Distance Learning
As of January 22, 2018, the University of Florida is an approved member of the NC-SARA or National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. The State of Florida became a SARA state in 2017 following the creation of the Postsecondary Reciprocal Distance Education Coordinating Council.
Important note with regard to professional licensure: Prospective students interested in enrolling in distance programs related to professional licensure in their home states should still check with their appropriate state licensing agency prior to applying for, or beginning, a University of Florida program.
NC-SARA Institutions: http://nc-sara.org/sara-states-institutions
Prospective students who reside outside of the state of Florida and who are interested in any online University of Florida academic program which may lead to professional licensure are expected to inquire with the appropriate licensing agency in their home state, prior to beginning the program in order to assure that the program is approved to provide the desired licensure. For more information on licensure and certification programs, visit our Licensure page.
The United States Department of Education regulation 4 C.F.R.ยง 600.9(c) requires each state to apply for and receive authorization to provide online/distance education programs to out-of-state students. The authorization requirements, as well the application processes, vary on a state-by-state basis. The Distance & Continuing Education (DCE) department works with faculty and staff across all colleges and departments within the University of Florida who have or may establish online programs to comply with this regulation. In addition, distance education programs in allied health professions, counseling, education, nursing, social work, and veterinary medicine may require additional approval from state licensing agencies or boards. Out-of-state students who are considering applying to a professional program should contact the licensing agency or board in their state prior to enrollment. The University of Florida cannot attest to whether a program meets licensure requirements in a student's state of residence.
DCE also works to support the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) in identifying and updating an index of state legislation and application requirements. Now adopted, NC-SARA establishes standards for reciprocity agreements that colleges and universities from around the country meet and provides the advantage of a singular application to provide online/distance education in all 50 states.
The University of Florida (UF) is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This federally-recognized body provides assurance to students, parents and all stakeholders that UF meets clear quality standards for educational and financial performance. In addition, UF is required by the U.S. Department of Education to provide all current and prospective students with the contact information for their respective state agency in the event they wish to file a complaint.
Each online distance learning program has a process for and will make every attempt to resolve, student complaints within its academic and administrative departments at the program level. If an issue cannot be resolved at the program level, students have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Ombuds or the Office of the Associate Provost for Teaching & Technology at distance@dce.ufl.edu.
The University is required to provide both current and prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accrediting body and the appropriate state agency for handling complaints in a student's resident state. UF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of Florida.
If you would like to file a complaint with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, download the SACS complaint procedures form.
In the event the student feels the grievance was not managed properly by the institution, the student may submit his or her complaint to the following:
State Contact
Florida Board of Governors
State University System
325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1614
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
800-245-0466
https://www.flbog.edu/
Out-of-state distance education students, who have completed the internal grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process website, https://www.fldoe.org/sara/complaint-process.stml.
See the states below for other specific complaint process information.
The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.
California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education
PO Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
Email
Complaint Form
Authorized through the Puerto Rico Council on Education.
Puerto Rico Council on Higher Education
PO Box 1900
San Juan, PR 00910-1900
Puerto Rico Department of Justice
PO Box 9020192
San Juan, PR 00902-0192