Distance Education Complaints and SARA

The State of Utah is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), and Southern Utah University (SUU) participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). This means we adhere to established standards for offering post-secondary online/distance education programs in all member states.

Students who have a complaint related to online/distance education programs, courses, activities, and operations should first file their complaint directly with SUU by submitting a report through EthicsPoint under the "Academic Affairs" option. The complaint will be received by SUU's Office of Internal Audit.

If SUU does not resolve the complaint, students may advance their complaint to the Office of the Commissioner for the Utah System of Higher Education based on where they reside at the time of the complaint:

For students residing in the state of Utah, complaints may be sent to commissioner@ushe.edu.

For students residing outside the state of Utah, complaints may be sent to Utah's State Authorization and Reciprocity Agreements' (UT-SARA) State Portal Entity (SPE). The UT-SARA complaint process is outlined on its website.

In addition, students involved with distance and correspondence education can file a complaint with their state's enforcement authority. Students in California: Complaints can be directed to the Department of Consumer Affairs through their online form.

Students who have complaints against the University relating to fraud, false advertising, or other deceptive practices can also file a complaint with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection:

160 East 300 East
2nd Floor
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Local Phone: (801) 530-6601
Toll-Free: 1-800-721-SAFE
Website

Students who have complaints relating to the University's quality of education or other issues appropriate for its accrediting body to consider can file a complaint with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Copies of documents describing the University's accreditation and state approval are available for review upon request.

Students who have complaints relating to issues that are covered by the Student Conduct Code should follow the University's process for filing a complaint.