Beginning July 1, 2011, the U.S. Department of Education regulations to improve the integrity of programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA), as amended (the “Program Integrity Rule”), take effect. The Program Integrity Rule requires, among other things, that each college or university authorized to offer postsecondary education in one or more States ensure access to a complaint process that will permit student consumers to address the following:
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Alleged violations of State consumer protection laws that include but are not limited to fraud and false advertising;
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Alleged violations of State laws or rules relating to the licensure of postsecondary institutions; and
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Complaints relating to the quality of education or other state or accreditation requirements.
Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology, as an institution to provide postsecondary education in the State of Wisconsin, is committed to full compliance with the Program Integrity Rule, and provides the following confirmation to all current and/or prospective students.
Complaint Process
Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology (“SHSST”) seeks to resolve all student concerns in a timely and effective manner. To that end, this complaint process serves as an ongoing means for students to discuss concerns or register formal complaints that pertain to alleged violations of State consumer protection laws that include but are not limited to fraud and false advertising; alleged violations of State laws or rules relating to the licensure of postsecondary institutions; and complains relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements.
The Offices of Dean, Admissions/Registrar, Operations, Financial Aid, and Pastoral Formation provide specific administrative means to address and resolve most, if not all, of the questions and concerns you may have. The contact information for each of these Offices is provided below:
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Chief Executive Officer (President-Rector): 414-529-6986 rector@shsst.edu
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Chief Academic Officer (Academic Dean): 414-529-6977 academicvp@shsst.edu
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Chief Student Service Officer (VP For Finance and Administration): 414-529-6971 tgalstad@shsst.edu
It is expected that students will fully utilize any/all of the SHSST’s administrative procedures to address concerns and/or complaints in as timely a manner as possible. On occasion, however, a student may believe that these administrative procedures have not adequately addressed concerns identified under the Program Integrity Rule. In those select cases, the following independent procedures are provided:
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The Division of Trade and Consumer Protection of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (the “Division”) is prepared to receive and review student consumer complaints regarding alleged fraudulent or abusive practices by a college or university in the delivery of postsecondary academic programs and activities, including, for example, fraud or false advertising. Complaints may be filed with the Division in written or electronic form by accessing the following link: http://datcp.wi.gov/Consumer/Consumer_Complaints/index.aspx.
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The Office of the Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin is authorized to investigate and prosecute violations of State consumer laws, including laws relating to deceptive advertising, credit, charitable solicitations, telecommunications, telemarketing and sales. The Office cooperates with other States, the Federal Trade commission and other federal agencies in addressing national consumer protection issues. Further, the Wisconsin department of Justice Office of Consumer protection litigates cases that are referred to the Department by other States agencies. Complaints may be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of consumer Protection at the following link: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dls/consumer-protection/how-file-consumer-complaint
