Complaints Process

The U.S. Department of Education’s Program Integrity Rule requires that each college or university authorized to offer postsecondary education in one or more states ensures access to a complaint process that will permit student consumers to address the following:

Alleged violations of state consumer protection laws that include but are not limited to fraud and false advertising;
Alleged violations of state laws or rules relating to the licensure of postsecondary institutions; and
Complaints relating to the quality of education or other state or accreditation requirements.

St. Norbert College, as an institution authorized to provide postsecondary education in Wisconsin, is committed to full compliance with the Program Integrity Rule and provides the following confirmation to all current and/or prospective students:

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits St. Norbert College. Review the college’s accreditation documents.

Complaints Process
St. Norbert College seeks to resolve all student concerns in a timely and effective manner.

It is expected that students will fully utilize any/all of the college’s administrative procedures to address concerns and/or complaints in as timely a manner as possible. On occasion, however, a student may believe that these administrative procedures have not adequately addressed concerns identified under the Program Integrity Rule. In those select cases, the following independent procedures are provided:

The Division of Trade and Consumer Protection of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is prepared to receive and review student consumer complaints regarding alleged fraud or abusive practices by a college or university in the delivery of postsecondary academic programs and activities, including, for example, fraud or false advertising. File a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
The Office of the Attorney General for Wisconsin is authorized to investigate and prosecute violations of state consumer laws, including laws relating to deceptive advertising, credit, charitable solicitations, telecommunications, telemarketing and sales. The office cooperates with other states, the Federal Trade Commission and other federal agencies in addressing national consumer protection issues. Further, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Consumer Protection litigates cases that are referred to the department by other state agencies. File a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Consumer Protection.
The New Mexico Higher Ed department has a complaints process for students enrolled in any New Mexico public post-secondary institution or private post-secondary institution that is licensed or registered in New Mexico.
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools is an independent body responsible for the accreditation of programs offered by St. Norbert College. HLC relies on constant contact with the college to ensure quality higher learning. Accredited institutions are required to submit progress reports, monitoring reports, contingency reports and annual reports, as well as participate in focus visits. Each year, HLC receives a number of complaints from students or other parties. When a complaint raises issues regarding an institution’s ability to meet accreditation criteria, HLC will forward a copy of the complaint to the institution and request a formal response. File a complaint with HLC.
A variety of other state agencies or state boards, which are involved in the evaluation and approval of institutional programs, or in the granting of professional certification or licensure, also may be contacted. These agencies include, but may not be limited to, the following:

If you are currently enrolled, or anticipate enrollment, in an educational program that requires state agency or board authorization and/or licensure and do not see it listed here, please contact Joe Webb, vice president for student affairs, at 920-403-3753 or joe.webb@snc.edu.