State Authorization
In order to offer educational opportunities outside of Colorado – including via online education and through courses like internships, clinical placements, or student teaching - the University of Colorado Boulder must comply with applicable state and federal regulations relating to state authorization. Compliance with these regulations also assist the university in fulfilling its mission as a comprehensive public research university and ensures continued access to the education we provide, while allowing us to push beyond traditional academic boundaries.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
The University of Colorado Boulder participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), a national initiative overseen by the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) that supports student access to online education and other courses and programs offered at a distance. NC-SARA also provides an additional oversight for student consumer protection. By requiring member states to follow a uniform process for approving and reviewing participating institutions, and requiring participating institutions to comply with agreed upon policies relating to distance education and out-of-state learning opportunities, NC-SARA is able to assist in ensuring student access to educational opportunities are equitable and students remain well-served by their institutions.
Students are encouraged to review and understand how the university participating in SARA benefits them: SARA for Students.
State authorization regulations do not apply to students accessing courses or programs while located outside of the United States. International Students are advised to understand and be apprised of the rules, regulations, and requirements related to online distance education programs in their country of residence, particularly if the country will charge any additional taxes, withholding or fees associated with online distance education programs. International students are encouraged to contact the International Student and Scholar Services if they have any questions.
Please note that complaints relating to grades or student misconduct will not be reviewed by the aforementioned agencies. These complaints must be reviewed through University procedures as noted the in the guide on Student Appeals, Complaints & Grievances. Allegations of fraud and other criminal misconduct against the University can be directed to the state attorney general or other designated entities in the state where the student is located.
Students located in SARA-member states, territories or the District of Columbia:Students enrolled in a course or program that takes place outside of Colorado (including but not limited to online, internship, practicum, or clinical placement) and in another SARA-member state, territory, or the District of Columbia must first seek resolution with the University of Colorado Boulder by filing a complaint with the appropriate person or office at the university. If the student bringing the complaint is not satisfied with the outcome of the university’s internal processes, complaints—including those relating to allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity, the veracity of marketing materials, complete and accurate admission requirements for courses and programs, transfer, job placement rates, tuition and fees, etc. (see section 4 in the SARA Policy Manual for the complete list of consumer protection issues)—may be brought to the Colorado State Portal Entity at the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Students who are located outside Colorado while enrolled in courses or programs at CU Boulder should also be aware that they may submit complaints to the State Portal Entity in the state where they are physically located, as permitted by that state’s SARA policies.
Students located in a non-SARA member state while enrolled in education offered by the University of Colorado Boulder, including California may file a complaint with the Colorado Department of Higher Education, as noted above, or with the state or territory where the student is located:
For additional questions about how SARA consumer protection provisions assist students, please review NC-SARA's Student Complaint Process.
If all other avenues provided have been exhausted, unresolved complaints may be filed with the Higher Learning Commission, the University’s accreditor.
If you have any questions about State Authorization, SARA and how this may affect you and your education at the University of Colorado Boulder, please contact stateauth@colorado.edu.
University of Colorado Boulder participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.