Process
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) believe many complaints can be resolved through open and clear communication and should be resolved at the lowest level possible. Students should first try to resolve the issue by speaking with the instructor, an administrator or the student involved.
If the issue is not resolved through informal discussion, the student may file a written complaint with the Student Services Office of the Allied Health Office. The coordinator of student services or director of allied health will meet with the student, review the complaint, speak with others if needed, decide on a resolution and notify the student of the outcome in writing.
If the student is not satisfied with the outcome, they may appeal to the college president. The president may discuss the matter with the student, the administrator and any other personnel they feel appropriate. The president will provide a decision to the student within five days of receiving the appeal.
Complaints
Students or prospective students who want to file a complaint regarding violations of state law that were not resolved by the institution may submit a Student Complaint Form to the Tennessee Board of Regents at 1 Bridgestone Park, Third Floor, Nashville, TN 37214 or by completing the online Student Complaint Form.
Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, all or part of a complaint is generally available for review upon request from a member of the public.
Records of student complaints filed under TCAT’s grievance policy are kept on file in the vice president’s office.
Complaints regarding accreditation can also be filed with the Council on Occupational Education (COE) at 7840 Roswell Rd, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350.
Fraud, Waste, or Abuse Complaints
Reports of fraud, waste or abuse may be submitted by email at reportfraud@tbr.edu, by phone at 1-800-232-5454 or by submitting the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Reporting Form.
Limitations on Scope and Use of Process
Allegations of sexual or racial harassment or discrimination shall be processed in accordance with TBR Guideline P-080, Discrimination & Harassment - Complaint & Investigation Procedure. Grade appeals should comply with the appropriate grade appeal process. Matters regarding student discipline are processed in accordance with the student disciplinary policies and rules found at TBR Policy 3:02:00:01, General Regulations on Student Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions, Policy 3:02:01:00, Student Due Process Procedures, and Rule 0240-3- 21-.01, et. seq., of the rules published by the Tennessee Secretary of State. Students should also consult the student handbook. Appeals of traffic or parking citations should be processed as specified by each institution.
Grievance Proceedings
For more information, access TBR's TCAT-023 Uniform Procedures for Grievances/Complaints by Students at TCAT’s.
If either party involved in the grievance is not satisfied with the decision of the President, the student shall be advised of his/her right of appeal to the following:
Council on Occupational Education
7840 Roswell Rd
Building 300, Suite 325
Atlanta, GA 30350
Phone: (707) 396-3790