If the problem cannot be resolved to your satisfaction through GSW complaint procedure, your next step would be to take your complaint to an external dispute resolution. See procedures below.

Instructions for filing a complaint with our regional accreditor, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS):  Complete the Commission’s Complaint Form and send two print copies to the President, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097. (To access the Commission’s complaint policy, procedures, and the Complaint Form, please see Complaint Procedures Against the Commission or Its Accredited Institutions.) Please read the document carefully before submitting a complaint. Note that the complaint policy only addresses significant, documented, alleged non-compliance with the SACSCOC accreditation standards, policies or procedures. Complainants are expected to have attempted to resolve the issue through the institution’s complaint processes before filing a complaint with SACSCOC. The SACSCOC complaint process is not intended to be used to involve the Commission in disputes between individuals and member institutions or to cause the Commission to interpose itself as a reviewing authority in individual matters; nor does the policy allow the Commission to seek redress on an individual’s behalf. The primary purpose of the SACSCOC complaint procedure is to acquire valuable information regarding an accredited institution’s possible non-compliance with accreditation standards, policies and procedures rather than to resolve individual disputes.  Complaints must be tied to specific standard numbers from The Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement.

For Federal Financial Aid and other federal obligations:

Instructions for filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education in regard to Title IV (financial aid, civil rights violations or discrimination) can be found here.

Complaint Resolution for Fully-Online Out of State Students

Fully-online students who live outside the state of Georgia and have completed the GSW Institutional Complaint Procedure may appeal GSW's decision to the Georgia State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (GA-SARA) Portal. Visit Student Resources to find information on making complaints to GA-SARA.