​Program Integrity: Complaint Procedures

Contact information for complaints relating to distance learning or correspondence education

Pursuant to the United States Department of Education's Program Integrity Rule, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is required to provide all prospective and current students with the contact information of the state agency, or agencies, that handle complaints against postsecondary education institutions offering distance learning or correspondence education within that state.  Students are encouraged to utilize the institution's internal complaint or review policies and procedures prior to filing a complaint with the state agency or agencies.

Students enrolled in courses at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point may use the link here to submit a complaint regarding courses delivered in all modalities, including face-to-face, hybrid, and 100% online.

This link provides a list of contacts from each state in which a student may file a complaint.​

Distance Learning Education - State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement and Complaints


​​On August 25, 2016, UW institutions were approved as participants in the National Council – State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) which allows universities to provide online distance learning to students who reside in other states without having to obtain that state’s authorization. Rather, universities must abide by the SARA Terms and Conditions and obtain approval each year to remain a part of SARA. Part of SARA’s requirements include the creation of a complaint process in accordance with Wis. Stats. Ch. 39.85, et. al. This state law provides that any current or former student who is enrolled in an online distance education program with a university that has been approved to offer distance education programs pursuant to the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) may file a complaint against the university. This complaint process shall only apply to the distance education activity of the university which is conducted across state lines. No other complaints shall be considered by the Distance Learning Authorization Board (DLAB). However, other resolution options may be available to the complainant as noted above (for students residing in WI and enrolled in UW-Stevens Point courses) and below (through the DLAB complaint process or contacting the Office of Academic Affairs).

​​For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of the SARA agreement, or of laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements Policies and Standards (SARA Policies and Standards) are being violated by a person, university, state, agency or other organization or entity operating under the terms of SARA. If you believe you have a complaint or dispute that fits under the terms of SARA, please complete the Distance Learning Authorization Board (DLAB) online form​ and submit it within the time frames provided. There are also FAQs to assist you in answering any questions you may have about the DLAB complaint process. To file a complaint, please complete the DLAB complaint form.

​​For additional information about the Wisconsin Distance Learning Authorization Board, please see information at the Distance Learning Authorization Board website.​​

​​​For additional information you may also call the Office of Academic Affairs at (715) 346-4686 or email the office at Academic.Affairs.Office@uwsp.edu​.