Distance Education Out-of-State Authority

The U.S. Department of Education (U.S. DoE) released new regulations regarding distance education in October 2010. One of the new regulations focuses on the need for institutions offering distance education to acquire authorization from any state where the institution has currently enrolled students. As the details regarding this regulation continue to be clarified, the University of Houston-Clear Lake is in the process of gaining authorization from other states.

Depending on the outcome of this authorization, UHCL could notify students residing in a particular state that they are not eligible to register for distance education courses. In cases where UHCL students are affected by this change, the University of Houston-Clear Lake will provide assistance to students to resolve this matter.

Complaint Resolution

As part of the process, UHCL is required to provide current and prospective students with contact information for filing complaints.

1. For complaints regarding grades, course requirements and course procedures follow the University of Houston-Clear Lake Undergraduate or Graduate grievance policies found in the UHCL catalog.
2. If an issue cannot be resolved internally, you may file a complaint with your state. The Student Grievance Contact Information for Individual States provides phone number, email and/or links to state education agencies.
3. University of Houston-Clear Lake is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The SACS site provides complaint procedures against the commission or its accredited institutions.

For questions concerning the complaint process or the new U.S. DOE regulations affecting distance education, please contact UHCL Distance Education at disted@uhcl.edu or 281-283-3031.