Professional Licensure
Important Notice to Students: If you are considering an online academic program that leads to a professional license, it is highly recommended you contact the appropriate licensing agency where you plan to receive instruction before beginning your academic program. SARA does not provide reciprocity for state professional licensing requirements. Academic programs and individual graduates must meet standards set by that state’s licensure requirements in order for a graduate to be eligible for a license. Visit UWM’s Licensure Disclosure webpage for more information on UWM’s programs that can lead to professional licensure. Note that the page includes all programs leadng to licensure, not just those that are online.
State Authorization
Additional information and complaint contacts for states
Distance Learning Education – State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement*
Pursuant to Wis. Stats. Ch. 39.85, et. al, the State of Wisconsin is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) through the Midwestern Higher Education Compact which regulates the manner in which participating institutions may offer distance learning education to students who reside in other states. UWM is a participating institution in MSARA. The terms and conditions of SARA can be found at http://nc-sara.org/content/sara-policies-and-standards. If a student has a complaint that involves distance learning education offered under the terms and conditions of SARA, the student must file a complaint with the institution first to seek resolution (contact the Dean of Students Office (https://uwm.edu/deanofstudents/assistance/complaints-and-grievances/; 414-229-4632; osl@uwm.edu) or the Office of the Provost at 414-229-3203; lpedrick@uwm.edu).
If no resolution is reached, then the student may file a complaint with the Wisconsin Distance Learning Authorization Board (DLAB) through the following State Authorization Reciprocity Complaint Process at the following link: https://www.wisconsin.edu/student-complaints/ or by email to afgp@uwsa.edu.
For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of this agreement, or of laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements Policies and Standards have been violated by the institution operating under the terms of SARA.
Additional information can be found at http://www.heab.state.wi.us/DLAB/faq.html.
Complaint Process for Wisconsin Residents
If a student has a complaint that involves distance learning education, the student can file a complaint to seek resolution either by contacting the Dean of Students Office (https://uwm.edu/deanofstudents/assistance/complaints-and-grievances/; 414-229-4632; osl@uwm.edu) or the Office of the Provost at 414-229-3203; lpedrick@uwm.edu).