State Authorization
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) has been approved 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. NC-SARA covers distance education learning, including most out-of-state
field experiences. California is currently the only state that is not an NC-SARA member.
As a public institution, TTUHSC is exempt from state oversight in California and not
required to register with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
NC-SARA Approved (Red) and Non-Approved (Black) States:
What is State Authorization?
State authorization refers to federal, state, and professional licensing board regulations that impact online and on-ground education offered across state lines. Compliance with these regulations ensures that a TTUHSC degree will be recognized and that a student will be eligible to sit for licensure in states other than Texas.
Authorization requirements vary by state and program. At TTUHSC, the Office of Academic Planning and Compliance is responsible for managing compliance with state authorization regulations, including researching regulations, seeking and maintaining compliance, and communicating changes in authorization status.
HSC OP 60.15, Out-of-State Educational Activities (State Authorization) serves as the guiding policy for state authorization at the university.
Professional Licensure
Browse TTUHSC's list of public disclosures regarding the curriculum of its professional licensure/certification programs.
Student Complaints
Students enrolled in TTUHSC courses who have a complaint about a course or experience should first follow the institution's Student Grievance Policies and Procedures process.
If a student living in a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) state is not satisfied with the outcome of their institutional complaint process, a complaint involving allegations of fraudulent activity, including the provision of false or misleading information, may be appealed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which is the SARA portal entity for Texas. The appeal must be brought within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made. Resolution of the complaint by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is final.
Examples of types of student complaints that may be brought to the SARA portal entity include, but are not limited to, complaints regarding accuracy of job placement data, tuition or fee information, accreditation, whether a program meets licensure requirements, or course transfer information. Grade appeals and student conduct appeals are not allowed under SARA.
More information regarding the SARA student complaint process is available online. Students may ask the NC-SARA complaint resolution contact in the state in which the student is located for assistance.