Misrepresentation
As part of our commitment to excellence, Columbus State University is committed to the highest level of operational integrity. This commitment includes the communication of accurate and timely information about the University’s educational programs.
Federal regulations, under 34 CFR 668.71-74, prohibit institutions from engaging in misrepresentation which is defined in 34 CFR 668.71(c) as:
Any false, erroneous or misleading statement an eligible institution, one of its representatives, or any ineligible institution, organization, or person with whom the eligible institution has an agreement to provide educational programs, or to provide marketing, advertising, recruiting or admissions services makes directly or indirectly to a student, prospective student or any member of the public, or to an accrediting agency, to a State agency, or to the Secretary. A misleading statement includes any statement that has the likelihood or tendency to mislead under the circumstances. A misleading statement may be included in the institution‘s marketing materials, website, or any other communication to students or prospective students. A statement is any communication made in writing, visually, orally, or through other means. Misrepresentation includes any statement that omits information in such a way as to make the statement false, erroneous, or misleading. Misrepresentation includes the dissemination of a student endorsement or testimonial that a student gives either under duress or because the institution required such an endorsement or testimonial to participate in a program.
The regulations prohibit misrepresentation by, or on behalf of, the institution in regards to:
- The nature of the institution's educational programs
- The nature of financial charges
- The employability of graduates of the university
- The university relationship with the U.S. Department of Education
Columbus State University is committed to honesty and clarity in all communication about its programs and services, and takes claims of misrepresentation seriously. If you have any concerns regarding misrepresentation, contact Dr. Amber Dees, Director of Accreditation and Compliance, through email at dees_amber@columbusstate.edu, or by phone at 706-507-8634.
