Distance Learning and State Authorization
Coffeyville Community College is working in cooperation with the Department of Education and numerous state agencies to comply with the requirements of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
Changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965 made it necessary for each institution of higher learning to address the following: “If an institution is offering post-secondary education through distance or correspondence education to students in a State in which it is not physically located or in which it is otherwise subject to State jurisdiction as determined by the State, the institution must meet any State requirements for it to be legally offering post-secondary distance or correspondence education in that State. An institution must be able to document to the Secretary the State's approval upon request. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1001 and 1002)”
What is State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)?
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary Distance Learning 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 (Midwestern, New England, Southern, and Western).
Coffeyville Community College was approved (February 4, 2019) to join the Midwestern State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (M-SARA).
Currently Coffeyville Community College online courses are currently authorized in all 50 states.
Distance Learning Complaint Resolution for all students (including out of state students)
Students who have a concern or complaint regarding their Coffeyville Community College online course should address them by following the steps in this order:
- Contact course instructor.
- Contact the Director of Distance Learning.
- Contact the Vice President for Academic Services.
Coffeyville Community College desires to resolve student grievances, complaints and concerns in an expeditious, fair and amicable manner. If a timely response from anyone above is not received, please contact [email protected].
Complaints regarding State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) courses delivered by SARA member community colleges may be filed by students enrolled in those courses with the Kansas Board of Regents. More information can be found on the Kansas Board of Regents State Authorization Reciprocal Agreement Complaint Procedure document (PDF, external link, opens in new window).
Coffeyville Community College has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.