NC-SARA

Reynolds Community College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). This allows us to offer online courses and programs to students living in other states.

What is NC-SARA?

NC-SARA is a national agreement that makes it easier for colleges to offer online education across state lines. It sets standards for quality and protects students taking online courses from institutions in other states.

What This Means for You

If you live outside Virginia and take Reynolds online courses, you're covered by NC-SARA protections. This includes oversight of educational quality, clear complaint procedures, and professional licensure disclosures.

Professional Licensure Information

If your program leads to professional licensure or certification, review whether Reynolds programs meet requirements in your state.

• Out-of-State Licensure and Certification Information
  • Licensing Agency Contacts for Virginia and out-of-state licensing agencies
• Licensure Disclosure Policy

Consumer Protections

NC-SARA participating institutions must meet requirements designed to protect students, including:

• Accreditation by a recognized accrediting agency
• Demonstrated financial stability
• Transparency about professional licensure requirements
• Clear complaint resolution processes
• Accountability for educational quality

These protections ensure that out-of-state students receive the same quality education and support as Virginia residents.

Student Complaint Resolution

Reynolds strives to provide the highest quality educational opportunities available. However, if a conflict does arise, our efforts are meant to resolve your grievances, complaints, and concerns in an expeditious, fair, and amicable manner. Students should carefully follow the steps outlined in our Student Complaints procedure for Policy 1-04 to ensure proper and timely resolution of their complaint.

In accordance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), the complaint procedures outlined in Policy 1-04 are subject to oversight by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) in complaints arising from students living outside Virginia who are enrolled in courses at Reynolds If an issue cannot be resolved by the college's customary resolution procedure, students may file a formal complaint directly with SCHEV. Grade appeals and student conduct appeals are not allowed under SARA.

Contact SCHEV:
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
101 N. 14th Street, 9th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
SCHEV Student Complaint Process

Students located outside of Virginia can find information about their state's student complaint procedures in the list below:

Learn More about NC-SARA

For more information about NC-SARA, visit the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements website.