Federal Regulation & State Authorization

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Introduction

The University of Kansas offers distance learning opportunities for students living across the United States. Distance learning encompasses all learning activities that take place outside of Kansas, including:

  • 100% online courses and programs
  • Activities such as internships, externships, co-ops, field experiences, student teaching, and clinical placements that are required as part of online or campus-based courses or programs

Pursuant with the U.S. Department of Education's regulation regarding distance learning in the United States, KU must obtain authorization from each state in which KU distance learning activities are offered.

As of Jan. 16, 2015, KU has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which makes it easier for students to enroll in distance education programs outside of the states in which they reside. State and institutional members of NC-SARA operate under a set of policies and standards overseen by NC-SARA and administered by four regional higher education compacts. For more information about the SARA initiative and the progress of state and institutional membership, see About NC-SARA.

As a SARA institution, KU is able to enroll residents from states and U.S. territories that are members of NC-SARA in all online programs. 

Map of the United States showing that currently all U.S. states with the exception of California and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are SARA members.

Non-SARA State and Territories

  • California - The University of Kansas is allowed to offer distance education programs to CA residents, as KU does not meet the definition of physical presence in CA.
  • Federated States of Micronesia - There are currently no regulations that restrict U.S. institutions from providing distance education to citizens of FSM.
  • The Republic of the Marshall Islands - There are currently no regulations regarding the authorization of distance education programs.
  • American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Republic of Palau - Information is currently unavailable regarding distance education authorization.

Questions regarding KU's authorization status in a particular state or U.S. territory may be directed to the KU Center for Online and Distance Learning at codl@ku.edu or 785-864-1000.

Required Disclosures Related to Professional Licensure or Certification

Federal regulations regarding Title IV eligibility and NC-SARA member policies require institutions to make general and direct disclosures to students regarding academic programs that are associated with professional licensure or certification. This includes online or campus-based programs that actually lead to licensure or are advertised as leading to licensure.

General Disclosures

For each online or campus-based program that leads to licensure or certification or is advertised as leading to licensure or certification, notice shall be posted on the program website that discloses whether the program:

  1. Leads to licensure in U.S. states or territories, including Kansas;
    • States or territories where the program leads to licensure shall be listed individually along with any required disclosures from each state/territory's licensing board
    • Contact information for the applicable professional licensing board must be provided, per NC-SARA requirements
      1. NC-SARA provides a SARA Professional Licensure Directory for Nursing, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, and Teacher Education 
      2. For licensing boards not on the NC-SARA list, it is the program's responsibility to post current contact information
  2. Or does NOT lead to licensure
    • States or territories where the program leads to licensure shall be listed individually

Direct Disclosures

For each online or campus-based program that leads to licensure or certification or is advertised as leading to licensure or certification, notice shall be made in writing to each applicant via email or other electronic communication that discloses whether the program:

  1. Leads to licensure in U.S. states or territories, including Kansas;
  2. Or does NOT lead to licensure

*Home state refers to the student's location, aka, "Jayhawk" address in Enroll & Pay

NC-SARA Reporting

Each year KU is required to provide data to NC-SARA regarding:

  • Number of students enrolled in online programs (based on most recent Fall IPEDS data)
  • Number of out-of-state learning placements, such as internships, externships, co-ops, field experiences, student teaching, and clinical placements that are required as part of online or campus-based courses or programs (based on activity between January 1 and December 31 of the most recent year)

The data collection process begins in January of each year.  Members of the Center for Online and Distance Learning (CODL) will send an email to School Deans requesting information related to out-of-state learning placements.  Typically the placements must meet all of the following criteria to be reported:

  • The placement is outside of Kansas;
  • The placement involves the physical presence of the student at the out-of-state location(s);
  • The placement is an activity required for degree completion or professional licensure;
  • The placement is offered for credit and/or offered for a fee; and
  • The placement started between January 1, 20XX and December 31, 20XX.

Questions regarding whether an out-of-state placement fits the above criteria may be directed to CODL at codl@ku.edu or 785-864-1000.

Advertising Online and Hybrid Programs

All of the University of Kansas's online programs should be listed on the Jayhawk Global website. If your School or department offers an online program that is not listed, please contact Jayhawk Global at jayhawkglobal@ku.edu.