Foundations Webinar Series Bonus Sessions: Navigating State Institutional Approval 

These two 60-minute bonus sessions provide practical guidance on obtaining state institutional approval for distance education activities through two distinct pathways. The first session focuses on navigating state-by-state approval requirements, while the other explores reciprocity through the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), including how to apply SARA Policy to obtain institutional approval for distance education related activities. 

We encourage attending both sessions to understand how these pathways differ, clarify common misperceptions about state authorization and reciprocity, and better determine which process applies to your institution. 

Attendance at the November Foundations webinar series not required!   

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Bonus Session 1: State-by-State State Authorization — Your Winter Roadmap; Wednesday, December 9, 2026. 2pm Eastern 

Navigating state-by-state approval requirements can feel like trekking through a winter wonderland! This session will help you find your way by exploring state responsibilities, assessing where your institution’s activities take place, and identifying which states to prioritize. Hear how other institutions build their own roadmaps for compliance and gather practical ideas to create a plan that works for your institution. 

Panelists: 

Katie Hoffman; Associate Director of State Authorization Compliance; University of San Francisco 

Samantha Luu; Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost; University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
 

Bonus Session 2: Unwrapping SARA — A Holiday Guide to Approval Through Reciprocity, Thursday, December 10, 2pm Eastern 

Unwrap the essentials of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) and explore its role in establishing uniform oversight of institutions offering distance education across state lines. Learn what SARA is and is not, understand the requirements for complying with SARA Policy, and discover how reciprocity supports consistent institutional oversight and student consumer protections across participating states. Leave with a clearer understanding of SARA’s purpose, responsibilities, and requirements. 

Panelists: 

Jared Abdirkin; Senior Director, Institution and Policy Engagement; NC-SARA 

Molly Hall- Martin; Director, W-SARA; WICHE