Compliance with State Authorizations
Affecting students who are legal residents of states other than Georgia:
The United States Government and individual states mandate that institutions offering distance education have the approval of each state to provide distance education to residents of that state. To meet these requirements, Georgia Highlands College (GHC) participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and is an approved NC-SARA institution in Georgia. As GHC does not have a “physical presence” in California, which is not a NC-SARA state, we meet the requirements to offer online programs and courses in that state.
While GHC acts in good faith to maintain authorization in all states, the state authorization process is dynamic and subject to change. As such, GHC continues to monitor potential federal and state changes and will update information on this site accordingly.
Professional Licensure
Georgia Highlands College does not offer any programs online which directly lead to professional licensure. The Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene and the Associate of Science in Nursing are traditional programs offered only at the Heritage Hall location in downtown Rome, Georgia.
A list of the GHC online programs approved the by the University System of Georgia can be found at either of the following sites.
Degrees available via distance learning technologies
Georgia Highlands College strives to provide applicants accurate state licensure information. Programs at GHC which lead to professional licensure typically require students to conduct field experiences, internships, or specific course work within the State of Georgia. Due to the timing of changes by states or licensing boards beyond our control, contact the GHC School which offers the program for guidance on the requirements for professional licensure in your home state. In addition, we strongly advise students to check with the appropriate state licensing board for their home state requirements. As a starting point, we recommend that students review the NC-SARA Professional Licensure Directory.
Complaint Process for Distance Education Students
GHC works to assist online students in resolving all difficulties with online classes by working with GHC faculty and staff. The following procedures exist for handling many complaints.
Incompletes and Grade Appeals
- GHC Grade of Incomplete Policy
- GHC Process for Appealing a Grade
- eCore Appeals and Complaints
- eMajor Appeals and Complaints
Student Grievance Policy
The first step in addressing a grievance with a GHC faculty or staff member is to contact that individual and try to work it out. A formal procedure exists for escalating grievances if necessary.
- GHC Student Grievance Policy:This is located on page 44 of the 2021-2022 Student Handbook
- Student Rights and Responsibilities
State-based Complaint Resolution Offices and Processes for Distance Education Students
Each state has a consumer office that handles complaints from distance education students. The one for Georgia is
Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission
2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220
Tucker, Georgia 30084-5305
770-414-3300
Consumer offices in other states may be found in The State Authorization Guide provided by NC-SARA. At that site, locate your state in the “Start with a State” box and select “Consumer Protection and Student Complaints” in the “Start with a Topic” box.
Additional Help
Students who have tried these avenues or have a complaint of a different kind may use the college’s Need Help ticket system to notify GHC’s eLearning team who can assist in the resolution of the issue.