Who is the State Authorization Network (SAN)?
The State Authorization Network (SAN), a division of WCET, is the leader for navigating regulatory compliance for out-of-state activities of post-secondary institutions.
SAN empowers members to successfully resolve regulatory challenges to improve student protections in digital learning across state lines by providing timely updates, analysis, training, and member interactions.
Online courses, experiential learning, marketing and recruiting, as well as staff and faculty working from out-of-state are examples of some of the activities that may require an institution to follow a state authorization process and in some circumstances, compliance with other state agencies where the activity occurs.
The Challenge:
- Institutions must comply with all state laws & regulations of the state where an activity takes place.
- The state laws and regulations vary state to state and are subject to change.
- Compliance with Federal regulations ties State compliance with participation in Title IV HEA programs.
- Institution participation in reciprocity through SARA helps for state institutional approval for distance education, but doesn’t cover every activity and every agencies’ requirements in the states.
- Complying with state professional licensure requirements is separate and takes significant analysis.
The Solution:
State Authorization Network (SAN) members (systems, consortia, or individual institutions) partner to share information and obtain direction and assistance through:
- Synchronous training in various forms, including workshops, monthly calls, and webcasts.
- Asynchronous training through SAN website resources and email community discussion board.
- Discussions with regulators and experts.
- An active community of peers who strive to learn more about the field and to share knowledge.
The Future:
Out-of-state activity compliance is dynamic, and SAN helps its members learn more about topics including:
- Monitoring and Analysis of Federal Regulations for State Authorization and Professional Licensure.
- Reciprocity through SARA —what it covers, what is doesn’t, and how to comply.
- Working with institutional key stakeholders to ensure compliance.
- Awareness of individual state laws for various agency approvals.
- Updates and analysis of emerging issues as they arise affecting interstate digital learning.
By joining SAN, members will receive important support in the years to come.
Learn More: The State Authorization Network (SAN) – Meeting an Important Need; WCET Frontiers
State Authorization Network (SAN) Website Join SAN!
Contact us: SAN Info: san-info@wiche.edu