The U.S. Department of Education created a set of approval and reporting requirements for online programs in educational institutions. One of the regulations was 34 C.F.R. 600.9, which is commonly referred to as State Authorization. The Department of Education requires compliance with state regulations of any state in which Spring Hill College (SHC) provides distance education for students. To facilitate this compliance with state regulations, SHC participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Participation in NC-SARA allows SHC to offer distance education in 49 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Spring Hill College does not offer distance education in any programs leading to professional licensure or certification.

Prospective Online Students

Spring Hill College participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). As a member of NC-SARA, we can offer fully online courses in any NC-SARA state.  For more information about NC-SARA, please refer to their website. For information about the College’s online programs please refer to the website.

Filing a Complaint

Spring Hill College (SHC) students must first use the College’s applicable internal complaint or review policies and procedures. Students enrolled in distance education courses may address unresolved complaints to Alabama’s State Portal Entity. Please note that complaints must first go through the SHC procedures.

Alabama’s State Portal Entity

Ron Leonard, Director of Special Initiatives

ron.leonard@ache.edu

(334) 242-2211

Alabama Commission on Higher Education

For additional information, please visit the NC-SARA Student Complaints website.