Maryland Higher Education Commission

Step 1 -- Contact the School: First try resolving the matter by talking to appropriate school staff. School administrators and instructors want their students to be satisfied. Give them a fair chance to determine an appropriate, workable solution that is fair to both you and the school. Quite often, a complaint is based on a misunderstanding and all that you or the school needs from the other is a clarification or an explanation of a policy, practice, or circumstance.

If you are unable to resolve the problem to your satisfaction on an informal basis, your next step is to notify the school of your concern by taking the steps outlined in the school's Student Grievance Procedure which you will find in the school's catalog.

If you believe that your concern has not been resolved appropriately, you may appeal to the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).

Note: MHEC will investigate written complaints regarding matters which fall within its legal authority.  If MHEC determines that inquiry into the complaint issue is not an appropriate Commission action, the student will receive written notification of this decision.

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Step 2 -- Submit Written Complaint to MHEC: If you are unsatisfied with a school's decision (action) regarding your complaint,  you may submit a written complaint to MHEC. Written complaints should be mailed or faxed to MHEC and should include the information identified below.

MHEC Address and FAX Number:

Associate Director for Private Career Schools

Planning and Academic Affairs
Maryland Higher Education Commission
6 N. Liberty Street, 10th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201

FAX: 410- 332-0270  Fax to: Attention, Associate Director for Private Career Schools

Information to provide in the written complaint:

1. Your name, address, and day-time telephone number.
2. The name and address of the school.
3. A clear description of the unresolved issue including the following information:
   • dates and timelines, and
   • names and titles of school personnel involved.
4. Copies of any documents to support your claim.
5. Statement of the solution you are seeking.
6. Your signature.

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Step 3 - Receive Notice of MHEC's Findings:  Upon receipt of a written student complaint, MHEC will follow the grievance procedures identified below.  Note that the student and the school will be notified of MHEC's findings after a review of the student's complaint and the school's response to the complaint.

MHEC's Procedure for Processing Student Grievances

1. MHEC will notify the school of the student's complaint by forwarding a copy of the written complaint to the school director for review and comment.

2. The school (director) will be required to provide MHEC with a written response to the complaint within ten (10) days of its receipt.

3. When necessary, MHEC will require the school and student to submit additional information.

4. The findings of MHEC's inquiry will be reported to the student and the school.

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