Background
The International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education (IACDE) is committed to ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in all accreditation activities.
This policy provides a structured and confidential process for submitting, reviewing, and resolving complaints concerning accredited or candidate institutions, peer reviewers, or IACDE representatives.
The goals of this policy are to:
• Protect the integrity of IACDE’s accreditation standards and ethical framework.
• Provide a fair and transparent process for addressing complaints and alleged noncompliance.
• Promote continuous improvement and accountability within accredited institutions.
• Ensure that all parties are treated with respect, confidentiality, and impartiality.

Legal and Institutional Status
The International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education (IACDE) is an independent, private, and voluntary quality-assurance body legally registered in the State of New Mexico, USA.
IACDE provides international recognition and accreditation to institutions of higher learning, professional training providers, and continuing education entities operating in digital, hybrid, or distance-learning formats.
IACDE is not a governmental agency and does not issue state or federal licenses. Its framework is based on peer review, continuous improvement, and global quality benchmarks consistent with models adopted by INQAAHE, CHEA IQG, and ISO-aligned education standards.

Policy Statement
IACDE values transparency, ethical conduct, and due process.
Complaints that allege violations of IACDE’s published Accreditation Standards, Code of Ethics, or Policies are accepted and reviewed under this policy.
All complaints are handled objectively, confidentially, and in accordance with international data-protection standards.

Part A: Scope of Complaints
IACDE will review complaints that:
• Allege noncompliance with IACDE standards, policies, or ethical guidelines.
• Provide specific, factual, and verifiable evidence.
• Concern institutions or individuals currently under IACDE candidacy or accreditation.
IACDE will not review complaints that involve:
• Student grades, admission decisions, or employment disputes.
• Contractual or financial disagreements between individuals and institutions.
• Matters under active litigation or government investigation until resolved.

Part B: Submission Requirements
Complaints must be submitted in writing and include:
Full name and contact information of the complainant (anonymous complaints are reviewed only if substantiated with evidence).
The name of the institution, program, or individual involved.
A clear description of the alleged issue, including relevant dates.
Copies of supporting evidence or documentation (screenshots, correspondence, policy excerpts, etc.).
All complaints should be submitted via email to complaints@iacde.org.
By submitting a complaint, the complainant consents to IACDE sharing relevant information with the institution to enable a fair response.

Part C: Review Process
Acknowledgment – IACDE will confirm receipt within 10 business days.
Preliminary Review – Determines whether the complaint falls within IACDE’s jurisdiction and whether sufficient evidence has been provided.
Institutional Response – If in scope, IACDE forwards the complaint to the institution for a written response within 30 days.
Evaluation – The IACDE Review Team or Peer Review Committee assesses the evidence and response.
Decision – IACDE issues a determination and communicates the outcome to the complainant, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
The process typically concludes within 60–90 business days, though complex international cases may require additional time.

Part D: Outcomes and Actions
Possible outcomes include:
• No Action – Insufficient evidence or outside jurisdiction.
• Advisory Letter – Recommending corrective or preventive measures.
• Monitoring Requirement – Ongoing observation or follow-up report.
• Compliance Action – Implementation of a corrective plan.
• Change in Accreditation Status – For material and sustained noncompliance, subject to Commission approval.

Part E: Confidentiality and Data Protection
IACDE upholds confidentiality in accordance with its Public Disclosure and Confidentiality Policy.
All records are stored securely, access is restricted to authorized personnel, and data are retained only as long as necessary for review and compliance purposes.
Retaliation against any complainant or witness is strictly prohibited and may constitute grounds for further action.

Part F: Appeals and Reconsideration
A complainant may request reconsideration of IACDE’s determination within 30 days only if new, material evidence that was previously unavailable can be provided.
All reconsideration requests are reviewed by the IACDE Commission, whose decisions are final.

Part G: Global Jurisdiction and Compliance
IACDE operates internationally as a private, voluntary accreditor.
Its recognition affirms institutional quality but does not replace national licensing or governmental authorization.
Institutions are responsible for compliance with the laws and regulatory bodies of their home country.

Disclaimer and Authority
All complaint reviews and determinations are made in good faith and based on available evidence, applicable standards, and established procedures.
IACDE does not assume legal liability for the actions of institutions or individuals.
Final decisions are approved by the IACDE Commission and recorded in the organization’s official minutes.

International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education (IACDE)
8206 Louisiana Blvd NE Ste B #10025, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USA
info@iacde.org | www.iacde.org
“Your Mission Deserves Accreditation Without Barriers.”

Policy Adoption Record
Adopted by the International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education: 06/2025
Revised: 10/2025
Editorial Revision: 10/2025