Complaint Process

Last Updated: 11 August 2011

Recent federal legislation (Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008) requires colleges and universities to provide greater consumer protection. Consequently, institutions offering distance education must provide current and prospective students contact information for the agencies that accredit Mansfield University, as well as the offices or officials that handle complaints in all 50 states and the District of Columbia (i.e. for online students or applicants who do not reside in Pennsylvania).

Mansfield University's regional accrediting agency is the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Before filing a formal Complaint, however, we encourage you to address your concerns or grievance locally. For the fastest resolution of issues current students should begin with their adviser or department Chairperson, while new applicants may contact the Chairperson or Admissions Office. If you cannot resolve the issue you should next contact the Provost's Office.

For Pennsylvania residents the official agent for formal complaints is the PA Attorney General's Office. For all other states use the list below for filing complaints concerning out-of-state distance education programs. For further information on recent rules governing distance education see WCET's excellent resource, Federal Regulations on State Approval of Out-of-State Providers.

State-by-State Listing for Complaint Contacts