Newman University Student Complaints Policy
(Revised: May 2026)
Guiding Principle
Newman University operates according to the principle of subsidiarity, a foundational element of Catholic social teaching. Subsidiarity holds that decisions and actions should be handled at the most immediate or local level capable of addressing them effectively, with higher authorities intervening only when necessary. This principle shapes how student complaints are managed: complaints are resolved, whenever possible, at the institutional level closest to the issue.
Complaint Requirements
Maintaining accurate complaint records is a federal requirement under the U.S. Department of Education regulation 34 CFR Ch. VI §602.16(a)(1)(ix), institutions of higher education must have appropriate student complaint policies in place. Complaint policies and records are subject to review through the Higher Learning Commission’s Federal Compliance processes. The office of the Associate Vice President is the recording office for all complaints at Newman University. All departments must notify the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs upon the receival of a complaint.
The following criteria govern what qualifies as a complaint and how complaints must be recorded:
• Written and signed complaints only. Only written, signed complaints are subject to tracking. Complaints may be submitted by mail, hand delivery, or electronic format.
• Definition of “student.” For purposes of this policy, a student is defined as any individual enrolled full- or part-time, currently or within the past two semesters, or any alumnus who graduated within the past two years.
• Requests for decisions do not constitute complaints. Requests such as waivers of requirements, appeals of dismissal from a professional program, or grade appeals are governed by separate published procedures and do not qualify as complaints under this policy. However, if a student alleges personal harm resulting from a decision or claims procedural unfairness, the matter becomes a complaint.
• This policy does not supersede other institutional policies. This complaints policy must not be used in place of other published policies, including those governing Title IX matters.
Where to Submit a Complaint
Students must submit complaints in writing to the most relevant office listed below:
• President’s Office
• Academic Affairs
o Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences
o Dean of the School of Business and Technology
o Dean of the School of Catholic Studies
o Dean of the School of Education and Social Work
o Dean of the School of Healthcare Professions
o Registrar
• Human Resources Director
• Athletics Director
• Director of Financial Aid
• Dean of Student Affairs
If a student disagrees with the institution’s response, they may escalate the complaint through the institution’s formal complaints process to a higher administrative level, through the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
External Complaint Options
Students taking face-to-face or online courses in residing in Kansas
If a student has exhausted all institutional complaint and appeal procedures and believes the matter has still not been adequately resolved, they may submit a complaint to the Kansas Office of the Attorney General: www.ag.ks.gov/file-a-complaint/complaint-center
All internal complaint and appeal processes must be exhausted before pursuing this option.
Distance Education Students (residing in all states except California)
If a student enrolled in online/distance education has exhausted all institutional complaint and appeal procedures and believes the matter remains unresolved, they may file a complaint through the SARA state portal entity: kansasregents.gov - SARA Complaint Form
All internal complaint and appeal processes must be exhausted before pursuing this option.
Distance education students based in California should follow the Kansas-based student process outlined above.
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