Distance Education Student Complaints
Purpose
Paris Junior College is committed to resolving student concerns in a fair, timely, and effective manner. Students enrolled in distance education courses should first attempt to resolve complaints using the College’s internal complaint procedures outlined below. These procedures apply to all students enrolled in online or distance education courses offered by Paris Junior College.
Step 1: Informal Resolution
Students are encouraged to first discuss their concern with the appropriate instructor, staff member, or department responsible for the issue. Many concerns can be resolved quickly and effectively at this level.
If the concern cannot be resolved informally, the student may proceed with the formal complaint process.
Step 2: Formal Institutional Complaint Process
Students may submit a formal complaint by completing the Student Complaint Form available through the MyPJC portal or by contacting the Office of Student Services at ss@parisjc.edu.
The complaint should include:
- Student name and contact information
- Course name and instructor (if applicable)
- Detailed description of the complaint
- Relevant documentation
The College will review the complaint in accordance with established procedures. A written response will be provided following review and any necessary meetings.
Students may appeal the decision through the College’s complaint appeal procedures as outlined on the PJC website.
Step 3: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)
If the complaint is not resolved through the College’s institutional complaint process, students residing in Texas may file a complaint with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Contact information:
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
College Readiness and Success Division
P.O. Box 12788
Austin, TX 78711-2788
Website: https://www.highered.texas.gov
Student Complaint Process:
https://www.highered.texas.gov/student-complaints/
The THECB will only review complaints after all institutional procedures have been exhausted.
Step 4: Out-of-State Students (SARA Member States)
Paris Junior College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Students residing outside Texas who are enrolled in distance education courses should first follow the institutional complaint process described above.
If the complaint is not resolved through the College’s procedures, students may file a complaint with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which serves as the SARA State Portal Entity for Texas.
The THECB will coordinate investigation and resolution in accordance with SARA policies.
Step 5: Accreditation Complaints (SACSCOC)
Students may also file a complaint with Paris Junior College’s accrediting agency regarding alleged violations of accreditation standards.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097
Website: https://www.sacscoc.org
Complaint Procedures: https://www.sacscoc.org/complaints/
SACSCOC reviews complaints related to institutional compliance with accreditation standards.
Important Notes
- Students must first complete Paris Junior College’s institutional complaint process before filing complaints with external agencies.
- Anonymous complaints may limit the College’s ability to investigate and respond.
- Retaliation against any student who files a complaint in good faith is strictly prohibited.
Contact Information
Office of Student Services
Paris Junior College
2400 Clarksville Street
Paris, TX 75460
Phone: (903) 782-0211
Email: SS@parisjc.edu
Website: www.parisjc.edu