State Authorization and Complaint State Authorization

   

Overview

Online and Distance Education is an important part of Emporia State University's program offerings, with many students participating in federal finalcial aid.Recent amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 include changes in regulation for State Authorization that may impact online, distance, and correspondence education providers. The relevant language includes: 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 postsecondary distance or correspondence education in that State. An institution must be able to document  to the Secretary the State's approval upon request. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1001 and 1002)

   

State Authorizations

ESU’s Distance Education is working in cooperation with the Department of Education and states' agencies to comply with required authorizations so that we can continue to provide educational access to students across the country. We are evaluating and working to comply with these various requirements and will provide up-to-date information when available.

 

Authorizations by States

Listed are states in which ESU Distance Education has sought and received authorization to offer distance education or where we are currently in the process of obtaining authorization. 

 

Complaint Resolution

In compliance with the language passed in the Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) conducted a Negotiated Rule Making Process in 2010, institutions offering distance education must provide enrolled and prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accrediting agency and with the appropriate state agency for handling complaints in the student's state. Below is information on ESU Distance Education' accreditation agency, followed by a state-by-state list the agencies in each state responsible for complaints regarding out-of-state distance education programs.

 

ESU Distance Eduction Accreditation

Emporia State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCAHLC). The Kansas Board of Regents has authorized the University to offer undergraduate and graduate level certificates, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate. Information regarding complaint process can be found on their NCAHLC website.

 

Complaint Resolution Contacts by State

These new regulations require us to provide prospective and current students with contact information for filing complaints with the appropriate agency in the state where the student resides. Please click on your state to be connected to the contact form should you have a complaint about ESU Distance Education.

 

More information

Program Integrity Issues; Final Rule
Amendments to title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 were finalized on October 29^th, 2010. Read the Final ruling by the Department of Education.

WCET summary of requirements
WCET has compiled a summary of what states and institutions need to do to meet the new Federal Regulations.