Distance Education Student Complaints

Purpose

Paris Junior College is committed to resolving student concerns in a fair, timely, and effective manner. Students enrolled in distance education courses should first attempt to resolve complaints using the College’s internal complaint procedures outlined below. These procedures apply to all students enrolled in online or distance education courses offered by Paris Junior College.

Step 1: Informal Resolution

Students are encouraged to first discuss their concern with the appropriate instructor, staff member, or department responsible for the issue. Many concerns can be resolved quickly and effectively at this level.

If the concern cannot be resolved informally, the student may proceed with the formal complaint process.

Step 2: Formal Institutional Complaint Process

Students may submit a formal complaint by completing the Student Complaint form or by contacting the Director of Advising & Counseling at twhitaker@parisjc.edu or by phone at 903-782-0430 or in the Advising & Counseling Center on the Paris campus in the Administration Building. 

The College will review the complaint in accordance with established procedures.

More information on PJC Student Complaints Process.

Step 3: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)

If the complaint is not resolved through the College’s institutional complaint process, students residing in Texas may file a complaint with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Contact information:

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
College Readiness and Success Division
P.O. Box 12788
Austin, TX 78711-2788

Website: https://www.highered.texas.gov
Student Complaint Process:
https://www.highered.texas.gov/student-complaints/

The THECB will only review complaints after all institutional procedures have been exhausted.

Step 4: Out-of-State Students (SARA Member States)

Paris Junior College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Students residing outside Texas who are enrolled in distance education courses should first follow the institutional complaint process described above.

Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution. If the Paris Junior College appeals process concludes and if resolution is not found, the student may contact the institution’s home state SARA Portal Entity. The website has links to further assist the student.

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among states that allows colleges to offer online courses and programs to students in other member states without having to get separate authorization from each individual state. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) serves as the state portal agency.

As a member of SARA, PJC provides distance education student complaint procedures. 

The THECB will coordinate investigation and resolution in accordance with SARA policies.

Step 5: Accreditation Complaints (SACSCOC)

Students may also file a complaint with Paris Junior College’s accrediting agency regarding alleged violations of accreditation standards.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097

Website: https://www.sacscoc.org
Complaint Procedures: https://www.sacscoc.org/complaints/ 

SACSCOC reviews complaints related to institutional compliance with accreditation standards.

Important Notes

  • Students must first complete Paris Junior College’s institutional complaint process before filing complaints with external agencies.
  • Anonymous complaints may limit the College’s ability to investigate and respond.
  • Retaliation against any student who files a complaint in good faith is strictly prohibited.

More information on the Complaints Process at PJC: 

Office of Student Services
Paris Junior College
2400 Clarksville Street
Paris, TX 75460

Phone: (903) 782-0211
Email: SS@parisjc.edu
Website: www.parisjc.edu