Johnson University Grievance Policy

Students have the right to file a formal complaint about unsatisfactory situations if all other forms of redress failed to correct the situation. Students who are dissatisfied are encouraged to communicate their concerns to the appropriate administrator. If the issue relates to classroom instruction or faculty, the student should communicate with the program director or dean who supervises the faculty member to express his or her concerns. If the issue relates to the dean, the student should communicate with the Provost about the situation. If the dean or other administrator is not able to resolve the situation satisfactorily, the student has the right to file a formal grievance. They may submit a Student Grievance Form. 

The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost will read the formal complaint and attempt to resolve the issue with the appropriate administrator. If the student still requests a formal hearing, the Provost will appoint a Grievance Committee composed of a representative from the Office of Student Services or an alternate administrator, two members of the faculty who do not have a conflict of interest with the parties or program involved, and two student representatives selected by the president of the Student Government Association (SGA). The Provost will appoint one of the faculty members to serve as chair of the committee. The committee members will be required to sign a form that declares they have no conflict of interest and will maintain confidentiality.

All parties involved in the process are required to cooperate transparently with the investigation of the committee, and they are prohibited from retaliating against anyone else who participates in the process, including the committee members. The committee will interview the parties involved, examine evidence related to the complaint, and render a judgment about the validity of the complaint and remedies for the complaint if any are needed. The committee’s report should be submitted to the Provost with 30 days of the committee’s formation. The Provost will notify the parties involved of the findings of the committee and will ensure that any remedies proposed by the committee are implemented.

SACSCOC Complaint Procedures

Allegations regarding noncompliance with accreditation standards, policies, and procedures may be made to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097. For the Commission’s complaint policy, procedure and complaint form, see the SACSCOC website. SACSCOC should be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support Johnson University’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard. Normal inquiries about the University (such as admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc.) should be addressed directly to Johnson University and not to the Commission’s office.

ABHE Complaint Procedures

Complaints from individuals, institutions or programs, or agencies regarding an institution’s or a program’s significant noncompliance with ABHE Standards, policies, or procedures may be submitted in writing to the Director, Commission on Accreditation, at 5850 T.G. Lee Blvd., Suite 130, Orlando, FL 32822.

State of Tennessee Complaint Procedures

If the institution is not able to resolve the student complaint, the student has the right to contact the state of Tennessee and its appropriate agencies to determine the course of action.

  • Complaints related to the application of state laws or rules related to approval to operate or licensure of a particular professional program within a postsecondary institution shall be referred to the appropriate State Board (e.g. State Board of Health, State Board of Education) and shall be reviewed and handled by that board. See the Tennessee State Government website and search for the appropriate division.
  • Complaints related to state consumer protection laws (e.g., laws related to fraud or false advertising) shall be referred to the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs and shall be reviewed and handled by that unit.

Complaint Policies for Certain Distance Education Students Enrolled Through the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (“SARA”)

The below policies apply to students who are:

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 SARA Policy Manual Sections 4.2 and 4.3. 

  •  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 Request for Complaint Review form. Additional information on the THEC complaint process is available at THEC Complaint Review Process. Students may also contact [email protected] 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 State Portal Entity Contacts | NC-SARA 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.