Distance Education

Missouri participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which creates a system of reciprocity for the oversight of distance education programs. The goal of SARA is to provide a more efficient, effective and uniform system for the delivery of distance education. The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (DHEWD) is the designated portal agency for the state.

Initial Application Process

  • Complete the SARA Institutional Application. The application packet must include all signed or initialed application forms and any required attachments (most recent federal financial composite score, accreditation.
  • If the primary or secondary SARA contacts are new to the EDvera workflow system, send a request for SARA access via the EDvera Help Desk by clicking the blue Support button on the bottom right of the screen. An Academic Affairs staff member will add you to the system to complete the application process.
  • Once logged into the system, follow the instructions in the User Manual to submit the completed application.
  • Payment links should be automatically sent to users after upload. The annual renewal for participation fee is $1,500.
  • Department staff will review each application for completeness. Upon approval, the DHEWD will notify the institution and NC-SARA of the institution’s eligibility for participation.
  • NC-SARA will contact the institution with information regarding payment of the national SARA fee. Upon confirmation of payment, NC-SARA will notify the institution and include the institution on the NC-SARA website.
  • Institutional approval is one year from the date of approval by NC-SARA. Institutions are required to renew applications annually with both Missouri and with NC-SARA.

Annual Renewal Application Process

  • Complete the SARA Renewal Application. The application packet must include all signed or initialed application forms and any required attachments.
  • If the primary or secondary SARA contacts are new to the EDvera workflow system, send a request for SARA access via the EDvera Help Desk by clicking the blue Support button on the bottom right of the screen. An Academic Affairs staff member will add you to the system to complete the application process.
  • Once logged into the system, follow the instructions in the User Manual to submit the completed application.
  • Staff will provide the URL for the institution to pay the annual renewal for participation fee of $500.
  • Department staff will review each application for completeness. Upon approval, the DHEWD will notify the institution and NC-SARA of the institution’s continued eligibility for participation.
  • NC-SARA will contact the institution with information regarding payment of the national SARA fee. Upon confirmation of payment, NC-SARA will notify the institution.

Student Complaint Process

  • Students with a complaint must first attempt to resolve the issue at the school by completing the school's complaint process. Exhaustion of all informal and formal institutional processes, including both campus processes and any applicable system processes, is a prerequisite to filing any formal complaint with the DHEWD
  • If dissatisfied with the resolution of the school grievance process, the student may contact the department by calling (573) 522-1377 or emailing joshua.fischer@dhewd.mo.gov.
  • The student will be directed to submit the complaint in writing, using a complaint form provided by the DHEWD. It may be mailed, scanned, or faxed to the department and must include supporting documentation. If there is no indication institutional remedies have been exhausted, the complaint will be returned for that purpose. Complaints that fall within the jurisdiction of the department will be investigated and resolved as appropriate by the relevant unit of the DHEWD. All parties to the complaint will be notified of its resolution.

Guide to State Licensure Organizations

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