SAU ACCREDITATIONS

Register a complaint

St. Ambrose University takes pride in our service to students. From time to time, students may have questions concerning policies or practices. Generally there are logical explanations for situations, and usually most questions can be resolved in an informal setting through direct discussion with the individual or office involved. In instances where a student raises a question about a policy or decision, the affected staff or faculty member may respond. If it is not possible to resolve a matter through direct discussion, a student may appeal for further consideration by registering a complaint.

Registering a complaint with St Ambrose University

St. Ambrose University is committed to providing high-quality academic programs and services for students and encourages students to contact the University if there is cause for concern regarding academic or non-academic matters.

A complaint is defined as dissatisfaction occurring when a decision, act, or condition, based upon specific factual data, affects the student in a perceived negative or unjust manner; furthermore, an allegation of improper, unfair, arbitrary, or discriminatory treatment by university personnel.

Residential programs

Students who wish to register a complaint may contact the St Ambrose University Vice President of Student Engagement & Dean of Students. To clarify the student's concerns, complaints should be sent in writing to: Vice President of Student Engagement & Dean of Students, St Ambrose University, 518 W Locust Street, Davenport, IA 52803, by phone at 563-333-6000, or by completing the online Student Complaint Form.

If a student feels there has been no resolution made to the complaint after contacting the University Vice President of Student Engagement & Dean of Students, the student may contact the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (Iowa College Aid) by filling out an online dispute form or calling 877-272-4456.

Online programs

Students who wish to register a complaint may contact the St Ambrose University Vice President of Student Engagement & Dean of Students. To clarify the student's concerns, complaints should be sent in writing to: Vice President of Student Engagement & Dean of Students, St. Ambrose University, 518 W Locust Street, Davenport, IA 52803, by phone at 563-333-6000, or by completing the online Student Complaint Form.

Information about registering a complaint with the accrediting or state licensure agencies is available by viewing or downloading this PDF with contact information.

SAU Registering Complaint Regarding Online Programs

These agencies should be contacted only after the student has registered a complaint with the University and has not received a response to the request for resolution.

St Ambrose University is approved by the Iowa College Aid Commission for participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) initiative. SARA is a national initiative establishing comparable national standards and expectations for distance and online education; the central purpose is to increase access to online courses and standardize student consumer complaint processes. By participating in SARA, SAU is allowed to provide online courses outside of the state borders to students residing in any other state which is a member of SARA (currently that includes 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

Students who are considering an online program that leads to professional licensure should contact the licensing agency in the State where they plan to practice. SARA does not provide reciprocity for professional licensing.

For more information, visit the NC-SARA website.

Educational requirements for licensure programs

Federal guidelines established in 2019 require institutions such as St. Ambrose University to publicly disclose whether an academic program will fulfill educational requirements for specific professional licensure for employment in an occupation.

The programs listed below are the professional licensure programs at St Ambrose University. Educational requirements are noted for all states. Requirements may, however, change at the digression of the state, and as such, interested applicants and current candidates for licensure should consult with licensure boards within jurisdictions of interest.

All documents below are Excel (.xlsx) files:

• Education Licensure by State 2023
• BSN Licensure by State 2023
• BSW Licensure by State 2023
• MSW Licensure by State 2023
• MPAS Licensure by State 2023
• MSLP Licensure by State 2023
• OTD Licensure by State 2023
• DPT Licensure by State 2023

Student Location Policy

In accordance with 34 CFR §600.9 - State Authorization and federal regulations for Title IV purposes, St. Ambrose University has a policy that defines student location for purposes of complying with disclosure requirements.

This policy defines the student location as the State where the student resides at the time of enrollment at St. Ambrose University.   Simply put, it is the place where someone would complete the majority of their required coursework. As such, Iowa is considered the location for students enrolled in face-to-face licensure programs at any of SAU's Iowa-based campuses. Students in online programs living outside of the state of Iowa are defined by their state of residence.

The designated state will remain in effect unless and until a student changes the address using the Change of Address form located on the Registrar's Portal Page or the Office of the Registrar website. Once a student enters a new U.S. State or territory, the university will consider that date of entry as the effective date of a student’s revised location for the purposes of this policy. 

NOTE: licensing and authorization requirements can vary by state therefore any relocation by prospective and current students can impact their ability to continue the course, meet the eligibility requirements of that state, and/or receive financial aid funding. Students considering relocation should contact their academic program to check for authorization and licensure eligibility requirements.