Student Complaints
PennWest strives for students to have positive experiences on each of our campuses!
At times, however, concerns related to services provided by office(s) or disputes
with employee(s) happen on any campus. PennWest also aspires for students to learn
skills needed to resolve conflicts or address concerns in appropriate ways.
Many issues can be resolved through open and honest communication between the involved parties. Whenever possible, students should attempt to resolve the concern using the following informal process first:
Informal Complaint Process
Step 1: The student should attempt to resolve the concern directly with the individual(s) through a discussion with the employee(s) within 30 days of the alleged incident or most recent occurrence. Students who have a grievance, complaint, or concern related to a particular class should first contact their faculty member to resolve the matter.
Student may proceed to Step 2 if they feel uncomfortable communicating directly with
the employee.
Step 2: If the complaint remains unresolved, the student should meet with the immediate
supervisor of the staff member or department chair for faculty member to resolve the
matter. Meetings are held in person, through Zoom, or by telephone.
Step 3: Complete the PennWest Student Complaint Form for further resolution of this matter which was not addressed in steps one or two. If the complaint remains unresolved, the complaint will be moved to the appropriate dean, director, or vice president to further review the matter.
Step 4: PASSHE Student Complaint Process
Current, former, or prospective students who feel that their grievances, complaints, or concerns cannot be resolved by PennWest, can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (State System) by completing, in its entirety, their Student Complaint Form.
Click here for Information regarding the PASSHE Student Complaint Process.
Step 5: Middle States Commission on Higher Education Complaint Process
Current, former, or prospective students who feel that their grievances, complaints, or concerns cannot be resolved by PennWest or the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (State System), can file a complaint with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), by completing, in its entirety, the Complaints and Third-Party Comments Form.
Click here for information regarding the MSCHE Complaints and Third-Party Comments process.