State Authorizations

Higher Education is required to oversee the delivery of postsecondary distance education across state lines. The National Council - State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) is a voluntary agreement among member states and U.S. territories. This agreement provides national standards for interstate, ensuring acceptance of an out of state degree. This agreement is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.

The University of Central Missouri participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

The NC-SARA "Participating Institution" logo, featuring a shield with a red, maroon, and blue geometric emblem, with the text "SARA" on a blue ribbon and "PARTICIPATING INSTITUTION" below.

How Far Does NC-Sara Reach?

To date, 49 states (excluding California), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands have membership in NC-SARA. The University of Central Missouri is in compliance with all 50 states to offer undergraduate and graduate online programs.

Note This information is subject to change. If you have concerns or questions, please contact Online & Extended Studies at oes@ucmo.edu or call 1-660-543-4984.

A student at commencement with a stylized graduation cap

Professional Licensure

UCM is required to provide students, pursuing a degree which will lead to a professional licensure and are planning to practice outside of the state of Missouri, with information on whether our degree program meets or does not meet the education requirements for the state you may consider practicing in post graduation. If our program does not meet your states requirements, we are required to collect a student attestation from you. For more information on required educational requirements, please review the listing of the more common licensure boards. Below is a listing of UCM degree programs that may lead to a professional licensure.

Professional Licensure Programs

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NC-SARA -Complaint Resolution

One of NC-SARA membership requirements is for institutions of higher learning to provide a student complaint resolution process that is in addition to the university process. Below is information about both processes.

We want you to have the best educational experience possible in your time as a student with the University of Central Missouri. However, if you have a complaint, follow the steps listed below:

The first step for a student is to file a complaint or appeal with UCM.
An undergraduate student may appeal a decision related to any policy stated in the UCM Student Handbook. The process for various types of appeals is outlined in the document. For further assistance, please contact Online and Extended Studies at 660-543-4984 or oes@ucmo.edu.
All students may appeal grades issued by instructors and accusations of academic dishonesty. The procedures for both are in the UCM Student Handbook. Complaints/appeals about grades or conduct will be resolved at the institutional level. Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHEWD) and/or NC-SARA portal authorities will not address these issues. However, students who have exhausted all informal and formal institutional processes to resolve disputes may file a complaint following the SARA Student Complaint process. You can find the MDHEWD complaint policy here.

NoteUCM agrees to abide by the decisions of the Home State's Portal Entity, MDHEWD.

For Distance Learning Programs:

Complaints about UCM distance learning programs go first through the institution's standard procedure for resolution of student grievances. If a student is not satisfied with the outcome of the institutional process and the home state is a member of NC-SARA (all states except California), the student can contact the the Missouri SPE (State Portal Entity) or the SPE of their own state. There is a listing of those here: State Portal Entity Contacts.

Missouri State Portal Entity Contact:

Joshua Fischer
Program Specialist
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
P.O. Box 1469
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1469
Phone: (573) 751-2361
joshua.fischer@dhewd.mo.gov

Additionally, nothing precludes the student from contacting the appropriate complaint agencies in their state of residence. Students residing in California and participating in a distance learning program or course must contact their state agency if they are not satisfied with the institutions response to their complaint/appeal.

Note Although students may choose to work through their own state's SARA office for complaint resolution, the SARA office of the state where the provider is located is responsible for staffing the investigation and complaint resolution as needed.

UCM Academic Policy

For more information regarding UCM's Compliance with State Authorizations and Professional Licensure procedures, visit the policy library.

University Policy Library