State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
Lane College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), a voluntary regional approach to state oversight of distance education. Through NC-SARA membership, Lane College can deliver distance education courses and programs in NC-SARA member states. Forty-nine states, excluding California, are members of NC-SARA who adheres to a common set of standards for postsecondary distance education.
For more information about SARA, please visit https://www.nc-sara.org.
Student Complaint Policy and Procedures
Lane College is committed to maintaining a learning environment that promotes student academic excellence and personal development.
Lane College policies and procedures for appeals and complaints can be found in the Academic Catalog and the Student Handbook.
Out-of-State Students
Out-of-state students enrolled in distance education courses or programs offered by Lane College should seek resolution for concerns or complaints first through Lane College’s procedures.
Lane College Complaint Policies for Certain Distance Education Students Enrolled Through the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements ("SARA").
The policies below apply to students who are:
- non-Tennessee residents in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (“SARA”) states and who are enrolled in a distance education program/course or
- attending an out-of-state learning placement in a SARA state other than Tennessee
The nature of complaints to be addressed through these policies includes violations of SARA policies and dishonest or fraudulent activity. These policies do not apply to complaints concerning student grades or student conduct violations. For more information on complaints subject matter, see SARA Policy Manual Sections 4.2 and 4.3.
Institution Complaint Policies
Lane College policies and procedures for appeals and complaints can be found in the Academic Catalog (page 72) and the Student Handbook (page 58).
Additional Complaint Policies
- Tennessee Higher Education Commission (“THEC”)
- Students (as described above) must complete the institution complaint process before appealing to THEC.
- Students who are not satisfied with the institution’s resolution of their complaint may appeal the institution's decision to THEC using the Request for Complaint Review form. Additional information on the THEC complaint process is available at THEC Complaint Review Process. Students may also contact THEC.RCD@tn.gov with questions.
- The appeal to THEC must be filed within two (2) years of the incident about which the complaint is made.
- Out-of-state students may also contact their home state higher education authority; however, students may be referred to THEC. See State Portal Entity Contacts | NC-SARA for a listing of SARA states and contacts.
- Students residing in non-SARA states, currently California only, should consult their respective state of residence for further instructions for filing a complaint.
Professional Licensure Disclosures
Prospective and current students should be aware that licensure and certification requirements vary from state to state and are subject to change. Lane College has not made a determination whether the College’s programs will meet all requirements in each state.
Lane College highly recommends that students who are not Tennessee residents and considering an academic program leading to licensure or certification in state other than Tennessee to contact the appropriate licensing agency or board of that state and the Lane College relevant academic department for applicable requirements, rules, and regulations prior to enrollment.