The United States Department of Education regulation 4 C.F.R.§ 600.9(c) requires each institution to apply for and receive authorization to provide online/distance education programs to out-of-state students. The authorization requirements, as well the application processes, vary on a state-by-state basis. The Associate Provost’s office works with faculty and staff across all colleges and departments at La Sierra University who have or may establish online programs to comply with this regulation.

Distance education programs may require additional approval from state licensing agencies or boards. Out-of-state students who are considering applying to a professional program should contact the licensing agency or board in their state prior to enrollment in a La Sierra online program. La Sierra University cannot attest to whether a program meets licensure requirements in a student's state of residence.

The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) establishes standards for reciprocity agreements that colleges and universities from around the country have to meet, providing the advantage of a singular application to provide online/distance education in all 50 states. However, California is NOT a SARA state, and therefore La Sierra University’s program does not fall under the SARA agreements.

La Sierra University is accredited through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This federally-recognized body provides assurance to students, parents and all stakeholders that La Sierra University meets clear quality standards for educational and financial performance. In addition, La Sierra is required by the U.S. Department of Education to provide all current and prospective students with the contact information for their respective state agency in the event they wish to file a complaint.

Each online distance learning program has a process for, and will make every attempt to resolve, student complaints within its academic and administrative departments at the program level. If an issue cannot be resolved at the program level, students have the right to file a complaint, and should follow the process posted at https://lasierra.edu/sfs/consumer-financial-aid/student-complaint-process/.

The University is required to provide both current and prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accrediting body, and the appropriate state agency for handling complaints in a student's resident state. If you would like to file a complaint with WSCUC, please follow the procedures outlined at https://www.wscuc.org/comments. If you have a complaint about a La Sierra University distance learning program, contact the appropriate authority in your state of residence.