Online and Distance Education
Wingate University is committed to meeting the needs of students. That's why we're an approved institution under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement - North Carolina (SARA-NC). The agreement establishes comparable national standards for the interstate offering of post-secondary distance education courses and programs across state lines.
One main objective of the agreement is to make it easier for North Carolina colleges and universities to provide online and distance education options to students in other states. The agreement also provides basic protections for students and requires us to provide current and prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with the college, its accrediting agency, and with state agencies that handle complaints in the student’s state of residence.
Students are advised to begin the complaint process with the person involved or at the departmental, school or institutional level. To facilitate communication and expedite resolution of concerns, complaints and grievances, Wingate has a centralized reporting system that allows for escalation when needed. Students may file complaints and grievances by using the guidance on Wingate's filing-a-complaint webpage specifically designed to direct them to the person or office that can resolve the complaint.
Policies and procedures outlined in Wingate's Student Handbook (page 63) and Academic Catalog (page 84 and 148) serve as references for the complaint procedures and process. In regards to online and distance education, Wingate recommends that students, both past and present, use the below link to report issues or concerns or to file a complaint.
Grievance Resolution
For Online and Distance Education Issues, Concerns, and/or Complaints
Contact Information
Maria Taylor, Registrar
Office of the Registrar
2nd Floor, Stegall Administration Building
315 E. Wilson Street
Wingate, NC 28174
(704) 233-8006
registrar@wingate.edu
Online and Distance Education Complaint Form
For any Issue, Concern, and/or Complaint
Wingate also has a centralized customer service office, Bulldog Central, which facilitates the resolution of complaints and concerns. For students or external parties, emailing or calling the office establishes a case that requires resolution or escalation.
Contact Information
Kelly Byrd, Director
Bulldog Central
1st Floor, Stegall Administration Building
315 E. Wilson Street
Wingate, NC 28174
(704) 233-6111
bulldogcentral@wingate.edu
Bulldog Central (any complaint or issue)
Wingate University Accreditation
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint process, you may also choose to file a complaint with Wingate University’s accrediting agency.
Wingate University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees Wingate University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Wingate University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Students who file a complaint with the accrediting agency should follow the SACSCOC Complaint Procedure.
Wingate University Catastrophic Events and Continuity of Operations
Online students living in NC
North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints
The State Authorization Unit of the University of North Carolina System Office serves as the official state entity to receive complaints concerning post-secondary institutions that are authorized to operate in North Carolina. Complaints received against post-secondary institutions licensed in the state of North Carolina, including Wingate University, will be forwarded to the appropriate agency for action. If you are unable to resolve your complaint through Wingate's grievance procedures, please consult the NCPS-EC Student Complaint Policy. The complaint form can be found here.
If you choose to mail a complaint, please use the following address:
North Carolina Office of Post Secondary Education Complaints
C/o Student Complaints
223 S. West Street, Suite 1800
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 962-4550
Complaint Process for North Carolina Department of Justice
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint process at Wingate University, you may choose to file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice. To file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice, please visit the State Attorney General’s webpage. North Carolina residents may call (877) 566-7226. Outside of North Carolina, please call (919) 716-6000. En Español (919) 716-0058. The complaint form can be found here.
If you choose to mail a complaint, please use the following address:
Consumer Protection Division
Attorney General’s Office
9001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-9001
Out of State Students
SACSCOC Student Complaint Process
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint process, you may also choose to file a complaint with Wingate University’s accrediting agency.
Wingate University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees Wingate University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Wingate University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Students who file a complaint with the accrediting agency should follow the SACSCOC Complaint Procedure.
SARA-NC Complaint Process
Students may also choose to file a complaint through SARA-NC. SARA-NC is the portal for the state of North Carolina. Students should follow SARA North Carolina Student Complaint Process and use the SARA-NC Complaint form (PDF). The contact information for SARA-NC is:
SARA North Carolina
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority
P.O. Box 41349
Raleigh, NC 27629
Toll-free Telephone: (855) SARA-1-NC (727-2161), toll free
Telephone: (919) 248-4667, local
Email: information@saranc.org
Professional Licensure Disclosures
In order to comply with U.S. Department of Education regulations, all higher education institutions are required to advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice. If you are not a resident of North Carolina, and you are taking an online course or program leading to professional licensure, Wingate University cannot guarantee whether the course or program meets requirements for professional licensure in your state. Wingate University recommends that you consult with our program contact or the appropriate licensing agency or board in your state or territory – including states participating in NC-SARA – prior to beginning your course of study. Please click to review national licensing bodies or email our program contact about licensure below:
Education
Janet Jenkins
Assistant Dean of the Thayer School of Education
P.O. Box 159
Wingate, NC 28174
j.jenkins@wingate.edu
704-233-8076
Nursing
Kristen Barbee
Director, Nursing Department
P.O. Box 159
Wingate, NC 28174
k.barbee@wingate.edu
704-233-8653
Pharmacy
Susan Bruce
Dean of the School of Pharmacy
P.O. Box 159
Wingate, NC 28174
s.bruce@wingate.edu
704-233-8963
Physical Therapy
Dr. Karen Friel, PT, DHS
Chair, Physical Therapy Program
P.O. Box 159
Wingate, NC 28174
k.friel@wingate.edu
704-233-8344
Physician Assistant
David Weil
Director, Physician Assistant Studies
P.O. Box 159
Wingate, NC 28174
d.weil@wingate.edu
704-233-6655
Occupational Therapy
Dr. Melissa Sweetman, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, CLA
Director, Occupational Therapy
P.O. Box 159
Wingate, NC 28174
m.sweetman@wingate.edu
704-233-8981
If a student wishes to contact the state portal entities for his or her home state, contact information for state authorization liaisons in each SARA state can be found on the NC-SARA website. State by state contact information for agencies responsible for receiving student consumer complaints is available online.
Normal inquiries or concerns such as those involving admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc. should be addressed directly to the appropriate office at Wingate University.
Contact Us
Office Hours: M-F 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: (704) 233-8006
Fax: (704) 233-8125
Email: registrar@wingate.edu
Office: 1st Floor, Stegall Building
Address: P.O. Box 159, Wingate, NC 28174