State of Oregon
The Oregon Office of Degree Authorization approves University of Western States to award degrees.
The Oregon Department of Justice is the agency to which students may file a complaint for Oregon.
Students should attempt to resolve any grievances they may have with their university first. Should attempts to resolve these problems with appropriate university officials fail, or should the student be dissatisfied with the final outcome of the college complaint process, then the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) can respond to a formal complaint. Students may contact the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, 3225 25th St. SE, Salem, OR 97302 or by sending an email to [email protected]. Students may also access the Complaints web page or visit the complaints page at NC-SARA’s website. Students may also submit a complaint to NWCCU, the accrediting agency for University of Western States.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
University of Western States participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Institutions that are members of SARA are authorized to provide online education to students from all SARA member states. States and institutions that choose to become members of SARA operate under a set of policies and standards overseen by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and administered by four regional higher education compacts. For more information about the SARA initiative and the progress of state and institutional membership, please visit https://nc-sara.org/sara-states-institutions
University of Western States is authorized to provide online education to students who reside in 49 SARA member states in addition to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The following states do not currently participate in the NC-SARA initiative:
California
The University of Western States is authorized to operate in California via the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
Grievances
University of Western States seeks to resolve concerns and complaints in a fair and prompt manner. Current or prospective University of Western States students who have a complaint may submit their concerns to the appropriate department. Complaints about grades or student conduct should be submitted to the university and may not be appealed to the SARA portal agency. Prior to pursuing external options, exhaust all internal avenues of complaint resolution by first reviewing the Student Grievance and Appeal Process.
Students should attempt to resolve any grievances they may have with their school first. Should attempts to resolve these problems with appropriate school officials fail, or should the student be dissatisfied with the final outcome of the college complaint process, then the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), can respond to a formal complaint. Students may contact the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, 3225 25th St. SE, Salem, OR 97302 or by sending an email to [email protected]. Students may also access the HECC Complaints web page or visit the complaints page at NC-SARA’s website. Students may also submit a complaint to NWCCU, the accrediting agency for University of Western States.
Find more detailed information about the SARA student complaint process here.
Complaints should be filed with the SARA State Portal Entity for Oregon, unless you are located in California.
Oregon Portal Entity Contact:
Veronica Dujon
Director, Office of Academic Policy and Authorization
503-508-1790
[email protected]
Higher Education Coordinating Commission
3225 25th St SE
Salem, OR 97302
Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement (NC-SARA)
Eligibility for licensure and/or certification may involve more than successful degree completion. Visit the Professional Licensure Disclosure page for full details. University of Western States strongly encourages prospective and current students to contact the appropriate or applicable licensing board(s) in states they may wish to pursue licensure prior to beginning study in a University of Western States academic program. NC-SARA provides a professional licensure directory for select professional licensure programs. If you experience difficulty finding the licensure requirements for your state, please contact the appropriate program director or dean for assistance.