CREDIT: NC-SARA

On Jan. 19, 2016, Aurora University Online was welcomed as a participant by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) in the SARA initiative following the university’s approval by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

OK, there’s a lot of alphabet soup in that lead, but the bottom line is that online students here in Kane County, IL, as well as in 34 other states will see immediate benefits.

SARA is a nationwide initiative focused on establishing comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance-education courses and programs. At its core, the SARA collaborative is committed to making it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.

Stated another way, all learners living in 35 SARA-participating states now have access to AU Online programs.

“Aurora University is committed to community building and transforming lives through education. I am excited that our affiliation with SARA will enable us to build upon both of those principles and offer access to our exceptional courses, and outstanding faculty, to student learners beyond Chicagoland and even Illinois,” said Dr. Portia Ransom, academic dean of online programs at Aurora University.

Aurora University’s success in joining in the SARA initiative reflects the institution’s strategic commitment to expanding the reach of its engaging online learning programs well beyond its traditional market. Leading the expansion is Dr. Donna Liljegren, dean of online enrollment and continuing education.

“This approval allows us to work with diverse groups of learners around the country,” she said, “And we look forward to collaborating with them as they seek out new challenges and meet their personal and career goals.”

For more information about the SARA initiative and the progress of state and institutional membership, visit nc-sara.org.

About Aurora University

Founded in 1893, Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. We combine the wide range of programs expected at a university with the personal attention of a small college. Our award-winning faculty members are accessible; our partnerships with the community provide hands-on opportunities and internships; and our academic and support programs are designed to help students succeed.

AU is a four-year, nonprofit, independent, liberal arts, co-educational university. In addition to its main campus and the Orchard Center in Aurora, Illinois, AU offers programs online, at its George Williams College campus in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, and at the Woodstock Center in downtown Woodstock, Illinois. Learn more at aurora.edu. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Aurora University at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. Further information regarding Aurora University Online can be found at online.aurora.edu.