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State Authorization & External Complaint Procedures

    State Authorization and External Complaint Procedures

    State Authorization

    Saint Leo University is authorized to operate physical campuses in 7 states: California, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Saint Leo University is a participant institution of the national State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). Saint Leo’s participation in SARA simplifies the university’s ability to offer online academic programming across state lines and U.S. territories.

    SARA

    The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories in the United States, which establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education activities. These distance education activities may include, but not be limited to, online courses and certain types of supervised field experiences. SARA is intended to simplify the process of state authorization related to the aforementioned distance education activities by establishing a standard approval process through which institutions may participate in the reciprocity agreement with other member states.  Although SARA facilitates state authorization for certain types of distance education activities, the reciprocity agreement has no effect on state professional licensure requirements. To learn more about SARA, please visit: nc-sara.org.

    Florida joined SARA through the Southern Regional Education Board. Saint Leo University is a SARA approved institution which is recognized by 49 states (except California) and the District of Columbia.

    Saint Leo University Complaint Process

    Students should attempt to resolve complaints with the university itself. Applicable university policies usually describe the appropriate procedures such as contacting your academic advisor or dean. Policies can be found in the Code of Conduct. Should a student file a complaint with a state or accrediting body, the student will not be subjected to adverse actions by any school official as a result of initiating a complaint.

    Filing a complaint with the State of Florida, another state, or an accrediting body does not excuse a student from following any applicable university policies for appeals or challenges to actions taken or to any time frames for the filing of such internal appeals.

    SARA Procedures for Complaints

    Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the Florida SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the Florida SARA Complaint Process page or the website at www.flsara.org.

    Authorization and Complaint Procedures by State-

    Please note that no adverse action has been taken by a state or accrediting agency against Saint Leo’s online programs for the previous five calendar years.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized 

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • If a student is unable to resolve a dispute with the University they may file a complaint with the State
    • To file a complaint with the State please contact the Alabama Community College System
    • The student must submit a written complaint to the System Office, a complaint may be filed by using the complaint form in the quick links section or by clicking the following link, https://psl.asc.edu/External/Complaints.aspx
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • Any grievances not resolved at the institution level can be appealed with the state of Alaska: 
      Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education

      EED.ACPE-IA@alaska.gov
      P.O. Box 110505
      Juneau, Alaska 99811-0505

    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
      • If the student complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the Institution's grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint with the Arizona State Board for Private Post-Secondary Education. The student must contact the State Board for further details. The State Board address is: 

        1740 W. Adams Street
        Suite 3008
        Phoenix, AZ 85007
        Phone: (602) 542-5709
        Website: www.ppse.az.gov 

    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: Authorized for all physical locations

    SARA Authorization Status: Not a SARA State

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • For students attending Saint Leo University Education Centers in California:

      To file a complaint with the state contact: 
      Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
      2535 Capital Oaks Drive, Suite 400
      Sacramento, CA 95833
      Telephone: (916) 431-6924
      Fax: (916) 263-1897
      Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education

      http://www.bppe.ca.gov/enforcement/complaint.shtml

    • For California residents enrolled in Saint Leo University Online Programs:

      To file a complaint, contact the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Consumer Information Center: https://www.dca.ca.gov/consumers/complaints/oos_students.shtml

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized 

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*: 

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the: 
      Connecticut Department of Higher Education
      61 Woodland Street
      Hartford, CT 06105-2326
      info@ctdhe.org
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the
      Delaware Department of Education
      Carvel State Office Building, 5th Floor
      820 N. French Street
      Wilmington, DE 19801-3509
      dheo@doe.k12.de.us
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: Exempt for all physical locations

    SARA Authorization Status: Exempt from all Online Programs

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint against a nonpublic postsecondary institution in Florida, please write a letter or send an e-mail containing the following information:
      1. Name of Student (or Complainant) 
      2. Complainant Address
      3. Phone Number
      4. Name of Institution 
      5. Location of the Institution (City)
      6. Dates of Attendance
      7. A full description of the problem and any other documentation that will support your claim such as enrollment agreements, correspondence, etc.
      8. The complaint process of the Commission involves contacting the institution to obtain their response to your complaint.  If you do not want the Commission to contact the institution you are attending, you must state so in your complaint; however, doing so will greatly hinder the Commission’s ability to assist you with your complaint.
        Sent Letter To:
        Commission for Independent Education 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1414
        Tallahassee, FL. 32399-0400

        Or E-mail: cieinfo@fldoe.org
        Or Fax: 850-245-3238


    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: Authorized for all physical locations

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state, contact the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission:  https://gnpec.georgia.gov/student-complaints
    • Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission; 2082 East Exchange Place; Suite 220; Tucker, GA 30084; 770-414-3300.
    • Students will not be subject to adverse actions by the institution as a result of filing a grievance with the state.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint, contact the State of Hawaii Consumer Complaint Department.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized 

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the
      Idaho State Board of Education
      State Coordinator for Private Colleges and Proprietary Schools
      Attn: Harvey W. Lyter III, MBA
      650 West State Street
      O. Box 83720
      Boise, ID 83720-0037
      Harv.lyter@osbe.idaho.gov
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file  a complaint with the state contact the
      Illinois Board of Higher Education 431 East Adams,
      2nd Floor
      Springfield, Illinois 62701-1404
      info@ibhe.org
      Institutional Complaint Hotline: (217) 557-7359
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state, visit submit a Record of Complaint form.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the
      Iowa Student Aid Commission
      430 E. Grand Ave. 3rd floor
      Des Moines, IA 50309
      info@iowacollegeaid.gov
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Kansas Board of Regents.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized 

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Louisiana Board of Regents. 
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the
      Maine Department of Education
      Complaint Investigator
      23 State House Station
      Augusta, ME 04333-0023
      braff@maine.gov
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

     

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized 

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*: 

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: Authorized for all physical locations

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the 
      Missouri Department of Higher Education
      205 Jefferson Street
      O. Box 1469
      Jefferson City, MO 65102-1469
      info@dhe.mo.gov
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the
      Montana University System, Montana Board of Regents
      2500 Broadway Street
      PO Box 203201
      Helena, MT 59620-3201
      contactocp@mt.gov 
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the
      Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
      P.O. Box 95005
      Lincoln, NE 68509-5005
      Consumer Protection Hotline: (800) 727-6432
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*: 

    • If a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached through the institution's refund policy, you may contact NCPE for further assistance. To file a complaint with the state contact the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education. 
    • State of Nevada Course Requirement
      • All students who obtain their degree from an 
        Embry-Riddle Worldwide Campus in the State of Nevada must complete a course that covers the United States and State Constitution. Students may satisfy this requirement by completing GOVT 320 American National Government, or through transfer credit of an equivalent course from another institution. This requirement does not apply to students taking courses through Worldwide Online outside of the State of Nevada.
    • The institution retains, for at least 5 years, all student records, as required by various State and Federal Agencies.  After that period of time, the school is required to retain only copies of the students’ transcripts. 
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the
      New Jersey Commission on Higher Education
      O. Box 110
      Trenton, NJ 08625
      njhe@njhe.state.nj.us
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • File a Student Complaint by contacting the New Mexico Higher Education Department or by submitting the form on the following webpage:
      New Mexico Higher Education Department
      2044 Galisteo St., Suite 4
      Santa Fe, NM 87505-2100
      Phone: (505) 476-8411
      https://hed.state.nm.us/students-parents/student-complaints
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized 

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the
      University of North Carolina Board of Governors
      Post-Secondary Education Complaints Office
      910 Raleigh Road
      Chapel Hill, NC 27514
      studentcomplaint@northcarolina.edu 
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact Cheryl Thompson, M.S.Ed. 
      Outreach Manager, Core Technology Services of the North Dakota University System 
      2000 44th St. SW, Suite 301 
      Fargo, ND 58103 
      stateauth@ndus.edu 
      Further information can be found at https://ndus.edu/state-authorization-sara 
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • Ohio Board of Regents does not receive student complaints. Direct all complaints to the Ohio Attorney General. 
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized 

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.  
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.  

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized 

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Oregon Office of Degree Authorization. 
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Puerto Rico Council on Education.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state see the South Carolina Complaint Procedure form.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: Authorized for all physical locations

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • The South Dakota Board of Regents does not receive student complaints; direct all complaints to the South Dakota Office of Attorney General.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • Any grievances not resolved at the institutional level may be forwarded to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Nashville, TN 37243-0830. (614) 741-5293. See the Tennessee Higher Education Commission Complaint form.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: Authorized for all physical locations

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Utah Division of Consumer Protection.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Vermont Department of Education.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: Authorized for all physical locations

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state, contact the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia.
    • Students will not be subject to adverse actions by the institution as a result of filing a grievance.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state, contact the Washington Student Achievement Council
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state, contact the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page.

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • To file a complaint with the state contact the Wisconsin Educational Approval Board
    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page

    State Regulatory Authorization Status: N/A

    SARA Authorization Status: Authorized

    State Student Complaint Information*:

    • Distance Education students, who have completed the internal institutional grievance process and the applicable state grievance process, may appeal non-instructional complaints to the FL-SARA PRDEC Council. For additional information on the complaint process, please visit the FL-SARA Complaint Process page. 

    Licensure Information

    Education Programs

    Applicable to the following programs: Bachelor of Arts, Educational Studies; Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education; Bachelor of Arts, Middle Grades Education, Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Education; Master, Education – Educational Leadership; Master, Education – Exceptional Student Education; Master, Education – Instructional Leadership; Master, Education – Instructional Leadership and Reading; Master, Education – Reading; Master, Instructional Design; EdS: Education Specialist – Educational Leadership; Doctor, Education.

    Currently, the Saint Leo University Education programs listed above meet the education standards and requirements for certification in the following states: Florida, Nevada, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, Maine and Georgia.

    Saint Leo University cannot confirm, at this time, whether this particular program meets the requirements for professional licensure in any other state. If you intend to pursue such credentialing in your state or elsewhere, we advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if our program meets its eligibility criteria. Click the link below for additional information regarding interstate agreements for educator certification:

    NASDTEC Interstate Agreement for Educator Licensure 2015-2020.

    Please click on the links below to familiarize yourself with the reciprocity agreements for these states or any other state in which you wish to pursue licensure:

    State

    Educators (Teacher and Leaders) certification

    Alabama

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/alabama-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Alaska

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/alaska-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Arizona

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/arizona-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Arkansas

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/arkansas-teacher-reciprocity.html

    California

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/california-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Colorado

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/colorado-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Connecticut

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/connecticut-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Delaware

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/delaware-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Florida

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/florida-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Georgia

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/georgia-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Hawaii

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/hawaii-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Idaho

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/idaho-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Illinois

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/illinois-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Indiana

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/indiana-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Iowa

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/iowa-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Kansas

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/kansas-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Kentucky

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/kentucky-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Louisiana

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/louisiana-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Maine

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/maine-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Maryland

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/maryland-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Massachusetts

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/massachusetts-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Michigan

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/michigan-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Minnesota

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/minnesota-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Mississippi

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/mississippi-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Missouri

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/missouri-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Montana

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/montana-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Nebraska

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/nebraska-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Nevada

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/nevada-teacher-reciprocity.html

    New Hampshire

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/new-hampshire-teacher-reciprocity.html

    New Jersey

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/new-jersey-teacher-reciprocity.html

    New Mexico

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/new-mexico-teacher-reciprocity.html

    New York

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/new-york-teacher-reciprocity.html

    North Carolina

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/north-carolina-teacher-reciprocity.html

    North Dakota

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/north-dakota-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Ohio

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/ohio-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Oklahoma

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/oklahoma-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Oregon

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/oregon-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Pennsylvania

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/pennsylvania-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Rhode Island

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/rhode-island-teacher-reciprocity.html

    South Carolina

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/south-carolina-teacher-reciprocity.html

    South Dakota

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/south-dakota-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Tennessee

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/tennessee-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Texas

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/texas-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Utah

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/utah-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Vermont

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/vermont-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Virginia

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/virginia-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Washington

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/washington-teacher-reciprocity.html

    West Virginia

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/west-virginia-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Wisconsin

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/wisconsin-teacher-reciprocity.html

    Wyoming

    http://www.teaching-certification.com/teaching/wyoming-teacher-reciprocity.html

    For more information about the process of certification through reciprocity, explore the the Florida, or contact the Florida Department of Education at (800) 445-6739. Please note, Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. However, the state of Florida uses the term "state approved" to indicate those programs that result in guaranteed certification. Click the link below to verify the requirements of applicable certification board(s) in any other state you may want to pursue certification prior to beginning or continuing your academic program in order to determine whether the program meets certification requirements:

    Information for Out-of-State Applicants.

     

    Nursing Programs:

    Applicable to the following program: Bachelor of Science, Nursing

    This program meets the educational requirements for licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in the state of Florida. Although the program is currently offered on our main university campus in Florida, many students then return to their home states and countries to practice, where professional licensure may be required. Saint Leo University cannot confirm, at this time, whether this particular program meets the educational requirements for graduates to be eligible to apply in that location.

    Upon completion of the program, you would be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Exam.

    As Florida is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), nurses with a RN license in the state of Florida may be eligible to apply for a compact license to practice in the other NLC states, districts and US territories. This list is continually updating pending legislative changes. The most up-to-date information on the NLC can be found on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.

    Please click the relevant state links below to verify the requirements of applicable licensure board(s) in order to determine whether this program meet licensure requirements of a specific state.

    State

    Board of Nursing

    Alabama

    Alabama Board of Nursing

    Alaska

    Alaska Board of Nursing

    Arizona

    Arizona State Board of Nursing

    Arkansas

    Arkansas State Board of Nursing

    California

    California Board of Registered Nursing

    Colorado

    Colorado Board of Nursing

    Connecticut

    Connecticut Department of Public Health, Nursing Licensing

    Delaware

    Delaware Board of Nursing

    District of Columbia

    District of Columbia Board of Nursing

    Florida

    Florida Department of Health Board of Nursing

    Georgia

    Georgia Board of Nursing

    Hawaii

    Hawaii Board of Nursing

    Idaho

    Idaho Board of Nursing

    Illinois

    Illinois Board of Nursing

    Indiana

    Indiana State Board of Nursing

    Iowa

    Iowa Board of Nursing

    Kansas

    Kansas Board of Nursing

    Kentucky

    Kentucky Board of Nursing

    Louisiana

    Louisiana State Board of Nursing

    Maine

    Maine State Board of Nursing

    Maryland

    Maryland Board of Nursing

    Massachusetts

    Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing

    Michigan

    Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

    Minnesota

    Minnesota Board of Nursing

    Mississippi

    Mississippi Board of Nursing

    Missouri

    Missouri Division of Professional Registration

    Montana

    Montana Board of Nursing

    Nebraska

    Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

    Nevada

    Nevada State Board of Nursing

    New Hampshire

    New Hampshire Board of Nursing

    New Jersey

    New Jersey Board of Nursing

    New Mexico

    New Mexico Board of Nursing

    New York

    New York Professional Education Program Review

    North Carolina

    North Carolina Board of Nursing

    North Dakota

    North Dakota Board of Nursing

    Ohio

    Ohio Board of Nursing

    Oklahoma

    Oklahoma Board of Nursing

    Oregon

    Oregon State Board of Nursing

    Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

    Puerto Rico

    Puerto Rico Board of Nursing

    Rhode Island

    Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education

    South Carolina

    South Carolina Board of Nursing

    South Dakota

    South Dakota Board of Nursing

    Tennessee

    Tennessee Board of Nursing

    Texas

    Texas Board of Nursing

    U.S. Virgin Islands

    Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure

    Utah

    Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational Professional Licensing

    Vermont

    Vermont Board of Nursing

    Virginia

    Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing

    Washington

    Washington Nursing Care and Quality Assurance Commission

    West Virginia

    West Virginia RN Board

    Wisconsin

    Wisconsin Board of Nursing

    Wyoming

    Wyoming State Board of Nursing

     

    Social Work Programs:

    Applicable to the following programs: Bachelor, Social Work (BSW); Master, Social Work (MSW).

    The Saint Leo University Bachelor of Social Work prepare students for professional licensure and, at this time, this program meets the education requirements for CSWE (https://cswe.org/) on a national level, and meets the requirements for professional licensure in the following states: Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania (provisional), Puerto Rico (provisional), South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

    The Saint Leo University Master of Social Work program meets the education requirements for master level social work licensure in the following states: Florida, Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, Illinois, Tennessee, Maryland, and New Jersey.

    Saint Leo University cannot confirm, at this time, whether the BSW and MSW programs meet the requirements for professional licensure in any other state. If you intend to pursue such credentialing in your state or elsewhere, we advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if our programs meet its eligibility criteria. Please click the relevant state links below to verify the requirements of applicable licensure board(s) in order to determine whether these programs meet licensure requirements of a specific state.

    State

    Social Work Professional Board of Licensure

    Alabama

    Alabama Board of Social Work

    Alaska

    Alaska Board of Social Work

    Arizona

    Arizona Board of Social Work

    Arkansas

    Arkansas Board of Social Work

    California

    California Board of Social Work

    Colorado

    Colorado Board of Social Work

    Connecticut

    Connecticut Board of Social Work

    Delaware

    Delaware Board of Social Work

    District of Columbia

    District of Columbia Board of Social Work

    Florida

    Florida Board of Social Work

    Georgia

    Georgia Board of Social Work

    Hawaii

    Hawaii Board of Social Work

    Idaho

    Idaho Board of Social Work

    Illinois

    Illinois Board of Social Work

    Indiana

    Indiana Board of Social Work

    Iowa

    Iowa Board of Social Work

    Kansas

    Kansas Board of Social Work

    Kentucky

    Kentucky Board of Social Work

    Louisiana

    Louisiana Board of Social Work

    Maine

    Maine Board of Social Work

    Maryland

    Maryland Board of Social Work

    Massachusetts

    Massachusetts Board of Social Work

    Michigan

    Michigan Board of Social Work

    Minnesota

    Minnesota Board of Social Work

    Mississippi

    Mississippi Board of Social Work

    Missouri

    Missouri Board of Social Work

    Montana

    Montana Board of Social Work

    Nebraska

    Nebraska Board of Social Work

    Nevada

    Nevada Board of Social Work

    New Hampshire

    New Hampshire Board of Social Work

    New Jersey

    New Jersey Board of Social Work

    New Mexico

    New Mexico Board of Social Work

    New York

    New York Board of Social Work

    North Carolina

    North Carolina Board of Social Work

    North Dakota

    North Dakota Board of Social Work

    Ohio

    Ohio Board of Social Work

    Oklahoma

    Oklahoma Board of Social Work

    Oregon

    Oregon Board of Social Work

    Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania Board of Social Work

    Rhode Island

    Rhode Island Board of Social Work

    South Carolina

    South Carolina Board of Social Work

    South Dakota

    South Dakota Board of Social Work

    Tennessee

    Tennessee Board of Social Work

    Texas

    Texas Board of Social Work

    Utah

    Utah Board of Social Work

    Vermont

    Vermont Board of Social Work

    Virginia

    Virginia Board of Social Work

    Washington

    Washington Board of Social Work

    West Virginia

    West Virginia Board of Social Work

    Wisconsin

    Wisconsin Board of Social Work

    Wyoming

    Wyoming Board of Social Work

     

    Human Services Programs

    Applicable to the following program: Bachelor of Arts, Human Services

    While professional certification is not required to practice in the human services profession, at this time, the Saint Leo University Bachelor of Arts in Human Services program meets the education requirements for CSHSE (www.cshse.org/) on a national level, and meets the requirements for taking the HS-BCP (Human Services Board Certified Professional Examination) which is a national professional certification in all states. The program in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia meets the standards of performance and practice as set by the CHSHE organization.

    Saint Leo University cannot confirm, at this time, whether this particular program meets the requirements for professional certification in any other state. If you intend to pursue such credentialing in your state or elsewhere, we advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if our program meets its eligibility criteria. Please click on the links below for additional Human Services licensure information.

    Additional Resource Links

    Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE)
    The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS)
    What is Human Services?
    Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BC

    For more information about the process of certification through reciprocity, explore the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) website or contact the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) at 571-257-3959 or email info@cshse.org.


    Accounting Programs

    Applicable to the following programs: Bachelor of Arts, Accounting; Master of Accounting.

    The completion of our Bachelor of Arts in Accounting major provides the necessary coursework to sit for the CPA exam in the State of Florida. Additionally, our Master of Accounting program provides the additional 30 semester credit hours needed for licensure. However, the State of Florida has the final say on whether or not the applicant’s course completions fulfill the Accounting and Business Education program requirements. CPA Board staff determines eligibility by conducting an official evaluation which includes submitting an application, transcripts, and other required documents and paying the required fee.

    Saint Leo University cannot confirm, at this time, whether this particular program meets the requirements for professional licensure in any other state. If you intend to pursue such credentialing in your state or elsewhere, we advise you to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to familiarize yourself with its specific requirements and determine if our program meets its eligibility criteria.

    For National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) contact information for each state, please click on the relevant state link from the site below:

    https://nasba.org/stateboards/

    Department of Veteran Affairs External Complaints

    GI Bill® School Feedback Tool
    The GI Bill® School Feedback Tool can be accessed at www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Feedback.asp.

    If you have an issue or complaint about a school or training facility that’s eligible to receive GI Bill benefits, you can submit feedback to the Department of Veteran Affairs. You may submit a complaint if your school or employer is failing to follow the Principles of Excellence guidelines or if you have any other concerns or issues you’d like to raise.

    Mississippi GI Bill Beneficiaries

    The Mississippi State Approving Agency (SAA), is the approving authority of education and training programs for Mississippi. Our office investigates complaints of GI Bill beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact our office via email at saa@msva.ms.gov.

    Virginia GI Bill Beneficiaries

    The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA) is the approving authority of education and training programs for Virginia. This office investigates the complaints of GI Bill beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact the office via email saa@dvs.virginia.gov.

    Teach-Out Plan Requirements by Accrediting Agency

    Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate, bachelor's, masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees. SACSCOC requires a written plan developed by an institution that provides for the equitable treatment of students if an institution, or an institutional location that provides 50% or more of at least one program, ceases to operate before all students have completed their program of study, and may include, if required by the institution's accrediting agency, a teachout agreement between institutions. This applies to the closure of an institution, a site, or a program. Teach-out plans must be approved by SACSCOC in advance of implementation.
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    33701 State Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33574
    Call (800) 334-5532 • Campus (352) 588-8200