Rhode Island Department of Attorney General’s Complaint Process
In response to U.S. Department of Education 10.29.10 Final Rules
In accordance with the Department of Education’s final regulations published on October 29, 2010, the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General has established the following complaint process related to receiving and resolving complaints for all institutions that are legally authorized to provide post secondary institutions of higher education that are not subject to regulation by the Rhode Island Department of Education or other state agency.
Complaints
- Violations of state consumer protection laws (e.g., laws related to fraud or false advertising) will be referred to the Consumer Protection Unit within the Department of Attorney General and shall be reviewed and handled by that Unit;
- Violations of state laws or rules related to approval to operate or licensure of postsecondary institutions will be referred to the appropriate Division within the Department of Attorney General and shall be reviewed and handled by that Division;
- Violations of civil rights laws and complaints relating to discrimination will be referred to the Office of the Civil Rights Advocate within the Department of Attorney General and shall be reviewed and handled by that Office;
- Complaints relating to quality of education or accreditation requirements shall be referred either to the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the entity with primary responsibility for accreditation of Rhode Island institutions of higher education, or a specialized accreditor with oversight of particular programs.
Contact the Attorney General’s Office
By phone: (401) 274-4400 (General Helpline)
By mail:
Office of the Attorney General
150 South Main Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Online: riag.ri.gov/contact/
Contact the New England Commission of Higher Education
By phone: (781) 425-4514
By mail:
New England Commission of Higher Education
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803
Online: neche.org/for-the-public/comments-complaints/