Rule 3333-1-13.1 | Assessment of fees for approval and participation in SARA for Ohio institutions of higher education.
(A) Authority
This rule is adopted under authority conferred upon the chancellor of the Ohio department of higher education by division (B)(4) of section 3333.171 of the Revised Code: The chancellor may "assess and collect fees, pursuant to rules adopted by the chancellor under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code from participating institutions in Ohio."
(B) Background information
A state authorization reciprocity agreement (SARA) is an agreement among its member states, districts and U.S. territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance-education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions in a state other than the one where they reside. It is also intended to make it easier for institutions to offer courses and programs to students in other states. Eligible institutions in Ohio, as defined by division (F)(1) of section 3333.171 of the Revised Code that wish to become participating institutions as defined by division (F)(2) of section 3333.171 of the Revised Code must apply to the chancellor on forms provided by the chancellor. Additional information regarding the application process and SARA can be found in the Ohio department of higher education manual titled "Guidelines and Procedures for Academic Program Review" available online at www.ohiohighered.org/academic-program-approval.
(C) Definitions
Full-time equivalent ("FTE") enrollment means the institutions total full-time equivalent enrollment as shown in the "Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System" (IPEDS). IPEDS can be found online at http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/
(D) The fees for the chancellors approval and participation in SARA are as follows:
| Activity | Less than 2,500 FTE enrollment | 2,500-9,900 FTE enrollment | 10,000 or more FTE Enrollment |
| Annual Fee (12 months of participation) | $2000.00 | $4000.00 | $6000.00 |
(E) Renewal process
(1) National council for SARA (NC-SARA) will initiate the renewal process prior to the institutions renewal date and the institution must submit forms and payments as instructed by NC-SARA in order to maintain authorization under SARA.
(2) Institutions should note that there are fees that the institution will be required to pay to NC-SARA that are in addition to the fees listed above. The institution is responsible for submitting the appropriate fees when invoiced by NC-SARA.
Last updated May 18, 2023 at 8:49 AM
Supplemental Information