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State Authorization and Reciprocity

State authorization refers to federal, state and professional licensing board regulations that impact educational activities offered across state lines and programs that lead to professional licensure or certification. Compliance with these regulations ensures that a WSC degree will be recognized, WSC students will be eligible to sit for licensure in states other than Nebraska, and WSC students have access to state licensure information. Authorization requirements vary by state and program and may impact college operations.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. It is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education. Visit the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

Key Points of SARA

  • SARA is voluntary for states and institutions.
  • SARA is administered by the four regional education compacts (Midwestern Higher Education Compact, New England Board of Higher Education, Southern Regional Education Board, and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education), they are now accepting applications from states in their regions. Once states are approved, they can begin to enroll eligible institutions.
  • Membership is open to degree-granting postsecondary institutions from all sectors (public colleges and universities; independent institutions, both non-profit and for-profit) accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

Benefits for Students

  • Expands access to educational offerings.
  • Should lead to better resolution of complaints from students in SARA states.
  • Reduces a rapidly growing institutional cost that is in one way or another passed along to students.
  • Should enhance overall quality of distance education

More information about SARA

Map of approved states and institutions

Complaint Process

WSC provides an opportunity for enrolled students and the public in general to submit non-academic complaints. The policy, process, and procedures for submitting complaints is outlined in the Student Complaint/Grievance Procedures section in the student handbook. 

Individuals may also submit complaints to Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE), the NC-SARA portal agency. The complaint process is described on the CCPE website.

Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 95005
Lincoln, NE 68509-5005
402-471-0030

Contact

Brook Jech
Director of Education Services
Brandenburg Education 136
402-375-7373
[email protected]


Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosures

 

Wayne State academic programs are designed to prepare students to apply for licensure or certification in Nebraska. Completion of a Wayne State program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska. 

Select your program below to review whether a Wayne State licensure or certification program meets educational requirements for licensure or certification in each state. 

Teacher Certification: If you need to get your initial Nebraska teacher certification or renew your existing one, learn how.