How are complaints filed against COE-accredited institutions?
All institutions accredited by COE are required to have grievance policies for handling student complaints. These policies are to be published in the institution’s catalog or student handbook. COE recommends that students first attempt to resolve complaints through the institution’s established policies and procedures. Once the institution’s procedures have been exhausted the student may file a written and signed letter of complaint to COE describing the nature of the grievance and the preliminary steps taken to resolve the problem. Once the letter is received by COE, a Complaint Certification form is mailed to the individual filing the complaint. The complainant has 14 days to return the signed and completed certification form to COE. The Council staff will then send a copy of the original letter of complaint and a copy of the certification form to the institution. The institution will have 21 days to submit a formal response to the Council. After the institution’s response has been r
