Main Content

Policies, Disclosures & Legal Statements

State Process for Filing Complaints

For Massachusetts residents, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education attempts to provide an avenue for informal resolution of matters concerning institutions. The Department cannot require and institution to take any specific action in a matter and cannot provide legal advice. You can contact the Massachusetts Department of Education or you may also contact the Massachusetts Attorney General.

Complaint Procedure for Out-of-State Students from SARA Member States

CCCC is required to provide current and prospective online learning students with contact information for filing complaints. Students who desire to resolve a grievance should follow the College’s Student Grievance Procedure as outlined in the Massachusetts Community College System Student Code of Conduct.

If an out-of-state student from a SARA member state is not satisfied with the outcome of this process, they may appeal to the Massachusetts SARA portal agency. Complaints involving allegations of fraud and false or misleading information may also be filed with the Massachusetts portal agency.

The SARA portal agency in the student’s state of residence will be notified of any complaint filed with the Massachusetts portal agency. The student’s home state may assist the Massachusetts portal agency as needed. The complaint resolution by the Massachusetts portal agency is final and cannot be appealed to another state or federal agency or to NC-SARA.

Complaint Procedure for Massachusetts Residents and Online Students in Non-SARA Member States and Territories

If your complaint is not resolved at the institutional level of a Massachusetts college or university, a complaint can be initiated with the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. For additional information, please go to the DHE’s Student Complaint Process.