Complaint Resolution
Life University is committed to addressing student complaints in a prompt, fair, and impartial manner. The student complaint process provides students with a pathway to raise academic and non-academic concerns, submit formal complaints or grievances, and seek review of matters related to the quality of education, institutional policies, consumer protection concerns, or other applicable state or accreditation requirements.
Students are encouraged to seek resolution within the University before pursuing external complaint options. In most cases, complaints should first be submitted to the appropriate Life University office or official so the University has an opportunity to review the matter and respond.
This section applies to general student complaints. Allegations involving academic misconduct, behavioral misconduct, Honor Code violations, student safety concerns, or other conduct-related matters may be referred to the appropriate University process, office, or reporting form for review under the applicable policy and procedure.
Retaliation against any student who, in good faith, submits a complaint, participates in a complaint review, or provides information during a complaint process is prohibited.
Complaint Resolution related to Academic Matters
Students with academic questions or complaints should first attempt to resolve the matter directly with the instructor involved. If the matter is not resolved, the student should proceed through the following administrative levels, as appropriate:
- Instructor
- Instructor’s immediate supervisor (for example, the assistant dean or division chair)
- Associate Dean of the college in which the student is enrolled
- Dean of the appropriate college
- Vice President for Academic Affairs
The Vice President for Academic Affairs will make the final decision on academic complaints unless another University policy provides a different appeal process.
Students should present academic complaints as clearly and specifically as possible and should include any relevant supporting information or documentation. The University may request additional information as needed to review and resolve the complaint
Complaint Resolution related to Non-Academic Matters
Students with complaints or grievances related to non-academic issues should contact the Office of Conflict Resolution & Accountability, which is located within the Division of Academic Affairs. The Office of Conflict Resolution & Accountability will review the issue, decide on the appropriate resolution, and, when needed, refer the matter to the relevant university office, department, or administrator.
The role of the Office of Conflict Resolution & Accountability is to facilitate a fair and equitable review of student concerns, promote resolution when appropriate, and help ensure that University policies, procedures, and standards are applied consistently.
Non-academic complaints may include, but are not limited to, concerns related to student interactions, behavior, institutional procedures, or other issues not primarily academic. If a complaint falls under another specific University policy or office process, the student will be directed to the appropriate reporting or resolution procedure.
Complaint Resolution Related to Academic Misconduct, Honor Code, Behavioral Concerns, and General Complaints
Reports involving alleged academic misconduct, behavioral misconduct, Honor Code concerns, general complaints, or students of concern should be submitted through the appropriate University reporting form. Once received, such reports will be reviewed and handled in accordance with the relevant University policy and procedures.
Examples of reports that can be submitted through university reporting channels include:
Submission of a report through an online form does not, by itself, determine responsibility or outcome. The appropriate University office will review the report and determine the next steps under the relevant process.
Complaint Resolution related to Title IX
In keeping with its mission, Life University is dedicated to cultivating and maintaining an environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. Sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination are prohibited by federal law and by University policy. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities, including various forms of sexual misconduct and discrimination for failure to conform to sex stereotypes. Title IX applies to every member of the Life University community. Anyone with a complaint of discrimination should contact the Title IX Coordinator by phone at 770-426-2686.
Related Online Forms
Life University may maintain online reporting forms for matters including:
Students should use the form that best matches the nature of the concern. If a student is unsure which reporting form to use, the Office of Conflict Resolution & Accountability or the appropriate University office may assist with routing the matter.
Complaint Resolution related to Distance Education
Life University is a member of NC-SARA and is authorized to provide distance education in accordance with applicable requirements. Students enrolled in online courses or programs should first utilize the University’s internal complaint procedures.
If the issue remains unresolved through the institution’s process, a student may submit an external complaint to the appropriate agency, as applicable. Students who are non-Georgia residents enrolled exclusively in an online program at a Georgia SARA-participating institution can file a complaint through the relevant GA-SARA complaint process. Students living in states outside Georgia that are not part of SARA may submit a complaint to the appropriate consumer protection agency or other responsible authority in their state.
Because state participation and complaint processes may change, students should consult the current NC-SARA student complaint information and the current Georgia complaint process information for the most up-to-date guidance.
Complaint Resolution by Accreditor
If the student or consumer is not satisfied with the resolution provided through the University’s internal process and, where applicable, the relevant state process, the student may file a complaint with the appropriate accrediting or external agency. Complaints to external agencies are generally considered a last resort and typically must relate to significant non-compliance with applicable standards, policies, or legal requirements.
Life University has accreditation with the following agencies:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, Georgia 30033
404.679.4500
https://sacscoc.org
Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE)
9393 N 90th St., Ste 102-660
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258-5073
480.443.8877
www.cce-usa.org
United States Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html?src=rt
Students may also review the appropriate complaint procedures of any relevant governmental or regulatory agency, when applicable.
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