Any student with a complaint who feels they have been treated unfairly will have the right to be heard fairly and promptly. The college recognizes that disputes may sometimes arise and requires the parties involved to resolve the conflict informally whenever possible. If resolution cannot be reached, a formal complaint process will be provided in order to assure impartial and equitable resolution of those conflicts. This complaint process may not be invoked for matters that have independent appeal processes established. Examples of these include but are not limited to Academic Appeals, Course Policies, Campus Life Standards, FERPA, Financial Aid, Grades, Title IX, Discrimination, and Harassment.
Matters that are not grievable include the following:
- Federal and State laws
- Administrative Procedures Act (ORS Chapter 183)
- Employment and personnel decisions
- Policies of the Board of Trustees
- Rules and procedures adopted by the State Board of Higher Education (Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission)
- Program Integrity Rule
The U.S. Department of Education issued regulations to improve the integrity of programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA), as amended (the “Program Integrity Rule”). The Program Integrity Rule requires, among other things, that a university authorized to offer postsecondary education in one or more states ensure access to a complaint process that will permit student consumers to address the following:
Warner Pacific University, as an institution authorized to provide postsecondary education in the States of Oregon and Washington, is committed to full compliance with the Program Integrity Rule, and provides the following confirmation to all current and prospective students:
- 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
- Complaints relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements
Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Group
If you’re in a dispute about your federal student aid, contact the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Group as a last resort: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/disputes/prepare The Ombudsman Group is dedicated to helping resolve disputes related to the federal student aid programs, including Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans, Perkins Loans, and grant programs.
Complaint Process
Warner Pacific University is committed to resolving all student concerns in a timely and effective manner. To that end, resources at Warner Pacific University are available to current and prospective students for the resolving of complaints. Resources include those listed in the student appeals and grievance policies.
How to File a Grievance:
When a student has a grievance with another member of the community he/she may file a report in the Office of Student Affairs (503.517.1088). Click here for more details.
Students should attempt to resolve any grievances they may have with their school first. Should attempts to resolve these problems with appropriate school officials fail, or should the student be dissatisfied with the final outcome of the college complaint process, then the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), can respond to a formal complaint. Students may contact the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, 3225 25th St. SE, Salem, OR 97302 or by sending an email to complaints@hecc.oregon.gov. Students may also access the Complaints web page at https://www.oregon.gov/highered/about/Pages/complaints.aspx or visit the complaints page at NC-SARA’s website: https://nc-sara.org/student-complaints
Oregon State Students
Higher Education Coordinating Commission
775 Court Street NE
Salem, OR 97301 503-378-5690
https://www.oregon.gov/highered/about/Pages/complaints.aspx
Washington State Disclosure Statement
For Washington State residents seeking information and resources about student loan repayment or seeking to submit a complaint relating to your student loans or student loan servicer, please visit www.wsac.wa.gov/loan-advocacy or contact the Student Loan Advocate at loanadvocate@wsac.wa.gov.
Educational Quality and Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
8060 165th Avenue NE, Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052 425-558-4224
www.nwccu.org
Consumer Protection, including Fraud and False Advertising
Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
503-378-4400 (General)
877-877-9392 (Consumer Hotline) http://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer/pages/hotline.aspx
Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Group
If you’re in a dispute about your federal student aid, contact the Federal Student Aid Ombudsman Group as a last resort: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/disputes/prepare
The Ombudsman Group is dedicated to helping resolve disputes related to the federal student aid programs, including Direct Loans, Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans, Perkins Loans, and grant programs.
Other Information
Warner Pacific has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1961. Complaints about educational quality not satisfied by internal processes may be directed to the NWCCU. Consumer protection and other civil complaints can be filed with the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Complaints.
Oregon House Bill 4019 (2014)
HB 4019 directs post-secondary institutions in Oregon to provide a link to information about the affordability and value of their institution.