UNIV --112 Substantive Change Policy
Substantive Change Policy
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Date Originally Created: 08/30/2019
Revised:
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This policy describes CU’s approach to identifying and appropriately reporting substantive changes.
Reference
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Substantive Change Policy (http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/081705/SubstantiveChange.pdf)
Definition
A substantive change according to the SACSCOC policy “is a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution. Under federal regulations, substantive change includes
• Any change in the established mission or objectives of the institution
• Any change in legal status, form of control, or ownership of the institution
• The addition of courses or programs that represent a significant departure, either in content or method of delivery, from those that were offered when the institution was last evaluated
• The addition of courses or programs of study at a degree or credential level different from that which is included in the institution’s current accreditation or reaffirmation.
• A change from clock hours to credit hours
• A substantial increase in the number of clock or credit hours awarded for successful completion of a program
• The establishment of an additional location geographically apart from the main campus at which the institution offers at least 50% of an educational program.
• The establishment of a branch campus
• Closing a program, off-campus site, branch campus or institution
• Entering into a collaborative academic arrangement that includes only the initiation of a dual or joint academic program with another institution
• Acquiring another institution or a program or location of another institution
• Adding a permanent location at a site where the institution is conducting a teach-out program for a closed institution
• Entering into a contract by which an entity not eligible for Title IV funding offers 25% or more of one or more of the accredited institution’s programs”
Identifying potential substantive changes
CU assigns a SACSCOC liaison at an appropriate administrative level within the university to ensure that the liaison is aware of potential substantive changes while they are still in the planning stages.
CU’s SACSCOC liaison is the Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). The Provost / VPAA acts for the president in his absence, attends University Board of Trust meetings, is part of the Senior Management Team, is the chief academic officer, and chairs both the Deans’ Council and Graduate Council.
Curriculum changes, to include the addition, modification, or removal of courses or programs, follow the university’s established process of approval that begins with the faculty and ultimately is approved by either the Deans’ Council or Graduate Council, both chaired by the Provost / VPAA. When a curriculum change comes before either of these two bodies, consideration is given as to whether it is substantive in nature according to SACSCOC’s policy.
Other potential substantive changes at an institutional level, would be discussed by the Board of Trust, by the Senior Management Team, or by the President and Provost / VPAA. The Provost / VPAA has a role and/or awareness of discussions in all of these possible scenarios.
Reporting substantive changes
When an upcoming change is identified as substantive, the SACSCOC liaison makes the determination, in accordance with SACSCOC’s policy, if prior SACSCOC notification and/or approval is needed. When necessary, the SACSCOC liaison or his designee prepares a letter and/or prospectus that is reviewed by the liaison and President prior to submission to SACSCOC.