Student Complaints

Institutions that are accredited by the Commission must have a published procedure and operational plan for handling complaints. The Commission’s primary responsibility in reviewing complaints is to ensure that member schools remain in continuous compliance with accreditation requirements.

Complainants are encouraged first to avail themselves of the school’s complaint procedures. If a student is concerned that the school, through its complaint process, has not adequately addressed a complaint or that the school is not in compliance with accreditation requirements, you may contact the Commission. Click here for a copy of ACCSCT’s complaint form.

Please note that all complaints must be signed by the complainant, allege specific non-compliance with one or more accreditation requirements and grant permission to the Commission to send a copy of the complaint to the school for a response. As a general practice, the Commission will not act on an anonymous complaint. Upon receipt of your signed complaint form and supporting documentation by fax or mail, the Commission can begin reviewing your complaint

Schools are given a period of time upon receipt of the complaint to prepare a response addressing the alleged areas of non-compliance with the Commission’s requirements. The Commission’s staff may determine, based on a review of the school’s response, that the school has adequately addressed the concerns raised in the complaint and is in compliance with the standards of accreditation.

In the event that the Commission’s staff is unable to make a determination of compliance, the complaint, the school’s response and all supporting documentation will be forwarded to the Commission or appropriate standing committee for further consideration and possible action. In all cases, both the school and complainant are notified of the final disposition of the complaint. Although one possible outcome of the complaint process may be the resolution of a dispute between parties, the Commission does not act as an arbitrator.

Click here for a copy of ACCSCT's Complaint Form.