The U.S. Department of Education 34 CFR §600.9 outlines regulations regarding state authorization for distance education programs offered by institutions that participate in Title IV federal student aid programs. It requires institutions to obtain authorization from each state where they enroll students if the state has established a process for such authorization. This ensures that institutions meet specific requirements set by each state regarding educational quality, consumer protection, and other relevant standards. The regulation aims to ensure that students have access to high-quality education regardless of their location and that they are protected from fraudulent or substandard educational practices.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA)

The purpose of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is to simplify the process for institutions of higher education to offer distance education across state lines. It establishes a uniform set of standards for distance education courses that participating states agree to uphold. Here’s how SARA works:

1. Uniform Standards: SARA establishes a set of national standards for distance education courses, including consumer protection, quality assurance, and oversight measures. Participating states agree to abide by these standards.
2. Reciprocity: Under SARA, institutions that are authorized to offer distance education in their home state can operate in other participating states without needing separate authorization from each state. This reciprocity streamlines the process and reduces administrative burdens for institutions.
3. State Oversight: Although institutions can operate across state lines more easily under SARA, they remain accountable to the laws and regulations of each participating state. States retain oversight over institutions operating within their borders, ensuring compliance with SARA standards.
4. Student Protections: SARA includes provisions for resolving complaints from students enrolled in distance education programs. It establishes procedures for addressing complaints related to educational quality, financial matters, and other issues, ensuring students have recourse if problems arise.

Overall, SARA facilitates greater access to educational opportunities for students by reducing regulatory barriers for institutions offering distance education programs across multiple states, while maintaining robust consumer protections and regulatory oversight.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)

NC-SARA refers to the organization responsible for managing and overseeing the implementation of SARA. It is a non-profit organization that serves as the central authority responsible for coordinating the implementation of SARA among participating states and institutions. Its primary function is to facilitate communication between member states, provide support to institutions navigating SARA requirements, and manage the SARA complaint resolution process. NC-SARA also conducts reviews and evaluations of state and institutional compliance with SARA standards.

Concord University (CU) is a member of both SARA and NC-SARA. In West Virginia, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission serves as the portal entity for both SARA and NC-SARA.