Out-of-State Academic Student Complaint Procedure

In compliance with the Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) conducted a Negotiated Rule Making Process in 2010, and institutions offering distance education must provide enrolled and prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accrediting agency and with the appropriate state agency for handling complaints in the student's state.

The College expects that most issues will be resolved informally by way of discussion between the student and the appropriate staff member.

For certain complaints or concerns, the College has established specific procedures to be followed. For example, complaints regarding grades are subject to the limitations and requirements of the Grade Appeal Procedure; complaints regarding harassment are subject to the harassment policy. Students will be expected to initiate their concerns or express their concern in accordance with those specific policies. In any other cases, students may have recourse to the Student Concerns Procedure.

• Grade Appeal Procedure
• Harassment Policy
• Student Concerns Procedure

For further information or assistance in regards to student complaints or concerns, please contact the Director of Student Life:

Office of Student Life
2600 NW College Way
Bend, Oregon 97703
541-383-7592
apdavis@cocc.edu

If after following the College's procedure, the issue cannot be resolved internally and the student seeks additional resolution, students can refer to the contacts below for the appropriate state agency or accrediting body.

Students can submit a formal complaint to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) one of the following ways:

• By mail to 3225 25^th St. SE, Salem, OR 97302
• By email to complaints@hecc.oregon.gov

Additional information can be found on the HECC Complaints page or by visiting the NC-SARA Complaints page. 

Central Oregon Community College is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on College and Universities (NWCCU). Information regarding their complaint process can be found on the NWCCU website. Students may also contact the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD) by phone at 503-947-2430 or by email Luis.Juarez@state.or.us.

Professional license requirements can vary from state to state. More information can be found on our Professional Licensure Disclosure page. 

Complaint Contacts by Location