Student Physical Location Process

NAU is required by federal regulations to document students’ physical location – the state, District of Columbia, or U.S territory they live – while enrolled in online courses/programs, enrolled in academic programs that lead to professional licensure, and for students enrolled in experiential activities.

Determining a Student’s Location

Upon admission to the university, students provide NAU with their physical location by noting the state, District of Columbia, or U.S territory they live.

At the beginning of each academic term (e.g., spring, summer, fall, and winter), all continuing students receive a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) critical message when they access the Central Authentication Service (CAS) to begin their enrollment process for the academic term. Students are asked to view the message to update their physical location for compliance purposes. Students continue to receive the message until they respond.

If a student changes the state, District of Columbia, or U.S territory they live, students should inform NAU by changing their physical location in LOUIE or they can complete and submit the change of location form.

NOTE: When a student changes their physical location, it does not impact the student’s ability to take online courses or continue in online programs. Please contact your academic program regarding potential impacts of your physical location change on “experiential” activities.

Updated: 4/3/2023