State Authorization for Distance Education

Authorization for Distance Education in States Outside Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has several online degree programs, a list of which can be found on our website.

Distance Learning Education - State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement

Pursuant to Wis. Stats. Ch. 39.85, et. al, the State of Wisconsin is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) through the Midwestern Higher Education Compact which regulates the manner in which participating institutions may offer distance learning education to students who reside in other states.  The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a participating institution in M-SARA.  The terms and conditions of SARA can be found in the current SARA Policy Manual. If a student has a complaint that involves distance learning education offered under the terms and conditions of SARA, the student must file a complaint with the institution first to seek resolution. If no resolution is reached, then the student may file a complaint with the Wisconsin Distance Learning Authorization Board (DLAB) in accordance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Complaint Process and available at UW System Student Complaint Process Information.  For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of this agreement, or of laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements Policies and Standards have been violated by the institution operating under the terms of SARA. 

Additional information can be found at The Distance Learning Authorization Board's Frequently Asked Question resource. 

Approved SARA Institutions in Wisconsin

A list of approved SARA Institutions in Wisconsin is included in the NC-SARA Directory.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements Complaint Process

Pursuant to the United States Department of Education’s Program Integrity Rule, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is required to provide all prospective and current students with the contact information of the state agency or agencies that handle complaints against postsecondary education institutions offering distance learning or correspondence education within that state.  Students are encouraged to utilize UW-Green Bay’s internal complaint or review policies and procedures through the Office of Student Affairs prior to filing a complaint with a state agency or agencies. 

The State Authorization Guide provided by NC-SARA includes the contact information for each state's agency for complaints regarding SARA and non-SARA institutions.