The evolution of online learning took a big leap forward with a national reciprocity agreement announced today. Under the agreement, Virginia’s colleges and universities can offer distance-learning programs outside Virginia without seeking state-by-state approval. Virginia students taking distance-learning programs from other member states’ institutions will receive enhanced quality assurance and consumer protections.  Virginia was one of three southern states to be approved for membership in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB).

“Expanding the reach of our superb higher education institutions, while avoiding costly and cumbersome bureaucracy, will improve Virginia’s national and international competitiveness,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe.  “Earlier this year I was pleased to sign HB 467 which has enabled Virginia to participate in this important initiative.”

Patroned by Delegate Jimmy Massie, HB 467 designated the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) as the administering agency for the Commonwealth’s participation in NC-SARA and charged it with the responsibility to oversee participating Virginia institutions.   The ultimate goal of the NC-SARA movement is to have all 50 states as members.

“SCHEV is proud that Virginia is among the first states in the southern region to be approved as a member of NC-SARA,” said SCHEV Director Peter Blake.  “We believe this initiative will promote efficiency for our institutions and opportunities for our traditional and non-traditional students.”

SCHEV is the Commonwealth’s coordinating body for Virginia’s system of higher education. The agency provides policy guidance and budget recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly, and is a resource for information on higher education issues.

By: Contributing Author

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