Distance Learning Grievance 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 Student 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, the FL-SARA Process offers an avenue for complaints related to distance education (Online courses only) under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). 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 info please visit https://www.fldoe.org/sara/student-concerns.stml.

Palm Beach State College is committed to providing prompt and equitable resolutions to students' complaints in accordance with college policy, state statutes and federal regulations. If an in-state, out-of-state or prospective student believes their complaint has not been addressed satisfactorily after exhausting all available complaint procedures outlined by the College, they have the right to file an external complaint with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE), the College’s accreditation agency, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Office of Civil Rights and, for distance education students, the FL‐SARA PRDEC Council:

• FLDOE: Contact 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.
• SACSCOC: Should be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support the College's noncompliance with an accreditation requirement or standard. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500.
• A student may file a complaint of discrimination with the Office of Civil Rights at ocrcas.ed.gov.

Distance Education students, who have completed the applicable state grievance process and the internal PBSC institutional grievance process as described in the Student Handbook related to the subjects noted below, may appeal non‐instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

• Academic Issues and Procedures
• Sexual Misconduct/Harassment Complaints
• Harassment/Discrimination Involving PBSC Personnel
• and the applicable state grievance process, as outlined above