State Authorization of Online Programs
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Contact the Academic Advising and Resource Center
David C. Briegel Building, Room 1104
Hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
askanadvisor@swmich.edu
269-782-1303
Southwestern Michigan College has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). SARA grants SMC authorization to offer academic programs across state lines as required by the Higher Education Act.
SARA was created as an agreement among members to establish national standards for online courses and programs that are offered outside of the institution’s home state. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online classes outside of the home state of their college or university.
Forty nine states participate in SARA, as do the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, allowing SMC to offer programs in these states without seeking state approval. Approval to offer programs to residents of California, the only state not a member of SARA, is not required by the California Bureau of Private and Postsecondary Education. Therefore, SMC is authorized to offer academic programs in California as well.
Complaint Resolution
Students wishing to file a complaint should follow SMC’s General Student Grievance Procedure found on our Student Policies page.
Professional Licensure
SMC programs that lead to professional licensure prepare students to apply for licensure in Michigan. Students may need to meet additional requirements before applying for licensure in other states. Additionally, other states may require authorization by a state professional licensing board or other steps such as exams or background checks before beginning clinical or field experience in that state.
Below are links for licensing requirements in our neighboring states of Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. For licensing requirements in other states, please consult the state’s professional licensing board for your field.
Illinois
Licensing Agency – Illinois Board of Higher Education
Southwestern Michigan College is authorized to operate in Illinois under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Approval for institutional participation was granted by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) on April 22, 2021.
Professional Board Licensure
Indiana
Licensing Agency – Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Southwestern Michigan College is authorized to operate in Indiana under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Approval for institutional participation was granted by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) on April 22, 2021.
Professional Board Licensure
Ohio
Licensing Agency – Ohio Department of Education
Southwestern Michigan College is authorized to operate in Ohio under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Approval for institutional participation was granted by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) on April 22, 2022.