State Authorization

Valdosta State University is proud to offer fully online and hybrid degree programs and certificate courses. Designed by expert faculty in the field of online learning and eLearning's Instructional Designers, you can expect personalized and quality education and programming with the flexibility of distance learning. 

On this page, you will find the following information:

• Detailed NC-SARA/Georgia SARA information
• Professional Licensure Directory
• Complaint/Grievances process and information by state

NC-SARA/Ga-SARA

Valdosta State University became a member of NC-SARA in January 2016. Approved SARA member institutions may offer distance education programs in other SARA member states without additional authorization.

Find additional information about SARA and Reciprocity Agreements within Georgia Institutions: State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement.

For detailed information concerning the institutions who have volunteered to participate in upholding the guidelines and standards set for by NC - SARA, review the NC - SARA Institution Directory.  

Explore additional information about SARA, specifically benefits, priorities, and projects. 

Visit VSU's NC-SARA/State Authorization webpage here: Online Programs/State Authorization.

Professional Licensure Directory

NC-SARA has worked with the SARA State Portal Entities (SPEs) and regional compacts to create the Professional Licensure Directory, which provides contact information for five programs that lead to a professional license:

• Counseling
• Nursing
• Psychology
• Social work
• Teacher Education

This directory does not contain specific information regarding regulations or requirements, but rather provides general contact information. NC - SARA updates this directory twice annually.

Professional Licensure

If you are not a resident of Georgia, and you are taking an online course or program leading to professional licensure, Valdosta State University cannot confirm whether the course or program meets requirements for professional licensure in your state. Please check with the appropriate licensing board in your state to determine whether the course or program meets requirements for licensure in your state.

Complaints/Grievances Process

Should the situation arise, students have the right to file a complaint concerning SARA related regulations of online degree and certificate programs. Below, review the process for filing that complaint as well as specific contact information for each state. 

*A note: Student complaints about grades or student conduct may not be appealed to the portal agency. Additionally, home state portal agencies report status of complaint(s) to NC-SARA on a quarterly basis. 

 **California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education handles complaints for California students who are enrolled via distance education in out-of-state public, private non-profit, and for profit institutions.