Reciprocity Agreements

Information on State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) and Licensure Disclosures

What is SARA?

“The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establish 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 is overseen by a National Council and administered by four regional education compacts (http://nc-sara.org/content/basic-questions-about-sara).”

What are my benefits as a student?

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 the overall quality of distance education (http://nc-sara.org/what-are-student-benefits).

Emory & Henry is an approved SARA institution. 

Visit the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements website for more information.

SARA Requirements

For the purposes of SARA Emory & Henry defines distance education to include on-line didactic and off-site experiential activities (i.e., clinical experiences, fieldwork, clinical rotations) that occur outside of the state of Virginia.

Policy for Determination of Student Physical Location

The Registrar’s Office at Emory & Henry will identify all online courses and/or online programs and require each course and/or program director to verify the physical location state for each enrolled student in that course and/or program. This information will be reported to the primary NC-SARA coordinator at the University. Each enrolled student will be responsible for notifying the course and/or program director of any changes in their physical location state while enrolled in the course and/or program. For each online program, this information will be verified at the time of enrollment and when the student notifies the program director of a change in their location.

Emory & Henry complies with all SARA requirements including the following:

Emory & Henry has a student complaint resolution process, including but not limited to, acceptance of the State Council for Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) oversight in resolving complaints from students taking distance education under the aegis of SARA. Read our student complaint resolution process.

Emory & Henry understands and accepts the scope of authorization provided under SARA according to the NC-SARA document. See NC-SARA website for policies and manual. The institution accepts oversight from SCHEV in all matters related to SARA.

Licensure Disclosures

Each state and territory has different professional licensure and certification requirements. Faculty and administrators in Emory & Henry’s academic programs leading to professional licensure provide information to students regarding licensure requirements through the program’s curriculum and advising. Other licensure requirements may include professional examinations, background checks, years of work experience, fingerprinting requirements, etc. Students who are considering an academic program that may allow them to pursue professional licensure in their state or territory are strongly encouraged to contact each program directly and to contact the appropriate licensing agency to seek information and additional guidance before beginning a program outside of their state.

Potential Changes in Requirements

Students who plan to pursue licensure outside of Virginia should be aware that state licensure requirements are subject to changes. While a program may originally meet the educational requirements for licensure, changes in requirements could impact the program’s ability to meet any new educational requirements. Students should always check with their state licensure board to confirm licensure requirements.

Emory & Henry Programs That Lead to Licensure Links:

Other Important Links for Licensure Information: