State Authorization for Online Learning

State Authorization is a legal issue dealing with a college’s adherence to state requirements for colleges to secure authorization to offer instruction in that state. Institutions offering distance education courses or programs must provide current and prospective students with the contact information for filing complaints with the college, its accrediting agency, and with the state agencies that handle complaints in the students’ state of residence.

The State Authorization Federal Regulation Chapter 34, ß 600.9(c)
If an institution is offering postsecondary education through distance or correspondence education to students in a State in which it is not physically located or in which it is otherwise subject to State jurisdiction as determined by the State, the institution must meet any State requirements for it to be legally offering distance or correspondence education in that State. An institution must be able to document to the Secretary the State’s approval upon request.

States in which Sampson Community College (SCC) serves Distance Learning Students

States regulate which institutions can offer education to its citizens. Sampson Community College must comply with the state regulation requirement based on the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. To meet this requirement, SCC has joined the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements to serve students in states outside of North Carolina.

The states in which the college is authorized to serve students are listed below. If you reside in a state not on this list, you are not eligible to register for online classes at SCC at this time. If you have questions, please contact a member of the Distance Learning team at SCC:

California is not part of NC-SARA. As an out-of-state public institution, SCC is not under the purview of the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education. SCC is in compliance with California regulations to offer online/distance learning programs to California residents.

Filing a Complaint

Sampson Community College (SCC) is a member of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). Students are advised to begin the process at the institutional level.

Any student who has a non-academic grievance related to the services or activities offered by the College may file a complaint with the Dean of Student Services. The Dean will conduct an investigation and notify the student of the outcome within five (5) business days. If a student disputes the outcome, he or she may follow the process described in the section on appeal of non-academic sanctions.

Any student who has an academic grievance related to academic programs, instruction, or grades should follow the appropriate appeals process defined in the College Catalog/Student Handbook.

SARA North Carolina Portal Liaison:

Is Sampson Community College accredited?

Yes, Sampson Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, GA 30033, (404) 679-4500, www.sacscoc.org, to award associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.

If a complaint cannot be resolved through SCC’s grievance procedures, students may file a complaint with SARA-NC (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement-North Carolina).
Contact Information:

These resources may also be helpful in resolving complaints:

The North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints Unit.

Please review the Student Complaint Policy then submit the complaint to: https://studentcomplaints.northcarolina.edu/form

Regional Accreditor (SACSCOC) Complaint Process

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.

State Authorization Liaisons per state

WHAT ABOUT LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS OFFERED BY SAMPSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE?

Sampson Community College has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). However, NC-SARA does not deal with professional licensing board approval for any courses or programs leading to professional licensure. If you are not a resident of North Carolina but you are enrolled in courses or programs leading to professional licensure, please contact the lead of the degree program at Sampson Community College to discuss licensure options prior to beginning your course of study.

It is also highly recommended that you also contact the state in which you plan to practice to verify any state requirements before beginning your program at Sampson Community College. Please click the link for more information on public and private organizations not associated with Sampson Community College NC SARA Professional Licensure Directory and State Portal Entity Contacts.

If you are considering a program at SCC that leads to licensure or certification and you do not live in North Carolina, please contact the individual below that corresponds to your desired program.

You may view the disclosure for each program or certificate to know which Sampson Community College program curriculum:

• meets state educational requirements for licensure or certification,
• does not meet state educational requirements for licensure or certification, or
• has not made a determination.

Health Programs

Cosmetology

Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)

Allied Health

Emergency Medical Science

Public Safety

Transportation

Electrical Systems Technology

Although we strive to connect you with the best information possible, Sampson Community College cannot confirm whether a particular program meets requirements for professional licensure and/or certification outside of the State of North Carolina.

Proctored/Online Exams

Some online courses require students to take exams in a supervised environment. This helps faculty members verify online students’ identities and ensures academic integrity. If proctored tests are required, students in online sections will take their tests at the SCC Learning Resource Center, or using Respondus Lockdown Browser. Information, including location, phone number, and hours of operation for the Learning Resource Center can be found on the Learning Resource Center page.

If a student needs to be proctored for a written test an appointment needs to be made with the Learning Resource Center using the contact information below.

For students to access the Academic Success Center you must present your student ID.