Student Grievances

The overwhelming majority of student grievances received by MSLAW fall into three general categories: requests for tuition refunds after the time for a refund has elapsed, requests for changes in grades, and disciplinary complaints. With respect to tuition refunds and changes in grades, MSLAW’s policies and procedures are stated in the Course Catalog. With respect to disciplinary matters arising under the Honor Code and rules and regulations printed in the catalog, MSLAW treats violations of its Honor Code very seriously as violation of that Code reflects upon your character and fitness to act as an attorney. MSLAW also occasionally receives grievances from students concerning other school related matters, such as parking, class cancellations due to weather conditions, or noise in the portion of the library where students are allowed to talk quietly. MSLAW encourages its students to speak informally to MSLAW’s Dean, or an Assistant Dean about such matters, and the official spoken to will informally take steps he or she deems necessary, if any.

If a student wishes to state a grievance formally, then the student shall submit a signed complaint to Dean Kaldis detailing the student’s concerns. The Dean will then take any appropriate action as she deems necessary to address the grievance. In the event the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of Dean Kaldis’ investigation and actions, the student may seek further review of the problem by subsequently filing the complaint with Dean Coyne’s office. Dean Coyne can be reached at Coyne@mslaw.edu

MSLAW also provides current and prospective remote learning students with contact information for filing complaints. Students who desire to resolve a grievance should submit a complaint following the complaint procedures outlined. If you have any questions or wish to file a complaint, please contact the Dean of Students’ Office, Dean Kaldis who can be reached at Pota@mslaw.edu.

For Online Students Located in SARA Member States and Territories

Out-of-state SARA students must first attempt to resolve their complaint using MSLAW’s internal administrative procedures offered by MSLAW. This includes all students who are located in SARA member states and territories for the purposes of completing out-of-state learning placements, such as internships, practica, clinical experiences, etc. in SARA member states and territories outside Massachusetts. Students should consult the Student Grievance Procedure. Complaints can be submitted through the Student Complaint form on the MSLAW Complaint web page.

If your issue cannot be resolved internally, you may file a SARA complaint with MA Department of Higher Education.

Additional information from the DHE’s SARA Complaint Website is below:

The SARA complaint process is as follows:
1. Students must first attempt to resolve their complaint using internal administrative procedures offered by the SARA institution.
2. After all administrative remedies have been exhausted with the MA-SARA institution, the student may submit a SARA Complaint via the URL below.
3. The Department shall send a copy of the complaint to the institution that is the subject of the complaint.
4. Within 30 days of the date that the Department sends a copy of the complaint to the institution, the institution must provide a written response to the student and the Department.
DHE’s SARA Complaint Page
DHE’s SARA Complaint Form

Complaint Procedure and Form for Massachusetts Residents and Online Students in Non-SARA Member States and Territories

If you are a Massachusetts resident, or if you are located in a non-SARA state or territory (e.g. California, Guam, etc.) and would like to file a complaint, please consult the Student Grievance Procedure. Complaints can be submitted through the Student Complaint form on the MSLAW Complaint web page.

At any time, students who are located in Massachusetts or any non-SARA state or territory may utilize the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s (DHE) non-SARA consumer complaint procedure and online form to file a complaint with DHE.
non-SARA Consumer Complaint Forms

Additionally, if you live in California or Guam, you may wish to file a complaint with your home authority.