NC-SARA is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. SARA is overseen by a National Council and administered by four regional education compacts. Institutions that are members of SARA are authorized to provide online education to students from all SARA member states. For more information about the SARA initiative and the progress of state and institutional membership, please visit https://nc-sara.org/

Complaint Resolution

The University has established procedures for handling most complaints, including grade changes, discrimination and other classroom allegations, and academic dishonesty charges. If a conflict arises, students are encouraged to reach out to appropriate personnel to discuss concerns, grievances and complaints. Students are encouraged to pursue Otterbein’s internal complaint process for any grievances before contacting external sources for resolution.  Visit our Student Concerns Web page.

Grade appeals

Students have a right to appeal decisions on grades. The student should first contact the department from which the grade was received. A member of each department, who is not a major departmental administrator, is designated to hear complaints, gather information, talk with both students and faculty, mediate disputes or identify appropriate channels for solving problems. If the dispute cannot be resolved at this level then the student should state the full particulars of the appeal in writing and submit them to the department chair or policy committee. If the matter is not resolved at the department level, the student may request a hearing before the academic arbitration board of the appropriate school or college. However, the sole responsibility and authority for determining grades rests with the faculty member who assigned the grade. This appeals procedure also may be used if a student believes an opportunity should be provided to make up work missed during absence from classes.

Procedures for Filing Allegations of Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Otterbein University strives to create and maintain a positive academic and social environment both on-campus and in the greater community. There are times, however, when members of our community may feel that others have engaged in actions that diminish either the environment or disrespect the individual. In these instances, members of the community have the right to file a complaint with the University. The procedures outlined below address how and where a complaint involving discrimination or harassment in any form should be documented and filed with the University, as well as the procedures utilized by the University to investigate and resolve the complaint. Questions regarding any step of the process should be directed to either the Office of Social Justice & Activism at 614-823-1312, or the Office of the Vice President and Dean of Students at 614-823-1250.

If you have concerns about any of the processes listed above or do not know where to go or with whom to speak, you may contact Otterbein’s Title IX Coordinator or file a report online.

External Resources

Pursuant to 34 CFR 668.43(b), U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Integrity Rules, requires Otterbein University to provide students with contact information for filing complaints with its accreditor and with its state approval or licensing entity. Students who reside in SARA States may choose to file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Students residing in states not participating in SARA may appeal to their state of residence. Please see below to find the contact information for each state agency that would handle the complaint.