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State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement

  • Temp Last Modified: 2024-09-20

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by post-secondary institutions based in another state. SARA is overseen by a National Council and administered by four regional education compacts. The Connecticut Office of Higher Education became a member of SARA in 2017, thus allowing CT State Community College to apply to be a member of SARA and to accept students from all SARA-approved states.

Student Complaints

Pursuant to federal regulations and the terms of SARA, the Office of Higher Education is responsible for the investigation and resolution of out-of-state students’ complaints against institutions of higher education based in Connecticut and offering distance education via SARA. Note that issues regarding student life, such as discipline, grading, etc., fall solely within the purview of the institution and are not generally investigated. Additionally, the Office of Higher Education does not investigate anonymous complaints or provide legal advice.  Currently, SARA institutions are to:

  • Apply the tuition refund policies of their home state to students located in other SARA states; and
  • For students located in non-SARA states, follow any relevant tuition refund policies of those states.

Within two years of the incident complained of, out-of-state students enrolled in a Connecticut institution via SARA may file a complaint in accordance with the following steps:

  1. The student must attempt to resolve the complaint by exhausting the institution’s established internal grievance procedures. These are usually published in the institution’s catalog, student handbook and/or posted on the institution’s website. Absent extenuating circumstances, the Office of Higher Education will not investigate complaints filed by students who have not first sought a resolution with the institution.
  2. If all remedies at the institutional level have been exhausted and the complaint is not resolved, the student may file a complaint with the Office of Higher Education. To file a complaint, please follow these procedures. All documentation for review related to the complaint must be provided by the student as part of the filing.
  3. The Office of Higher Education will process the complaint and provide copies of all documents filed with the complaint to the institution. The institution has 20 days to respond. After receiving a response and conducting an investigation, the Office of Higher Education will issue a findings report to all parties. The findings report is final.

If a Connecticut student is enrolled in a distance education program offered by a SARA institution based in another state, the student should contact the portal agency in that state to pursue the complaint process. Connecticut students enrolled in Connecticut institutions must first exhaust an institution’s established internal grievance procedures, and then should contact the Office of Higher Education prior to filing a complaint.

All correspondence, including institutional applications and student complaints, should be sent via email or post to:

SARA Coordinator
Office of Higher Education
450 Columbus Blvd, Suite 510
Hartford, CT 06105

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Mental Health Resources for Faculty and Staff

  • Temp Last Modified: 2024-03-24

Resources Available by Campus

Gateway

The Counseling & Wellness Center offers support to Gateway faculty and staff in the following topics:

Request a Workshop

Providing mental health workshops for faculty/staff is the main, direct way of collaborating between others on campus to provide leadership in student mental health. Workshops will be done throughout the Fall and Spring semesters made available to the GCC community. More specifically, faculty/staff can request a private workshop on specific subjects than can be given virtually. Some potential topics can include, but are not limited to self-care, how to build a support system, depression and anxiety, or the topic can be chosen by you.

Click Here For Form

To request a personal workshop please fill out the linked form a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. Please be sure to include the number of expected attendees, virtual or on campus, and possible dates.

Faculty/Staff Guide to Common Scenerios

SEEKING GUIDANCE OR ADVICE CONTACT
Student:
• Communication indicates having been a victim of a stalking,
harassment, hazing, or other crime.
• Communication reflects sexual assault or relationship violence.
Wellness Center
203-285-2480, N114
Acting Dean of Student Affairs
203-285-2210, N220
Student:
• Has not attended class for an extended period of time.
• Is overwhelmed by a problem with the university.
• Is debilitated or overwhelmed by a family emergency.
Student Success Center
203-285-2090, N213
Student:
• Substantially impairs, interferes with or obstructs orderly processes
and functions of the university.
• Deliberately interferes with instruction or office procedures.
Acting Dean of Student Affairs
203-285-2210, N220
REPORTING CONCERNING BEHAVIOR
Student:
• Does something significantly out of character.
• Acts peculiar and this is cause for alarm.
• Displays unhealthy or dangerous patterns of behavior.
• Appears to be under the influence or coping with the effects of
substance use.
Wellness Center
203-285-2480, N114
Submit an I-CARE Report
Security
203-285-2246
IMMEDIATE ACTION
Student:
• Threatening the safety of self or others.
• Acting in a frightening or threatening manner.
• Not leaving the classroom or office after being asked to leave.
Public Safety Officers
203-285-2246
Police
911

Virtual Resource Guide


Click Here For Guide

CARE Reports


Click Here For More Info

I-CARE Reports (Wellness Center)


Click Here For Form

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Open Houses

  • Temp Last Modified: 2025-02-21

Attending an open house at CT State can assist prospective students with admissions, registration, and finding out more about financial aid and free tuition. Click on a link below to let us know you are coming; families welcome. You can also view a fill list of all CT State enrollment events across the state.

Upcoming Open Houses

Interested in learning more about any of the CT State campuses in your area, and the programs of study they offer? Browse campuses.

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Registering for Motorcycle Rider Education Courses

  • Temp Last Modified: 2024-10-29

Steps to register for motorcycle rider education courses vary depending on the campus. See upcoming courses and registration instructions below according to the campus where you plan to take your course.

    • Registering for Gateway Motorcycle Courses

    • Quick Links

      Please note that these forms are applicable only to the Gateway motorcycle rider program.

      To register for a motorcycle course on the Gateway campus please follow these steps:

      • Fill out the Motorcycle Rider Inquiry Form
        • The program coordinator will provide a link to register via email after form is submitted
        • Payment request will be made after registration with instructions
        • E-course instructions will be provided after payment is received and verified
      • Waiver Form (please fill out the applicable version):
      • For questions, please contact CT State Gateway via email: gw-motorcyclehelp@gwcc.commnet.edu
    • Registering for Manchester Motorcycle Courses

    • Quick Links

      Please note that these forms are applicable only to the Manchester motorcycle rider program.

      To complete registration, complete two application forms which include data on your top three choices and turn in forms in-person in the drop box outside of the Continuing Education Main Office (Located on the wall, next to LRC B147 (1stFloor)). Park in the West Lot and enter the main lobby through the AST front doors. Take a right as you enter and walk towards the LRC wing. The drop box is labeled “MCC Motorcycle Program Registrations.”

      Applications must be turned in with a money order or a check. We do not accept credit cards because a student needs to be registered first before a payment can be made.

      For questions, please contact CT State Manchester via email: matceinfo@ctstate.edu

      • View upcoming Motorcycle Rider Education courses and schedules.
      • Fill out the Motorcycle Rider Program Application
      • Fill out the Waiver Form (please fill out the applicable version): 
      • Please check the room location on the confirmation letter that will be emailed to you after you have been enrolled in your course and allow enough time to find your classroom when you arrive on campus.
      • The on-cycle sessions are held at one of two Manchester locations: on the Manchester Campus (Parking Lot A) or at the Commuter Parking Lot near the Shoppes at Buckland Hills. The location of your on-cycle sessions will be noted on your email confirmation letter and will also be announced during the first classroom session at CT State Manchester.
    • Registering for Naugatuck Valley Motorcycle Courses

    • Quick Links

      Please note that these forms are applicable only to the Naugatuck Valley motorcycle rider program.

      To register for a motorcycle course on the Naugatuck Valley campus please follow these steps:

      • See course schedule.
      • Fill out the registration form with a payment method included.
      • Registration forms may be submitted via mail, fax, or drop off at CT State-Naugatuck Valley 750 Chase Parkway Rm F323 Waterbury, CT or faxed to 203-575-8243. Payments are included in the application.
      • Once registered, students receive a confirmation email with access to the online class.
    • Registering for Quinebaug Valley Motorcycle Courses

    • Quick Links

      Please note that these forms are applicable only to the Quinebaug Valley motorcycle rider program.

      Thank you for your interest in the CT State Quinebaug Valley Basic Rider course. Please follow the instructions below to complete your registration for the upcoming Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course. 

      • Complete the Online Registration Form
        • Select “Quinebaug Valley” as your college o Include the CRN number listed on the schedule.
        • The course name is “Motorcycle,” and the tuition/fee is $240.
        • Select your top three course date preferences. Registration is processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and your first choice may already be full.
      • Receive Confirmation and Payment Instructions
        • You will receive an email confirming your registration along with payment instructions. Payment is required at this stage.
      • Access the Required e-Course
        • Once your payment is processed, you will receive a link to the mandatory five-hour e-course.
      • Complete and Submit Required Documents
        • Required Waivers: Prior to your in-person session, complete the eCourse and bring a printed certificate of completion along with the required waiver form. These documents must be submitted on the day of your course to proceed.
    • Registering for Tunxis Motorcycle Courses

    • Quick Links

      Please note that these forms are applicable only to the Tunxis motorcycle rider program.

      To register for a motorcycle course on the Tunxis campus please follow these steps:

    • Email tx-motorcycle-tunxis@ctstate.edu with questions or for more information.

      Notes

      • We do not accept card payments – please submit registrations with a check or money order. Alternatively, we can send you directions to an online payment portal after registration.
      • Note: Classes are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please select two or three preferred course sections to help ensure entry into a class. You will be enrolled in your second or third choice if your higher choices are full. Make sure all dates fit your schedule.
      • Confirmation of the section that you are enrolled in, will be sent to the email you provided in the registration form – allow 2-3 days processing. Please be sure that it is a valid email address that you regularly check and allow filters to receive the CT State Tunxis email. There will be no confirmations sent via U.S. mail, text, or phone.
      • If enrolling with a friend, all registrations must be received together.
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Student Demographics

  • Temp Last Modified: 2024-09-26

Gender and Race/Ethnicity

AY2324

Fall 2024

Women

60%

61%

U.S. Nonresident

1%

1%

Hispanic/Latino

31%

34%

American Indian or Alaska Native

0.2%

0.3%

Asian

4%

4%

Black or African American

17%

18%

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

0.2%

0.1%

White

39%

35%

Two or more races

4%

4%

Race and ethnicity unknown

4%

3%

Men

40%

39%

U.S. Nonresident

1%

1%

Hispanic/Latino

26%

29%

American Indian or Alaska Native

0.2%

0.2%

Asian

5%

5%

Black or African American

14%

15%

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

0.1%

0.1%

White

45%

41%

Two or more races

4%

4%

Race and ethnicity unknown

5%

5%

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