Distance Education Regulations and Complaints
Distance Education
It is the intention of Oklahoma State University to comply with all federal and state guidelines related to authorization of distance education. The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among the regional education compacts (external link) (SREB, WICHE, MHEC, and NEBHE) and their member states through which participating institutions may offer distance education to students located in other member states without having to obtain separate, individual authorization from each state in which a student is located. Oklahoma State University is a participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
OSU’s Mission
Building on its land-grant heritage, Oklahoma State University promotes learning, advances knowledge, enriches lives, and stimulates economic development
through teaching, research, extension, outreach and creative activities. Oklahoma
State University is a modern land-grant university that prepares students for success.
Through leadership and service, OSU improves the lives of people in Oklahoma, the
nation and the world.
Three Pillars: Instruction, Research, and Extension. Through instruction OSU provides
the highest quality education in a variety of different majors using the latest teaching
methods. Through research, OSU is creating the next generation of scientists, thinkers
and scholars through its tradition of research excellence. OSU’s Cooperative Extension
connects people across the nation and world with the latest research and practical
solutions. We want to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.
This extends to all OSU students regardless of their location.
Online Education Complaint Process
If you have an unresolved issue with the university or program in which you are enrolled, we are here to help you work towards a satisfactory conclusion. For all University distance education students, we ask that any problem or complaint first be addressed directly with the program in which you are enrolled. Please contact your academic advisor, program coordinator, department head, or your college's dean's office to determine appropriate steps for resolving your issue. Each program or college may have a different process for reporting problems or lodging complaints; therefore, they are the best first step for gaining an answer or seeking correction. If a student is unable to resolve their concern directly through the program or college in which they are enrolled, they are welcome to direct the matter as outlined below:Students enrolled in one of OSU’s 100% online degree programs should contact the OSU Stillwater Associate Provost at 405-744-1000 or email OSUonline@okstate.edu.
Grade Appeals: Procedures for Grade Appeals are found on the Division of Academic Affairs website, https://academicaffairs.okstate.edu/content/grade-appeals-board-policies-procedures. The deadline for filing a grade appeal is no later than four (4) months after the date grades are officially due in the Registrar’s Office, or six (6) weeks after the student begins a new semester, whichever comes first.
Grade Appeal Process
1. Student obtains and completes an appeal form
2. Student submits the form to the Coordinator of the Appeals Board
3. Appeals Board schedules hearing for both student and instructor
4. Appeals Board makes decision
Discrimination Concerns
Any individual who believes he/she may have experienced gender discrimination, including sexual harassment, or who believes that he/she has observed such actions taking place, may receive information and assistance regarding the University's policies and responsive processes from any of the following offices:
1. Director of Affirmative Action / Title IX Coordinator 408 Whitehurst Hall 405-744-5371
2. Student Conduct Officer 326 Student Union Building 405-744-5470
3. Vice President of Student Affairs 201 Whitehurst Hall 405-744-5328
4. System Senior Vice President 101D Whitehurst Hall 405-744-5627
If an apparent conflict of interest prevents use of the assistance of the above offices, the person complaining of gender discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault may request assistance directly from the Office of the President, 107 Whitehurst Hall (405-744-6384). From OSU Policy 1-0702 regarding Gender Discrimination/Sexual Harassment and Title IX Grievance Procedure.
State Agency and Regional Accreditor
Should a student feel their issue remains unresolved after completing the University process outlined above, they may contact one of the state agencies charged with institutional quality assurance. Oklahoma State University is authorized at the state level by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) and regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
655 Research Parkway, Suite 200
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
(405) 225-9100
OSRHE Student Complaint Process
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
1-800-621-7440
HLC Student Complaint Process
Out-of-State Distance Education Students
Students who live outside Oklahoma who are attending OSU online and feel OSU has not satisfactorily addressed their complaint relative to SARA policy can find information on submitting the complaint to the OSRHE for review here: OSRHE SARA Student Complaints. More information about the SARA student complaint process can be found here: https://nc-sara.org/student-complaints.
Oklahoma Portal Entity Contacts
Oklahoma SARA Contacts
Ms. Elizabeth Walker
Coordinator for Academic Administration
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
405.225.9154
Dr. Stephanie Beauchamp
Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
405.225.9399