SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE POLICY Update Delete



Southern Adventist University recognizes the importance of compliance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges’ (SACSCOC’s) Substantive Change Policy and Procedures (Substantive Change Policy and Procedures, 2021). “The policy and procedures assure the public that all aspects of an institution continue to meet standards. It helps ensure substantive changes, if approved, do not hinder an institution’s ability to continue meeting the SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation” (p. 2). It also requires accredited campuses to accurately and promptly report all substantive changes to SACSCOC.

This Substantive Change policy articulates the process and procedures that Southern Adventist University will use to ensure that it fully complies with the requirements as indicated in the SACSCOC policy.

A. Definition of Substantive Change

SACSCOC defines “Substantive Change” as "a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution … [and] includes high-impact, high-risk changes and changes that can impact the quality of educational programs and services." (Substantive Change Policy and Procedures, p.1).

Examples of substantive changes (including those required by federal regulations) include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Substantially changing the established mission or objectives of an institution or its programs
  • Changing the governance of an institution
  • Relocating an institution or an off-campus instructional site of an institution (including a branch campus)
  • Adding a program that is a significant departure from the existing programs, or method of delivery, from those offered when the institution was last evaluated
  • Adding an additional method of delivery to a currently offered program
  • Entering into a cooperative academic arrangement
  • Adding programs with completion pathways that recognize and accommodate a student’s prior or existing knowledge or competency
  • Awarding dual or joint academic awards
  • Re-opening a previously closed program or off-campus instructional site
  • Adding a new off-campus instructional site/additional location including a branch campus, and
  • Closing an institution, a program, a method of delivery, an off-campus instructional site, or a program at an off-campus instructional site.

A comprehensive list of substantive change events can be found in SACSCOC’s Substantive Change Policy and Procedures.

B. Substantive Change: Oversight

The Senior Vice President for Academic Administration and the SACSCOC Institutional Accreditation Liaison (IAL) are responsible for communicating with SACSCOC regarding all substantive changes and for educating campus about SACSCOC’s substantive change policy. The Associate Vice President for Academic Administration serves as the IAL to SACSCOC.

C. Substantive Change: Process

  1. Southern Adventist University has an obligation to notify SACSCOC when substantive changes are proposed. The university cannot advertise or implement any substantive changes until it receives a letter of approval or an acceptance of notification from SACSCOC.
  2. Administrators, school deans, and department chairs must consult the Senior Vice President for Academic Administration and the SACSCOC Institutional Accreditation Liaison (IAL) regarding any potential substantive change prior to approval or implementation of changes. The purpose of this consultation is to
    1. determine if the proposed change requires notification to or approval from SACSCOC
    2. identify the timeline for implementation and deadline for submission, and
    3. ensure that all required documentation is prepared for timely submission to SACSCOC.

Note: SACSCOC requires substantive change documents be submitted by specific deadlines prior to implementation.

  1. Questions about the interpretation of this policy should be directed to the university’s IAL. Should there be uncertainty or an extraordinary case, before rendering an opinion or decision, the IAL will consult with the Senior Vice President for Academic Administration and the SACSCOC Vice President assigned to Southern Adventist University.
  2. Exclusions from this policy will not be permitted.

Note: If Southern Adventist University does not comply with SACSCOC’s procedures for notification and approval of substantive changes, its accreditation may be placed in jeopardy. For that reason, it is incumbent upon the university to strictly adhere to this policy.

References

  1. (2021). “Substantive Change Policy and Procedures.” (https://sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2019/08/SubstantiveChange.pdf).
  2. SACSCOC Policy Statement. (2017). “Mergers, Consolidations, Change of Ownership, Acquisitions, and Change of Governance, Control, Form, or Legal Status (https://sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2019/08/Mergers.pdf).