State Authorization, Distance Education, and Professional Licensure
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) recently approved Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) application for participation in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. To learn more about SARA, visit the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). To file a formal complaint visit NC-SARA Complaint Procedures. The following consumer information and associated institutional policies are designed to inform both prospective and current RIT students.
Distance Education
RIT is approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. States apply to their relevant regional education compact, in this case, New York State Education Department (NYSED) for membership in SARA, and they agree to deal with the distance education offerings of out-of-state SARA-participating institutions in accord with SARA’s national policies, rather than applying the state-specific policies they used prior to joining SARA – policies they still apply to out-of-state institutions that do not participate in SARA.
Student Location
RIT will determine a student’s location at time of application, during which students provide their home or permanent address. Once enrolled, students will regularly update and maintain various address types via RIT’s Student Information System (SIS).
Student Identify Verification Process
According to the Administrative Policy for Student Identity Verification in Distance Learning policy, RIT will verify students’ identities by administering a Student Identity Verification Checklist. The students will affirm four statements confirming their identity. Students must confirm that they have read and understood the Computer Conduct Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, and the course syllabus.
Complaint Policies and Procedures
RIT makes every attempt to resolve student complaints within its academic and administrative departments utilizing existing University procedures. The Student Complaint Policies and Procedures provide information about ways that students and prospective students can report concerns and utilize University complaint procedures.
The New York State Department of Education’s Office of College and University Evaluation will review a complaint only after students and prospective students follow and exhaust all grievance and avenues of appeal procedures at the institution with documentation that such procedures have been followed.
Transfer of Credit Policy
RIT awards transfer credit for courses completed at other regionally accredited colleges and universities. RIT’s Transfer of Credit Policy and corresponding processes apply to Distance Education Programs and is managed through the Office of the Registrar.
Refund/Tuition Adjustment Policy
Student Financial Services provides the policies associated with RIT’s Refund/Tuition Adjustments. These policies apply to Distance Education Programs* and includes withdrawal and tuition refund schedules with corresponding dates and deadlines.
Additional distance education tuition information is located at RIT Online.
RIT Online students from the State of Maryland should consult the associated refund policies.
Professional Licensure and Certification Requirements
Institutions providing distance education are required to identify programs that lead to licensure or certification and provide information about requirements. Requirements can vary by profession and state. Prospective and current students are encouraged to research the requirements in their current or intended state of residence to ensure that their intended enrollment in a program will meet the requirements of their state’s licensing agency. It may be necessary to reach out to state agencies with questions or clarification.
The following resources and contact information for state licensing boards are provided to assist prospective and current students in their research related to Professional Licensure Disclosures (34 CFR 668.43 – Institutional Information).
MS in Secondary Education of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Additional certification information
Professional Licensure Information
New York State Education Department
TeacherCertificationDegrees.com
Teach.com’s Teacher Certification Requirements by State
MST in Visual Arts-All Grades (Art Education)
College of Art and Design
The MST in visual arts-all grades (art education) leads to initial/professional New York State certification in visual arts for grades K through 12. Graduates of RIT’s teacher education programs have a 96 percent pass rate on the New York State Teacher Certification examinations.
Professional Licensure Information
New York State Education Department
TeacherCertificationDegrees.com
Teach.com’s Teacher Certification Requirements by State
NC-SARA Directory
MS in School Psychology
College of Liberal Arts
The MS degree in school psychology prepares students for provisional New York state certification as school psychologists and is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists.
Professional Licensure Information
National Association of School Psychologists
NC-SARA Directory
BS/MS in Physician Assistant
College of Health Science and Technology
Professional Licensure Information
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
BS in Dietetics and Nutrition
College of Health Science and Technology
The program meets the educational requirements of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. To become credentialed as an RDN students also need to complete an accredited supervised practice after graduation and pass the National Registration Exam for Dietitian Nutritionists. The Dietetic Internship Program is a post undergraduate experience through an accredited DPD program.
Professional Licensure Information
Commission on Dietetic Registration
BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
College of Health Science and Technology
The program is dually accredited (institution and program) meeting both professional and employer requirements allowing graduates to immediately sit for the national board examinations administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
Completion of program requirements does not guarantee eligibility to sit for the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) examinations. Visit the ARDMS website for more information regarding the eligibility to sit for ARDMS examination(s).
Professional Licensure Information
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
M.Arch. in Architecture
Golisano Institute of Sustainability
Architecture licensing requires a professional degree, internship, and successful completion of all divisions of the Architect Registration Exam (ARE). Successful completion of approximately 3 years (3740 hours) of internship (now referred to as the Architectural Experience Program (AxP) is also necessary. Both the ARE and AxP are administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB).
Professional Licensure Information
NCARB - National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
NCARB Licensing Requirements Tool
BS/MS programs in Finance/Accounting
Saunders College of Business
Saunders College of Business helps students meet the requirements to take the New York State Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) exam by providing curriculum in both our undergraduate and graduate programs that meets the requirements for certification. CPA certification is managed through the American Institute of CPAs. For more information please visit the AICPA website or the New York State Education Department for information related to the NYS CPA Exam. While the CPA license is not required to work in the field of accounting it is highly recommended for students to pursue it. Saunders programs also help students prepare for other certifications in addition to the CPA.
Professional Licensure Information
American Institute of CPAs
New York State Office of the Professions
BS in ASL-English Interpretation
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Program is designed to provide graduates with a solid foundation on which to develop the skills needed to pass the National Interpreter Certification exam offered through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or the Educational Interpreting Performance Assessment.
Professional Licensure Information
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation
MS in Health Care Interpretation
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Program is designed to meet the demands of nationally certified sign language interpreters desiring a master’s degree specific to working in health care environments.
Professional Licensure Information
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Center for the Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation