Lee University Complaint Policies for Certain Distance Education Students

The below policies apply to students who are:

non-Tennessee residents in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (“SARA”) states and who are enrolled in a distance education program/course or

who are attending an out-of-state learning placement in a SARA state.

The nature of complaints to be addressed through these policies include violations of SARA policies and dishonest or fraudulent activity. These policies do not apply to complaints concerning student grades or student conduct violations.  For more information on complaint subject matter see SARA Policy Manual Sections 4.2 and 4.3.

Institution Complaint Policies  Lee University Online follows guidelines established by the university with regard to student complaints for online students. The institution encourages employees to deal directly with complaints without undue delay and without referring to other offices where feasible for effectiveness.

• Admissions appeals are sent to the Lee Online Admission and Retention Committee.
• Academic complaints/appeals are referred to the Lee Online Executive Director’s Office.
• Financial Aid appeals are referred to the university Financial Aid Office.
• Student billing appeals are referred to the Student Financial Services Office.
• Other general complaints are referred to the appropriate university office(s).

The Executive Director’s office will hear and assist in resolving faculty and/or student complaints and appeals if elevated from the appropriate office or department.  The Executive Director keeps a log that includes a brief description of both the complaint and resolution.

Additional Complaint Policies

• Tennessee Higher Education Commission (“THEC”)
  • Students (as described above) must complete the institution complaint process before appealing to THEC.
  • Students who are not satisfied with the institution’s resolution of their complaint may appeal the institution decision to THEC using the Request for Complaint Review form. Additional information on the THEC complaint process is available at THEC Complaint Review Process. Students may also contact [email protected] with questions.
  • The appeal to THEC must be filed within two (2) years of the incident about which the complaint is made.
  • Out-of-state student may also contact their home state higher education authority; although student may be referred to THEC. See State Portal Entity Contacts | NC-SARA for a listing of SARA states and contacts.
  • Students residing in non-SARA states, currently California only, should consult their respective state of residence for further instructions for filing a complaint.