In compliance with the Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) conducted a Negotiated Rule Making Process in 2010, and institutions offering distance education must provide enrolled and prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accrediting agency and with the appropriate state agency for handling complaints in the student's state.
Students enrolled in online classes at Lane Community College who reside out-of-state should follow the Complaint Procedures listed in Lane's Student Rights and Responsibilities to resolve concerns. Online students have the same rights and responsibilities as those students enrolled in on-campus courses.
Complaints and the process for any appeals are addressed through the Student Complaint Procedure.
The college department responsible for overseeing student complaints is the Office of Academic and Student Affairs located on Lane's main 30th Avenue campus, Building 3, second floor, 541-463-5732. Students who have concerns involving one of the areas listed below should see these specific procedures listed in the College Online Policy and Procedure System.
- Academic issues: Grade & Degree Appeal
- Affirmative Action Guidelines and Complaint Procedure
- Disabilities: Americans With Disabilities Act Complaint Procedure
- Discrimination or Harassment Complaint Process
- Student Complaint Procedure
If after following the college procedure the issue cannot be resolved internally and the student seeks additional resolution, students can refer to the contacts below for the appropriate state agency or accrediting body.
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 Oregon.gov Complaints web page or visit the complaints page at NC-SARA’s website.
Lane Community College is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Information regarding their complaint process and contact information can be found on the NWCCU website. Please email any questions to info@nwccu.org.
Students may also contact the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development (CCWD) by phone at (541) 947-2428 or by email to donna.j.lewelling@state.or.us.