Students

Program Integrity Rule-Complaint Process 

Beginning July 1, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education regulations to improve the integrity of programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA), as amended (the “Program Integrity Rule”), take effect. The Program Integrity Rule requires, among other things, that each college or 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:

1. Alleged violations of State consumer protection laws that include but are not limited to fraud and false advertising;
2. Alleged violations of State laws or rules relating to the licensure of postsecondary institutions; and
3. Complaints relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements.

Viterbo University, as an institution authorized to provide postsecondary education in the State of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota is committed to full compliance with the Program Integrity Rule, and provides the following confirmation to all current and/or prospective students:

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Viterbo University. You may review the College’s/University’s accreditation documents at: http://www.viterbo.edu/UniversityAccreditation/ 

Complaint Process

Viterbo University seeks to resolve all student concerns in a timely and effective manner. To that end, this complaint process serves as an ongoing means for students to discuss concerns or register formal complaints that pertain to 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; and complaints relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements.

The Offices of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies and Vice President Student Development provide specific administrative means to address and resolve most, if not all of the questions and concerns you may have. The contact information for each of these offices is provided below:

• Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies (academic programs/accreditation), 608-796-3081, bmgayle@viterbo.edu 

• Office of the Vice President of Student Development (student/campus life), 608-796-3801, dlbrimmer@viterbo.edu 

It is expected that students will fully utilize any/all of the University’s administrative procedures to address concerns and/or complaints in as timely a manner as possible. On occasion, however, a student may believe that these administrative procedures have not adequately addressed concerns identified under the Program Integrity Rule. In those select cases, the following independent procedures are provided:

1. The Division of Trade and Consumer Protection of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (the “Division”) is prepared to receive and review student consumer complaints regarding alleged fraudulent or abusive practices by a college or university in the delivery of postsecondary academic programs and activities, including, for example, fraud or false advertising. Complaints may be filed with the Division in written or electronic form by accessing the following link: http://datcp.wi.gov/Consumer/Consumer_Complaints/index.aspx 
2. The Office of the Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin is authorized to investigate and prosecute violations of State consumer laws, including laws relating to deceptive advertising, credit, charitable solicitations, telecommunications, telemarketing and sales. The Office cooperates with other States, the Federal Trade Commission and other federal agencies in addressing national consumer protection issues. Further, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Consumer Protection litigates cases that are referred to the Department by other State agencies. Complaints may be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Consumer Protection at the following link:  http://www.doj.state.wi.us/dls/ConsProt/cp_complaints.asp 
3. The Higher Learning Commission (“HLC”) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools is an independent body responsible for the accreditation of programs offered by Viterbo University. HLC relies on constant contact with the University to ensure quality higher learning. Accredited institutions are required to submit progress reports, monitoring reports, contingency reports, and annual reports, as well as to participate in focus visits. Each year, HLC receives a number of complaints from students or other parties. When a complaint raises issues regarding an institution’s ability to meet accreditation criteria, HLC will forward a copy of the complaint to the institution and request a formal response. Complaints may be filed with Higher Learning Commission at the following link: http://www.ncahlc.org/information-for-the-public/complaints.html 
4. A variety of other State agencies or State Boards, which are involved in the evaluation and approval of institutional programs, or in the granting of professional certification or licensure, may also be contacted. These agencies include, but may not be limited to, the following:
   1. Accounting Examining Board:
      http://www.drl.state.wi.us/board_detail.asp?boardid=61&locid=0
       
   2. Board of Nursing:
      http://www.drl.state.wi.us/board_detail.asp?boardid=42&locid=0
       
   3. Department of Public Instruction (teacher preparation programs)
      licensing@dpi.wi.gov
       
   4. Physical Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board
      http://www.drl.state.wi.us/board_detail.asp?boardid=47&locid=0
       
   5. Wisconsin Supreme Court (legal education)
    

If you are currently enrolled, or anticipate enrollment, in an educational program that requires State agency or board authorization and/or licensure and do not see it listed here, contact the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies  at 608-796-3081.