Iona University Internal Complaint Procedures

Students who have concerns regarding an Iona University rule, regulation, policy, procedure, or other institutional matter affecting their education should first attempt to resolve the matter directly with Iona University through the Student Complaint and Grievance Procedures outlined in the Student Handbook.

Under the University’s procedures:

• A student may submit an oral or written complaint alleging improper, unfair, or arbitrary treatment to an appropriate staff member or office. 
• Students are encouraged to first discuss concerns with the appropriate faculty or staff member. 
• If a student is uncomfortable approaching the individual directly, the student may seek assistance from an advisor, counselor, or other University representative. 
• The University seeks to resolve complaints as quickly and efficiently as possible at the level closest to the student. 
• Formal grievances may be submitted in writing when a matter cannot be resolved informally. 
• Retaliation against a student for participating in a complaint or grievance process is prohibited. 

This policy does not apply to academic grade disputes, which are handled separately under the University’s Grade Appeals policy.

Full details regarding Iona University’s Student Complaint and Grievance Policy and Procedures are available here:

• Student Complaint and Grievance Policy and Procedures

SARA Consumer Protection Complaints

Iona University participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). SARA establishes national standards for interstate distance education and provides a process for resolving certain consumer protection complaints brought by students enrolled in distance education courses or programs offered across state lines.

Under Section 4.4 of the SARA Policy Manual version 25.2, SARA consumer protection complaints are limited to allegations involving dishonest or misleading practices, including the provision of false or misleading information associated with distance education programs, activities, or operations.

SARA policies do not cover complaints related to grades, academic sanctions, or student conduct violations.

Students must first exhaust Iona University’s internal complaint procedures before filing an appeal with the New York State Education Department (NYSED), the New York State SARA Portal Entity.

A student may appeal the institution’s decision to the SARA State Portal Entity in New York State within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made. 

Additional Complaint Process Resources

• NC-SARA Student Complaint Process
• New York State Education Department SARA Student Complaint Process

Please note that NC-SARA does not accept complaints directly from students. Complaints must first be addressed through the institution’s internal procedures and may then be appealed to the institution’s home state SARA portal entity.