State regulations require authorization for post-secondary institutions to offer distance education degrees, certificates, and courses, to students who live outside the institution’s home state. This may also include supervised field experience (internships-clinical placements).
Serving Out-of-State Students
The University of Maine System (UMS), like all higher education institutions, is required to obtain authorization from individual states to enroll students residing outside of Maine.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
The following CAMPUSES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM are approved by THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION to participate in NC-SARA.
- University of Maine at Augusta
- University of Maine at Fort Kent
- University of Maine at Machias
- University of Maine (Orono)
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- University of Southern Maine
Participating in this agreement means that courses and programs at the campus listed above are automatically available to students who reside in the following authorized SARA member states:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
IF YOUR STATE IS NOT LISTED ABOVE PLEASE CONTACT THE CAMPUS PROGRAM COORDINATOR FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GAINING AUTHORIZATION BEFORE REGISTERING FOR COURSES.
Complaint Process
SARA consumer protection provisions require colleges and universities to investigate and resolve allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity by a provider, including the provision of false or misleading information. Consumers/student must first file a complaint with the institution. If an issue or complaint is not resolved at the institutional level, you may choose to review and follow the appropriate state complaint process. Online students who are residents in approved SARA states should follow the complaint process for the State of Maine.
Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement
Eligibility for licensure and/or certification may involve more than successful degree completion. The university cannot confirm that University of Maine System campus courses or degree programs meet the requirements for professional licensure outside of the State of Maine. The university strongly encourages prospective and current students to contact the appropriate or applicable licensing board(s) in states they may wish to pursue licensure prior to beginning study in a University of Maine System Campus academic program. If you experience difficulty finding the licensure requirements for your state, please contact the Program Coordinator at your institution for assistance.
More Information
For specific information regarding state authorization, approval, or exemption, please call 1-207-621-3302 or email hturcott@maine.edu.