University-Wide State Authorization Policy Draft Released

Your comments, questions, and concerns have been heard. Over the past few months, the State Authorization Team collected thoughtful feedback from faculty and staff across the university on the draft state authorization policy. The policy now includes improvements that were inspired by the helpful feedback our team received, incorporating the recommendations into a second draft of the policy.

The state authorization policy is developed to be used as a tool to educate faculty and staff on state and territory requirements for offering education and activities within its borders. This policy will assist the Ohio State University in complying with authorization requirements and ensure that students can sit for licensure after completing a licensure track program. With this policy, we look to expand opportunities to offer Ohio State programs outside Ohio while maintaining the institution’s reputation and integrity.

The improvements to the policy include:

• Inclusion of college and unit level state authorization liaisons. State authorization liaisons will be identified at the associate dean level. Liaisons will serve as a point of contact for the State Authorization Team.
• Creation of the State Authorization Advisory Committee (SAAC). The committee is made up of faculty, deans, and unit representatives. The members will review physical presence activities in non-SARA states, assess risk, prioritize state authorization efforts, mitigate issues, and communicate next steps to the state authorization liaisons.
• Removal of international authorization language. Activities that take place outside the United States are no longer included in the policy. Additional research is required regarding international authorization requirements. The Office of International Affairs continues to coordinate on-the-ground activity outside the U.S.
• Clarification of State Authorization Team role. The draft clarifies that the State Authorization Team does not approve or disapprove activities taking place outside Ohio. The State Authorization Team will educate and support units, collect and report data, and seek necessary approvals.

To learn more about the changes to the policy and how it will impact your college or unit, email the State Authorization Team to attend an educational session. Educational sessions will be held:

• 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 30 – Thompson Library, room 204
• 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., Thursday, September 8 – Thompson Library, room 204

For more information, visit the State Authorization website.