Status definitions

• NC-SARA Member State - State is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). As an institutional member of NC-SARA, Northern is authorized to deliver online programs in other NC-SARA member states.
• Exempt by State Statute - Northern has received specific authorization from applicable state agency or NSU is exempt from seeking specific authorization.
• Not Authorized to Deliver Online Programs in the State/Country - Northern does not have authorization or has chosen not to seek authorization to offer online degree programs in these states or U.S. territories: (none listed at this time)

§668.43(b) Complaint Processes

Complaint Process for Distance Education Students in SARA States

Students located in SARA states with complaints should follow the process outlined by the South Dakota SARA State Portal Entity.

A list of SARA member states, participating institutions, and state portal entities is available at the NC-SARA Directory.

• Step 1 - File a complaint with your institution (Northern State University)

Northern State University complaint procedures are available on the NSU website at Disclosure.

Northern provides an opportunity for enrolled students and the public to submit non-academic complaints. The policy, process, and procedures for submitting complaints are available in the Non-Academic Complaint Policy. Individual complaints can be submitted online using the Non-Academic Complaint Form at Concerns and Complaints.

The policy and procedures for complaints/grievances related to academics are available in the NSU Student Handbook.

• Step 2 – If the complaint was not resolved satisfactorily at the institutional level after the complaint process was completed, students may appeal the decision to Northern’s SARA state portal entity, the South Dakota Board of Regents, using the appeal form. 

§668.43(b) State Complaint Process Contacts

Individuals may also submit complaints to the South Dakota Board of Regents (the NC-SARA portal agency) by mail at 306 East Capitol Ave, Suite 200, Pierre, S.D., 57501; phone 605-773-3455; email info@sdbor.edu or may contact the appropriate state agency for the individual's resident state. The interactive map at the top of this page provides specific contact information for each state. The contact information for each state is subject to change.

Northern State University’s SARA State Portal Entity (South Dakota Board of Regents) has final authority in SARA Complaints

Complaint Process for Distance Education Students in non-SARA States

Students located in non-SARA member states must contact the agency for complaints for their state. A list of state agencies can be found at SARA State Authorization Guide. 

§668.43(a)(20) Adverse Actions Initiated by Federal, State, or Accrediting Agency

Northern State University has no previous, current, or pending adverse actions initiated by a federal, state, or accrediting agency.