NC-SARA Student Complaint Process
Out-of-State Complaints Procedures for Online Students
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement - SARA
Fordham University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and follows the complaint resolution policies and procedures outlined within the SARA Policy Manual and summarized here: https://nc-sara.org/sara-student-complaints-0/
SARA consumer protection provisions require the institution’s home state, through its SARA State Portal Entity, to investigate and resolve allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity by the state’s SARA-participating institutions, including the provision of false or misleading information.
Student complaints related to consumer protection laws, as outlined in the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution. This means that for students residing outside New York who are enrolled in Fordham University distance education programs, consumer protection complaints are addressed through New York State (the University’s home state) rather than through the student’s own state of residence.
Procedure for Filing Complaints (for Students Residing Outside NY)
Fordham University is committed to investigating consumer protection concerns raised by students in distance learning courses and/or programs taken outside of New York State, including, but not limited to, the truthfulness of advertising and the accuracy of data related to course offerings, job placements, tuition, fees, and financial aid.
Consumer protection complaints resulting from distance education courses, activities, and operations may be submitted to Fordham University via the following complaint process for investigation and resolution:
https://www.fordham.edu/about/leadership-and-administration/administrative-offices/office-of-the-provost/about-us/contact-us/internal-complaint-process/
Student complaints will be submitted to the Office of the Provost and examined in an objective and thorough manner. The Provost will convene an ad hoc committee to evaluate the merit of the complaint and make any appropriate recommendation(s) for resolution and/or redress to the Provost. The Provost will make a final determination and communicate the institution’s official response to the complaint to the student, as well as any warranted redress.
NC-SARA Complaint Process
The complaint process should begin with the institution, and if a complaint is not resolved, it may be appealed to the New York State SARA Portal Entity.
If needed, the first step in filing a complaint is to consult the Fordham University Student Complaint process.
If students at Fordham University are not satisfied with the outcome of the institution’s complaint resolution process in connection with a SARA matter, they should contact the New York State Education Department at the following webpage https://www.nysed.gov/college-university-evaluation/sara-student-complaint-process in accordance with NC-SARA complaint procedures. The NC-SARA student complaint process can be found on their website at https://nc-sara.org/sara-student-complaints-0/ .
Please note that this does not include complaints related to grades or student conduct violations, both of which are to be fully addressed through Fordham University's processes, not via the NC-SARA complaint resolution procedures.
Please be aware that students may appeal the institution's decision to the SARA State Portal Entity in New York State within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made.
New York State Portal Entity Contact
Andrea Richards
Supervisor of Higher Education Programs
518-474-1551
[email protected]
New York State Education Department
89 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12234
A list of NC-SARA State Portal Entity Contacts is available through the NC-SARA webpage.
Since California is not an NC-SARA member, students can direct complaints to the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
NC-SARA Licensure Notifications
Any institution operating under SARA policies that offers courses or programs potentially leading to professional licensure must inform all students, applicants, and potential students who have contacted the institution about the course or program whether successful completion of such offerings will meet state licensing requirements.
Professional Licensure: What You Need to Know
What Is Professional Licensure?
Some careers—such as teaching, nursing, psychology, and social work—require official licensure before you can work in the field. Students often pursue college degrees to prepare for these licensed professions, which are overseen by state or governmental agencies. These agencies set professional standards and grant authorization to practice only to those who meet the established requirements. This process, known as professional licensure, helps ensure that individuals entering these professions are well-trained and capable of providing safe and competent services.
Check Before You Enroll
If you’re taking an online or distance education program to prepare for a licensed career, ensure that the program meets the requirements in the state where you plan to work. Schools that participate in SARA or federal financial aid programs must tell you if their programs meet those requirements.
SARA’s Role
SARA doesn’t approve programs for state licensing boards. Instead, it requires schools to clearly inform students whether a program will or will not meet the licensure requirements where the student resides.
- Any school operating under SARA policies must keep students, applicants, and prospective students informed if completing a program will meet state licensing requirements.
Fordham University Public Disclosures
The following school resources provide direct links to each program’s individual disclosures. This provides students with information to determine if enrolling at Fordham University will allow them to meet licensure requirements in other states and U.S. Territories for the programs offered.