University of Michigan-Flint

DISTANCE EDUCATION COMPLAINT PROCESS

This information is designed to assist out-of-state distance education students in the event they need to file a complaint.  Michigan public universities operate as autonomous institutions, and there is not a state agency that adjudicates complaints regarding distance education offered by the "publics."  Complaints must be filed with the individual university.

How to file a complaint regarding a UM-Flint course, program or instructor:

For complaints about the technology, help desk support, and proctoring issues, students may contact the director of the Office of Extended Learning at 810-766-6798 (debwhite@umflint.edu).  This office can also assist the student in reaching the appropriate individuals who may address the student issue.

For complaints about the instructor or course content, distance learning student enrolled in a UM-Flint course should first contact the instructor, and proceed through the following individual(s), i.e. department chair and dean.  Failing to achieve resolution, a student may file a petition with the college or school academic standards committee, and ultimately, Office of the Provost or Chancellor.

Students who still are not satisfied after completing the above process may file a complaint within their states of residence.  The contact information is provided in this document, Directory of State Authorization Agencies and Lead Contacts, updated by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Organization (SHEEO) in July 2012.

UM-Flint is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  Complaints concerning broad institutional academic practices, such as those that raise issues regarding UM-Flint’s ability to meet accreditation standards, may be filed with the Higher Learning Commission.