Distance Learning Complaint Procedure

This procedure serves as the initial step for addressing concerns and provides detailed guidance on informal and formal complaint processes. Students are encouraged to resolve matters informally by contacting the appropriate first point of contact listed in the handbook, such as faculty, department managers, or campus deans. If informal resolution is unsuccessful, students may proceed to submit a formal complaint using the Problem Resolution Form. The process ensures fairness, thorough investigation, and timely resolution within thirty calendar days.

It is important for students to follow all PBSC complaint procedures before considering external appeals. Once a verdict is rendered by the appropriate PBSC entity — whether through informal resolution or formal complaint submission — the decision is considered final within the College's internal processes. Only after exhausting all PBSC complaint resolution avenues can students explore additional options for appealing their case outside of the institution. This ensures that all internal mechanisms for resolving student concerns are fully utilized before pursuing external recourse.

For students who have completed PBSC’s complaint procedures and wish to appeal further, please contact the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), the Division of Florida Colleges. Additional contact information is available at https://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/about-us/concerns-complaints.stml.

The FL-SARA Process offers an avenue for complaints related to distance education, online courses only, under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. Students must ensure they meet FL-SARA eligibility requirements and provide documentation of their completed PBSC complaint process when submitting an appeal to the Council. This external process is designed to address unresolved issues in compliance with SARA guidelines while maintaining fairness and accountability.

 If the student is not satisfied with the outcome he/she may appeal to the Council by sending an email to FLSARAinfo@fldoe.org. For more information, please visit https://www.fldoe.org/sara/student-concerns.stml.