The following steps are provided to assist you in the application process:

• STEP 1: The institution’s representative should go to the NC-SARA website and download the appropriate document: Institution_Application_Final_1.8.21_1.pdf. When completing the appropriate application, please do not check the boxes under the heading, “STATE Entity to complete this column”. That column is reserved for the State Portal Agency. Also please download the NC-SARA Manual. It can be found at: https://www.nc-sara.org/content/sara-manual.
• STEP 2: In addition to the documents from STEP 1, a “Memorandum of Understanding between the Alabama State Portal Agent (ASPA) and the Institution” should be downloaded and completed. The Initial Application MOU can be found at https://ache.edu/wp-content/SARA/Initial-MOU.pdf. The Renewal Application MOU can be found at https://ache.edu/wp-content/Sara/Renewal-MOU.pdf
• STEP 3: Upon completion of the NC-SARA Application and the ASPA MOU, submit both in hard copy along with an institutional warrant (check) for the state service portal fee (only) based upon full-time enrollment (FTE) for the institution as provided on the scale within the MOU. Warrants (checks) should be made out to “State of Alabama (ACHE-ASPA).” All documents and warrants (checks) should be mailed to the attention of Ron Leonard at one of the following addresses: Physical Location: Alabama Commission on Higher Education, 100 North Union Street, Suite 782 Montgomery, AL 36104-3758. Mailing address: P.O. Box 302000, Montgomery, AL 36130-2000 
• STEP 4: Upon receipt of the SARA application, MOU, and ASPA fee payment, the ASPA will notify the institutional contact that the review is being conducted. If approved for membership, the ASPA will notify the institution by email and NC-SARA through the SalesForce System. The institution does not need to submit its application to NC-SARA. If denied membership, the ASPA will notify the institution of the decision and circumstances of the decision. 
• STEP 5: With the completion of the registration review process by the ASPA, the institutional representative must register in the NC-SARA System and pay national fees using the “SalesForce” link provided by NC-SARA once they receive notice of SPA approval. Once payment is made and confirmed at the aforementioned site, the institution will be notified. NC-SARA provides two means of payment: credit card or institutional check. Upon posting, the institution will receive a “welcome letter” from NC-SARA.

All institutions participating in SARA are encouraged to continue reviewing the NC-SARA website and the Alabama Commission On Higher Education’s website ache.edu for updated information and available student complaint information.

Thank you for your application. Allow me to wish you good luck and welcome to SARA. You may contact me at Ron.Leonard@ache.edu if you have questions. All inquires should be from the reciprocity institutional representative.