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Student Complaint Process

McDaniel College continually strives to deliver on our promise to provide a high-quality educational experience for every student that is guided by our mission and First Principles. If you feel we have not met this expectation the information below is designed to help you navigate the various ways in which you can access assistance, guidance or file a complaint.

McDaniel also strongly recommends that students first attempt to solve concerns directly with the faculty member, individual, or department leader first before moving to a formal complaint process. Contact information for various campus offices and departments can be found on the Campus Directory. However, it may not always be evident who to contact, in this case please follow the below options for guidance.

I would like some guidance on how to address my concern.

If you feel your concern needs immediate response, you should contact:

Graduate Students Students:
Graduate & Professional Studies
Phone: 410-857-2500
Email: gradcomplaints@mcdaniel.edu
Undergraduate Students:
Provost Office
Phone:  410-857-2247
Email: complaints@mcdaniel.edu

You should receive a response within 5 - 10 working days.

I would like to file a formal complaint or appeal.

Please follow one or more of the policies below:

After you have exhausted the above complaint processes, external complaints can be directed to the following organizations.

Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)

MHEC authorizes universities and colleges to offer undergraduate and graduate level degrees and certificates. Students may file a complaint with the MHEC only after the student has first exhausted the complaint/grievance procedures established by the institution outlined above.
Maryland Higher Education Commission
6 North Liberty Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-767-3300
https://mhec.maryland.gov/
For more information on this process:
https://mhec.maryland.gov/institutions_training/Pages/career/pcs/complaint.aspx
Students outside of Maryland should follow their state regulatory complaint process. Information on each state is available through the US Department of Education: 
https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.

Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

McDaniel is accredited by MSCHE. Before submitting a complaint to MSCHE please read their complaint policy and process carefully. The Commissions policy is designed to address non-compliance with commission standards and requirements of affiliation, policies and procedures, or the institution’s policies only. The Commission does not consider appeals related to issues of dispute between individuals and the institution about admission, grades, transfer credits, application of policies, personnel decisions or similar matters. The Commission will not act on anonymous complaints.
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
1007 North Orange Street
4th Floor, MD #166
Wilmington, DE 19801
https://www.msche.org/
For more information to file a complaint:
https://www.msche.org/complaints/

Consumer Protection or Discrimination

A complaint pertaining to potential violations of consumer protection law is to be submitted to:
Consumer Protection Division
Office of the Attorney General

200 Saint Paul Place
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Telephone: 410-528-8662
More information is available at:
https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/Complaint.aspx
A complaint concerning discrimination is to be submitted to:
Office for Civil Rights, Philadelphia Office
U.S. Department of Education

100 Penn Square East, Suite 515
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3323
Telephone: 215-656-8541
More information is available at:
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html