NC-SARA Out-of-State Complaints Procedures for Online Students

At St Joseph's University, New York (SJNY), we are dedicated to providing a transparent and high-quality educational experience for our distance learners. As a participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), we adhere to rigorous national standards for interstate postsecondary distance education.

This page serves as a central resource for out-of-state students to understand their rights as consumers and to verify if their chosen program aligns with the professional licensure requirements in their home state.

Grievance Process for Residents of Participating NC-SARA States, Districts and Territories

United States federal guidelines require that distance learning and related activities offered to residents outside of an institution’s home state are regulated. To comply with these guidelines, St. Joseph’s University New York has joined the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which establishes a set of recognized standards and regulations for offering postsecondary online education. NC-SARA works in conjunction with 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) and membership is open to all degree-granting postsecondary institutions accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. For a current list of states, districts and territories that participate in NC-SARA, please visit the NC-SARA website.

NC-SARA consumer protection provisions and complaint resolution policies apply to interstate distance education delivered by SARA-participating institutions to students in other SARA states*. A student residing in a SARA state other than that of the institution they are attending has the right to file a complaint or grievance resulting from distance education courses, activities and operations. NC-SARA provides detailed information about the student complaint process in relation to their policies.

Under NC-SARA rules, students have the right to lodge a complaint or grievance if that student’s experience in an online program is not what they anticipate. SJNY wants to ensure that all student complaints are addressed fairly and resolved promptly. Students must contact the following distance education administrator to file a formal complaint, which will then be reviewed and addressed in a timely manner by the appropriate St. Joseph’s University administration, department, and/or staff.

Dr. Heather Barry
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor of History
155 West Roe Boulevard
Patchogue, New York 11772
[email protected]
631.687.5109

Students who are not satisfied with the outcome of the institutional process for handling complaints may appeal, within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made, to the New York SARA Portal Entity via the New York State Education Department (NYSED), which publishes complaint proces instructions, along with a complaint form, on their website. The State Portal Entity (SPE) for NC-SARA is:

Andrea Richards
Supervisor of Higher Education Programs
New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234
518.474.1551
[email protected]
Complaint Instructions and Forms

*Grievances regarding a SARA institution’s in-state operations are resolved under the state’s normal provisions rather than through SARA. Complaints about grades or conduct violations are subject entirely to institutional policy and the laws of the SARA institution’s home state. Allegations of criminal offenses or alleged violations of a state’s general-purpose laws may be made directly to the relevant state agencies.

Grievance Process for Non-NC-SARA Residents

To be in compliance with the United States Department of Education’s Program Integrity regulations, St. Joseph’s University, New York is required to provide all prospective and current students with the contact information of the state agency or agencies that handle complaints against post-secondary education institutions offering distance learning within that state. Prior to filling out a complaint with the state we encourage our students to try to resolve any issue by following steps outlined on the “Grievance Processes” page found on the student portal. Students who deem their issue not solved at the institutional level and who wish to file a complaint regarding St. Joseph’s University may do so by contacting:

Middle States Commission on Higher Education 
3624 Market Street 2nd Floor West 
Philadelphia, PA 19104 
267.284.5000 
[email protected]

New York Office of College and University Evaluation
New York State Education Department 
89 Washington Avenue
Room 960 EBA
Albany, NY 12234
[email protected]
Complaint Instructions and Forms

Determination of Student Location for State Authorization and Program Licensure Disclosures

These procedures outline how St Joseph's University, NY (SJNY) determines student location to comply with federal regulations on state authorization (34 CFR 600.9) and disclosure of information about licensed programs (34 CFR 668.43). These procedures do not apply for any other determination of student location, including tuition residency, IPEDS reporting, or other purposes. 

For purposes of state authorization and disclosure of information about licensed programs, SJNY determines a student’s initial location based on the reported permanent address on the admission application.

Following registration in courses, the University determines a student’s location based on the permanent address information provided by the student.  

Students are required to maintain an accurate permanent address.

Relevant Standards, Codes, Rules, Regulations, Statutes, and Policies

NC-SARA Licensure Notifications

Any institution operating under SARA policies that offers courses or programs potentially leading to professional licensure must keep all students, applicants and potential students who have contacted the institution about the course or program informed as to whether successful completion of such offerings will meet state licensing requirements.

Professional Licensure: What You Need to Know 

  • What Is Professional Licensure?
    Some careers—such as teaching, nursing, psychology, social work, or engineering—require official licensure before you can work in the field. Students often pursue college degrees to prepare for these licensed professions, which are overseen by state or governmental agencies. These agencies set professional standards and grant authorization to practice only to those who meet the established requirements. This process, known as professional licensure, helps ensure that individuals entering these professions are well-trained and capable of providing safe and competent services.
  • Check Before You Enroll
    If you’re taking an online or distance education program to prepare for a licensed career, ensure that the program meets the requirements in the state where you plan to work. Schools that participate in SARA or federal financial aid programs must tell you if their programs meet those requirements.
  • SARA’s Role
    SARA doesn’t approve programs for state licensing boards. Instead, it requires schools to clearly tell students whether a program will or will not meet licensure requirements where the student lives. Any school operating under SARA policies must keep students, applicants, and prospective students informed if completing a program will meet state licensing requirements. 

Public Disclosures

The following school resources provide direct links to each online program’s individual disclosures. This provides students with information to determine if enrolling at SJNY will allow them to meet licensure requirements in other states and U.S. Territories for the programs offered.