Complaint Process for Online Students

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technologu participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), a nonprofit organization that supports quality distance education across state lines. SARA provides a consistent framework for regulating distance education programs and helps ensure consumer protection for students.

Consumer Protection

Students enrolled in distance education programs at SARA-participating institutions have access to a clearly defined complaint process. All concerns must first be addressed through the institution’s internal procedures.

SARA only applies to complaints involving distance education courses, activities, or operations offered across state lines to students in other SARA states. Complaints regarding in-state programs or activities are not covered under SARA.

Examples of complaints that may fall under SARA include:

• Misleading recruitment or marketing materials

• Inaccurate job placement data

• Incorrect information about tuition, fees, or financial aid

• Incomplete or inaccurate admission requirements

• False or misleading information about institutional or programmatic accreditation

• Misrepresentation of whether coursework meets professional licensure requirements

• Misrepresentation of whether coursework transfers to other institutions

• Distance education practices that conflict with accreditor expectations or the C-RAC Guidelines

Oklahoma Students

Oklahoma students enrolled in distance education programs at out-of-state SARA-participating institutions must first follow that institution’s student complaint or grievance policy. If unresolved, students may file a complaint with the SARA State Portal Entity (SPE) in the institution’s home state.

Out-of-State Students

Out-of-state students enrolled in an Oklahoma institution’s distance education program (excluding supervised field experiences) must first seek resolution through the institution’s internal process. To file a claim with OSUIT, students should complete the form below.

If the issue is not resolved, students may contact the Oklahoma SARA State Portal Entity, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE), provided that the complaint:

• Relates to SARA policy

• Is submitted within two years of the institution’s final decision

• Has been pursued through all available institutional channels

• Does not concern grades or student conduct violations, which are final and not subject to SARA review

Students who meet these conditions may submit the institution’s response and their complaint to OSRHE through the SARA Student Complaint Review Request Form.