How to File a Complaint with the AAA
Thank you for contacting the Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges &
Universities (“Adventist Accrediting Association” or “AAA”) regarding the AAA’s process for handling
complaints. The primary purpose of the AAA is to ascertain that its member schools uphold and maintain
the mission and standards of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Institutions accredited by AAA are
expected to exhibit academic quality and ethical business practices that are in line with the mission and
standards of the Church. The AAA Accreditation Standards form the basis upon which the AAA makes all
assessments regarding educational quality and are available for public review on AAA’s website at
www.AdventistAccreditingAssociation.org.
Institutions that are accredited by AAA must have a published procedure and operational plan for handling
complaints. Complainants are encouraged first to avail themselves of the school’s complaint procedures.
If you feel that the school has not adequately addressed a complaint or that the school is not in compliance
with accreditation requirements, you may file a complaint with the AAA in accordance with the following:
1. All complaints must be received by AAA in writing.
2. For a complaint to be processed, it should contain:
a. The basis for any allegation of noncompliance with the AAA’s standards or requirements;
b. All relevant names and dates and a brief description of the actions forming the basis of the
complaint; copies of any documents or materials that support the allegations, when available;
c. Information regarding any steps already taken to resolve the complaint within the process
provided for by the institution; and
d. A release from the complainant authorizing the AAA to forward a copy of the complaint, including
the identification of the complainant, to the school. This can be achieved by completing and
submitting page 2 of the Complaint Form. This form is available on the AAA website.
Upon receipt of a complaint filed in accordance with these guidelines, AAA will forward a copy of the
complaint to the school for a response. Schools are given a period of time upon receipt of the complaint
to prepare a response addressing the alleged areas of non-compliance with AAA’s requirements. After a
review of the school’s response, AAA may determine that the school has adequately addressed the
concerns raised in the complaint and is in compliance with the accreditation standards.
In all cases, both the school and complainant are notified of the final disposition of the complaint.
Although one possible outcome of the complaint process may be the resolution of a dispute between
parties, AAA does not act as an arbitrator.
AAA’s primary responsibility in reviewing complaints is to ensure that member schools remain in
in cases of disciplinary action or dismissal or review decisions in such matters as admission, graduation,
fees, and similar points unless the context suggests unethical or unprofessional actions that seriously
Please note: If you do not return a completed complaint form, your complaint may not be processed by
AAA.