State Authorization & Licensure Disclosures

What is State Authorization?

State authorization refers to federal, state and professional licensing board regulations that impact educational activities offered across state lines and programs that lead to professional licensure or certification. Compliance with these regulations ensures that a Chaminade University of Honolulu degree will be recognized.

Authorization requirements vary by state and program and may impact university operations. At Chaminade University, we are dedicated to researching regulations, seeking and maintaining compliance, and communicating changes in authorization status.

NC-SARA

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.

Chaminade University was approved as a SARA institution in 2020.

To learn more about SARA, visit nc-sara.org.

SARA State Complaint Process

Students enrolled in a course that takes place outside of Hawaii in a SARA member state must first follow Chaminade University’s Academic Grievance Procedure for the resolution of complaints. If a student is not satisfied with the outcome of that process, a complaint involving allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity, including the provision of false or misleading information, may be brought to the Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program. The SARA portal entity in the state where the student is located will be notified that the complaint was received and may assist as needed.

Examples of types of student complaints that may be brought to a SARA portal entity include, but are not limited to, complaints regarding accuracy of job placement data, tuition or fee information, accreditation, whether a program meets professional licensing requirements, or course transfer information. Grade appeals and student conduct appeals should be addressed through the Chaminade University Academic Grievance procedures or Student Code of Conduct.

Non-SARA State Complaints

Students participating in a course that takes place in a non-SARA state may file a complaint with the Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program or may file a complaint in the state where the student is located.

Determination of Student Location

For the purpose of Professional Licensure and Certification disclosures, a student’s location is the state listed in the student’s address section when the student is accepted into a program that customarily leads to licensure/certification.

Professional Licensure & Certification Disclosures for On-campus and Online Programs

The curriculum for programs customarily leading to licensure at Chaminade University have been designed to meet the licensure/certification requirements in Hawaii as well as preparing students to apply for licensure exams in Hawaii. The licensure boards in each state are responsible for establishing the requirements for licensure/certification for their state. Completion of a Chaminade University program may not meet education requirements for a license or certification in another state.

Students who intend to return or move to any state other than Hawaii need to review the professional licensure disclosures pertaining to their program and consult with the state professional licensing board. The state professional licensing boards make the ultimate decision as to whether or not an individual will be eligible to sit for licensure based on the rules and regulations in place at the time the individual submits their application for licensure.

If your program leads to a professional license or certification, authorization may be required from the state professional licensing board prior to beginning a clinical or field experience in that state.

Chaminade University makes every effort to ensure information about educational requirements for licensure or certification information is current; however, state requirements may change. Separate from educational requirements, state licensure boards may require applicants to complete professional examinations, background checks, years of professional experience, etc. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Hawaii, it is strongly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements before beginning an academic program.

Click through the links to review whether a Chaminade University licensure or certification program meets educational requirements for licensure or certification in each state.