State Regulatory Compliance

Approved by:  Office of Academic Affairs

History:  Updated: January 17, 2017, June 2022                                            

Related Policies:  Complaints and Grievances

Related Forms, Procedures and References:  Minnesota Office of Higher Education | Higher Learning Commission | State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement

For Questions Contact:  Academic Affairs - Assistant Provost | 651.690.6720


St. Catherine University is required to comply with any state regulations before educational activity can take place within that state. The regulations for any given state and St. Kate’s ability to comply with them determine whether St. Kate’s may offer students enrollment in a course or program. Educational activities that are regulated include offering 100% online courses and programs, and online and/or campus-based courses that include activities such as internships, externships, field experiences, student teaching and clinical placements.

St. Kate’s participates in the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). Minnesota became a SARA state in January, 2015 and St. Catherine University became a SARA Institution in March, 2015, allowing students from NC-SARA approved states* to enroll in:

  • Online degree programs that may or may not include internships, field experiences, student teaching and/or clinical experiences
  • Campus-based programs with out-of-state internships, field experiences, student teaching and/or clinical experiences

Students from non-SARA states may also enroll in online degree programs that may include lab skills and internships, field experiences, student teaching and/or clinical experiences. For all students, California, Texas and Virginia are currently the only states where lab requirements may be completed.

For detailed information, refer to St. Kate's State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement webpage.

*Although California does not belong to SARA, St. Kate’s is approved to enroll students from this state.