Accreditation Standard Complaint Policy
Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine (Noorda-COM) is committed to full compliance with all standards and policies of the AOA Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). This policy provides a defined process for individuals to report concerns specifically related to Noorda-COM’s compliance with COCA accreditation standards. This policy applies only to complaints alleging institutional non-compliance with COCA standards or COCA accreditation policies. All other concerns including academic issues, mistreatment, discrimination, ADA accommodations, or student matters must be submitted through Noorda-COM’s internal applicable procedures. All accreditation-related complaints must be filed in good faith and must include substantiated evidence.
Who May File a Complaint
Any individual including students, faculty, staff, residents, preceptors, applicants, and members of the public may file an accreditation-related complaint.
Internal Reporting Process (Encouraged, Not Required)
Individuals are encouraged, but not required, to report concerns to Noorda-COM so that issues can be reviewed and addressed promptly. Accreditation-related complaints should be submitted in writing to the Dean and Chief Academic Officer and must include:
- Name and contact information of the complainant
- Relationship to Noorda-COM
- A clear description of the concern including relevant dates and individuals involved
- Identification of the COCA standard or policy believed to be impacted
- Supporting documentation
If the complaint involves the Dean, or a conflict of interest is reasonably perceived, the complaint may be submitted to the President who will assume responsibility for review.
Acknowledgment and Review
Noorda-COM will acknowledge receipt of the complaint in writing within five business days. The Dean or designee will determine whether the issue falls within the scope of this policy and will conduct a review that may include obtaining additional information and consulting relevant offices or committees.
A written response outlining the determination will be provided to the complainant within thirty business days of acknowledgment. When additional time is required due to the complexity of the concern, the complainant will be notified and provided with an updated timeline.
Confidentiality
Upon receiving an accreditation related grievance, the Dean will review and determine the accuracy of the claim based on the relevant accreditation standard and Noorda-COM’s internal policy. All grievances are kept confidential, however, the Dean may request consultation with appropriate employees prior to finalizing the decision. Documentation of grievances is housed within the Office of the Dean and includes the associated adjudication process. Complaints will be provided to the accrediting body upon request.
The Dean determines the resolution of the complaint. Should the individual feel as though they are not satisfied with the resolution, they may choose to file a complaint directly and confidentially with the AOA Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.
Non-Retaliation
Retaliation of any kind against an individual who raises a concern, files a complaint, or participates in a review is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal or termination, consistent with Noorda-COM policies.
Right to File Directly with COCA
Individuals are not required to use Noorda-COM’s internal process before filing directly with COCA. Concerns about compliance may be submitted confidentially to COCA in accordance with its Complaint Review Procedures.
Complaints filed directly to COCA may be sent to:
Department of Accreditation
American Osteopathic Association
142 East Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 1-800-621-1773 or 1-312-202-8124
Email: Predoc@osteopathic.org
This policy was reviewed and revised January 2026. To view the full policy please see the Catalog/Student Handbook. For assistance with policies and procedures, please contact Alexa Levine (alexa.levine@noorda.edu).
