Student Complaints

Student Complaints and Grievances 

At Arkansas State University–Newport (ASUN), we want students to have a clear and accessible way to share concerns and resolve problems related to their college experience. 

If you have a concern or complaint, you are encouraged to contact the appropriate ASUN office or employee so that we can work with you to address the issue.

Start With ASUN's Internal Complaint Process

Step 1: Share Your Concern 

You may submit a complaint or concern in writing, including by email or another written format. To help us respond, your complaint should include: 

• Your name 

• Your contact information 

• A general description of your concern or complaint 

 

Step 2: Work with ASUN to Resolve the Issue 

Once your concern is received, it will be directed to the appropriate office, department, or employee for review and response. 

Depending on the situation, you may work with an ASUN employee to resolve your concern: 

• In person 

• By phone 

• By email or another online method 

ASUN will work with you to address your concern and determine an appropriate resolution.
 

Step 3: Formal Grievance Procedures 

Some concerns may require you to follow a formal grievance procedure. If your concern falls under a specific college grievance process, you will be provided with information about the appropriate procedure and next steps. 

For additional information about how student complaints are documented and addressed, see: 

• Standard Operating Procedure 2001 – Academic and Student Affairs Student Complaint Logs 

• Standard Operating Procedure 3001 – Finance and Administration Student Complaint Logs
  
  

Step 4: If Your Concern Is Not Resolved 

Students are encouraged to complete ASUN's internal complaint or grievance process before filing a complaint with an outside agency. 

If you have completed ASUN's grievance process and your concern has not been resolved, you may have the option to file a complaint with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE).  

Before submitting a complaint to an outside agency, review that agency's requirements and contact information. Many agencies require students to complete the institution's internal complaint or grievance process before submitting an external complaint. 

 

Out-of-State Students: Complaints and Grievances

If you are an ASUN student who lives outside of Arkansas, you have additional options for resolving certain complaints that cannot be resolved through ASUN's complaint or grievance process. 

Please note: The out-of-state complaint process described below does not apply to complaints related to grades or student conduct.

Start With ASUN's Internal Complaint Process

Step 1: Follow ASUN's Complaint Process 

If you have a concern or complaint, your first step is to work directly with ASUN. We encourage you to use the College's established complaint and grievance procedures so that we have an opportunity to review your concern and work with you toward a prompt and fair resolution.
 

Step 2: Learn More About the SARA Complaint Process 

If you have completed ASUN's complaint process and your concern has not been satisfactorily resolved, you may contact ADHE. 

ADHE serves as Arkansas's State Portal Entity for the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and reviews qualifying student complaints involving Arkansas institutions.  

You may also visit ASUN's NC-SARA Student Complain Process for additional information and resources related to out-of-state student complaints.
 

If Concerns Are Not Resolved

If the grievance is not resolved after exhausting ASUN’s grievance procedure, students may file a grievance with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). 

Submit Grievance Form

We are Here to Help

If you have a concern, don't hesitate to reach out. Sharing your concern gives ASUN an opportunity to understand the issue, connect you with the appropriate resources, and work toward a resolution.