Distance Learning
Distance Learning Complaint Procedure
Student consumer complaints against an institution operating under SARA must first go through the institution’s own procedures for resolution of grievances. Students should first address complaints to the school within Columbia where they are registered.
Student consumer complaints regarding online programs at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health should be directed to Sandra Bernal Garcia, associate dean for student affairs and dean of students, at sb64@cumc.columbia.edu.
Complaints regarding student grades or student conduct violations are governed entirely by institutional policy and the laws of New York State. If a person bringing a complaint is not satisfied with the outcome of the institutional process for handling complaints, the complaint (except for complaints about grades or student conduct violations) may be appealed, within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made, to the SARA Portal Entity in the home state of the institution against which the complaint has been lodged.
Andrea Richards
Supervisor, Higher Education Programs
New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234
518.474.1551
IHEauthorize@nysed.gov
Additional information about complaint procedures can be found here: