Student Grievance Policy
Student Complaints
Every student expects to have quality educational experiences. However, if circumstances arise that challenge those expectations, the student has the right to address the issue.
Students are encouraged to follow the Biblical principles found in Matthew 18 to resolve conflicts, concerns, or complaints. Written complaints shall be responded to in writing within ten (10) days of receipt of the complaint. If the complaint is rejected, the student shall be notified of the reasons for the rejection. None of the student’s rights or remedies shall be limited by participating in the complaint procedure. In addition, a student participating in the complaint process will not be subjected to retaliation or adverse action.
The student complaint will follow these steps below:
1. Students are encouraged to resolve the complaint themselves by speaking directly to the person involved. If no resolution can be made, then the student is encouraged to complete the next step.
2. Complete the Student Grievance Form and submit it to the Student Dean. The administration will acknowledge receipt of the form to the student within 48 hours.
3. If necessary, a meeting will be set up to include the parties involved.
4. If no resolution is achieved, the complaint shall be transmitted to the College President for review and resolution.
Students should always follow the Grievance Policy of Ascent College first. If the issue remains unresolved, please follow the guidelines listed below.
5. If you are a Virginia student, please submit a grievance complaint form to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
6. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is a private nonprofit organization [501(c)(3)] that helps expand students’ access to educational opportunities and ensure more efficient, consistent, and effective regulation of distance education programs. Ascent College is a participating institution in SARA.
If you are a non-Virginia student taking distance education under the aegis of SARA, you may submit a complaint form to the SARA State Portal Entity (SPE), the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. You may also contact the SARA State Portal Entity in your state to file a complaint against the College.
Additional information on filing a SARA complaint is available here.
The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA) is the approving authority of education and training programs for Virginia. This office investigates complaints of G.I. Bill® beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact the SAA office via email at saa@dvs.virginia.gov. G.I. Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about educational benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at VA.gov | Veterans Affairs.
Students may also contact The Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) at 5575 S. Semoran Blvd. Suite 26, Orlando, Florida 32822-1781 and phone number 407-207-0808 to file a complaint against the College.
Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy
Click here to view our Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy.
Ascent College admits students of any race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs.
The College reserves the right to withdraw a student for what it considers to be a necessary cause at any time.