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Where We Operate

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

Stephens College has been approved by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) to participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).

SARA is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards for the interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. Participation in SARA allows Stephens College to offer distance education programs to students residing in SARA member states and territories in accordance with SARA policies and applicable state and federal regulations.

NC-SARA (the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements) is the organization that administers and coordinates SARA nationally.

For the current list of SARA member states and territories, please visit the NC-SARA website.

Additional information regarding Stephens College’s participation in SARA, distance education authorization, and student complaint processes is available in the Graduate Catalog.

Student Complaints Related to Distance Education

Students are encouraged to first seek resolution of complaints through Stephens College’s established complaint and grievance procedures. Students may submit concerns through the Stephens College Student Complaint form.

If the complaint cannot be resolved internally with Stephens College through our existing processes, online students have the right to file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD).

A current list of SARA State Portal Entity contacts is available through the NC-SARA State Portal Entity Contacts page.

Students should review the information provided by their state’s SARA State Portal Entity regarding complaint procedures, eligibility requirements, and filing deadlines.

California Residents

California is not a member of SARA. Stephens College complies with applicable California requirements for programs and activities offered to California residents as required by state law.