Statement of Grievance and State Law Violations
Students should be aware that, should they have concerns or complaints about their program or their financial aid, this institution has a complaint procedure. (See Academic and Non-Academic Grievance Procedure contained herein.) To the extent possible, students should seek a resolution of such matters through the institution’s complaint procedure before involving others. Under Tennessee’s open records law, all or parts of complaints will generally be available for review upon request from a member of the public. Complaints of fraud, waste or abuse may be made by calling the Tennessee Comptroller’s Hotline for Fraud, Waste and Abuse at 1-800-232-5454. Students or prospective students who wish to file a complaint related to accreditation may contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Complaints of Accreditation
Austin Peay State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Austin Peay State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on .
Austin Peay State University Complaint Policies for Certain Distance Education Students
The below policies apply to students who are:
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non-Tennessee residents in and who are enrolled in a distance education program/course or
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who are attending an out-of-state learning placement in a .
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 Sections 4.2 and 4.3.
Institution Complaint Policies
Please visit the Statement of Grievance and State Law Violations webpage for more information on APSU’s complaint procedure and policies.
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 . Additional information on the THEC complaint process is available at . Students may also contact RCD@tn.gov 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 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.
- Any person claiming damage or loss as a result of any act or practice by an or its agent that is a violation of Title 49, Chapter 7, Part 20 or Rule Chapters 1540-01-02 or 1540-01-10, may file a complaint with THEC after exhausting the institution complaint process. More information is available at , 312 Rosa Parks Ave., 9th Floor, Nashville, TN, 37243, (615) 741-3605. Students may also contact RCD@tn.gov with questions.]