Department or Program Substantive Changes

Reporting Procedures

(see SACSCOC Substantive Change policy for more detail)

(P1):  Procedure One – requires review of substantive changes requiring notification and approval prior to implementation of significantly different program. Procedure One may require notification, a prospectus and a site visit.

(P2):  Procedure Two – requires review of substantive changes requiring only notification prior to implementation of significantly different program.

(P3):  Procedure Three – requires review and approval of program or instructional site closure.

Department or program changes include: ​

Procedure One

• Adding courses or programs that represent a significant departure, either in content or method of delivery
• Altering significantly (≥ 50%) the length of a program
• Substantially increasing the number of clock or credit hours awarded for successful completion of a program or changing from clock hours to credit hours
• Initiating degree completion programs
• Initiating a certificate program at an employer’s request and on short notice that represents a significant departure
• Initiating a certificate program that represents a significant departure (≥ 25% new courses)
• Expanding program offerings at previously approved off-campus sites that are significantly different (≥ 50%) from current programs at the site and at the institution
• Initiating joint degree programs with an institution not accredited by SACSCOC
• Initiating off-campus sites (including Early College High School and dual enrollment programs offered at the high school) at which student can obtain 50% or more credits toward program

Procedure Two

• Initiating joint degree programs with another SACSCOC accredited institution
• Initiating dual degree programs
• Initiating programs or courses offered through contractual agreement or consortium
• Initiating off-campus sites (including Early College High School and dual enrollment programs offered at the high school) at which student can obtain 25-49% of credit toward program
• Initiating significant changes in existing technology-based delivery systems in distance learning (off-campus programs)

Procedure Three

Closing a program; initiating teach-out agreements