SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements)
Meharry Medical College has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (“SARA”), enable an efficient and effective process for states and institutions to meet most of the associated obligations. The information below defines state authorization and explains the purpose of SARA.
What is State Authorization?
State authorization is a longstanding requirement in the 1965 Higher Education Act, which with many modifications, is still in effect. The legislation requires that, in order to receive Title IV Federal student aid, institutions must be authorized to operate in the state in which they are located. Thus, while federal regulations and regional accrediting organizations drive many educational activities and policies within an institution, the states – not the federal government or accrediting organizations – typically oversee educational activities and authorize institutions to operate within their borders.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is a private nonprofit organization [501(c)(3)] that helps expand students’ access to educational opportunities and ensure more efficient, consistent, and effective regulation of distance education programs.
Recognizing the growing demand for distance education opportunities, higher education stakeholders – including state regulators and education leaders, accreditors, the U.S. Department of Education, and institutions – joined together in 2013 to establish the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), which streamline regulations around distance education programs.
In partnership with four regional compacts, NC-SARA helps states, institutions, policymakers, and students understand the purpose and benefits of participating in SARA. Today, more than 2,200 institutions in 49 member states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands all voluntarily participate in SARA.
Meharry Medical College Complaint Policies for Certain Distance Education Students Enrolled Through the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements ("SARA")
Meharry Medical college participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements “9(“SARA”), which establish national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education. This policy applies to students who are non-Tennessee residents in SARA states and enrolled in A Meharry distance education program or course, as well as students attending an out-of-state learning placement in a SARA state other than Tennessee.
Complaint Resolution Process
Students with complaints related to consumer protection laws that involving distance learning education offered under SARA must first seek resolution through Meharry Medical College’s internal complaint process.
If the complaint is not resolved at the institutional level, the student may appeal within two years of the incident to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), which serves as the SARA portal agency for Tennessee.
For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of SARA or the laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the SARA Policies and Standards have been violated by the institution operating under the terms of SARA.
For a list of SARA member States, please visit the NC-SARA website. Students residing in non-SARA states should consult their respective State of residence for further instruction for filing a complaint.
Professional Licensure Disclosures
Meharry Medical College offers programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification. Licensure requirements vary by state and are subject to change. Meharry has determined whether its programs meet the educational requirements for licensure in each U.S. state and territory.
For detailed information by program and state, please view our Professional Licensure Disclosure PDFs. Students are responsible for confirming all state-specific requirements with the appropriate licensing board.