51³Ô¹Ï

NC-SARA

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a national initiative designed to enhance student access to distance education courses and programs while ensuring compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all  without seeking individual approval in each state.

The 51³Ô¹Ï University system is an approved SARA institution. To learn more about SARA, please visit .

Relocation Policy

Please note that students who relocate while enrolled in the 51³Ô¹Ï University (NMSU) System may become ineligible for Title IV funding or may face challenges in completing their studies if they move to a state or country where NMSU does not fulfill the licensure or certification requirements of that state or country.

Prospective students should consult their admissions adviser to discuss how relocation might affect their eligibility. Current students considering relocation during their studies should contact their program coordinator for guidance.

International Students

International students are encouraged to understand and familiarize themselves with the rules, regulations, and requirements of online distance education programs in their country of residence. Key considerations include:

- Whether the country recognizes an online degree

- Whether the program meets licensure or certification requirements in that country

- Any additional taxes, withholding, or fees associated with online distance education programs that the country may impose

Additionally, international students interested in academic programs that lead to professional licensure should verify with the appropriate professional licensing board in their country of residence or where they plan to work whether an online degree awarded by the NMSU System will be recognized for licensure or certification purposes.

Student Attestations for Professional Licensure Programs

Many professions and certifications are governed by state or territorial regulations that dictate specific educational requirements for professional licensure or certification. As a result, some 51³Ô¹Ï University System programs may not meet the educational requirements in all states and territories.

What is the purpose of an Attestation?

If a student is located in a state or territory where their chosen professional licensure program does not meet the state-specific or territory-specific educational requirements at the time of their initial enrollment, federal regulation § 668.14(b)(32) prohibits the student's enrollment in that program. However, the student may still enroll if they provide a statement (or attestation) indicating their intention to seek licensure and employment in a specific state where the program meets the licensing requirements. This attestation is essential to ensure students are fully informed and consent in their decision-making process.

The attestation requires students to:

1. Describe their intentions and plans for professional licensure upon graduation from the 51³Ô¹Ï University System and outline their educational goals and plans for employment.
2. Acknowledge that the University has informed them that the program they intend to enroll in is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the state or territory where they currently reside.
3. Confirm their intent to seek employment in a specific state where the program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification.
4. Certify that the University has provided them with program advising and information about alternative options and resources related to their pursuit of professional licensure or certification.

51³Ô¹Ï University is fully committed to complying with federal regulations and maintaining complete transparency regarding professional licensure. To achieve this, NMSU has implemented a comprehensive student attestation process that operates on a case-by-case basis, ensuring students are fully aware of how the University’s professional licensure programs align with the educational standards of various states or territories.

In accordance with Department of Education guidance, the student initiates the attestation by formally acknowledging their understanding of these program alignments and any potential limitations specific to their intended state or territory of practice. Our process is designed to facilitate this crucial, student-driven acknowledgment, empowering them to make well-informed decisions about their education and future career paths.