Beginning July 1, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education regulations
to improve the integrity of programs authorized under Title IV of the
Higher Education Act (HEA), as amended (the "Program Integrity Rule"),
take effect. The Program Integrity Rule requires, among other things,
that each college or university authorized to offer postsecondary
education in one or more States ensure access to a complaint process
that will permit student consumers to address the following:
- Alleged violations of State consumer protection laws that include but are not limited to fraud and false advertising;
- Alleged violations of State laws or rules relating to the licensure of postsecondary institutions; and
- Complaints relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements.
Wisconsin Lutheran College, as an institution authorized to provide
postsecondary education in the State of Wisconsin, is committed to full
compliance with the Program Integrity Rule, and provides the following
confirmation to all current and/or prospective students:
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools accredits Wisconsin Lutheran College. You may
review the College's accreditation documents in the Directory of HLC Institutions.
Complaint Process
Wisconsin Lutheran College seeks to resolve all student concerns in a
timely and effective manner. To that end, this complaint process serves
as an ongoing means for students to discuss concerns or register formal
complaints that pertain to alleged violations of State consumer
protection laws that include but are not limited to fraud and false
advertising; alleged violations of State laws or rules relating to the
licensure of postsecondary institutions; and complaints relating to the
quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements. The
Offices of the Provost, Student Life, Admissions, Bursar, Registrar,
and Financial Aid all provide specific administrative means to address
and resolve most, if not all of the questions and concerns you may have.
The contact information for each of these Offices is provided below:
- Office of the Provost (academic programs, accreditation): 414.443.8614; John Kolander
- Office of Student Life (student and campus life): 414.443.8825
- Office of Admissions (admissions eligibility): 414.443.8811; Lucas Faust
- Office of the Bursar (tuition/fee payments): 414.443.8844; Nancy Meyer
- Office of the Registrar (academic records): 414.443.8785; Brett Valerio
- Office of Financial Aid (loans, scholarships, grants): 414.443.8856; Linda Loeffel
It is expected that students will fully utilize any/all of the
College's administrative procedures to address concerns and/or
complaints in as timely a manner as possible. On occasion, however, a
student may believe that these administrative procedures have not
adequately addressed concerns identified under the Program Integrity
Rule. In those select cases, the following independent procedures are
provided:
- The Division of Trade and Consumer Protection of the Wisconsin
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (the
"Division") is prepared to receive and review student consumer
complaints regarding alleged fraudulent or abusive practices by a
college or university in the delivery of postsecondary academic programs
and activities, including, for example, fraud or false advertising.
Complaints may be filed with the Division in written or electronic form
online.
- The Office of the Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin is
authorized to investigate and prosecute violations of State consumer
laws, including laws relating to deceptive advertising, credit,
charitable solicitations, telecommunications, telemarketing and sales.
The Office cooperates with other States, the Federal Trade Commission
and other federal agencies in addressing national consumer protection
issues. Further, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Consumer
protection litigates cases that are referred to the Department by other
States agencies. Complaints may be filed with the Wisconsin Department
of Justice Office of Consumer Protection online.
- The Higher Learning Commission ("HLC") of the North Central
Association of Colleges and Schools is an independent body responsible
for the accreditation of programs offered by Wisconsin Lutheran College.
HLC relies on constant contact with the College to ensure quality
higher learning. Accredited institutions are required to submit progress
reports, monitoring reports, contingency reports, and annual reports,
as well as to participate in focus visits. Each year, HLC receives a
number of complaints from students or other parties. When a complaint
raises issues regarding an institution’s ability to meet accreditation
criteria, HLC will forward a copy of the complaint to the institution
and request a formal response. Complaints may be filed with Higher
Learning Commission online.
- A variety of other State agencies or State Boards, which are
involved in the evaluation and approval of institutional programs, or in
the granting of professional certification or licensure, may also be
contacted. These agencies include, but may not be limited to, the
following: Board of Nursing, Department of Public Instruction (teacher preparation programs): email. If you are currently enrolled, or anticipate enrollment, in an
educational program that requires State agency or board authorization
and/or licensure and do not see it listed here, please contact the
Office of the Provost.