State Authorization
University of North Carolina at Wilmington has been approved to participate in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
State Authorization Details
State Authorization Compliance
State Authorization compliance is a federal regulatory program and part of the Higher Education Act of 2008, Amended 2010. The regulatory program requires authorization of all higher education institutions in and by each state where they offer educational activities.
The need to seek state authorization for educational activities depends on each state's laws and the actions that a course, program, or institution is conducting in that state. Educational activities include, but are not limited to:
- Advertising
- Clinical Placements
- Distance education programs
- Externships
- Faculty Residing Outside North Carolina
- Internships
- Marketing
- Non-Classroom Experiences
- Online Degrees and Courses
- Practicums
- Proctoring
- Professional Licensure
- Recruiting
State Authorization is a legal issue and a form of consumer protection that guarantees that all educational institutions will follow that state's regulations. It is about protecting students and demanding quality.
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories in the United States which establishes comparable national standard. SARA establishes national standards for interstate postsecondary distance education, including:
- Courses
- Programs
- Uniform physical presence triggers
- Oversight of ground activities
SARA aims to simplify taking accredited online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. It is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education overseen by a national council (NC-SARA).
North Carolina is a member state of SARA, through the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB).
The State of North Carolina is a member-state in the SARA compact, and UNC Wilmington is a participating institution in this agreement. As a result, students who live in other states participating under SARA can take distance-based courses at UNC Wilmington, and their state’s higher-education agency will recognize those courses.
As of February 8, 2017, UNC Wilmington has been approved to participate in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. Current authorized SARA member states include 49-member states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Currently, California is the only non-SARA state; however, UNC Wilmington offers distance programs in the non-SARA state of California pursuant to state exemptions.
UNCW's Complaint Information
Federal regulations require UNCW to provide current and prospective students with the contact information for filing complaints with the educational institution, its accrediting agency, and state agencies that handle complaints in students' states of residence.
UNCW remains committed to promptly responding to complaints with minimum distress and maximum protection for all parties involved. To that end, students are encouraged to utilize the following process for resolving student complaints at the University:
- Students should put all concerns in writing
- Carefully document the events that led to the complaint or grievance
- Refer to the UNCW Grievance Procedure in the UNCW Code of Student Life [PDF] (page 132) if you have an experience that is not covered by the Grade Appeals process
UNCW's Dean of Students office is located on campus:
Office of the Dean of Students601 S College Rd
DePaolo Hall, Suite 1092
Wilmington, NC 28403-5941
910.962.3119
Email: deanofstudents@uncw.edu
If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting UNCW's procedure, the student may file a complaint with the following agencies:
Accreditor Information
Regional Accreditor (SACSCOC)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Student Complaints
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097
404.679.4500
Email: questions@sacscoc.org
If a student has evidence that an institution is in significant non-compliance with SACSCOC standards, policies, or procedures, the individual should inform SACSCOC using the Complaints Against Institutions Information Sheet and Form [PDF].
SARA North Carolina State Portal Information
Students not residing in North Carolina and enrolled in a SARA North Carolina institution may submit complaints to NCSEAA only after completing the complaint process established by the institution attended by the student.
We direct you to SARA-North Carolina and to the Complaint Process and SARANC Complaint Form [PDF].
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA)c/o SARA North Carolina
P.O. Box 41349
Raleigh, NC 27629
855.SARA.1.NC (727.2162)
919.549.8614 ext. 4660
Email: information@saranc.org
State Agency Complaint Process
North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints Unit
Students can review the Student Complaint Process and submit their complaint using the online complaint form. Visit NC Post-Secondary Education Complaints Unit's website for more information.
North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints c/o Student Complaints
223 S. West Street, Suite 1800
Raleigh, NC 27603
919.962.4550
State Authorization Liaisons per State
For Unresolved Complaints for Online Learners Residing Outside of North Carolina
Students may also appeal to the post-secondary licensing agency where they reside if they followed the complaint resolution process but are not satisfied.
Student complaint agency's contact information for each state
State Authorization Liaison (State Portal Entity-SPE) contact information for each state
UNC Wilmington programs that lead to a professional license or certificate intend to prepare a student for potential licensure or certification in North Carolina. These programs meet the relevant academic requirements for the licensure or certification board/agencies in North Carolina.
As of July 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education requires us to meet federal disclosure regulations under 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v). UNCW must provide information to students indicating whether completion of one of these programs meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in each U.S. state and territory. UNC Wilmington programs strive to stay current with the updates in regulations and make reasonable attempts to determine if programs meet requirements for professional licensure or certification outside the State of North Carolina.
Review the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures status by state for your program. The disclosures in the document will show:
- (A) A list of states for which the institution has determined that the program curriculum meets state educational requirements for licensure or certification; and
- (B) A list of states for which the institution has determined that the program curriculum does not meet state educational requirements for licensure or certification.
Changes in state laws or regulations may affect eligibility for licensure, and individual program assessments may be updated in the future. Prior to enrolling in a degree program, please discuss this important topic with your program of interest.
Licensure requirements vary from one profession to another and state-to-state. If you are planning to seek a professional license or certification outside North Carolina, it is important for you to know the specific requirements of the state in which you intend to apply for licensure or certification. UNC Wilmington programs strive to stay current with the updates in regulations and make reasonable attempts to determine if programs meet requirements for professional licensure or certification outside the State of North Carolina.
We highly recommend that students enrolled in licensure or certification programs contact officials within the specific academic program for assistance with professional licensure questions. These program officials can also provide enrollment options before beginning an academic program. Students can also obtain additional help by contacting UNCW's State Authorization compliance specialist at 2062 Randall Hall, Wilmington, NC 28403. Call 910.962.2807 or email prior to enrolling to confirm program eligibility for licensure or certification in any state outside North Carolina.
The curriculum for licensure or certification programs at UNC Wilmington prepares students to sit for licensure/certification exams in North Carolina. The various licensure boards in each state are responsible for setting requirements for licensure/certification in their state. If you are a student interested in one of these programs with the intent of returning or moving to any state other than North Carolina, please discuss this important topic with your program of interest and explore the unique licensing board requirements for your state.
To learn about the appropriate licensing or certification organizations and the requirements, browse the contact information below for professional licensing boards or certification organizations.
Athletic Training
Lindsey Schroeder, EdD; Program Coordinator & Associate Professor
601 S. College Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28403-5956
910.962.7188
Email: schroederl@uncw.edu
Licensing Boards and Contacts by State
Education & Teaching Programs
Each state has its own specific licensing and certification requirements for all educators. If you are considering teaching outside the state of NC, verify that UNCW's program meets specific state requirements prior to enrolling by reviewing the Professional Licensure Disclosures in the tab above or discussing this topic with your program of interest.
UNCW Watson College of Education
Dr. Heidi Higgins; Chair, Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, Literacy, and Special Education (EEMLS)
601 S. College Road
Education Building 271
Wilmington, NC 28403-5940
910.962.2199
Email: higginsh@uncw.edu
Dr. Amelia Moody; Interim Chair, Department of Instructional Technology, Foundations, and Secondary Foundations (ITFSE)
601 S. College Road
Education Building 341
Wilmington, NC 28403-5991
910.962.2648
Email: moodya@uncw.edu
Dr. Andrew Ryder; Chair, Department of Educational Leadership (EL)
601 S. College Road
Education Building 377
Wilmington, NC 28403-5991
910.962.7318
Email: rydera@uncw.edu
US Department of Education State Contacts
Healthful Living & Fitness Education
Healthful Living & Fitness Education, B.A. with K-12 Teacher Licensure Specialty
Dr. Amelia Huelskamp; Program Coordinator & Associate Professor
601 S. College Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28403-5956
910.962.7308
Email: huelskampa@uncw.edu
Licensing Boards and Contacts by State
Nursing Programs
Nursing has unique requirements in every state. If you are considering nursing outside of the state of NC, check state-specific requirements prior to enrolling in UNCW.
Dr. Matthew J. Gallek, PH.D., RN601 S. College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5995
910.962.7647
Email: gallekm@uncw.edu
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
UNCW School of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Dr. Sara L. Hubbell, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C601 S. College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5995
910.962.0561
Email: hubbells@uncw.edu
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Psychology and Behavior Analysis
Dr. Maria G. Espinosa-Hernandez; Professor & Department Chair
601 S. College Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28403-5612
910.962.4057
Email: psygradprogram@uncw.edu
Psychology Licensing Boards and Contacts by State
Behavior Analyst Certification Board
Recreation Therapy
Dr. Brent Hawkins
601 S. College Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28403-5956
910.962.3717
Email: hawkinsb@uncw.edu
American Therapeutic Recreation Association
Respiratory Therapy
Jamy Chulak, EdD, MS, RRT
601 S. College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5956
910.962.0572
Email: chulakj@uncw.edu
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
For Social Work Programs
Social workers are required to hold specific state licensing. Prior to enrolling in UNCW, please verify that the program meets the requirements where you are considering becoming a social worker.
Stacey R. Kolomer, Ph.D., MSSW
601 S. College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5979
910.962.2853
Email: kolomers@uncw.edu