The University of Nebraska at Kearney is an approved institutional participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). This membership allows UNK to offer distance education programs to students in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Through NC-SARA, UNK is authorized to operate in all participating states and territories. California, which has not joined the NC-SARA initiative, independently authorizes UNK to offer distance education programs to California residents.
As a nationally-recognized institution serving students across the country, UNK complies with state regulations governing the delivery of distance education by maintaining required approvals or exemptions in each state or territory, as applicable. In certain locations, UNK qualifies for exemptions from formal state authorization where state regulations permit institutions meeting specific criteria to operate without separate approval.
UNK's participation in NC-SARA ensures consistent consumer protections for students and simplifies the process for learners to access online programs offered outside their home state.
In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education Federal Guideline 34 CFR §600.9(c), programs leading to licensure and and/or certification required for entry into the profession are listed online at unk.edu/academics/licensure.php. The states in which the program fulfills educational requirements necessary for licensure or certification are identified.
The University of Nebraska System is an organization with strong values of responsibility and integrity. Our Code of Ethics contains general guidelines for conducting business with the highest standards of ethics.
The University is committed to providing a safe, secure, and ethical working and learning environment and is striving for a community where open, honest communications are the expectation, not the exception. The University relies on you to speak up if you believe you have observed unethical, illegal, or suspicious behavior.
If you have a complaint involving the University of Nebraska System, the right next step depends on your campus and where you live. This page is designed to help you identify the appropriate complaint pathway.
Students should begin with their department, college, or campus complaint process. Students can find these processes on their department or College websites.
All students may also use the EthicsPoint Reporting Tool or by phone, 844-348-9584 (dial toll-free within the United States). Complaints may be made anonymously if so desired.
Start by contacting your department/college/campus to discuss your complaint or use the EthicsPoint Reporting Tool (EthicsPoint may also be contacted by phone toll free in the US at 844-348-9584).
If the issue is not resolved at the campus level, you may file a complaint with the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE) using their process.
Start by contacting your department/college/campus to discuss your complaint or use the EthicsPoint Reporting Tool (EthicsPoint may also be contacted by phone toll free in the US at 844-348-9584).
If the issue is not resolved at the campus level, you may file a complaint with the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE) using their process. CCPE is Nebraska’s SARA portal agency. If there are concerns about Nebraska’s compliance with SARA policies, an appeal may be directed to MHEC, and then to NC-SARA if needed. Refer to the process below for specifics:
If there are concerns that Nebraska is not abiding by SARA policies, appeal to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC).
If there are concerns that MHEC is not ensuring that Nebraska is abiding by SARA standards, appeal to NC-SARA (see Regulatory Contact Information section below).
Start by contacting your department/college/campus to discuss your complaint or use the EthicsPoint Reporting Tool (EthicsPoint may also be contacted by phone toll free in the US at 844-348-9584).
If the issue is not resolved at the campus level, you should then follow the complaint procedures identified by your state of residence. Currently, the State of California and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands do not participate in SARA. Students located in those states should follow their state’s procedures.
Students who reside in the State of California may file complaints with the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Consumer Information Center by printing and filing a complaint form or using the online complaint form.
The agency’s contact information is:
Currently, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands is not in compliance with Federal Regulation 34 CFR § 600.9(c)(2). Contact the Commonwealth for additional information.
Students may also review complaint options through the University’s accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, where appropriate.
Students should attempt to resolve complaints through the established campus process before pursuing external complaint options whenever appropriate.
In compliance with US Department of Education regulations, procedures for filing grievances, complaints, or concerns are put in place to ensure you receive an expeditious, fair, and amicable resolution to your situation.
We ask that you first exhaust all possible internal avenues for resolution before filing complaints with external agencies.
In the unlikely event an issue cannot be resolved, you may follow procedures outlined by the University of Nebraska. Follow the correct procedures for whether you are a Nebraska resident or a resident of another state.
All students may also use the EthicsPoint Reporting Tool or by phone, 844-348-9584 (dial toll-free within the United States). Complaints may be made anonymously if so desired.
Policy and Procedure Resources
