State Authorization Requirements for Distance or Correspondence Education
On October 29, 2010, the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) released new program integrity regulations. One of the regulations focused on the need for an institution offering distance or correspondence education to acquire authorization from any outside state in which it operates. This authorization is required to maintain eligibility for students of that state to receive federal financial aid. Institutions have until July 1, 2013, to obtain the appropriate approvals. Meanwhile, an institution is required to demonstrate a "good faith" effort to comply in each state in which it serves students, and states with regulations in place expect that institutions already be in compliance with their regulations before serving any students in those states.
What The University of Mississippi Is Doing
The University of Mississippi continues to work toward obtaining authorization to enroll students from other states. However, due to authorization and review processes associated with some states, we may be limited in our ability to accept some distance learning course enrollments.
The University of Mississippi may accept enrollments for distance or correspondence education from the following states and territories:
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Alaska |
Delaware |
Kentucky |
North Carolina |
Virginia |
If your state is not listed above, please contact online@olemiss.edu if you have questions about the current status of your state with regard to this USDOE state authorization requirement. The University of Mississippi is in the process of gaining authorization from other states. Depending on the outcome of this process the university could notify students residing in a particular state that they are not eligible to register for distance education course. In cases where University of Mississippi students are affected, the university will provide assistance to students to resolve this matter.
