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Contact UsState Authorization at MSU Denver
In order to offer educational opportunities outside of Colorado – including via online education and through courses like internships, clinical placements, or student teaching – MSU Denver must comply with applicable state and federal regulations relating to state authorization. Compliance with these regulations also assist the university in fulfilling its mission as a comprehensive public research university and ensures continued access to the education we provide, while allowing us to push beyond traditional academic boundaries.
As a participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), MSU Denver is able to offer distance-learning programs—including online courses and supervised field experiences—to students located outside of Colorado. This participation streamlines access for students across state lines while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance. Importantly, state authorization serves as a consumer protection mechanism, ensuring that institutions offering out-of-state education meet regulatory requirements unique to each jurisdiction. It safeguards student interests and institutional integrity.
Student Complaints & Grievances
Please note that complaints relating to grades or student misconduct will not be reviewed by the aforementioned agencies. These complaints must be reviewed through University procedures as noted here. Allegations of fraud and other criminal misconduct against the University can be directed to the state attorney general or other designated entities in the state where the student is located.
Students located in SARA-member states, territories or the District of Columbia: Students enrolled in a course or program that takes place outside of Colorado (including but not limited to online, internship, practicum, or clinical placement) and in another SARA-member state, territory, or the District of Columbia must first seek resolution with MSU Denver by filing a complaint with the appropriate person or office at the university. If the student bringing the complaint is not satisfied with the outcome of the university’s internal processes, complaints—including those relating to allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity, the veracity of marketing materials, complete and accurate admission requirements for courses and programs, transfer, job placement rates, tuition and fees, etc. (see section 4 in the SARA Policy Manual for the complete list of consumer protection issues)—may be brought to the Colorado State Portal Entity at the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
Students who are located outside Colorado while enrolled in courses or programs at MSU Denver should also be aware that they may submit complaints to the State Portal Entity in the state where they are physically located, as permitted by that state’s SARA policies.
Heather DeLange
Director – Office of Private Postsecondary Education
Colorado Department of Higher Education
1600 Broadway, Suite 2200 Denver, CO 80202
Resolution of the complaint by the Colorado Department of Higher Education is final.
Students located in California while enrolled in education offered by MSU Denver may file a complaint with the Colorado Department of Higher Education, as noted above, or with the California Department of Consumer Affairs:
California Department of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Information Center
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-112
Sacramento, CA 95834
p: (833) 942-1120
For additional questions about how SARA consumer protection provisions assist students, please review NC-SARA’s Student Complaint Process.
If all other avenues provided have been exhausted, unresolved complaints may be filed with the Higher Learning Commission, the University’s accreditor.
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
Telephone: 800-621-7440
If you have any questions about State Authorization, SARA and how this may affect you and your education at MSU Denver, please contact [email protected].