Student Complaint Process

Western Oregon University aims to resolve all student complaints in a fair and expedient manner. Students wishing to file a formal complaint must first seek resolution through the applicable institutional grievance process. Details about the available processes can be found at Student Complaints and Concerns.

If a complaint cannot be resolved internally

Students residing in Oregon or in a SARA Member state (all except those listed below) may file a complaint with the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Council (HECC).

Additional information from HECC regarding student complaints

  • 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 HECC Complaints web page complaints page at NC-SARA’s website.
  • Students that reside in a non-member state may file a formal complaint with California – Department of Consumer Affairs.

Incident of bias, student of concern, incident of sexual misconduct

The Office of Student Affairs provides online reporting forms for incidents of bias, students of concern, and incidents of sexual misconduct.

Military, service members, veterans, and their families

Federal Financial Aid Recipients

  • Feedback can be sent to Compliancecomplaints@ed.gov
  • Accreditation related (eligibility requirements, standards for accreditation, or policies)
  • Complaints may be filed with WOU’s accreditor, NWCCU, on their Complaints.