Concerns or complaints regarding the accreditation status of the institution can be submitted to each agency listed below using the provided link.
Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1103
412-788-6505
The following degree programs are approved by the Commission on Accrediting: Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Practical Theology, and Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling.
Winebrenner is approved for a Comprehensive Distance Education Program by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools.
The Commission has a policy regarding complaints against member schools (see section XII of the Commission Policies and Procedures). Please note that complaints must be filed in writing and must provide evidence that the member school is in violation of a stated policy or accrediting standard or a membership criterion.
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
1-800-621-7440
Winebrenner Theological Seminary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The seminary’s next reaffirmation of accreditation will be in the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students, faculty, staff and members of the public may submit a complaint about an Accreditation Status HLC-accredited or candidate institution. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in a 19-state region. HLC Student Complaints.
If you have questions, please contact Kathryn Helleman at 419-434-4256 or by email at kathryn.helleman@winebrenner.edu, or you may contact the Higher Learning Commission by email at info@hlcommission.org or by phone at 800-621-7440.
Ohio Department of Higher Education
25 South Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215
General: 614-466-6000
Fax: 614-466-5866The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) is responsible for responding to formal complaints against public, independent non-profit and proprietary institutions of higher education in Ohio. While the ODHE has limited authority over colleges and universities, and cannot offer legal advice or initiate civil court cases, the Chancellor’s staff will review submitted complaints and work with student complainants and institutions. Student Complaints
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
3005 Center Green Drive, Suite 130
Boulder CO 80301
303-848-3275
Winebrenner Theological Seminary has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of post secondary distance education. The Ohio Portal Agent is responsible for responding to formal complaints against public, independent non-profit and proprietary institutions of higher education in Ohio who are members of NC-SARA. Student Complaints
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 510
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-535-5990
Fax: 703-739-6209
Winebrenner Theological Seminary is accredited by CACREP through March 31, 2026. This accreditation status recognizes the educational quality of the program and allows graduates to apply for licensure in the State of Ohio.
Most areas of contention between a student and a program are appropriately addressed via the policies and procedures in place to handle such disputes at the institution in which the program is housed. CACREP does have a formal complaint policy (Policies Governing Complaints 12.a – CACREP Complaint Policy: Processes and Procedures) whereby students, faculty and other interested parties may submit written, signed complaints to CACREP for consideration. An ‘appropriate’ complaint is one that directly relates to a program’s compliance with the CACREP Standards, Policies and/or procedures. Both the CACREP Standards and Policies are available on the CACREP website.