Student Complaint Process

Cheyney University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students. This page explains how students can report concerns, what happens after a report is submitted, and the types of issues the University can help address. Our goal is to resolve student concerns promptly, fairly, and internally whenever possible, using established procedures outlined in the University Catalog and Student Handbook. Whether you are seeking guidance, reporting an incident, or requesting support, the information below will help you take the appropriate next step.

How to Submit a Student Complaint or Report

If you have a concern or incident to report, use the University’s centralized online reporting form. This form ensures your concern is routed to the appropriate office for review and response.

Submit a Student Complaint or Incident Report Online

PLEASE NOTE: These reporting forms are for non-emergency reporting only. If any person may be in danger, call 911 immediately. For urgent emotional/mental health matters, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

What Can Be Reported

Students may use the University’s complaint process to report concerns related to:

• Academic concerns
• Student conduct or behavioral issues
• Bias, discrimination, or harassment
• Sexual misconduct
• Non-emergency campus safety concerns
• Other concerns or incidents affecting the campus community

If you are unsure whether your concern fits into one of these categories, you are still encouraged to submit a report so it can be reviewed and directed appropriately.

More About Reporting Types

Faculty/Staff Complaint
Reports involving concerns about the behavior, actions, or professionalism of a faculty or staff member that may impact the campus community.

Academic Integrity
Reports related to violations of academic honesty, including cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, or falsification of academic work.

Housing
Reports concerning issues within campus housing, such as room conflicts, policy violations, facility concerns, or safety matters in residence halls.

Sexual Misconduct
Reports involving sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, stalking, or other forms of non-consensual sexual behavior.

Student Conduct
Reports regarding alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct, including behavioral concerns, disruptions, or actions that affect the campus community.

Medical Concern
Reports related to a student’s physical or mental health that may impact their well-being, safety, or ability to function within the campus environment.

What Happens After You Submit a Report

Reports submitted through the University’s reporting process are reviewed and addressed using a coordinated, campus-wide approach. Depending on the nature of the concern, you may be contacted for additional information to help the University respond appropriately.

Anonymous reporting is available for certain types of reports, including some University Police and Sexual Misconduct concerns. Please note that while anonymous reports are accepted, anonymity may limit the University’s ability to fully investigate or respond.

A Note About Retaliation

Cheyney University strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who submits a complaint or participates in a review, investigation, or resolution process in good faith. Any concerns about retaliation should be reported and will be addressed through the appropriate University channels.

What if a solution is still not reached?

Cheyney University’s goal is to resolve complaints internally in a fair and expeditious manner. If the complaint cannot be resolved through the local complaint process, the student may go to one of  Cheyney’s state approval and licensing entities: Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (email may be sent to Dr. Diana Rogers-Adkinson, Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs, Chief Academic Officer at DRogers-Adkinson@passhe.edu), Pennsylvania Department of Education; or Cheyney University of Pennsylvania’s accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

To comply with federal regulations, Cheyney University provides the following information to our prospective and current students:

Cheyney University participates in Federal student aid programs that are authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Participating institutions must be legally authorized to operate with the state in which it is located. Title 34 CFR §600.9 requires states to have a “process to review and appropriately act on complaints concerning the institution including enforcing applicable State laws.” Title 34 CFR §668.43(b) requires that institutions “make available for review to any enrolled or prospective student upon request, a copy of the documents describing the institution’s accreditation and its State, Federal, or tribal approval or licensing. The institution must also provide its students or prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accreditor and with its State approval or licensing entity and any other relevant State official or agency that would appropriately handle a student’s complaint.”

Middle States Commission on Higher Education
1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801 Telephone: 267-284-5011
Email: info@msche.org Spanish: españolinfo@msche.org
General Link: www.msche.org