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, commonly known as 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.
Complaint Resolution Policies and Procedures for Non-Tennessee Resident Students
Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws that involve distance learning education offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution.
Complainants not satisfied with the outcome of the Institution’s internal process may appeal, within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made, to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
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.