Austin College is deeply committed to fostering a campus climate that is respectful and supportive of all who work, live, study, or participate in activities or events on campus. This commitment is a testament to our belief in the value and worth of each individual in our community. Even so, it is understandable that complaints will arise from time to time. To address and resolve concerns as quickly as possible, please address complaints to the office responsible for overseeing the area of concern. Students should also read the current Austin College Bulletin and The Environment Student Handbook to become familiar with college policies. These policies include but are not limited to:

• Academic integrity
• Grade appeal
• Harassment and discrimination
• Student access to records

However, if, after informally seeking a solution to the problem, a student wishes to register a complaint or appeal a formal decision formally, they should follow the processes outlined below. 

All student complaints and appeals are routed to the appropriate responsible administrator, who will investigate the situation, seek an equitable solution, and promptly report to the student.

The following steps make up the process for resolving a student complaint or appeal:

1. The student attempts an informal resolution.
2. The student submits a written complaint via this link: Student Complaint Form.
3. The complaint or appeal is routed to the appropriate administrator.
4. The administrator contacts the student to confirm the receipt of the complaint. 
5. The administrator conducts the investigation and makes a decision.
6. The administrator contacts the student to communicate decisions and options.

This policy does not replace and is not intended to supplant other policies and procedures applicable to handling a student's complaint. Specifically, 

• Complaints about discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation are handled in accordance with the College's policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (The Environment Student Handbook, p. 89). 
• Complaints about discrimination, harassment, assault, and retaliation based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity are handled in accordance with the College’s policy on Sex and Gender-Based Misconduct and can be reported through the Sex and Gender-Based Misconduct Form (The Environment Student Handbook, p. 95). 
• Complaints concerning alleged failures by Austin College to comply with the requirements of FERPA should be communicated to the Registrar’s Office. 
• Complaints related to the ADA/Section 504 accommodation process or related to the implementation of approved reasonable accommodations should be communicated to the Access Services office located in the Center for Student Success and Access Services. 
• Academic petitions and appeals are handled by the relevant department/program or divisional dean in accordance with the Grade Grievance process (The Environment Student Handbook, p. 50). 

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)
After exhausting the institution's grievance/complaint process as outlined above, current, former, and prospective students may initiate a complaint with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) following the process outlined on the THECB website at https://www.highered.texas.gov/links/student-complaints under “student complaints.”

Students enrolled in distance education courses and programs
If an issue cannot be resolved internally at Austin College, following the process above, a complaint can be filed with the appropriate state portal entity. 

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Austin College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master's level degrees. The Commission is to be contacted only if evidence supports an institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard. All other inquiries or complaints should be directed as outlined above. The Complaint Policy of the Commission on Colleges is available at  https://sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2020/01/ComplaintPolicy-1.pdf. The Commission may be contacted at:

1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097
404-679-4500
https://www.sacscoc.org

Campus Conduct Hotline 
Austin College supports a confidential, independent, call-in service that provides a simple, anonymous way to anonymously report concerns. The third-party provider may be reached online or via phone at: 

https://www.austincollege.edu/campus-conduct-hotline
CALL CAMPUS CONDUCT HOTLINE AT 866.943.5787