Distance Learning Authorization Board (DLAB)
The Wisconsin Distance Learning Authorization Board (DLAB) serves as Wisconsin’s “state portal entity” for purposes of NC-SARA membership and has statutory jurisdiction to regulate and enforce the requirements of a voluntary, reciprocity agreement, commonly known as the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), toward any postsecondary institution that seeks to offer distance education to students who reside in other NC-SARA member states. (Residents of California, which is not a member state, should refer to the California Department of Consumer Affairs website.) Individuals can find information about filing a complaint with DLAB on its website.
Program Integrity Complaints
Under the United States Department of Education’s Program Integrity Rules, individuals may file a complaint against a college or university, alleging:
- A violation of State consumer protection laws.
- A violation of State law or rule relating to the licensure of postsecondary universities.
- A complaint relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements.
Complaints must be filed within one (1) calendar year from the date of the alleged violation or the last recorded date of the affected student’s attendance at the affected university, whichever is later. Within this period and after exhausting all reasonable avenues available to the student through their university’s internal complaint or review policies and procedures, individuals can submit a complaint using the UW System Integrity Hotline online reporting form or by calling 1-855-827-4950.
Complaints to the Higher Learning Commission
UW System universities are accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). You may search for information about accreditation actions using the HLC Directory of Institutions. HLC’s complaint process is intended to review matters pertaining to the institution as a whole as they relate to HLC requirements. It is not intended to resolve specific disputes between individuals or between an individual and a college or university.