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Student Complaint Procedures

SARA Participation & Student Rights

MSSU participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Out-of-state students have a clear process for concerns.


Distance Education Student Complaints

Missouri Southern State University is a participating institution in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). MSSU is committed to resolving student complaints in a fair, timely, and effective manner.

Students who have concerns regarding any aspect of their educational experience should first follow the University's established student complaint and grievance procedures. The University has primary responsibility for reviewing and resolving complaints.

If a student enrolled in a distance education course or program is unable to resolve a complaint through MSSU's internal processes, the student may appeal the complaint to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD), Missouri's designated SARA State Portal Entity. Students must exhaust all institutional complaint procedures before submitting a complaint to the state.

SARA complaints generally involve allegations related to consumer protection matters, including:

  • Misrepresentation of academic programs or services
  • Inaccurate information regarding tuition, fees, or financial aid
  • Misleading marketing or recruitment practices
  • Accreditation-related representations
  • Transferability of credits
  • Professional licensure disclosures
  • Delivery of distance education programs in accordance with applicable standards

 

Missouri SARA State Portal Entity Contact

Joshua Fischer
Program Specialist
Phone: 573-751-2361
Email: joshua.fischer@dhewd.mo.gov

Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
PO Box 1469
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1469

Additional Resources