Student Grievances

Out-Of-State Student Complaint Information

Students taking classes at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga should attempt to resolve any issues or complaints with the University first using the procedures described in the Office of the Dean Of Students. For cases that cannot be satisfactorily resolved internally, the University is required to provide both current and prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with the appropriate agency in the state where the student resides. Please click on your state to be connected to the contact form should you have a complaint about UTC. 

If you have questions about inter-state authorization, visit the UT System State Authorization page.

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Complaint Policies for Certain Distance Education Students Enrolled Through the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (“SARA”)

The below policies apply to students who are:

• non-Tennessee residents in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (“SARA”) states and who are enrolled in a distance education program/course or
• attending an out-of-state learning placement in a SARA state other than Tennessee

The nature of complaints to be addressed through these policies include violations of SARA policies and dishonest or fraudulent activity. These policies do not apply to complaints concerning student grades or student conduct violations.  For more information on complaint subject matter see SARA Policy Manual Sections 4.2 and 4.3. 

Additional Complaint Policies

• Tennessee Higher Education Commission (“THEC”)
  • Students (as described above) must complete the institution complaint process before appealing to THEC.
  • Students who are not satisfied with the institution’s resolution of their complaint may appeal the institution decision to THEC using the Request for Complaint Review form. Additional information on the THEC complaint process is available at THEC Complaint Review Process. Students may also contact [email protected] with questions.
  • The appeal to THEC must be filed within two (2) years of the incident about which the complaint is made.
  • Out-of-state student may also contact their home state higher education authority; although student may be referred to THEC. See State Portal Entity Contacts | NC-SARA for a listing of SARA states and contacts.
  • Students residing in non-SARA states, currently California only, should consult their respective state of residence for further instructions for filing a complaint.