As a prospective or continuing student at the University of Colorado Boulder, you have a right to, and the university is required to provide you with, consumer information concerning your education and the university. You can review these required disclosures, and instructions on who to contact to obtain more information, by visiting the Student Right To Know. Much of the information is safety related or financial in nature, but other broad categories are included such as filing student complaints, graduation rates, the various costs associated with attending CU Boulder, and state authorization.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
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.
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.
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 has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.