State Authorization

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)

In order to expand access to students from other states, the University of Alaska Southeast participates in  State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), and is an approved SARA institution. SARA is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. SARA has established national consumer-protection standards for postsecondary distance education courses and programs.

Complaint Process:  In compliance with SARA regulations, we have an established complaint process to address student-identified issues. The complaint process is published in the UAS Catalog on the  Resolution of Disputes page.

If a student is not satisfied with the outcome and they are in a SARA member state, they may appeal the decision through the Alaska SARA Portal Entity. Information about the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) process can be found on the ACPE Student Complaints website and on the SARA Student Complaints website. Complaints may include, but are not limited to, the accuracy of job placement data, truth in recruitment and marketing materials, violations of university policy or regulation, and accuracy of information regarding transfer credit.

Exceptions of State Participation: As of June 1, 2019, 49 states (all but California), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are members of SARA. More than 2,000 institutions participate.

SARA in Alaska:  The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education  is the state portal for all SARA-related matters, including SARA complaints.

Please see the Professional Licensure & Certifications page for state by state information.