Common questions about state authorization, student location, relocations, out-of-state activities, the Distance Education State Authorization Dashboard, licensure disclosures, and student complaint processes.
General Questions
What is state authorization?
State authorization refers to a college or university’s compliance with the laws and regulations of a state in which it offers educational activity. For distance education students, this can affect whether a program may be offered in the state where the student is located.
Why does state authorization matter?
State authorization matters because student location can affect program availability. A distance education program that is available in one state may not be available in another.
What is SARA?
SARA, or the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, is an agreement among participating states that helps create a more consistent framework for distance education across state lines. While SARA can simplify some requirements, it does not replace all state-specific requirements or all student considerations.
Student Location and Enrollment
Does my location matter if my program is online?
Yes. Even if a program is offered online, the state where you are physically located may affect whether the University can offer that program to you.
What if I move while enrolled?
If you move to another state while enrolled, your eligibility to continue in a distance education program may be affected. Students should notify their campus or program if they plan to relocate.
Do internships, clinicals, or practicums matter?
They can. In some cases, internships, clinical placements, practicums, or other out-of-state learning activities may trigger additional state requirements or affect program availability.
Can all University of Nebraska distance education programs be offered in every state?
Not necessarily. Program availability may vary by state. Students should use the Distance Education State Authorization Dashboard and contact the relevant campus or program with questions.
Distance Education State Authorization Dashboard
What is the Distance Education State Authorization Dashboard?
The dashboard is a University of Nebraska tool that helps students review the availability of distance education programs by state.
How do I use the dashboard?
Select the state where you will be located while pursuing your distance education program. The dashboard will show whether specific programs are available, may be available, or are not currently available in that state.
What does “may be available” mean?
It means students should contact an advisor or the relevant campus before applying. Additional review may be needed.
What if a program is listed as “not currently available”?
Students should contact the appropriate campus or program for more information and should not assume the program can be offered in their state without further review.
Licensure Disclosures
Is state authorization the same as licensure eligibility?
No. State authorization relates to whether the University may offer a distance education program in a given location. Licensure eligibility relates to whether a program’s curriculum meets educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in a given state.
Where can I find licensure disclosures?
The University of Nebraska provides a system-level licensure disclosures page that links students to campus-maintained licensure information.
Why should I review licensure disclosures?
If you are considering a program that may lead to a professional license or certification, licensure requirements may vary by state. Reviewing licensure disclosures can help you understand whether a program is intended to meet educational requirements in your state.
Student Complaint Process
Where do I start if I have a complaint?
Students should generally begin with their campus complaint process. The University’s Student Complaint Process page provides additional information for Nebraska residents, out-of-state students in SARA states, and students in non-SARA states.
Do out-of-state students follow the same complaint process?
Not always. Nebraska’s current public complaint page distinguishes between Nebraska residents, students in SARA-member states, and students in non-SARA states.
Who should I contact if I am not sure where to start?
Start with your campus or program when possible, or contact the Office of the Provost for guidance.
Practical Questions
What should I do before applying to a distance education program?
Students should:
- confirm the state where they will be located while enrolled
- review the Distance Education State Authorization Dashboard
- review licensure disclosures if the program may lead to licensure or certification
- contact the campus or program with any questions
Who should I contact with questions about a specific program?
Students should contact the relevant campus, department, or program directly.