Complaint Policies

Complaints Against the Welch College of Business & Technology Program that Fall Outside Due Process

The faculty and staff of the Welch College of Business & Technology strive to demonstrate a high level of ethical values and professionalism in all its activities.  In some cases, a situation may generate complaint for which no formal grievance process exists.  The complaint should be written, signed, include details about the complaint and documented evidence and mailed to: 

Complaints Against College of Business & Technology Programs
Dean’s Office, Welch College of Business & Technology
Sacred Heart University
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825 

Please include contact information so that the appropriate Program Director can reach you in order to resolve the complaint. 

The following outlines the process for handling a complaint against the Program:

  1. When possible, the Program Director will discuss the complaint directly with the party involved within 14 business days. The expectation is that the complaint can be satisfactorily resolved by this discussion. The Program Director will provide a written description of the resolution to the person complaining.
  2. If dissatisfied with the outcome of the discussion with the Program Director or if the complaint is against the Program Director, the complainant may submit a written complaint to the Dean, Welch College of Business & Technology. The Program Director will provide the Dean with a written summary of previous discussions where applicable. The Dean will discuss the matter with the Program Director and complainant separately and may schedule a joint appointment or conference call with the Program Director and complainant in attempt to reach a solution. The Dean will provide the complainant and the Program Director with a written letter outlining the solution reached through this step.
  3. If the complainant remains dissatisfied after step two, the last line of complaint is to the Provost, who serves as the chief academic officer of Sacred Heart University.
  4. Any letters or documentation associated with the complaint from the complainant, the Program Director, Dean or Provost will be kept in a folder marked “Complaints against WCOB Programs” for a period of five years.

Complaints Against the Program Regarding AACSB Accreditation 

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the accrediting body for colleges of business. AACSB is committed to sustaining quality and continuous improvement of collegiate education for business administration and accounting. AACSB International will receive and review complaints filed by third parties (e.g., students, faculty members) who claim conduct by the member school contrary to AACSB International accreditation standards, policies or procedures. Criteria and procedures for filing complaints may be found here:  

Download the AACSB Complaint Policy (PDF) 

Public Comments or Complaints Against the Program Regarding Regional NECHE Accreditation

The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) is the regional accrediting body for colleges and universities in New England. NECHE receives both public comments and complaints. Public Comments consist of observations about the quality of the University and its programs based on an individual’s experience. Comments must be substantive but need not include evidence and may be written or emailed. Complaints must be written, signed and meet NECHE’s criteria for complaints. NECHE’s complaint criteria, procedures for filing complaints and links may be found here:

NECHE Complaint Criteria and Procedures

Public Comments or Complaints Against the Program Regarding Connecticut Office of Higher Education Accreditation

The Connecticut Office of Higher Education is responsible for quality review of independent colleges located in Connecticut. If you believe that the University or Welch College of Business Program has not fulfilled its promises, you may file a complaint with the Office of Higher Education:

Office of Higher Education
450 Columbus Blvd, Ste 510
Hartford, CT 06103-1841
860-947-1800