Educational guidance: who should complain where
Students should first use their institution’s published grievance and appeals procedures to seek resolution of academic, disciplinary, financial, or pastoral-conduct concerns. Only after those internal processes have been exhausted — and where a complaint alleges that the institution is failing to meet ITAA accreditation standards — may a student submit a complaint to ITAA for consideration.
ITAA’s role is to assess whether an institution remains in compliance with ITAA standards and governance requirements. ITAA does not act as a legal adviser, an ombudsman for individual academic disputes (such as grade appeals), or a representative for complainants; nor does ITAA substitute for local courts, regulators, or licensing authorities. Complaints that are primarily legal, criminal, or regulatory in nature should be directed to the appropriate local agency or authority.
What information to include when contacting ITAA
Provide a clear, dated statement of the concern, copies of relevant institutional correspondence (for example the filed grievance and the institution’s response), the specific standard(s) of concern where known, and any supporting documents or evidence. Include your name, contact email, and confirmation that you have followed the institution’s grievance process. Redact personal data of third parties where appropriate.
What ITAA can and cannot do
- ITAA can: review complaints alleging non‑compliance with ITAA standards, request information from the institution, and take proportionate accreditation action where standards are breached.
- ITAA cannot: provide legal advice, directly resolve individual grade disputes, issue government licences, or override local law or regulatory decisions.
Confidentiality and process
ITAA treats complaints seriously and will manage personal information in line with applicable privacy practices. Complainants should expect acknowledgement, an initial assessment of whether the complaint falls within ITAA’s remit, and further steps if an investigation is required. Timelines vary depending on complexity and the need to gather evidence from the institution.
Frequently asked questions
ITAA is a government regulator and handles legal enforcement.
ITAA is not a governmental accreditation authority and does not replace or override local law or government regulation.
ITAA will act as a student’s legal representative.
ITAA does not represent individual complainants or provide legal advice; its remit is institutional compliance with ITAA standards.
ITAA’s role
ITAA is an independent theological accreditation body that exists to protect students by encouraging transparent, ethical, and quality theological education. ITAA is a private theological accreditation agency. ITAA is not a governmental accreditation authority. ITAA accreditation never overrides local law. Institutions remain solely responsible for compliance with all applicable national, state or provincial, regional, and local laws. ITAA does not grant statutory degree-awarding powers. Accreditation status does not replace governmental recognition where required.
Students with complaints should first follow their institution’s published grievance procedures. If, after exhausting those avenues, you believe the institution is not meeting ITAA standards, submit your complaint with evidence to ITAA for assessment. For more on scope and limitations, see Important Accreditation Information.