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Home ― Academics ― Online@DSU ― State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement

State Authorization

Each state has laws and regulations which govern educational activities within the state. These include education provided by entities within the state and outside of the state. These laws and regulations are in place to protect the citizens of the state. 

SARA Participating InstitutionThe State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a voluntary, national initiative established to allow member states to offer online courses outside each institution’s state by seeking and maintaining state approvals via a streamlined process. State participation in SARA assists institutions to remain compliant with other member SARA state’s regulatory agencies. Learn more about SARA.

Dakota State University is an approved SARA institution and has participated in NC-SARA since February 2015, DSU shares a distance learning opportunity with 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. DSU is not required to obtain authorization for fully online education in California (Bureau For Private Postsecondary Education). 

Limited Authorization

Colorado

Due to the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act, DSU students are unable to participate in unpaid experiential learning activities (internships, clinical, field experiences) in the state of Colorado.

Internship Registration Requirements – New Hampshire

New Hampshire requires that programs such as internships, job shadowing, or mentor programs must be approved by the Labor Commissioner when a student is working for practical experience and is not being paid or is being paid at a sub-minimum rate.

International Students

International students are advised to understand and be apprised of the rules, regulations, and requirements related to online distance education programs in the country in which they live; particularly: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) whether the program meets licensure or certification requirements in the country and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs. It is your responsibility to check with the Ministry of Education to see if the degree would be recognized.

If you’re considering enrolling in an online program, please also reach out to Dakota State University at stateauthorization@dsu.edu.

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