Complaint Resolution for UAkron Online Students

The University of Akron is committed to providing all students with an exceptional educational experience and strives to work with students to resolve any issues that may arise.

United States Department of Education regulations (34 CFR 668.43(b)) require institutions of higher education to have a process to handle complaints for prospective and enrolled students. This page describes the processes available and provides links to supporting policies, documentation, forms, and contacts. You have certain rights and responsibilities as stated in The University of Akron Bylaws (3359-42-01-C2, 3359-11-13, 3359-41-01, or 3359-24-02) and in the Student Code of Conduct.

1. All UAkron Online students should attempt to resolve complaints first with the University.
2. For academic complaints, you should first work with the course instructor.
3. If that proves unsuccessful, the chair of the academic department should be consulted.
4. If the matter still remains unresolved, you should talk with the dean of the college.
5. t that point, should the proposed resolution still be viewed by you as unacceptable, the issue may, in most instances, be directed to the senior vice president and provost.

For out-of-state online students:

Non-instructional complaints

If you are located in a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) state, you must first go through the institution's standard procedure for the resolution of student grievances. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the institutional process, a complaint alleging fraudulent activity, including the provision of false or misleading information, may be brought to the Ohio SARA portal entity. The SARA portal entity in the state where the student is located will be notified that the complaint was received and may assist as needed. Resolution of the complaint by the Ohio SARA portal entity is final. View complaint form.

Instructional complaints

• Ohio residents who have complaints of an instructional nature should contact the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
• If an issue cannot be resolved following the steps outlined above, you may file a complaint with the appropriate agency in your state. 

Other Methods for Resolution

You may also contact our accrediting agency, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission.

State Agency Contact Information