Private postsecondary institutions operating in Kansas must meet and maintain certain standards of quality in order to qualify for a certificate allowing them to offer or provide training or course work to Kansas citizens.
It is the mutual goal of the Kansas Board of Regents and the certified institutions to provide quality educational training and programs. When problems arise, students should make every attempt to find a fair and reasonable solution by taking the steps outlined in the complaint process.
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
Private postsecondary institutions operating in Kansas must meet and maintain certain statutorily established standards in order to qualify for a certificate allowing them to offer degrees, training, or course work to Kansas citizens. It is the goal of the Kansas Board of Regents to insure that the institutions subject to Board authority comply with the applicable laws as they provide educational training and programs. Thus, the Board office accepts complaints involving these institutions.
If an individual does not wish to be identified or to put anything in writing, it is very hard for the Board office to investigate the complaint. It is very important that all persons who have a complaint about such a school understand that this agency does not represent individuals and cannot act as their legal representative. However, all individuals have the right to seek advice from a private attorney.
When problems or concerns arise, the involved individuals should attempt to reach a fair and reasonable solution by first taking the following steps:
- Discuss the issue thoroughly with the teacher or other involved school employee(s).
If there is no resolution continue to Step 2. - Discuss the issue with the manager or director of the school.
If there is no resolution continue to Step 3. - Present the facts and issue to the owner of the school.
Individuals with a complaint about a private or out-of-state school operating in Kansas must use the online submission form provided below and provide the requested information. Failure to do so may result in the Board office being unable to accept or process the complaint.
If the Board office receives the completed complaint form together with any other pertinent written information, Board staff will ordinarily take the following steps:
- Review the submitted information in order to determine if it is sufficient. If insufficient information has been submitted, the complainant will be so informed and given a deadline for submitting additional necessary information.
- Once sufficient information is provided, the Board office will determine if it has jurisdiction and authority over the matter. If it does not, the complainant will be so informed and the file closed.
- If the complaint appears to involve matters over which the Board has legal authority, the Board office will conduct an investigation in the manner that it deems appropriate under the circumstances. In most instances the school will be contacted, provided a copy of the written complaint, and given an opportunity to respond to it in writing. In other situations, the Board office may conduct interviews and speak to witnesses including the involved parties.
- Based upon the results of the investigation, the Board office will determine whether the matter has been resolved or requires further action by the Board.
- The matter may also be referred to other governmental agencies that may have authority over aspects of the complaint such as the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General or a District/County Attorney.
- The complainant will be notified of any proposed resolution or final action by the Board office, if doing so will not compromise any further investigation or adjudicative actions, and will always be informed when their complaint file is being closed.