State Authorization
State Authorization is a form of consumer protection that guarantees that all educational institutions will follow that state’s regulations.
What is State Authorization?
Each State sets rules and regulations for its educational institutions that it expects all such educational institutions, regardless of physical location, to follow. State Authorization is a form of consumer protection that guarantees that all educational institutions will follow that state’s regulations.
Why does it matter to me?
State Authorization is your assurance that we will provide you with each of the following:
- our accrediting agency
- our contact information for filing complaints, and
- the state agencies that handle complaints in your state of residence.
How do I make an academic grievance or complaint?
Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) students residing outside of North Carolina should first follow CVCC’s Student Complaint Process.
CVCC’s Student Complaint Process
For further information, please contact:
Laurie Wegner, Director of Admissions
2550 US Hwy 70 SE
Hickory, NC 28602
lwegner@cvcc.edu
(828) 327-7000, ext. 4618
Student Grievance Forms
» Student Grievance Form about Another Student (PDF)
» Student Grievance Form about Faculty or Staff (PDF)
North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints
If a complaint cannot be resolved through the institution’s grievance procedures, students may file a complaint with The University of North Carolina System Office. Please review the Student Complaint Policy (PDF), print out and complete the Student Complaint Form (PDF), and submit it to:
North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints
University of North Carolina General Administration
910 Raleigh Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2688
(919) 962-4550
https://www.northcarolina.edu/post-secondary-education-complaints/
studentcomplaints@northcarolina.edu
SACSCOC Student Complaint Process
If the North Carolina Community College System does not satisfactorily resolve your complaint, the next step is to file a complaint with Catawba Valley Community College's accrediting agency. CVCC’s accrediting agency is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Students who file a complaint with the accrediting agency should follow the SACSCOC Complaint Procedure (PDF). The contact information for SACS is:
1866 Southern Lane Decatur
Georgia 30033-4097
(404) 679-4500
http://www.sacscoc.org
SARA-NC Complaint Process
SARA-NC is the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority. You may also file a complaint with SARA-NC. Students should follow the SARA-NC Complaint Process and use the SARA-NC Complaint Form (PDF).
SARA-NC Contact Information:
SARA North Carolina
State Education Assistance Authority
PO Box 14103
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
(855) SARA-1-NC (727-2162)
(919) 549-8614, ext. 4667
information@saranc.org
www.saranc.org
If an issue cannot be resolved through the grievance procedures, a student who resides outside of the State of North Carolina may file a complaint with their state of residence.
» Student Complaint Information by State and Agency
Professional Licensure
Programs at Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) that prepare students for professional licensure are designed to prepare a student to apply for application licensure in North Carolina. In order to comply with US Department of Education regulations regarding distance education and professional licensure, CVCC is required to make the following disclosure with respect to professional licensure outside of the state of North Carolina. CVCC cannot confirm whether a particular program meets requirements for professional licensure outside of North Carolina.
Please contact the respective department at CVCC of the degree program that the student wants to pursue. Currently, CVCC does not offer an online program that leads to professional licensure.
» Professional Licensing Board Disclaimer and Contacts (License/Licensure Information)
To view these (PDF) documents, download Free Adobe reader at www.adobe.com.