Out of State Education
State Authorization allows Lamar University to offer educational opportunities to students nationwide through compliance with state and federal regulations. The University must receive authorization from a state before allowing students from that state to participate in educational activities.
Lamar University has taken steps to protect its students and operations through nationwide compliance by participation in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA); obtaining authorization, approval, exemptions and waivers; or confirming that Lamar University can operate without such authorization because the state’s laws do not pertain to the university’s activities in that state.
NC-SARA
“The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is a voluntary agreement among its member states and U.S. territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance-education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.” -NC-SARA
Texas was approved as a SARA state in 2015, and is administered by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). As of 2022, 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are members of SARA. Over 2,300 colleges and universities participate in SARA.
Professional Licensure
The NC-SARA does not provide reciprocity for professional licensing boards such as education, mental health counseling, nursing, etc. For students considering an academic program that leads to a professional license or certification in a state other than Texas, contact your state’s appropriate licensing agency to obtain the applicable requirements, rules, and regulations for determining whether an online distance education program will meet your individual needs.
Many programs, both online and on-campus, may lead to licensure in other states, but additional coursework may be required by your state.
Determine whether a Lamar University program will meet educational requirements in your state. →
Student Location Changes
Current and prospective students need to be aware of the importance of their physical location while enrolled in online courses/programs or completing internship, practicum, or clinical hours required by the program in which they are enrolled.
You need to be aware that changing your physical location may impact your ability to take online courses, continue in online programs, or complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours. A change in location could impact your ability to get a certification/license.
Relocating Mid- Program—A University Disclaimer and Warning!
If you are approved to enroll in a program out-of-state, you must re-verify with our offices prior to your move to a different state to ensure certification or licensure is possible in addition to completing the location verification form indicating your change of location.
For more information, review Lamar University's Student Location Policy.
Complaint Resolution
All students including those residing outside of the State of Texas while attending Lamar University who desire to resolve a grievance should follow the University's Student Grievance Procedure. However, if an issue cannot be resolved internally, a student may file a complaint with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) portal entity. For LU Online students that would be:
Cathie Maeyaert
Director-Private Postsecondary Institutions
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
PO Box 12788, Austin, TX 78711
(512) 427-6227
cathie.maeyaert@highered.texas.gov
Students may also file a complaint with the accrediting agency for the university. Access information regarding complaint process for SACS.
Further Questions?
For further questions about state authorization or professional licensure, please contact our State Licensure and Authorization Officer.
Melaney C. Whiting
State Licensure and Authorization Officer
Lamar University- Distance Learning
(409) 880-7640
mwhiting@jmswierski.com