CU Denver Policies

The University encourages students initially to address complaints and grievances relating to academics, consumer protection, or other University policies with the specific individuals or units most directly connected with the issue at hand unless there are good reasons for not doing so such as a desire to maintain anonymity. Students can file an anonymous complaint through CU EthicsLine. Current University policies and procedures on Student Complaints and Grievances can be found in this guide. As with all complaints, the student should initiate any grievance matters with the faculty member, who will attempt to resolve the grievance, in consultation with Department Chair, the program director, and the Associate Dean. 

Students located outside of Colorado must first seek resolution with the University by filing a complaint as outlined above. If the student bringing the complaint is not satisfied with the outcome or institutional process, they can file a complaint with the SARA Portal Entity within the Colorado Department of Higher Education. 

Examples of student complaints that are typically brought to the SARA Portal Entity are veracity of recruitment and marketing materials, job placement data, tuition and financial aid information, and course transfer. 

Complaints and appeals involving grades or student conduct violations will not be reviewed by the SARA Portal Entity. Students may also file a complaint with other state agencies. 

Students located in California should direct complaints to:  

California Department of Consumer Affairs 
Consumer Information Center 
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-112 
Sacramento, California 95834 
Telephone: (833) 942-1120 
dca@dca.ca.gov 

If all other avenues provided have been exhausted, unresolved complaints may be filed with the Higher Learning Commission, the University’s regional accreditor. 

Higher Learning Commission 
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 
Chicago, IL 60604 
Telephone: 800-621-7440 
info@hlcommission.org 
www.hlcommission.org 

The University works to provide global access to education, however, several countries will not formally recognize foreign degrees, which may have implications for students who later seek to enroll in other educational programs, or for those who seek employment in another country’s government or employers requiring specific credentials.  

International students considering an academic program that leads to a professional license should first confirm with the appropriate professional licensing board in the country in which the student intends to work as to whether a degree from the University is recognized when seeking licensure or certification. 

International students are encouraged to contact the Office of International Student & Scholar Services with their questions.

Course and program availability vary by state. Admission into a program is granted at the time of initial acceptance into the program and is dependent on program availability in the state where the student is physically located at the time of admission.

If a student moves to a different state after admission to the program, continuation within the program will depend on the availability of the program within the new state where the student is physically present. Relocating could affect a student’s eligibility for professional licensure in that state. Licensure track students are encouraged to contact the appropriate licensing board in your state (or the state where you intend to practice or work) to inquire if the curriculum will satisfy state licensure requirements. 

Military Personnel: The state where military personnel are stationed will determine whether they may enroll or continue in an online program. 

Thinking of transferring? You’re not alone. Transfer students represent the majority of our undergraduate student population and we have the resources and experience needed to help you transfer here successfully. Please contact the Transfer Admissions Office to learn more on how your credits will transfer to the University.

If you have an extenuating circumstance that justifies an exception to financial obligations, you can submit a tuition appeal with the Bursar’s Office.