Distance Education

State Authorization


The University of Arkansas at Monticello delivers online programs and courses throughout the United States. All programs have been approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Many states have prescribed an “authorization” process for out-of-state institutions delivering online programs to its state residents to ensure quality post-secondary education, to preserve the integrity of an academic degree, and to instill greater consumer protection for its student citizens.

The University of Arkansas at Monticello has taken steps to protect its students and operations through nationwide compliance: by participation in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) or confirming that UAM can operate without such authorization because the state’s laws do not pertain to a public institution.

As of September 26, 2015, the University of Arkansas at Monticello, is approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Institutions that are members of SARA are authorized to provide online education to students from all SARA member states.  States and institutions that choose to become members of SARA operate under a set of policies and standards overseen by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and administered by four regional higher education compacts.   For more information about the SARA initiative and the progress of state and institutional membership.

 

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 Student Grievance Procedures

UAM works diligently to find positive outcomes to student concerns. Please exhaust all possible internal avenues of complaint resolution outlined in your Student Handbook before going outside the university.

All students enrolling in online courses should file their complaints with UAM and then if needed, with ADHE. To file a complaint with the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE), students must complete this complaint form within 20 days of completing the institution's grievance process.

Students may also file a complaint by contacting the Higher Learning Commission, which is the university's regional accrediting body, at Complaint Process | Student Resources (hlcommission.org) or 1-800-621-7440.

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