Professional Licensure and State Authorization Process Guide

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts, and U.S. territories that establishes comparable nation-wide standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. The reciprocity agreement allows participating Mississippi colleges and universities to offer distance programs and courses to residents of member states without seeking state-by-state approval, and is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. SARA is overseen by a National Council (NC-SARA), and is administered by four regional education compacts. Important aspects of SARA • SARA is an agreement among U.S. member states, districts, and territories. • States join through their respective regional education compact. • Participation is voluntary for states and institutions. • Institutions operate and annually renew under the purview of their “Home State.” • SARA provides reciprocity for many out-of-state activities, but not all. National Council for State Authorization The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is the organization tasked with implementing SARA. NC-SARA was established to help expand students’ access to educational opportunities and ensure more efficient, consistent, and effective regulation of distance education programs. SARA participating institutions must meet certain requirements – many of which are focused on ensuring appropriate consumer protections for students. Key NC-SARA Student Consumer Protections include: • SARA institutions must be accredited. • SARA institutions must have U.S. oversight. • SARA institutions must demonstrate healthy finances. • SARA institutions are accountable for third-party providers. • SARA institutions must adhere to high standards. • SARA institutions must uphold stringent reporting and accountability requirements. • SARA institutions are required to have transparency around professional licensure. • SARA institutions must find ways to meet obligations to students. • Student complaints are taken seriously. • Compliance is non-negotiable.

6

Professional Licensure & State Authorization Process Guide