State authorization
The University must meet many state and federal requirements in order to comply with consumer protection laws and regulations designed to protect students. These requirements include following laws and seeking authorization to provide postsecondary education in any state in which the University operates, making certain disclosures and meeting state requirements for programs that lead to professional licenses or certifications, and providing a complaint process for distance education classes. This is often referred to as “state authorization.”
State authorization for distance education
Federal regulations require that the University be authorized by any state in which it operates. Since May 14, 2014, the University has maintained membership in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) in order to meet these federal requirements and offer distance education to students in other states. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements is the national initiative that administers SARA to increase student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer distance education opportunities to students in other SARA member states without seeking individual approval in each state.
In order to maintain membership in SARA, the University must meet rigorous standards and report data regarding distance education and out-of-state activities annually. Learn more about SARA on the .
Other activities covered by NC-SARA
Along with distance education, SARA membership also covers a limited number of other out-of-state instructional activities, including individual or small-group learning placements and field experiences (no more than ten students per class, per site), short field trips (see below), and short courses and seminars.
If you are planning a learning experience that will take place outside of Βι¶ΉΣ³», please contact the Provost’s Office immediately to find out if the learning experience you are planning is covered by SARA.
In-person classes and other learning experiences
For any out-of-state activities not covered by the University’s participation in SARA, the University must seek authorization to offer post-secondary education and operate in the state in which those activities will occur. Typically, these activities include teaching in-person classes, large-group learning placements/field experiences ( >10 students per site), and multi-day field trips (see below).
Authorization processes and requirements vary by state. It can take several months to complete the authorization process and authorization is not guaranteed, so it is important to start the process as early as possible!
If you are planning a learning experience that will take place outside of Βι¶ΉΣ³», please contact the Provost’s Office immediately to start the process of obtaining state authorization.
Out-of-state field trips
Field trips to another SARA state that last no more than 2 days and 1 night (consecutive) are covered by the University’s SARA membership.
Field trips that exceed two days and 1 night (consecutive) may require authorization from the state in which the field trip is planned to take place. Laws and authorization processes vary by state. Applying for authorization and any associated fees are the responsibility of the program organizing the field trip. It may take several months to complete the authorization process and authorization is not guaranteed, so it is important to start as early as possible.
If you are planning to include an out-of-state field trip in your class, please contact the Provost’s Office immediately to start the process of obtaining state authorization.
For more information about SARA, visit the .