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Distance Education Student Grievance Policy/Procedure

NKU is required to provide all current and prospective out-of-state students with the contact information of the state agency that handles complaints against institutions of higher education within that state. Enrolled students are encouraged to utilize NKU’s internal complaint and review policies.  Students enrolled in online programs who have complaints, grievances, or concerns regarding courses taken at NKU should are encouraged to utilize NKU’s internal complaint and review policies.  Students should first seek to resolve their complaints through informal discussion. This is the same process for all students enrolled at NKU.  

Complaint Process for Current Residents of Kentucky

The Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) is the agency in Kentucky that handles complaints about the 51AV and has the ability to act on those complaints from students residing in Kentucky. Students should attempt to resolve the complaint through the established protocol at NKU before contacting CPE.

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
1024 Capital Center Dr. #320
Frankfort, KY 40601-7512
Telephone: (502) 573-1555 
Fax: (502) 573-1535
Email: cpeconsumercomplaint@ky.gov

Complaint Process for Out-of-State Students Residing in SARA States

As the designated portal agency under SARA, the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) is the agency that handles complaints about NKU and has the ability to act on those complaints from students enrolled in online programs residing in . Though the final resolution of complaints will be through the CPE, the student’s home state portal agency may also work with the CPE to resolve the complaint. To view a list of SARA portal agencies, please view the .

Students who live in a state that has joined SARA () should follow the procedures listed here to initiate complaints pursuant to SARA policy.

  1. Follow the .
  2. If the complaint cannot be resolved at the University, file a complaint with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, the state SARA portal agency:
    Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
    1024 Capital Center Dr. #320
    Frankfort, KY 40601-7512
    Telephone: (502) 573-1555 
    Fax: (502) 573-1535
    Email: cpeconsumercomplaint@ky.gov

  3. If there are concerns that Kentucky is not abiding by SARA policies, appeal to the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB).
  4. If there are concerns that the SREB is not ensuring that Kentucky is abiding by SARA standards, appeal to NC-SARA:
    National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
    3005 Center Green Drive, Suite 130
    Boulder, Colorado 80301
    303.848.3275
    info@nc-sara.org

Notice Regarding State Authorization

51AV recognizes that states have the authority to regulate colleges and universities offering education within that state’s boundaries, which includes regulation of distance learning and online education. NKU is making good faith efforts to comply with the regulations in states where it serves students.Out-of-state students are advised to check with their post-secondary governing board with specific questions about NKU’s authority to provide specific degree programs. Out-of-state students considering programs that require subsequent licensure by the state of residence (i.e. nursing or education) may also check with the state licensure office.Click here for state-specific information: