Student Consumer Information

NC-SARA Information for CWI Programs

State Authorization & Regulatory Compliance

The State of Idaho is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), and CWI is one of the approved SARA institutions in Idaho. As such, the College adheres to an established common set of standards for offering post-secondary, distance education among member states, districts, and territories. Participation in SARA is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.

While CWI monitors the laws in each state and strives to keep you apprised of relevant changes that may affect you, the authorization of distance education and licensure requirements are determined by each state and may change frequently. If you are pursuing education, particularly toward licensure, through CWI while in another state, you are strongly advised to check with the relevant state regulators and/or licensing body as it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure you meet the requirements for licensure or certification in the state or locality you plan to work in. For additional information on professional licensure, visit NC-SARA Professional Licensure.

For questions about the student complaint process for online and distance education classes or programs at CWI, please contact:

• Chad Trisler, Dean of Students
• Tyler Brown, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment & Student Success. 

Additional information about filing an institutional appeal is available below, or you may use the General Complaint Form.

Mailing Address:
College of Western Idaho
MS 2020
P.O. Box 3010
Nampa, ID 83653

Institutional Appeals

CWI strives to provide the highest quality educational opportunities available. However, if a conflict does arise, our efforts are meant to resolve your grievances, complaints, and concerns in an expeditious, fair, and amicable manner.

Appeals to the Institution

Students with concerns, complaints, and/or petitions have access to processes to resolve their concern(s). The College encourages informal resolution as a first step, working with faculty, programs, colleges, and similar structures, depending on the nature of the concern. Academic appeals are heard by the Academic Integrity Board or the Academic Records Board, as described in the Student Appeals section of the Academic Catalog.

Most appeal processes require a form to initiate the appeal process. Contact your advisor or One Stop Student Services for assistance identifying the correct student form for your situation.

Additional appeal processes:

• Academic Records Appeal – to drop or withdrawal from classes or request a refund or reduction in fees based on unexpected or extenuating circumstances
• Academic Misconduct Appeal – for academic misconduct or academic integrity hearings, used after meeting with the instructor and Department Chair without resolution
• Behavioral Misconduct Appeal – for hearings conducted through student affairs addressing non-academic misconduct
• Grade Appeal – to appeal a grade which may have be issued incorrectly or inappropriately, used after meeting with the instructor and Department Chair without resolution
• Satisfactory Academic Process – to appeal loss of financial aid due to academic progress
• Sexual Harassment Grievance Process – to file a grievance regarding Sexual Harassment or rights protected under Title IX
• Workforce Development Appeal Process  – Refund/Cancelation/Appeal Process
• General Grievance Process – to file a grievance or appeal not addressed above
• Ethics Hotline – to report fraud, waste, or other unethical behavior; form may be submitted anonymously

Student Forms

Appeals at the State Level

The SARA program requires that a student must first attempt to resolve any disputes at the member school level before filing a state-level appeal. All relevant CWI appeal processes must be completed prior to appealing to the Idaho State Board of Education.  If you have not attempted to resolve the situation through CWI, see the section above. Be aware, there may only be one or several appeal options to resolve your concern. If you are uncertain which appeals may apply to you, please contact your advisor, One Stop Student Services, or the Dean of Students for assistance in determining the appropriate avenues for appeal.    

If you have exhausted your appeal options at CWI and are still unsatisfied with the outcome of your dispute, you may may choose to file an appeal at the state level. 

• If you are a CWI student who is completing coursework from another state, you will utilize the Idaho State Board of Education Complaint Procedures. 
• If you are student living in Idaho completing coursework at an institution in another state, contact the state office where the institution is located for complaint procedures.
• If you are a CWI student who lives in Idaho, you are not covered under SARA and can not appeal using this process.
• If you are taking courses at an institution located in California, you will need to file an appeal through the California Department of Consumer Affairs, as California is not a SARA participant.