Distance Education Out-of-State Authority
The U.S. Department of Education released new regulations regarding distance education in October 2010. One of the new regulations focuses on the need for institutions offering distance education to acquire authorization from any state where the institution has currently enrolled students. As the details regarding this regulation continue to be clarified, Rio Hondo College is investigating the processes involved in gaining authorization from other states.
Complaint Resolution
The ultimate rationale for Out-of-State Authorization is the protection for students enrolling in out-of-state institutions who becomes victims of “predatory practices” regarding tuition, student loans, and financial aid. Although Rio Hondo College is not guilty of such “predatory practices,” Rio Hondo is required to provide current and prospective students with contact information for filing complaints.
- For complaints regarding grades follow the Rio Hondo College policies located in the Rio Hondo College Catalog: http://www.riohondo.edu/catalog/
- If an issue cannot be resolved internally, you may file a complaint with your state. The following link provides information by state:
http://www.sheeo.org/ - For California residents, issues that are not resolved at the campus level may be presented to the State of California using the State Complaint Process. Students are encouraged to follow Rio Hondo College’s complaint and grievance process before attempting to file a complaint with the state. To
file a complaint with the State of California, refer to the following website: - Rio Hondo College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) under the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The ACCJC site provides complaint procedures against the accrediting commission or its accredited institutions at: https://www.accjc.org/complaint-process
For questions concerning the complaint process or the new U.S. Department of Education regulations affecting distance education, please contact the Office of the Vice President of Instruction at Rio Hondo College.
