State Authorization

The U.S. Department of Education has released amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 that may impact online, distance, and print-based education providers. §600.9(c) State authorization states:

If an institution is offering postsecondary education through distance or correspondence education to students in a State in which it is not physically located or in which it is otherwise subject to State jurisdiction as determined by the State, the institution must meet any State requirements for it to be legally offering postsecondary distance or correspondence education in that State. An institution must be able to document to the Secretary the State's approval upon request.

Slippery Rock University is actively engaged in the following general activities to ensure compliance with the State authorization regulations:

• Participating State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, SARA, institution since January 2017.
• Staying up-to-date with federal and state regulations, policies, and practices related to the state authorization requirements.
• Tracking the state residence of current and prospective, online students.
• Tracking and monitoring curricular requirements regarding internships, student teaching, practica, and field placements.
• Monitoring the state residence of faculty, staff, and administrators that support distance education.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement - SARA

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs.  It's intention is to make it easier for students to take online courses and complete field experiences offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.  Pennsylvania's SARA membership was effective January 1, 2017 and SRU is now a participating SARA institution.  By participating in SARA, SRU is able to operate in every SARA state. The SARA map identifies other participating states and districts. California is the only state not participating in SARA. 

Due to Colorado regulations regarding workers compensation, only paid field experiences are permitted. 

New Hampshire now requires sites offering experiential learning activities, where a student is working for practical experience and is not being paid or is being paid at a sub-minimum rate, be approved by the New Hampshire Labor Commissioner.  Additionally, the student's program will also need to be approved by the NH Department of Labor.

State Authorization and How it Affects SRU Students answers some frequently asked questions concerning state authorization.

If you have any questions regarding state authorization, please contact Samantha Kelly. 

Professional Licensures

This information has moved to this page.

DISTANCE EDUCATION COMPLAINT PROCESS

As a SARA participating institution, Slippery Rock University has agreed to abide by the SARA student complaint process for complaints not related to grades or conduct.

Students should attempt to resolve the issue internally. Please refer to the Academic Policies websites in the University Catalogs for information on resolving issues and complaints internally.  If the student is unable to resolve the issue internally, please contact the SARA portal agency in Pennsylvania.  The PA portal agency will notify and collaborate with NC-SARA as well as the portal agency in the state where the student is located.

Currently, California is the only non-SARA state. A student taking online classes while located in California, should contact the agency specified in the "Student Complaint Information by State and Agency".