Misrepresentation Policy

U.S. Department of Education Federal Regulatory Citation: 34 CFR 668.71 through 668.74 provides the information regarding the Prohibition of Misrepresentation to Students and Others at Jacksonville State University (JSU).

There are three areas that cannot be misrepresented as covered by statute 20 USC 1094 (c) (3).  Those three areas include:

  • The nature of the institution’s educational programs. 34 CFR 668.72
  • The institution’s financial charges. 34 CFR 668.73
  • The employability of the institution’s graduates. 34 CFR 668.74

Under these regulations, JSU is prohibited from making any false, erroneous, or misleading statements directly or indirectly to a student, prospective student, member of the public, accrediting agency, state agency, or to the U.S. Department of Education. Any statement that has the tendency or likelihood to deceive or confuse in regard to the federal regulations is considered a misleading statement.  Statements are any communication made in writing, visually, orally, or through other means. This includes student testimonials that are given under duress or because such testimonial was required to participate in a program.

Substantial misrepresentation is defined in federal regulations as any misrepresentation on which the person to whom it was made could reasonably be expected to rely, or has reasonably relied, to that person’s detriment.

Violations of this directive will be taken seriously and JSU will work to ensure that violations do not occur.

Misrepresentations should be avoided; however, this procedure specifically applies to the three areas stated above covered by statute 20 USC 1094 (c) (3). JSU seeks to provide accurate, honest and clear information in print, online, broadcast media or oral presentations. JSU will make every effort to avoid misrepresentation to students and others in communications made in writing, visually, orally, or through other means.

Any concerns about possible misrepresentation may be reported by emailing JSU’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Christie Shelton, at cshelton@jsu.edu.