U. S. Department of Education Compliance

Online education is an important part of The University of Scranton’s graduate program offerings. Recent amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 may influence how and where the University delivers these programs. The relevant language includes:

If an institution is offering postsecondary education through distance or correspondence education to students in a State in which it is not physically located or in which it is otherwise subject to State jurisdiction as determined by the State, the institution must meet any State requirements for it to be legally offering postsecondary distance or correspondence education in that State. An institution must be able to document to the Secretary the State's approval upon request. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1001 and 1002)

In order to provide students with continued access to these programs, The University of Scranton has entered into the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).

Complaint Resolution

Institutions offering distance education programs must provide enrolled and prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with the institution’s accrediting agency and with the appropriate state agency for handling complaints in the student's state. Below is information on The University of Scranton’s accreditation agency, followed by a list of the agencies in each state that has responsibility for complaint resolution.

General information regarding the University’s complaint process is available on our Consumer Information website.

The University of Scranton Accreditation

The University of Scranton is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Information about filing a complaint with MSCHE is available here.

State Authorization

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has authorized the University to offer associates, baccalaureate, masters, and clinical doctoral degrees as well as undergraduate and graduate level certificates. 

Complaint Resolution

Distance education students should attempt to resolve a grievance, complaint, or concern by following The University of Scranton’s Grievance Process. The University desires to resolve student concerns in an expeditious, fair, and amicable manner.  However, if an issue cannot be resolved internally, the Complaint Resolution process should be followed through SARA.

State Portal Entity Contact:
Gina Wetten
Higher Education Associate II
Department of Education
Division of Higher and Career Education
333 Market Street 
Harrisburg, PA 17126
717.265.7723
giwetten@pa.gov

State Website for SARA Information

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