Out-of-State Complaint Process: NC-SARA
NC-SARA Participation
The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) is a non-profit organization that establishes national standards for interstate postsecondary distance education. The State of New York is a member, and Onondaga Community College (OCC) is an approved SARA institution.
Participation in SARA allows OCC to offer distance education courses and programs to students who reside in other SARA member states. To learn more, visit NC-SARA.
Student Complaint Information & Procedures for Online Education: Students Residing Outside of New York State Taking Courses at OCC
OCC is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and follows the complaint resolution policies and procedures summarized at SARA Student Complaints.
Scope of NC-SARA Complaints
- SARA policies apply only to consumer protection complaints regarding distance education activities.
- SARA policies do not cover complaints related to grades or student conduct violations; those issues must be resolved through OCC’s internal processes.
- A student may appeal to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made.
Complaint Process for Out-of-State Students:
Step 1: OCC Internal Complaint Procedures
Students must first attempt to resolve complaints with OCC.
- Academic complaints: Academic Rules – Reporting a General Academic Concern
- Discrimination or equity issues: Contact the Chief Diversity Officer at (315)-498-2565
- Non-academic issues: Consumer Protection Complaint Form
Step 2: Appeal to SUNY System Administration
If a complaint is not resolved at OCC, students may appeal to:
Step 3: Appeal to NYSED (SARA State Portal Entity)
- If the issue remains unresolved after SUNY review, students may file a SARA appeal with NYSED: SARA Student Complaint Process | NYSED