Institutional Authorization and Consumer Complaints

Context

Regulations associated with the federal student financial aid program include the following requirements: "The institution must 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." The following paragraphs and links fulfill these obligations.

State Incorporation

The state of Indiana granted incorporation to Marion College on December 1, 1919, giving the college the approval to provide post-secondary education in the state of Indiana. On April 6, 1988, the state of Indiana amended the incorporation of Marion College. The amendment changed the name from Marion College to Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU). IWU is a legal entity in the state of Indiana. In the spring of 2011, the Indiana legislature adopted Senate Act 577, which specifically identifies Indiana Wesleyan University as an approved post-secondary educational institution.

Indiana Wesleyan University Articles of Incorporation
Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 577

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is one of six autonomous regional accrediting agencies for post-secondary schools recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. IWU received initial accreditation from HLC in 1966 and has been continuously accredited ever since. The latest reaccreditation was granted in 2010 for a period of 10 years. IWU's next reaccreditation evaluation will come in 2020.

Indiana Wesleyan University Statement of Affiliation Status with the Higher Learning Commission

Title IV - Federal Student Financial Aid

Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 governs the federal student financial aid programs. Indiana Wesleyan University is authorized to participate in federal Title IV programs. This authorization does not imply approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education of the quality of Indiana Wesleyan University's educational programs.

Title IV Program Participation Agreement

State Authorizations

IWU operates within the boundaries established by the individual states and has written authorization for its onsite operations in the states of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Florida. 

IWU is also a member institution of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. As a member institution, IWU is authorized to deliver distance education courses and programs in all SARA-member states. Online students residing in any SARA-member state may contact the Indiana Commission for Higher Education concerning complaints, after having completed the IWU student complaint process. 

Consumer Complaints

Complaints regarding any aspect of IWU operations should be filed internally to IWU authorities first and then, if necessary, to external authorities.

Complaint Form

Contact information for filing a complaint to external authorities is given below.

Internal IWU Contacts for Current Students

Internal IWU Contacts for Former Students

External Contacts for Current and Former Students

  • Accreditor
  • Instructions for filing a complaint with the Higher Learning Commission regarding academics can be found here.
  • Federal Financial Aid and Other Federal Obligations
  • Instructions for filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education in regard to Title IV (financial aid, civil rights violations or discrimination) can be found here.
  • State Authorities