What Is SARA?
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a national agreement that allows colleges and universities in participating states to offer distance education to students located in other participating states without seeking separate authorization in each state.
California is not a participant in SARA. Because of this, California community colleges—including Lemoore College and Coalinga College—do not have authorization to provide instruction to students who are physically located outside California.
As a result, students must be physically located in California while enrolled in any course at Lemoore College or Coalinga College, regardless of course modality.
This policy ensures compliance with state authorization regulations, protects students from enrolling in courses they may not be legally eligible to complete, and reduces institutional risk related to accreditation, financial aid, and consumer protection requirements.
Why This Policy Exists
This policy exists to ensure compliance with state authorization regulations, protect students from enrolling in courses they may not be legally eligible to complete, and reduce institutional risk related to accreditation, financial aid, and consumer protection requirements.
Who This Applies To
- All students, regardless of residency, tuition status, citizenship, or military
affiliation
- All instructional modalities, including in-person, online, hybrid, synchronous,
and asynchronous courses
- All programs, certificates, and degrees offered by the colleges
Student Responsibilities
- Remain physically located in California while enrolled
- Accurately report physical location information
- Contact Admissions and Records before traveling or relocating out of state
- Review published enrollment eligibility requirements
Frequently Asked Questions (Accordion Section)
What is the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)?
SARA is a national agreement that allows colleges and universities to offer online and distance education to students located in other participating states without having to seek separate authorization in each state. Participation in SARA is determined at the state level, not by individual colleges.
Is California part of SARA?
No. California is not a participant in SARA. Because of this, California community colleges do not have reciprocal authorization to offer instruction to students who are physically located outside California.
What is Lemoore College and Coalinga College’s position on SARA?
Lemoore College and Coalinga College do not seek authorization to operate or provide instruction in other states. As a result, the colleges enroll only students who are physically located within the State of California.
Can I take classes if I am physically located outside California?
No. Students must be physically located in California while enrolled in classes at Lemoore College or Coalinga College. Students who are physically located outside California may not enroll in any courses, including online or distance education courses.
What if I leave California temporarily for vacation or travel?
Students may not participate in classes while physically located outside California, even for short-term or temporary travel. If you plan to leave the state during the term, you should contact Admissions and Records before traveling to understand how this may affect your enrollment.
Does this policy apply to online or asynchronous classes?
Yes. This requirement applies to all courses and all instructional formats, including online, hybrid, synchronous, and asynchronous classes.
Does my residency or tuition status matter?
No. This requirement is based on physical location, not California residency status, tuition classification, citizenship, or military affiliation.
What happens if I take classes while I am out of state?
If a student is identified as being physically located outside California while enrolled, the student may be administratively dropped from their courses. This action is not disciplinary and is based on compliance with state authorization requirements.
Why can’t the college make an exception for my situation?
To ensure compliance with state authorization regulations and equitable treatment of all students, no exceptions are permitted. Allowing exceptions would expose the colleges to compliance risk and inconsistent application of the policy.
How will the college know if I am out of state?
The college may become aware of a student’s physical location through information provided by the student, institutional records, or other verification processes. Students are responsible for accurately reporting their physical location.
What should I do if I am unsure whether this applies to me?
Students who are unsure whether this requirement applies to their situation should contact Admissions and Records before enrolling or traveling out of state.
Who can I contact with questions about out-of-state enrollment?
pending
What Happens If a Student Is Out of State
If a student is identified as being physically located outside the State of California while enrolled, the student may be administratively dropped from their courses. This action is not disciplinary and is based solely on compliance with state authorization requirements.
For questions about out-of-state enrollment eligibility, students should contact:
Admissions and Records Lemoore College / (559) 925-3000
Admissions and Records Coalinga College
(559) 934-2000
Enrollment eligibility is subject to state authorization requirements and may change. Students are responsible for reviewing and complying with published policies.