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 , a national initiative overseen by the 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.
Â鶹ÒùÔº are encouraged to review and understand how the university participating in SARA benefits them: .
State authorization regulations do not apply to students accessing courses or programs while located outside of the United States. International Â鶹ÒùÔº 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, withholdings 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.
The University of Colorado Boulder encourages students initially to address complaints and grievances relating to academics, consumer protection, or other University policies with the specific individuals or units most directly connected with the issue at hand unless there are good reasons for not doing so such as a desire to maintain anonymity. Current University policies and procedures on Student Appeals, Complaints, and Grievances can be found in this guide. As with all issues of complaint, the student should initiate any grievance matters with the course facilitators and/or faculty, who will attempt to resolve the grievance, in consultation with course facilitator supervisor, the program director, and the departmental or graduate director.
Â鶹ÒùÔº Located Outside of Colorado: If a student located in a state outside of Colorado has a complaint that involves distance learning, that student 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, the student may file a complaint with university’s SARA State Portal Entity at the Colorado Department of Higher Education:
Â鶹ÒùÔº outside of Colorado may also file a complaint with the where they are located.
Â鶹ÒùÔº located in California should direct complaints to:
Examples of types of student complaints that may be brought to the SARA State Portal Entity include veracity of recruitment and marketing materials, job placement data, accuracy of information about tuition, fees, and financial aid, accuracy of course transfer information. Complaints and appeals involving grades or student conduct violations will not be reviewed by the SARA State Portal Entity. For additional questions about how SARA consumer protection provisions assist students, please review NC-SARA's .
If all other avenues provided have been exhausted, unresolved complaints may be filed with the , the University’s regional 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.
![SARA Seal](/accreditation/sites/default/files/styles/original_image_size/public/2024-09/sara-seal-240.png?itok=gAgpLmAG)
University of Colorado Boulder participates in the .