Belmont University is a member of NC-SARA, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. As a member of NC-SARA, we are permitted to place students for internships, preceptorships, and fieldwork in those states and institutions which are also NC-SARA members. For a list of NC-SARA states and institutions, please refer to the following link: NC-SARA States and Institutions
Please note: SARA states are shaded on the map published on the states-institutions link.
Access the NC-SARA Policy and Operations Manual
Student Complaint and Grievance Procedures
Belmont University Internal Processes
If a Belmont University student has a grievance regarding the student’s academic division or an administrative procedure the student has the right to request a review their situation. The student must first attempt to resolve the problem by contacting the relevant department directly and requesting a review of his or her situation. If the grievance is not resolved by contacting the department directly the student should follow up with an e-mail to the representative of that department / area and detail the concern so that the student’s concern is documented. The recipient of the e-mail, or an appropriate area designee, will respond in a timely manner.
Because the University already has several published policies and mechanisms for dispute resolution in place, students who contact the Dean of Students Office may be redirected (back) to the Dean of the relevant academic college or area if the process and response were reviewed appropriately and in keeping with the published process, for example grade appeals. In these cases, the college or area decision and response may be deemed final.
After contacting the appropriate department directly and receiving a final response as described above, any student who still believes he or she has been treated unfairly by a university employee or process, may seek review with possible alternative resolution through the Dean of Students office. “Unfairly” means there was no process of review as described above or in a university publication; or adequate explanation of the final disposition to the student’s grievance; or there was a noted bias on the part of the decision maker, which affected the decision.
Students may file a formal complaint by emailing deanofstudents@belmont.edu describing the treatment, action, final decision given by the academic or administrative area and the remedy still sought. Complaints will be investigated and / or referred to other offices as necessary. A written response regarding the issue will be sent to the student who initiated the complaint within 30 days.
The Associate Provost and Dean of Students serves as the primary coordinator of response and support to students with concerns or those students experiencing a crisis. Please see the Bruin Guide.
Students should first seek a resolution through the institution’s procedures above. Grievances that are not resolved internally and may involve state consumerism, state licensing boards, or accreditation may be addressed by following the links provided below.
Complaint Procedures in the State of Tennessee
To the extent possible, students should seek a resolution of all matters through the institution’s complaint procedure before involving others. For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of SARA or the laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the SARA Policies and Standards have been violated by the institution operating under the terms of SARA.
However, the student has the right to contact the state of Tennessee and its appropriate agency to determine the course of action. Complaints may be filed with the following agencies in Tennessee:
- Complaints related to the application of state laws or rules related to the approval to operate or licensure of a particular professional program within a postsecondary institution may be referred to the appropriate agency (e.g., State Board of Education, Department of Health, and so on) within the Tennessee State Government and may be reviewed and handled by that licensing agency. Students who are not satisfied with the institution’s resolution of their complaint may appeal the institution decision to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) using the Request for Complaint Review form. Additional information on the THEC complaint process is available at THEC Complaint Review Process. Students may also contact THEC.RCD@tn.gov with questions.
Complaint Resolution Policies and Procedures for Non-Tennessee Resident Students in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement States, commonly known as SARA.
Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws that involve distance learning education offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution. For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of SARA or the laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the SARA Policies and Standards have been violated by the institution operating under the terms of SARA.
For a list of SARA member States, please visit the NC-SARA website. (Students residing in non-SARA states should consult their respective State of residence for further instruction for filing a complaint.
For further clarification regarding NC-SARA, please contact:
Karen Lopez
615.460.5630
karen.lopez@belmont.edu