Complaint Procedure

Welcome to the DETC online complaint system. Please carefully read the information below before submitting your complaint.

If you haven’t already attempted to resolve your complaint directly with the institution, we suggest you do so before filing a complaint with DETC. If you are still not satisfied after contacting the institution, we will be glad to assist you.

You will be asked a series of questions to ensure we have adequate information to help resolve your complaint. DETC will work with you and the institution to facilitate communication to help both sides come to a satisfactory resolution.

What happens when a complaint is filed?

DETC takes a complaint against an accredited institution very seriously. When an institution is accredited, it must have a complaint procedure that is equitable, consistently applied, and effective in resolving problems. DETC also has a complaint procedure. It’s Policy C.20, Policy on Complaints, and it is found in the DETC Accreditation Handbook.

DETC requires that all complaints be in writing. Within 10 days of receiving a complaint, DETC sends a letter or e-mail to the person sending the complaint acknowledging receipt of the complaint and explaining the process it follows for its investigation. DETC also forwards the complaint to the institution and requests that the institution responds in writing to the complainant and DETC within 15 days as to how it is resolving the complaint.

Once DETC has received the response from the institution, within 15 days it reviews it along with the complaint and makes a determination as to the following:

1) the complaint was satisfactorily resolved and the file is closed;
2) dismiss the complaint and absolve the institution of any wrongdoing;
3) postpone final action to give the institution more time (not more than 2 months) to solve the complaint; for
4) notify the institution that it is failing to meet DETC standards and appropriate actions will be taken (see C.20.).

Timeline: Complaint sent to DETC – DETC sends complaint to school (10 days) – Institution responds to complainant and DETC (15 days) – DETC reviews resolution (15 days).

What types of complaints does DETC handle?

DETC will accept complaints against any DETC-accredited institution or applicant, the DETC Accrediting Commission, or the DETC staff. Complainants must provide their names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. If you have a complaint against a non-accredited institution, we will try to direct you to the proper authorities.

You can access DETC's Complaint Submission Form using the link below:

Click Here to Submit Your Complaint

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