State Authorization

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)

"The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is a private nonprofit organization [501(c)(3)] that helps expand students’ access to educational opportunities and ensure more efficient, consistent, and effective regulation of distance education programs.

In partnership with four regional compacts, NC-SARA helps states, institutions, policymakers, and students understand the purpose and benefits of participating in SARA. Today, more than 2,400 institutions in 49 member states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands all voluntarily participate in SARA". NC-SARA

Through NC-SARA, Texas A&M University–Texarkana is authorized to offer online courses and programs to students in other states, expanding access to high-quality distance education nationwide.

Distance Education Student Grievance Process 

Students are encouraged to use the institutional complaint avenues available to them. More information regarding A&M-Texarkana grievance process, including complaint forms, can be found on the Student Complaints webpage.

In the event that a complaint cannot be resolved at the institutional level, students may pursue the following options:

• Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board - While student complaints should be handled internally, if a complaint cannot be resolved at the University level, students may file a complaint with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
• NC-SARA - NC-SARA provides a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. The student should begin the complaint process with the institution and if a resolution is not found, the student would contact the Institution’s Home State SARA Portal Entity.
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) - In order to file a complaint with the institutional accreditor, students may review the complaint procedures on the SACSCOC's FAQs page and complete the complaint form.
• U.S. Department of Education related to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) - All student complaints related to FERPA should be handled through the Texas A&M University – Texarkana Office of the Registrar. If a complaint cannot be resolved, students may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.