Student Consumer Complaint Process

Beginning July 1, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education regulations to improve the integrity of programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA), as amended (the “Program Integrity Rule”), take effect. The Program Integrity Rule requires, among other things, that each college or university authorized to offer postsecondary education in one or more States ensure access to a complaint process that will permit student consumers to address the following:

  1. Alleged violations of State consumer protection laws that include but are not limited to fraud and false advertising;
  2. Alleged violations of State laws or rules relating to the licensure of postsecondary institutions; and
  3. Complaints relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements.

STUDENT COMPLAINT FORM
VIEW ACCREDITATION DOCUMENTS

Marian University, as an institution authorized to provide postsecondary education in the State of Wisconsin, is committed to full compliance with the Program Integrity Rule, and provides the following confirmation to all current and/or prospective students:

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Marian University.

Process

Marian University seeks to informally resolve all student concerns in a timely and effective manner.

The Offices of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Admissions, Business and Finance, Registrar, Compliance/Title IX, and Financial Aid all provide specific administrative means to address and informally resolve most, if not all of the questions and concerns a student may have. The contact information for each of these Offices is provided below.

It is expected that students will fully utilize any/all of the University’s administrative procedures to address concerns and/or complaints in as timely a manner as possible. On occasion, however, a student may believe that these administrative procedures have not adequately addressed concerns identified under the Program Integrity Rule. In those select cases, the student has two options:

  1. File a complaint using the Student Complaint Form or
  2. Follow independent procedures through the appropriate agency listed here.

The Higher Learning Commission

The Higher Learning Commission (“HLC”) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools is an independent body responsible for the accreditation of programs offered by Marian University. HLC relies on constant contact with the University to ensure quality higher learning. Accredited institutions are required to submit progress reports, monitoring reports, contingency reports, and annual reports, as well as to participate in focus visits. Each year, HLC receives a number of complaints from students or other parties. When a complaint raises issues regarding an institution’s ability to meet accreditation criteria, HLC will forward a copy of the complaint to the institution and request a formal response. Complaints may be filed with Higher Learning Commission at the following link: http://hlcommission.org/Student-Resources/ complaints.html.

The Office of the Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin is authorized to investigate and prosecute violations of State consumer laws, including laws relating to deceptive advertising, credit, charitable solicitations, telecommunications, telemarketing and sales. The Office cooperates with other States, the Federal Trade Commission and other federal agencies in addressing national consumer protection issues. Further, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Consumer protection litigates cases that are referred to the Department by other States agencies. Complaints may be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Consumer Protection at the following link: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dls/consumer-protection/how-file-consumer-complaint.

The Division of Trade and Consumer Protection of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (the “Division”) is prepared to receive and review student consumer complaints regarding alleged fraudulent or abusive practices by a college or university in the delivery of postsecondary academic programs and activities, including, for example, fraud or false advertising. Complaints may be filed with the Division in written or electronic form by accessing the following link: http://datcp.wi.gov/Consumer/Consumer_Complaints/index.aspx.

The Department of Safety and Professional Services
The Department of Safety and Professional Services is responsible for ensuring the safe and competent practice of licensed professionals in Wisconsin. The department also administers and enforces laws to assure safe and sanitary conditions in public and private buildings. It provides administrative services to the state occupational regulatory authorities responsible for regulation of occupations and offers policy assistance in such areas as evaluating and establishing new professional licensing programs, creating routine procedures for legal proceedings, and adjusting policies in response to public needs. Complaints may be filed with the Department by accessing the following link: https://www.marianuniversity.edu/student-consumer-complaint-process/

Specific Offices and Boards served by the Department of Safety and Professional Services are listed below:

Accounting Examining Board
Board of Nursing
Department of Public Instruction
Physical Therapy Examining Board
Radiography Examining Board

If you are currently enrolled, or anticipate enrollment, in an educational program that requires State agency or board authorization and/or licensure and do not see it listed here, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 920.923.7604.