Compliance, Authorization, and Complaint Process
U.S. Department of Education Compliance
The U.S. Department of Education released integrity regulations on October 29, 2010, requiring institutions that offer distance education to students in another state to obtain authorization from that particular state. States with specific regulations expect institutions to have this authorization to serve students residing in their state.
State Authorization and Complaint Process
Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). This membership allows residents from participating SARA states to enroll in IVCCD’s online programs.
- Every state in the union except California participates in SARA. Students in the other 49 states, as well as outlying territories are eligible to enroll in our online courses or programs.
- Programs that require students to complete an internship or field placement are considered non-professional licensing and may be completed in one of the participating SARA states.
Complaint Process
Students who have complaints must first attempt to resolve the situation within the institution. Online students are asked to contact the most accessible college representative to begin the process and in an effort to quickly resolve the situation. This may include the faculty member or an advisor.
If the faculty member or advisor cannot assist, you are then asked to contact the Dean of Distance Learning regarding the complaint. It is the desire of the College to resolve any concern quickly and efficiently with a student. Most situations can be resolved through the internal process.
SARA State Residents
If you are a student residing in a SARA state and your situation cannot be resolved internally, according to the SARA Complaint Process, please contact the Iowa SARA State Portal Agency to address your concerns.
Important SARA Guideline Note
Please note that according to the SARA guidelines, student complaints about grades or student conduct may not be appealed to the portal agency. Therefore, online students must contact the Dean of Distance Learning at IVCCD to work through the issue.
Dean of Distance Learning
Pete Drury
641-844-5758
Iowa SARA State Portal Agency Contact
If you have a complaint not pertaining to student conduct or grades, and were not able to resolve it within the institution, the portal agency to contact is:
Bureau of Iowa College Aid, Iowa Department of Education
400 E. 14th St. | Des Moines, IA 50319-0416
877-272-4456
Iowa Department of Education website
Student Complaints Webpage