UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State and Pennsylvania are co-hosting a free virtual workshop this November that focuses on state authorization topics for Pennsylvania institutions participating in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
The PA-SARA Workshop will be held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. Penn State Outreach and Online Education’s Office of Compliance and Contracts and Pennsylvania’s Department of Education are co-hosting the event for the ninth straight year.
This annual workshop gathers higher education professionals from across Pennsylvania who specialize in authorization for distance education. Attendees will receive updates from national and state leaders, network with peers and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Registration is open until Thursday, Nov. 7, and is available at the workshop’s website.
“We are once again pleased to offer this important event online and free of charge, ensuring its continued availability,” said Teri Spence, director of the Outreach and Online Education Office of Compliance and Contracts.
This year’s speakers include:
- Gina Wetten, higher education associate, Pennsylvania Department of Education
- Jennifer Stone, higher education associate, Pennsylvania Department of Education
- Lynette Kuhn, chief for the Division of Higher Education, Access and Equity, Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- Marianne Boeke, president, NC-SARA.
- Jeannie Yockey-Fine, general counsel, NC-SARA.
- Rachel Christeson, director for Research and Data Analysis, NC-SARA.
- Cheryl Dowd, senior director, State Authorization Network & WCET Policy Innovations.
- Elisa Jaden, director for the Southern Regional Education Board region to NC-SARA.
“Hosting this conference allows us to engage and network with colleagues across the commonwealth, discussing topics specific to Pennsylvania. This unique opportunity provides one-on-one time with some of the most knowledgeable people in the field,” said Shawna Pryle, compliance specialist in the Office of Compliance and Contracts.
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements offer a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. States that join SARA agree to follow uniform processes for approving their eligible institutions’ participation and for dealing with institutions from other states. More than 2,400 colleges and universities nationwide participate in SARA.
Visit the workshop’s website to register and find more information.