State Authorization of Online Programs
State Authorization
Queens University of Charlotte is approved by North Carolina to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education and is an institutional participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement – North Carolina (SARA-NC).
Queens University of Charlotte aims to offer our online programs strategically across the United States as best suits student interest and need. Additionally, Queens works with states outside of SARA when necessary to ensure that required licensure or approvals are obtained.
While Queens makes every effort to monitor the laws in each state, both in the southern region and beyond, state authorization of online education is a complex and ever-changing setting and prospective students are strongly encouraged to monitor this site often for updates and changes. Should students have questions regarding the authorization of a program leading to licensure they may contact Queens University to discuss the specifics of that matter at 704-337-2200.
Student Complaint Policy
Queens University of Charlotte is committed to providing an educational climate that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each individual. In order to ensure that commitment, the University has developed procedures for students to pursue grievances within the university community, should such action become necessary. A student who has an unresolved disagreement or dissatisfaction with a faculty or staff member, another student, student group or administrator has the right to file a written complaint without prejudicing his or her status with the University. The complaint policy can be found in the University Catalog on page 23.
Definition
A complaint involves a concern, problem or issue other than a disciplinary measure. (The appropriate response to a disciplinary measure which is deemed unfair or excessive, or dissatisfaction with a grade, or progression, probation, or dismissal from a program, is an appeal, not a complaint. Appeals are made through established university procedures.) Complaints may be academic or nonacademic.
An academic complaint may be brought by a student regarding the University's provision of education and academic services affecting his/her role as a student. Academic grievances can include but are not limited to the following types of allegations: discriminatory action toward students within the classroom by a faculty member, e.g., by singling out specific students for either preferential or adverse treatment; failure of a faculty member to follow university policies in the conduct of classes or examinations; or capricious or unreasonable arbitrary actions by a faculty member that adversely affects student performance. The student must have first attempted to resolve the issue by approaching the faculty member, and then the faculty member's dean, before filing a written complaint. A nonacademic complaint may be brought by a student regarding a disagreement or unresolved dissatisfaction with a faculty or staff member, another student, student group or administrator. Nonacademic grievances can include but are not limited to the following types of allegations: issues regarding sexual harassment, discrimination or an alleged infringement upon the rights or sensibilities of an individual by a university employee, student or student organization. The student must first have attempted to resolve the issue by approaching the person(s) involved, and then the appropriate dean or supervisor, before filing a written complaint.
Disability Discrimination
Any student who believes that a University employee has discriminated against him/her due to a disability should file a grievance with the Manager of Student Disability Services within ten days from the date of the alleged incident. For the complete process and policy information see the Student Disability Services page on the Website.
Process
The student is encouraged to attempt to resolve all grievances at the lowest possible level. The student should first discusses the problem or complaint with the person whose decision or action is being contested and then with the person's dean or supervisor. If the grievance cannot be resolved at that level, the student can submit a formal complaint in writing. A complaint must be based on a claimed violation of a university rule or policy that has not been resolved through ordinary processes.
Any student who brings a complaint has the burden of proof and must provide documentation and evidence to support the allegation. A complaint should normally be filed within 10 working days of the incident or incidents. (Note: This policy does not limit the University's right to change rules, policies or practices.) The student should put his or her grievance in writing according to the following guidelines: What is the grievance? Identify it. What are the grounds for the grievance? Explain the basic justification for it based on a claimed violation of a university rule or policy. How would you like to see it resolved? What do you want done?
For academic grievances (other than disability issues) the student will submit the complaint in writing to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will ensure that the complaint receives a timely response. The student may appeal the response in writing to the President of the University within 10 days. The results of complaints appealed to this level are final and may not be further appealed. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will keep on file a record of each complaint, its nature and resolution.
For non-academic grievances (other than disability issues), the student will submit the complaints in writing to the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students will ensure that the complaint receives a timely response. A record of each complaint, its nature, and resolution, will be forwarded to the Academic Affairs office. Students in the undergraduate program should also see the online Student Handbook.
Grievance Resolution
For a full description of the student complaint process at Queens University of Charlotte, please view the procedures as stated in the Academic Catalog.
Complaints may be submitted to:
Vice President of Academic Affairs
academicaffairs@queens.edu | 704-337-2243
1900 Selwyn Ave
Charlotte, NC 28274
704-337-2579
pillarg@queens.edu
Federal regulations require us to provide prospective and current students with contact information for filing complaints with the appropriate agency in the state where the student resides. In the unlikely event that the issue is not resolved internally at Queens University of Charlotte, students enrolled in online programs may file complaints with other agencies.
Online Students Living in NC
North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints
The State Authorization Unit of the University of North Carolina System Office serves
as the official state entity to receive complaints concerning post-secondary institutions
that are authorized to operate in North Carolina. Complaints received against post-secondary
institutions licensed in the state of North Carolina, including Queens University,
will be forwarded to the appropriate agency for action. If you are unable to resolve
your complaint through Queens’ grievance procedures, please consult the NCPS-EC Student Complaint Policy for more information on how to complete a complaint form. For more information, send an email to: studentcomplaint@northcarolina.edu.
North Carolina Office of PostSecondary Education Complaints
C/o Student Complaints
910 Raleigh Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2688
(919) 962-4558
https://www.northcarolina.edu/post-secondary-education-complaints/
Complaint Process for North Carolina Department of Justice
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint process at Queens University,
you may choose to file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice.
To file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice, please visit the State Attorney General’s webpage.
The online complaint form for the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice.
North Carolina residents may call 877-566-7226. Outside of North Carolina, please call 919-716-6000. En Español 919-716-0058.
If you choose to mail a complaint, please use the following address:
Consumer Protection Division
Attorney General’s Office
9001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-9001
Out of State Online Students
If you live outside of North Carolina in a state currently participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) and you are unable to resolve a complaint with Queens or feel that not all issues were resolved with the final disposition, you may file a complaint with your home state. View contact information for each State Authorization Agency per state.
To see if your home state is a NC-SARA member, please review the state map. If a student desires to contact the state portal entity for their home state, contact information for each state authorization liaison in a SARA approved state can be located on the NC-SARA website.
Queens University of Charlotte is approved by North Carolina 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.
SACSCOC Student Complaint Process
Students whose complaint remains unresolved through the internal process at Queens
University, also have the right to contact Queens University of Charlotte’s accreditor: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Learn more about the SACSCOC complaint procedure.
The contact information for SACSCOC is:
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097
Telephone: 404-679-4500
http://www.sacscoc.org/
In addition to Queens' SACSCOC Accreditation, many of our online academic programs are accredited by other regulatory bodies including:
- The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master's degree program in nursing at Queens University of Charlotte are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
SARA-NC Complaint Process
Queens University is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement - North
Carolina (SARA-NC), which is the portal for the North Carolina. Students may also
file a grievance through SARA-NC complaints unit. Students should follow the SARA-NC Complaint Process and use the SARA-NC Complaint Form.
Please note: SARA-NC does not resolve complaints about student grades and student conduct violation.
These complaints fall under the jurisdiction of institutional policy.
SARA North Carolina
North Caroline State Education Assistance Authority
c/o SARA North Carolina
P.O. Box 41349
Raleigh, NC 27629
Toll-free Telephone: (855) SARA-1-NC (727-2161), toll free
Telephone: (919) 248-4667, local
http://www.saranc.org/
Fax: 919-248-6667
Email for complaints: complaint@saranc.org
Email for all other inquiries: information@saranc.org
Program Information by State
Currently, Queens offers the following online programs:
- Flexible Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MA)
- Flexible Master of Arts in Communication (MA)
- Online Master of Health Administration (MA)
- Online RN-BSN (BSN)
- Additionally, the on-ground Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Therapy program at Queens offers an internship component that may be completed out-of-state.
The following state authorization information applies to these programs at Queens. Queens University of Charlotte is committed to complying with other states' authorization regulations. The color-coded map below identifies Queens University of Charlotte's status for each state.
Color KeyGreen Blue
Grey |
Additional Information by State
California: The state of California is NOT a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
Texas: Queens University of Charlotte is not regulated in Texas under Chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code and therefore does not fall under the purview of the Texas Workforce Commission. The online MBA and MA in Communication are compliant with the Texas Higher Education Commission regulations. Special licensure requirements may apply in Texas for the online MSN and MA in Educational Leadership. Contact Admissions at 866-313-2356 to discuss licensure requirements for your state.
International Students
The recognition of foreign degrees, credentials, and online degrees awarded by foreign colleges and universities varies widely across countries. Whereas certain countries recognize foreign degrees and credentials, others do not. Queens University of Charlotte makes every attempt to monitor regulatory requirements related to international authorization for distance education. It is the student's responsibility, however, to determine whether or not a Queens University of Charlotte degree will be recognized by a foreign country for the purpose of employment or enrollment in other educational programs.
Professional Licensure Disclosures
In order to comply with U.S. Department of Education regulations, all higher education institutions are required to advise students as to whether their curriculum provides them with the eligibility to apply for a professional license and/or certification in the state for which they plan to practice. If you are not a resident of North Carolina, and you are taking an online course or program leading to professional licensure, Queens University cannot guarantee whether the course or program meets requirements for professional licensure in your state. Queens University recommends that you consult with our program contact or the appropriate licensing agency or board in your state or territory – including states participating in NC-SARA – prior to beginning your course of study.
Each state is unique in its educational licensure requirements. Queens University is willing to discuss with students or prospective students their respective or prospective degree options. Please contact us at 704-337-2200. For more information on state requirements for obtaining educational licensure in a specific state, please consult the state list found on the Professional Licensure page.
General disclosures of programs by state.
Elementary, Middle and Secondary Teacher Education
US Department of Education
Teacher Education Professional Licensure Boards State by State
Dixie Abernathy
1900 Selwyn Ave
Charlotte, NC 28274
abernathyd@queens.edu
704-688-2759
Nursing
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Nursing Professional Licensure Boards State by State
Dr. Annette Hines
1900 Selwyn Ave
Charlotte, NC 28274
hinesa@queens.edu
704-337-2369