SARA "is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offerings of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. SARA is overseen by a national council and administered by four regional education compacts." (Washington Student Achievement Council Website)
Lower Columbia College's online courses and programs do not lead to professional licensure. However, all of our courses and programs are fully accredited and course credits may transfer to university programs that may lead to state professional licensure. Please contact elearning staff with any questions at eLearning@lowercolumbia.edu.
In compliance with the language passed in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, institutions offering distance education must provide enrolled and prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accrediting agency, and with the appropriate state agency for handling complaints in the student's state.
First, work with your instructor to resolve any online course issues. If your issue can't be resolved directly with your instructor, contact the eLearning Department at 360-442-2520 or eLearning@lowercolumbia.edu. When you contact the eLearning Department, we can help you through the complaint process. Once this process has been exhausted, you should contact the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)
You can also use our Make a Report page to report academic dishonesty, discrimination, concerning behavior, and more.
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. Visit WSAC Student Complaints for information regarding the WSAC complaint process.
Lower Columbia College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
For complaints about Academic Dishonesty, Student Code of Conduct, and concerning or threatening behavior, students and staff a can also file a report on our Make a Report webpage.
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Alabama (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Alabama may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Ron Leonard
Director of Special Initiatives
Alabama Commission on Higher Education
100 North Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 242-2211
ron.leonard@ache.edu
State Website: NC-SARA - Alabama State Portal
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Alaska (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Alaska may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Tyler Eggen
Institutional Authorization Program Coordinator
(907) 465-6471
tyler.eggen@alaska.gov
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
PO Box 110505
Juneau, AK 99811-0505
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Arizona (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Arizona may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Lanna Dueck
Executive Director
Arizona SARA Council
2323 W. 14th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 517-8226
ldueck.azsara@riosalado.edu
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Arkansas (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Arkansas may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Alana Boles
Program Director for Private Career and Out-of-State Education
Arkansas Department of Higher Education
423 Main Street, Suite 400
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 371-2060
alana.boles@adhe.edu
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Wyoming (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in California may also contact:
California Department of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Information Center
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-112
Sacramento, California 95834
(833) 942-1120
Students may also:
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Colorado (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Colorado may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Heather DeLange
Academic Policy Officer
Department of Higher Education
1560 Broadway, Suite 1600
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 862-3005
heather.delange@dhe.state.co.us
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Connecticut (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Connecticut may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Sean Seepersad, PhD
Division Director of Academic Affairs
Office of Higher Education
State of Connecticut
450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 707
Hartford, CT 06103-1841
(860) 947-1837
Sean.Seepersad@ct.gov
Connecticut NC-SARA Website
Emily Bjornberg
Senior Consultant
Office of Higher Education
State of Connecticut
450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 707
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 947-1824
Emily.Bjornberg@ct.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Delaware (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Delaware may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Nick A. Buono
Education Specialist
Delaware Office of Higher Ed
Delaware Department of Education
The Townsend Building
401 Federal Street, Suite 2
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 735-4193
nicholas.buono@doe.k12.de.us
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in the District of Columbia (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in the District of Columbia may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Angela H. Lee
Executive Director
Higher Education Licensure Commission
Postsecondary Education
Office of the State Superintendent of Education
1050 First St. NE
5th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 724-2095
Angela.Lee@dc.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Florida (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
State Portal Entity Contact:
Rhesa Rudolph
Assistant Executive Director
(850) 245-3200
rhesa.rudolph@fldoe.org
Florida Department of Education
325 West Gaines Street, Room 1414
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Sonia Browning
Administrative Assistant II
Department of Education
325 West Gaines Street, Room 1414
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
(850) 245-3210
sonia.browning@fldoe.org
Florida NC-SARA Website
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Georgia (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Georgia may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Adam Hawk
GA-SARA Coordinator
Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC)
2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220
Tucker, GA 30084
(770) 414-3310
adamh@gnpec.ga.gov
Patricia “Pat” Neri
Program Manager
Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC)
2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220
Tucker, GA 30084
(770) 414-3235
GASARA@gnpec.org
Georgia NC-SARA Website
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Hawaii (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Hawaii may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Bobbi Lum-Mew
Program Administrator
Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program
Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 541
Honolulu, HI 96809
(808) 586-7327
hpeap@dcca.hawaii.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Idaho (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Idaho may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Tamara Baysinger
State Authorization Manager
(208) 332-1587
tamara.baysinger@osbe.idaho.gov
Idaho State Board of Education
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Illinois (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Illinois may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Nkechi Onwuameze, PhD
Assistant Director for Academic Affairs
Illinois SARA Coordinator
Illinois Board of Higher Education
1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333
Springfield, Illinois 62701-1377
(217) 557-7382
sara@ibhe.org
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Indiana (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Indiana may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Ross Miller
Director of State Authorization and Reciprocity
Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Indiana Board for Proprietary Education
101 W. Ohio Street, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204-4206
(317) 232-1033
rmiller@che.in.gov
Website: Indiana NC-SARA Website
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Iowa (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Iowa may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Lisa Pundt
Compliance Officer
Iowa College Student Aid Commission
430 E. Grand Ave., FL 3
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 725-3426 | fax: (515) 725-3401
lisa.pundt@iowa.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Kansas (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Kansas may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Jennifer Armour
Associate Director
Academic Affairs
Kansas Board of Regents
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 520
Topeka, KS 66612-1368
(785) 430-4288
jarmour@ksbor.org
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Kentucky (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Kentucky may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Sarah Levy
Director of Postsecondary Licensing
Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 320
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 573-1555
sarah.levy@ky.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Louisiana (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Louisiana may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
LeAnn Detillier
Assistant Commissioner for Program Administration
Louisiana Board of Regents
1201 N. Third St., Suite 6-200
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 342-4253
leann.detillier@laregents.edu
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Maine (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Maine may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Angel Loredo
Higher Education Specialist
Department of Higher Education
23 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0023
(207) 624-6846
angel.loredo@maine.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Maryland (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Maryland may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Bryson Barksdale
Online Education Analyst
(410) 767-3388
bryson.barksdale@maryland.gov
State SARA Website
Maryland Higher Education Commission
6 N Liberty St, 10th Floor
Baltimore , MD 21201
Karen King-Sheridan
Associate Director, Collegiate Affairs
Maryland Higher Education Commission
6 North Liberty Street, 10th Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
(410) 767-3404
karen.king-sheridan@maryland.gov
Maryland NC-SARA Website
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Massachusetts (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Massachusetts may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Alexander Nally
SARA Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
One Ashburton Place, Room 1401
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 994-6910
SARAInquiries@dhe.mass.edu
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Michigan (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Michigan may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
James R. Farhat, Specialist
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau
Schools and Licensing
P.O. Box 30018
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 256-8670
farhatj@michigan.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Minnesota (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Minnesota may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Betsy Talbot
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
Saint Paul, MN 55108
(651) 259-3965
Betsy.Talbot@state.mn.us
Kate McCartan
Institutional Monitoring Specialist
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
Saint Paul, MN 55108
(651) 259-3912
kate.mccartan@state.mn.us
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Mississippi (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Mississippi may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Menia Dykes
Director of Accreditation
Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211
(601) 432-6372
mdykes@mississippi.edu
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Missouri (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Missouri may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Leroy Wade
Assistant Commissioner
Missouri Department of Higher Education
205 Jefferson Street
P.O. Box 1469
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1469
(573) 751-2361
leroy.wade@dhe.mo.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Montana (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Montana may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Joseph "Joe" Thiel
Director of Academic Policy and Research
Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education
Montana University System
P.O. Box 203201
Helena, MT 59620-3201
(406) 449-9135
jthiel@montana.edu
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Nebraska (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Nebraska may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Kathleen L. Fimple, Ph.D.
Academic Programs Officer
Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 95005
Lincoln, NE 68509-5005
(402) 471-0030
Kathleen.Fimple@nebraska.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Nevada (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Nevada may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Terina Caserto
Senior Analyst, Academic and Student Affairs
(775) 784-3442
tcaserto@nshe.nevada.edu
State SARA Website
Nevada System of Higher Education
2601 Enterprise Rd
Reno, NV 89512
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in New Hampshire (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in New Hampshire may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Steve Appleby
Director, Division of Educator Support and Higher Education
(603) 271-2408
stephen.appleby@doe.nh.gov
New Hampshire Department of Education
101 Pleasant St
Concord, NH 03301
Laura A. Stoneking
Administrator
(603) 271-4196
laura.a.stoneking@doe.nh.gov
New Hampshire Bureau of Educator Preparation and Higher Education
Division of Educator Support and Higher Education
101 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in New Jersey (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in New Jersey may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Eric Taylor, Esq.
Director, Office of Licensure
New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education
20 W. State St., 4th FL
P.0. Box 542
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-3738
eric.taylor@oshe.nj.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in New Mexico (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in New Mexico may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Alicia Armijo
New Mexico SARA Coordinator
New Mexico Higher Education Department
2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4
Santa Fe, NM 87505-2100
(505) 476-8411
Alicia.Armijo@state.nm.us
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in New York (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in New York may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Emily Sutherland
Supervisor of Higher Education Programs
(518) 474-1551
IHEauthorize@nysed.gov
New York State Education Department
89 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12234
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in North Carolina (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in North Carolina may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Terrence R. Scarborough, M.P.A.
Director of SARA-NC
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority
P.O. Box 14103
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
(919) 248-4660
terrence@saranc.org
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in North Dakota (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in North Dakota may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Cheryl Thompson
Outreach Manager
Communication | Training | State Authorization Coordinator
Core Technology Services
North Dakota University System
2000 44th Street SW, Suite 301
Fargo, ND 58103
(701) 239-6676
cheryl.thompson@ndus.edu
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Ohio (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Ohio may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Matt Exline
Assistant Director of Program Approval Operations
Ohio Department of Higher Education
25 South Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 728-3095
mexline@highered.ohio.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Oklahoma (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Oklahoma may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Kyle Foster
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
655 Research Parkway, Suite 200
P.O. Box 108850
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-8850
(405) 225-9163
kfoster@osrhe.edu
Elizabeth Walker
Staff Assistant III
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
655 Research Parkway, Suite 200
P.O. Box 108850
Oklahoma City, OK 73101-8850
(405) 225-9154
lwalker@osrhe.edu
Oklahoma NC-SARA Website
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Oregon (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Oregon may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Rebecca Fuller
Compliance Specialist
(503) 947-5751
rebecca.fuller@hecc.oregon.gov
Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission
3225 25th St SE
Salem, OR 97302
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Pennsylvania (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Pennsylvania may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Gina Wetten
Higher Education Associate II
Department of Education
Division of Higher and Career Education
333 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17126
(717) 265-7723
giwetten@pa.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Puerto Rico (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Puerto Rico may also file a complaint with:
Territory Portal Entity Contact:
David Baez
Economic Program Analyst
Office of Registration and Licensing of Education Institutions
Board of Postsecondary Institutions
PR State Department
PO Box 9023271
San Juan, PR 00902-3271
(787) 722-2121 ext. 3803
dbaez@estado.pr.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Rhode Island (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Rhode Island may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Deanna Velletri
Specialist, Proprietary Schools
RI Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner
560 Jefferson Blvd.
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886-1304
(401) 736-1118
Deanna.velletri@riopc.edu
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in South Carolina (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in South Carolina may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Peggy Simons
Program Coordinator
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
1122 Lady Street, Suite 300
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-3476
psimons@che.sc.gov
Stacey Price
Program Coordinator
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
1122 Lady Street, Suite 300
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-7781
sprice@che.sc.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in South Dakota (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in South Dakota may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Katie Hubbart
Academic Affairs Specialist
South Dakota SARA Coordinator
South Dakota Board of Regents
306 East Capitol Ave., Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3455
Katie.Hubbart@sdbor.edu
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Tennessee (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Tennessee may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Julie Woodruff
Assistant Executive Director and Lead Attorney for DPSA
Tennessee Higher Education Commission
404 James Robertson Parkway, Suite 1900
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 253-8857
julie.woodruff@tn.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Texas (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Texas may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Jessica Acton
Program Director, Academic Quality and Workforce
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
P.O. Box 12788
Austin, TX 78711
(512) 427-6214
jessica.acton@highered.texas.gov
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Alaska (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Alaska may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Camille McKayle
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
University of the Virgin Islands
#2 John Brewers Bay
St. Thomas, USVI 00802
(340) 693-1200
cmckayl@uvi.edu
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Utah (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Utah may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Cynthia “Cyd” Grua
Office of the Commissioner for Higher Education
Utah System of Higher Education
Board of Regents Building, The Gateway
60 S 400 W
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
(801) 321-7152
cgrua@ushe.edu
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Vermont (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Vermont may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Patricia Pallas Gray
Independent School Consultant
(802) 823-3991
pat.pallasgray@vermont.gov
Vermont Agency of Education
1 National Life Dr, Davis 5th Fl
Montpelier, VT 05620
Cassandra Ryan
Director of Regulatory Compliance
(802) 828-5535
cassandra.ryan@vermont.gov
Vermont Agency of Education
1 National Life Dr, Davis 5th Fl
Montpelier, VT 05620
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Virginia (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Virginia may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Darlene Derricott
Director of Academic Services
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
101 N. 14th Street, 9th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 225-2621
DarleneDerricott@schev.edu
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Washington (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). The SBCTC maintains a process to investigate complaints brought by community and technical college students in the state of Washington.
For information, contact SBCTC Student Services.
PO Box 42495, Olympia, WA 98504-2495
(360) 704-4315
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in West Virginia (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in West Virginia may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Nikki Bryant
Compliance Officer for Authorization and Proprietary School Programs
(681) 313-2290
nikki.bryant@wvhepc.edu
State SARA Website
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
1018 Kanawha Blvd E, Suite 700
Charleston, WV 25301
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Wisconsin (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Wisconsin may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Monique Currie
Policy Advisor
Policy and Government Relations
Wisconsin Technical College System Office
4622 University Ave., PO Box 7874
Madison, WI 53707-7874
(608) 266-2449
Monique.Currie@wtcsystem.edu
If, after exhausting resolution options at Lower Columbia Community College (talking with their instructor, the Dean of the related department, etc.), online students residing in Wyoming (a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may file a complaint with the Washington Student Achievement Counsel. The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. For information regarding the WSAC complaint process, visit WSAC Student Complaints.
Online students residing in Wyoming may also file a complaint with:
State Portal Entity Contact:
Rob Dennis
Chief Operating Officer
(307) 777-7013
rob.dennis@wyo.gov
State SARA Website
Wyoming Community College Commission
2300 Capitol Ave, 5th Fl, Ste B
Cheyenne, WY 82002
eLearning is an important part of Lower Columbia College, with many students participating in federal financial aid. Recent amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 include changes in regulation that may impact online, distance, and correspondence education providers. Specifically:
If an institution is offering postsecondary education through distance or correspondence education to students in a State in which it is not physically located, or in which it is otherwise subject to State jurisdiction as determined by the State, the institution must meet any State requirements for it to be legally offering postsecondary distance or correspondence education in that State. An institution must be able to document to the Secretary the State's approval upon request. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1001 and 1002).
Lower Columbia College
1600 Maple Street, Longview, WA 98632
(360) 442-2120
TTY/Video Relay Service: 7-1-1 or (800) 833-6388
