Complaints and Grievance Policies

Aspen University takes student complaints and grievances seriously. In most cases, it is recommended that the student discuss the issue with the primary party involved and their academic advisor to see if the issue could be resolved through another avenue, such as the Appeals process.

It is preferable to use informal means to address issues with faculty or staff members whenever possible. Students with general concerns or feedback are encouraged to submit that information via the Feedback form in their Student Portal.

If the Feedback form is not reasonable in a particular situation or does not result in an acceptable outcome, students should utilize the below formal methods to report concerns or complaints.

Issue	How to Report	For More Information	Primary University Contact
Appeals- including administrative policy appeals, financial appeals, grade appeals, and Good Academic Standing appeals	Complete appeal form and submit form, letter, and documentation. Questions can be directed to advising@aspen.edu	Appeal Policy	Academic Advisor
Accommodations-Related Issues- including misapplication of approved accommodations	Email accessibility@aspen.edu	Accessibility and Accommodations	Regulatory Specialist
Classroom Issues- including lack of feedback on assignments or lack of communication from faculty	Email advising@aspen.edu. The Advisor will complete a Faculty Resolution Form on the student’s behalf. Final resolution will come from the faculty, program director, or dean	Faculty	Academic Advisor
Code of Conduct- including plagiarism, academic dishonesty, or conduct issues	Email advising@aspen.edu	Code of Conduct Policy	Academic Advisor
Discrimination or Harassment- including harassment or unfair treatment related to being a member of a protected class	Email titleix@aspen.edu	Equal Opportunity	Title IX Coordinator
Sexual Misconduct, Harassment, or Violence- including acts involving students, staff, faculty, or other university representatives	Email titleix@aspen.edu	Title IX Statement	Title IX Coordinator

All other complaints and grievances outside of the types listed above should be reported via the below processes.

Complaints

The subject of a complaint is an action, decision, or omission within the control or responsibility of the University’s faculty or staff that results in specific policies or procedures incorrectly applied. If resolution does not occur, students may file a formal complaint via this link: Complaint Form

Students must submit their complaint with applicable and supportive evidence within 90 days of the incident in which the complaint situation occurs. The complaint will be initially processed and sent for review within 5 days of receipt. Complaints are reviewed by the applicable school or department administrator. The student will be notified of the final resolution by either the school or department administrator within 15 days of the complaint submission.

Grievances

A grievance is an unresolved complaint. The student must demonstrate that a procedural or policy violation has occurred and that the violation caused actual harm to the student. Students may file a formal grievance via this link: Grievance Form

Upon receipt of a submitted grievance, the Grievance Committee will meet within 30 days. If additional information is required, the Committee will contact the student; if the student does not respond within 15 days of the request, the grievance will be considered abandoned. The Committee will determine if further action is needed and will work to facilitate a resolution for all parties. The student will be notified of the grievance progress and resolution throughout the process. A decision made by the Grievance Committee may be appealed to the Provost; this appeal should be submitted in writing to registrar@aspen.edu. The Provost will discuss with other leadership as appropriate and render a decision in writing within 30 days. The Provost’s decision is final.

Registering a Complaint with the State

If you have a complaint that cannot be resolved exhausting the University's grievance procedure, you may contact the Arizona State Board for Private Post-Secondary Education online here, send the complaint to 1740 West Adams Street, #3008, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, or call (602) 542-5709. You may also click on the map found here if you prefer to contact your state of residence.

Georgia residents have the right to appeal the final institutional decision to Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC).

Contact Information:
Agency: Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC)
Address: 2082 East Exchange Place, Tucker, GA 30084
Phone: (770)-414-3300
Website: https://gnpec.georgia.gov/student-resources/complaints-against-institution

Iowa residents: Aspen University is registered to offer instruction to Iowans by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. Prospective or current students with questions or complaints about Aspen University may contact the Commission at:

Contact Information:
Agency: Iowa College Student Aid Commission
Address:475 SW Fifth Street, Suite D, Des Moines, IA 50309-4608
Toll-free Telephone:(877) 272-4456
Online Student Dispute Resolution Request: https://iowacollegeaid.gov/StudentComplaintForm

Tennessee residents who have a complaint that is not satisfactorily resolved may contact the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

Contact Information:
Marcie Mills
Phone: 615-253-7458
Email: marcie.mills@tn.gov
Website: https://www.tn.gov/thec/bureaus/student-aid-and-compliance/postsecondary-state-authorization/request-for-complaint-review.html

Wisconsin residents who have a complaint that is not satisfactorily resolved may contact the Wisconsin Educational Approval Department.

Contact Information:
Address: 4288 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 266-2112, ext. 5, ext. 2
Email: DSPSEAP@wisconsin.gov
Website: https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/EducationalApproval/EAPFileAComplaint.aspx

Registering a Complaint with an Accreditor

If you have a complaint that cannot be resolved exhausting the University's grievance procedure, you may contact DEAC online here. For nursing students, you may also contact CCNE.

Contact Information:
Address: 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 887-6791
Website: https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation