State Authorization and SARA Agreements in Higher Education
Explore the history, acronyms, regional compacts, and key concepts of State Authorization and the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) in Higher Education. Learn about the importance of compliance with state regulations and the benefits of SARA for distance education programs.
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Presentation Transcript
Brief History of SREB & SARA SREB-SARA RSC Meeting San Juan, Puerto Rico June 5, 2023
GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS RSC Regional Steering Committee NC-SARA National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements SARA State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement SPE State Portal Entity UA Unified Agreement MHEC Midwestern Higher Education Compact NEBHE New England Board of Higher Education SREB Southern Regional Education Board WICHE Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education
REGIONAL COMPACTS REGIONAL COMPACTS
WHAT IS STATE AUTHORIZATION WHAT IS STATE AUTHORIZATION States require institutions to obtain approval for regulated activities that occur in their state. These requirements vary by state, and may include, but are not limited to, online learning, practical experiences, faculty in the state, marketing, and advertising. Compliance with state authorization regulations is also required by the federal government for institutions to be eligible for federal financial aid.
WHAT IS SARA WHAT IS SARA SARA is a set of agreements between member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate distance education program offerings. These reciprocity agreements help streamline distance education regulations and improve coordination between states and higher education institutions. They also help ensure member states and participating institutions adhere to a set of common consumer protections for students. Permits a state to voluntarily and formally participate in SARA. States join as members, while institutions also voluntarily choose to participate through their home states
WHAT IS SARA WHAT IS SARA In 2013, higher education stakeholders including state regulators and education leaders, accreditors, the U.S. Department of Education, and institutions joined together to establish the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). In Dec. 2013, NC-SARA was created and states began joining SARA in 2014. The Unified Agreement (UA), adopted in 2015, establishes the guiding principles of SARA and the framework for SARA s operational and administrative structure.
WHAT IS NC WHAT IS NC- -SARA SARA A private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Helps expand students access to postsecondary educational opportunities and ensure more efficient, consistent, and effective regulation of distance education programs through SARA. NC-SARA exists to coordinate the SARA work of the regional compacts, ensure that SARA has consistent nationwide coverage, and maximize efficient operations of the SARA initiative.
