Academic Approval


The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville delivers online education programs and courses throughout the United States and internationally. All programs have been approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Many states have prescribed an “authorization” process for out-of-state institutions delivering online programs to its state residents to ensure quality post-secondary education, to preserve the integrity of an academic degree, and to instill greater consumer protection for its student citizens.

The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, through the Global Campus, 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 the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville can operate without such authorization because the state’s laws do not pertain to a public institution, to an accredited institution, or to the University of Arkansas activities in that state.


NC-SARA Approved InstitutionAs of September 28, 2015, the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Institutions that are members of SARA are authorized to provide online education to students from all SARA member states.  States and institutions that choose to become members of SARA operate under a set of policies and standards overseen by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and administered by four regional higher education compacts.   For more information about the SARA initiative and the progress of state and institutional membership.


Select a state below to view authorization status and other important information.

NC-SARA member states
Non-member states

This institution’s Graduate Resident Center at Hurlburt Field, Florida, is operating under regular licensure by the Florida State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities:

Commission for Independent Education
325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 1414
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400

(850) 245-3200

This institution’s Graduate Resident Center at Naval Support Activity/Mid-South at Millington, is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). This authorization must be renewed each year and is based on an evaluation by minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility. If a complaint is not settled at the institutional level, the student may contact THEC:

Tennessee Higher Education Commission
Division of Postsecondary School Authorization
Parkway Towers, Suite 1900
404 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0830

(615) 741-5293

Professional Licensure

University of Arkansas degrees often prepare students to pursue a professional or occupational license. Occupational licenses generally require an educational component and often require successfully completing an exam or completing internship hours in the specific profession.

View a list of degrees here that could potentially lead to a professional license and each degree program’s ability for a student to pursue licensure in a specific state. 

Professional license regulations change often, so please be sure to check with your state occupational licensing board to confirm that a degree or certificate allows you to pursue licensure in a given state.

The following sites contain links to state licensing boards in their listed disciplines:

Profession National Body Website

Education/Teaching

U.S. Department of Education

U.S. Department of EducationU.S. Department of Education

National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification

Nursing

National Council of State Boards of Nursing

National Council of State Bords of Nursing

Social Work

Association of Social Work Boards

Association of Social Work Boards

Student Grievance Procedures

University of Arkansas works diligently to find positive outcomes to student concerns. Please try to exhaust all possible internal avenues of complaint resolution outlined in your Catalog of Studies and the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance before going outside the University. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the University process, you may be able to file an appeal with the appropriate state agency. If your complaint arose while you were in Arkansas or a NC-SARA member state, please contact the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. SARA member states are shown on the map. If your complaint arose while you were in a state not a NC-SARA member, please contact that state’s agency. Non NC-SARA member states contact information is provided through the map.

The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is not regulated in Texas under Chapter 132 of the Texas education Code.

For further assistance with the university’s grievance process please call 479-575-6483 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.