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Learn More about PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY: REFORM 3.0 

 

The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
What is NC-SARA?

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a proud member of NC-SARA. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate postsecondary distance education.

Southwest has multiple measures to ensure the college can operate effectively in an emergency or catastrophic event. This includes the teach out plan in the invent of a crisis.

The Emergency Management Plan is designed for potential emergencies or crises on campus.  The current Emergency Management Plan conveys the operational, communication, and crisis response plans.

Southwest also utilizes the National Student Clearinghouse to ensure students have access to transcripts in the event of a catastrophic event or unanticipated closure of the institution. 

Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws that involve distance learning education offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), must first be filed with the institution using the student complaint form to seek resolution.

Complaints not satisfied with the outcome of the Southwest’s internal process, may contact the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.  The complaint procedures is available for your convenience.  

The policy applies to students who are:

  1. non-Tennessee residents in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (“SARA”) states and who are enrolled in a distance education program/course or 
  2. attending an out-of-state learning placement in a SARA state other than Tennessee.

Additional Complaint Policies

  • Tennessee Higher Education Commission (“THEC”) 
    • Students (as described above) must complete the institution complaint process before appealing to THEC.
    • Students who are not satisfied with the institution’s resolution of their complaint may appeal the institution decision to THEC using the Request for Complaint Review form. Additional information on the THEC complaint process is available at THEC Complaint Review Process. Students may also contact THEC.RCD@tn.gov with questions.
    • The appeal to THEC must be filed within two (2) years of the incident about which the complaint is made.
    • Out-of-state student may also contact their home state higher education authority; although student may be referred to THEC. See State Portal Entity Contacts | NC-SARA for a listing of SARA states and contacts.
    • Students residing in non-SARA states, currently California only, should consult their respective state of residence for further instructions for filing a complaint.

For a list of SARA member States, please visit the NC-SARA website. Students residing in non-SARA states should consult their respective State of residence for further instruction for filing a complaint.                                                                                                                                                                                             
To file a complaint with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), complete the THEC Request for Complaint Review Form, or contact Ryan Arrington. 

Ryan Arrington 
Tennessee Higher Education Commission
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
ryan.Arrington@tn.gov
615-253-7465

Complaint Process for US Department of Justice

Tennessee online students who you are not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint process at Southwest Tennessee Community College, you may choose to file a complaint with the US Department of Justice. To file a complaint with the US Department of Justice, please visit the Department of Justice Complaints webpage. 
 
Out of state online students who are not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint process at Southwest Tennessee Community College, may choose to file a complaint with our accrediting agency.
 
Southwest Tennessee Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees and certificates. Questions about the accreditation of Southwest Tennessee Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or use the information available on SACSCOC's website (http://www.sacscoc.org/).

Students who file a complaint with the accrediting agency should follow the SACSCOC Complaint Procedures.

Student Complaint Information by state and agency

For Tennessee Residence and Non-Tennessee Residence, please visit the licensure and disclosure link below for more information. If you are interested in being licensed out-side the state of Tennessee, Southwest Tennessee Community College recommends that you contact the appropriate licensing agency in the U.S. States and territories where licensure is intended. This will enable you to obtain the most up-to-date information related to your licensure and certification program requirements.

https://www.southwest.tn.edu/professional-licensure-disclosures/index.php

Normal inquiries or concerns related to admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc., should be addressed directly to the appropriate office at Southwest Tennessee Community College.