State Authorization

What Is State Authorization?     
Institutions must obtain approval from states for local and distance postsecondary educational activities relevant to the delivery of educational programs. Activities include online learning, non-classroom experiences, faculty members who live outside of North Carolina, proctoring, professional licensure and marketing. Compliance with individual state requirements is now part of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, Amended 2010. H 600.9 (c).     

In What States Is Southwestern Community College Authorized To Offer Online Courses?     
Southwestern Community College has been approved by NC to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education.     

The states in which the college is authorized to serve students are listed below. If you reside in a state not on this list, you are not eligible to register for online classes at SCC at this time. If you have questions, please contact our admissions office at admissions@southwesterncc.edu.

• SARA North Carolina Portal Liason:
  • Terrence R. Scarborough, M.P.A. - Director of SARA North Carolina     
    North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority     
    P.O. Box 41349     
    Raleigh, NC 27629     
    919.248.4667     
    terrence@saranc.org     
    State Website NC-SARA
• Contact and Complaint Resolution Information For Other States

Is Southwestern Community College accredited?     
Yes, Southwestern Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Ln, Decatur, GA 30033, (404) 679-4500,  to award associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.

• Southwestern Community College Institutional Status with SACSCOC
• Link to the SACSCOC Website - www.sacscoc.org

What if I need help resolving a complaint?     
If you have a complaint, you should attempt to resolve the complaint through the SCC grievance procedure.

• SCC Complaint and Grievance Procedures

Complaints should be addressed to the attention of the supervising dean (email and phone contact information contained in the included directory link):

• Dr. Jonathan Howle - Dean of Arts and Sciences
• Danell Moses - Dean of Career Technologies
• Dr. Tim Dean - Dean of Health Sciences
• Curtis Dowdle - Dean of Public Safety Training
• Dr. Mark Ellison - Dean of Students

Complaint forms will be mailed to:     

Southwestern Community College     
447 Drive, Sylva, NC 28779     
828.339.4400     
Website: Complaint Grievance Procedures     
Form: Student Complaint Information Sheet and Form

If a complaint cannot be resolved through SCC’s grievance procedures, students may file a complaint with SARA-NC (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement-North Carolina)     

Contact Information:     
SARA North Carolina     
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority     
c/o SARA North Carolina     
P.O. Box 41349     
Raleigh, NC 27629 or email to     
complaint@saranc.org     
Phone contact: (855) SARA1NC, toll free  or (855) 727-2162, toll free     
Website: SARA-NC (Homepage)

• SARA-NC Complaint Process
• SARA-NC Complaint Form

These resources may also be helpful in resolving complaints:

North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints Unit

Regional Accreditor (SACSCOC) Complaint Process

If a student has evidence that an institution is in significant non-compliance with SACSCOC standards, policies or procedures, the individual should inform SACSCOC using the Complaints Against Institutions: Policy Sheet and Form.

President     
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges     
1866 Southern Lane     
Decatur, GA 30033     
404.679.4500

What about licensure programs offered by Southwestern Community College?

If you plan to enroll in a Southwestern Community College program that leads to licensure or certification and you live outside North Carolina, please review the information below.

This content is updated each spring and outlines whether each program meets or does not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states.

Because requirements vary by state and can change, we strongly encourage you to confirm directly with the appropriate licensing agency before enrolling.

If you have questions, a local SCC contact is also provided to assist you.