State Authorization/ Online Student Complaints

Online education is an integral part of Johnson C. Smith University’s program offerings. In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education State Authorization Requirements in Section 600.9(c) of the October 29, 2010, final program integrity rule, JCSU is pursuing authorization from states and territories beyond North Carolina’s borders to offer online courses to students who do not reside in North Carolina. JCSU will continue to monitor developments in other states and territories, and if authorization or licensure is or becomes necessary, the College will obtain approvals.

Johnson C. Smith University has authorizations or exemptions from the following states' online programs. If you reside in any of the states listed below, you may register for JCSU online classes, assuming all admission requirements and pre- or co-requisites are met:
- California
JCSU is also a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NCSARA) which allows students in participating states and territories to enroll in online distance education classes.

Johnson C. Smith University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Online Student Complaint Process

Johnson C. Smith University complies with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Comprehensive Standard 3.13.3 requires that each accredited institution maintain a record of student complaints received by the institution. The SACSCOC Student Complaint process is available for all students to review but students are advised to begin the process at the institutional level.

Johnson C. Smith University Complaint Policy

Students residing outside of the State of North Carolina while taking online courses from JCSU who desire to resolve an academic grievance or complaint should first follow JCSU ’s Student Grievance Procedure or the Student Complaint Procedure outlined in the University Catalog (p. 230-232).

JCSU Complaint Form»

Contact Information:

Karen D. Morgan, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Johnson C. Smith University
Charlotte's Premier Independent Urban University
100 Beatties Ford Road | Charlotte, NC 28216
Office: Biddle Hall – Suite 425
Office Phone: 704.330.1397
Email: kmorgan@jcsu.edu | www.jcsu.edu

The Licensure Division 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. If students are unable to resolve a complaint through the institution's grievance procedures, they can review the Student Complaint Policy (PDF), and complete the online Student Complaint Form.

North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints
c/o Student Complaints
University of North Carolina System Office
223 S. West Street, Suite 1800; Raleigh NC 27603
919.962.4558
https://www.northcarolina.edu/post-secondary-education-complaints
For more information, send an email to studentcomplaint@northcarolina.edu.

NC Independent Colleges & Universities Grievance Process

Should our internal grievance process fail to provide a satisfactory resolution, students may continue the grievance process with the Consumer Protection Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice.

File a complaint»

Grievances can be submitted electronically or by mail:
Consumer Protection Division
Attorney General’s Office
Mail Service Center 9001
Raleigh, NC 27699-9001
NC Residents: 877.566.7226
Outside of NC: 919.716.6000
En Español: 919.716.0058
https://ncdoj.gov
NC Attorney General's Office General Consumer Complaint Form

Out of State Compliance Agencies

Contact agencies in your state by using the links below.

Student Complaint Information by State and Agency»

Directory of State Authorization and Lead Contacts»

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Complain Procedures

However, if for some reason the complaint is not satisfactorily resolved, the next step would be to file a complaint with JCSU ’s accrediting agency. JCSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Students who file a complaint with the accrediting agency should follow the SACSCOC Complaint Procedure The contact information for SACSCOC is:

1866 Southern Lane,
Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097
Telephone: 404.679.4500
Website: http://www.sacscoc.org/

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement-North Carolina (SARA-NC) Complaint Process

Students may also file a complaint with SARA NC. SARA NC is the portal for North Carolina. Students should follow SARA-NC Complaint process and use the SARA-NC Complaint Form.

SARA-NC Contact Information:

SARA North Carolina
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority
P.O. Box 41349
Raleigh, NC 27629
T: 855.SARA.1.NC (727.2162)
T: 919.549.8614, ext. 4667
www.saranc.org

Complaint Form: https://www5.ncseaa.edu/SARANC/docs/SARA-NC-ComplaintForm.pdf
Complaint Process: https://www5.ncseaa.edu/SARANC/Complaint.html
Email: complaints@saranc.org

NC Department of Commerce: The NC Business and Occupational License Database: http://ncbold.com

Professional Licensure

Currently, Johnson C. Smith University does not offer an online program that leads to professional licensure.

NC SARA (National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) (JCSU is a member) has provided contact information for professional licensure offices in the United States for a limited number of academic disciplines.

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.

NC-SARA does not deal with professional licensing board approval for any courses or programs leading to professional licensure. If you are not a resident of North Carolina, and you are taking an online course or program leading to professional licensure, Johnson C. Smith University cannot guarantee whether the course or program meets requirements for professional licensure in your state.

Johnson C. Smith University recommends that you consult with our program contact, the appropriate national licensing bodies and/or review Johnson C. Smith’s status by state for your intended program below: