State Authorization, Distance Education, and Professional Licensure

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) recently approved Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) application for participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. To learn more about SARA, visit the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). See the complaint process for students who have a consumer protection complaint regarding a distance education program at RIT.  The following consumer information and associated institutional policies are designed to inform both prospective and current RIT students.

RIT is approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. States apply to their relevant regional education compact, in this case, New York State Education Department (NYSED) for membership in SARA, and they agree to work with the distance education offerings of out-of-state SARA-participating institutions in accord with SARA’s national policies, rather than applying the state-specific policies they used prior to joining SARA – policies they still apply to out-of-state institutions that do not participate in SARA.

Student Location

According to the Administrative Policy for Determining Student Location, a student’s location at the time of initial enrollment will be the student’s home or permanent address, as self-reported by the student. Once enrolled, the student’s location will be the current or campus address which the student can update in RIT’s Student Information System.

Student Identify Verification Process

According to the Administrative Policy for Student Identity Verification in Distance Learning policy, RIT will verify students’ identities by administering a Student Identity Verification Checklist. The students will affirm four statements confirming their identity. Students must confirm that they have read and understood the Computer Conduct Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, and the course syllabus.

RIT makes every attempt to resolve student complaints within its academic and administrative departments utilizing existing University procedures. The Student Complaint Policies and Procedures provide information about ways that students and prospective students can report concerns and utilize University complaint procedures.

RIT awards transfer credit for courses completed at other regionally accredited colleges and universities. RIT’s Transfer of Credit Policy and corresponding processes apply to Distance Education Programs and is managed through the Office of the Registrar.

Student Financial Services provides the policies associated with RIT’s Refund/Tuition Adjustments. These policies apply to Distance Education Programs and includes withdrawal and tuition refund schedules with corresponding dates and deadlines.