Distance Learning / SARA Agreement

Professional Licensure and State Disclosures

The following information is provided in compliance with state regulations related to higher education.  Some state laws require an institution to provide students with specific disclosures.  The following statements are presented in order to comply with these requirements.  Students enrolled in Albizu online programs and residing in the states listed should review this information.

In compliance with the current federal regulations, in particular sections 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v) and 34 CFR 668.43 (c) “Professional Licensure Notifications”, we inform you that Albizu University is in the process of determining whether the curricula of its academic programs that require licenses or professional certification to practice the profession, meet the requirements established for these purposes by the various states and territories of the United States, where our students are located.

The Institution will notify, in writing, all students, applicants, and potential students (collectively “Students”) who have contacted the Institution about a course or program, as to whether or not the Student’s successful completion of the course or program that customarily leads to professional licensure meets state licensing or post-licensing requirements (“Licensure Information”) where the Student is located.

The Student’s location for purposes of providing Licensure Information is where the Student is physically located at the time the Student is in contact with the Institution.  The location is based on where the student is receiving the instruction, not their legal State of residence.  The Institution will determine location based on the address provided by the Student at the time of inquiry or enrollment.  If a Student relocates, the Student must inform the Institution’s registrar’s office in writing of their new location in advance of the move, if possible, but in no case later than one week after changing location.

San Juan Campus	Registrar: Rosa Belvis Lopez	[email protected]
Mayaguez University Center	Registrar: Rosa Belvis Lopez	[email protected]
Miami Campus	Registrar: Rosa Belvis Lopez	[email protected]

 

Albizu University has in place the following process to determine student location address (Rev. April 2020)

• When the student applies for admission to the university, he/she needs to provide a location address to the Admissions’ Office.
• The student certify that the information provided is correct through the acceptance of disclosure in the admission application:
  • Do you certify the following? *I hereby certify that the information provided in this application is true, complete, and accurate. The University has my full permission to verify any information provided in this application or any submitted document regarding my abilities, character, reputation, previous education, employment, and any other relevant information. I hereby release all such parties from liability or damages caused by providing any information to Albizu University and/or its representatives

• If a student changes his/her location address once admitted and enrolled, they must update the information in our information system through Student Self Service. 

• The student certify that the information provided is correct through the acceptance of disclosure in Student Self-Service platform 
  • I hereby certify that the information provided for my location address is true, complete, and accurate. The University has my full permission to verify my location address provided thru Self Service or any submitted document regarding my contact information. I hereby release all such parties from liability or damages caused by providing any information to Albizu University, and/or its representatives.

If the Institution determines that a course or program does not meet requirements in the location where the Student is located, the Institution agrees to provide written notice within 14 days of making this determination.  If the Institution is unable to make such a determination, the Institution will notify the Student that the Institution cannot confirm the Licensure Information and will provide the Student current contact information for any applicable licensing boards in order for the student to attempt to independently determine whether the program meets licensure requirements where the student is located.

The Institution’s complaint resolution policies and procedures, as well as the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (“SARA”) complaint resolution policies and procedures, are provided here and are available to all students taking courses under SARA policies.

The Institution agrees to disclose enforcement actions and prosecutions brought against the Institution by a State or Federal law enforcement agency wherein a final judgment, if rendered, would result in an adverse action by an accrediting agency against the Institution, revocation of State authorization, or limitation, suspension, or termination of Title IV eligibility. 

Student Identity Verification in Distance Learning

The Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) system is a University authentication and security measure to ensure that accounts are managed more securely across University campuses. All students at Albizu University are provided with credentials with secure access to University systems, including for distance learning. New students claim their credentials during Orientation (in campus or online), after they are providing with their unique “Student ID” number. At the IT Department, automatically create their username and password (credentials) and provide them instructions on how they are built and how to reset or change their password as soon as they get them thru our Self-Service Rest Password System. As part of this set-up, the Identity Management system requires that the student create three secure questions and answers to be used in the event that students need to change their password or reclaim their credentials.

Students are responsible for providing their complete and identity information in any identification verification process. It is against University policy for a user to give someone his or her password or to allow others to use his or her account.  Students can access processes and policies through the LMS including the Protocol for Student Identity Verification in Distance Learning.

The Albizu University uses Blackboard as its learning management system. The Blackboard system integrates with University authentication services to ensure appropriate and secure student access to courses and other Student Information Systems. All users of the University’s learning management system are responsible for maintaining the security of credentials, or any other access credentials as required. Attempting to discover another user's password or attempts to gain unauthorized access to another person's files or email is prohibited.

In addition, the University’s Student Information System provides instructors access to class rosters that includes student photos associated with their name and account. Live audio and video of students interacting in the course is also a feature of the learning management system. As technology and personal accountability are not absolute in determining a student’s identity, faculty members are encouraged to use these technologies and to design courses that use assignments and evaluations that support academic integrity.

Distance Education Student Complaints and Grievances Process

Albizu University provides several means through which a student may address complaints and grievances.  Students are asked to consult their respective Campus Catalog or the General Policies and Disciplinary Procedures Handbook Policies, Procedures and Consumer Information for information on the appropriate grievance procedures. Students are urged to exhaust all possible internal avenues for resolution before filing complaints with external agencies.

To access the Student Complaint and Grievances form, please access the following section within our institutional webpage:  Student Services

In the unlikely event that an issue cannot be resolved internally, students may file a complaint with the following external agencies:

1. Institutional/Regional Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) 3624 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-2680.  Phone: 267-284-5000.  The following link provides information on the MSCHE complaint procedures. https://www.msche.org/complaints/
2. State Licensing Authority: If you are located outside of Puerto Rico (for students enrolled in programs at the San Juan Campus and Mayaguez University Center) or the state of Florida (for students enrolled in programs at the Miami Campus while attending Albizu University, in many cases you can file a complaint with an agency within your state of location. The following link provides a list of state agencies for filing student complaints and contact information:  https://www.nc-sara.org/state-portal-entity-contacts .
3. State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA): SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Institutions that participate in SARA are authorized to provide online and other distance education activities to students from all SARA member states. Institutions that choose to participate in SARA operate under a set of policies and standards overseen by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and administered by four regional higher education compacts. Albizu University has been approved by NC-SARA to participate in this reciprocity agreement.

Minimum Technology Requirements for Distance Learning

 When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technology needed to have a successful course. We recommend that you meet the technical requirements below when using the learning management system (LMS) of the University.

Note: For additional required hardware or software requirements for your course(s), contact your instructor or refer to the Information Technology Office (ITS) for additional information on their requirements.

Online Proctoring using Honorlock – Student Guide

All online courses offered by Albizu University features online proctoring through Honorlock. This means that for tests and exams, a live proctor will use your computer’s webcam to observe you taking the test to ensure the integrity of the test. Here are some frequently asked questions about Honorlock and online proctoring.