the complaint form.
2. Sign the complaint form. Your signature authorizes SCHEV to request relevant student records.
3. SCHEV will review your submission to determine whether it falls within its authority.
4. If accepted for investigation, the review process may take several weeks.
5. If the issue is outside SCHEV’s authority, you may be referred to another agency, such as an accrediting body or state or federal office.

Students always have the right to seek advice from a private attorney.

If you followed all the steps above, please fill out the Student Complaint Form in its entirety and submit it electronically to SCHEV.