Complaint Appeals & the SARA Student Complaint Process

Texas Christian University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). As part of the effort to equalize standards, create transparent complaint procedures, and equally serve all students, online learning students in SARA member states can use the SARA Student Complaint Process for assistance in resolving certain matters.

TCU is committed to providing students opportunities to present their concerns and seek resolutions. TCU provides several options for students to present their complaints fairly, respectfully, and professionally. Students can access Student Handbook to complete their internal institutional grievance process. If they feel the issues are not resolved, they should reach out to the institution’s ombudsperson, to discuss their complaint. In cases of non-instructional complaints to academic, they can reach the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. While the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will be the primary authority responsible for complaints, the SARA portal agency in the state where the student is located may assist as needed. Accordingly, students may wish to consult the list of SARA state portal agencies.

For students residing in Texas:

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
State Entity Contact: Cathie A. Maeyaert, J.D.

Director-Private Postsecondary Institutions
Telephone: (512) 427-6527
Email: cathie.maeyaert@highered.texas.gov
PO Box 12788
Austin, TX 78711

Complaints concerning grades or the student code of conduct are not covered by the SARA Student Complaint Process.

Student Complaint Appeal Information for Students in a non-SARA state (California)

California students must first follow the TCU Grievance Procedure above. If the issue is not resolved satisfactorily, a California resident enrolled in an online program at TCU who believes the institution’s administrative processes or educational programs are compromised, should notify the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). A complaint may be filed by writing to DCA or student can call DCA’s Consumer Information Center (CIC) at:

California Department of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Information Center

1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-112
Sacramento, California 95834
Telephone: (833) 942-1120