Student Complaint Process

Western Oregon University aims to resolve all student complaints in a fair and expedient manner. Students wishing to file a formal complaint must first seek resolution through the applicable institutional grievance process. Details about the available processes can be found at Student Complaints and Concerns 

If a Complaint Cannot be Resolved Internally

Students residing in Oregon or in a SARA Member state (all except those listed below) may file a complaint with the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Council (HECC)


Additional information from HECC regarding student complaints:

  • Students should attempt to resolve any grievances they may have with their school first. Should attempts to resolve these problems with appropriate school officials fail, or should the student be dissatisfied with the final outcome of the college complaint process, then the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), can respond to a formal complaint. Students may contact the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, 3225 25th St. SE, Salem, OR 97302 or by sending an email to complaints@hecc.oregon.gov
  • Students may also access the HECC Complaints web page complaints page at NC-SARA’s website
  • Students that reside in a non-member state may file a formal complaint by using the links below:


Incident of bias, Student of concern, Incident of sexual misconduct

Online forms for reporting an incident of bias, a student of concern, or an incident of sexual misconduct, are available on the Student Affairs website.

Military, Service Members, Veterans, and their Families

Federal Financial Aid Recipients

  • Feedback can be sent to Compliancecomplaints@ed.gov
  • Accreditation related (eligibility requirements, standards for accreditation, or policies)
  • Complaints may be filed with WOU’s accreditor, NWCCU, on their Complaints.