Substantive Change Reporting Policy for SACSCOC Compliance

As an accredited member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), McNeese State University adheres to SACSCOC Standard 14.2 regarding substantive change as well as SACSCOC’s Substantive Change Policy and Procedures. The University notifies SACSCOC of changes in accordance with this policy and, when required, seeks approval prior to implementing such changes. 

Policy

SACSCOC defines substantive changes as significant modifications or expansions in the nature and scope of an accredited institution. These changes, as defined by both federal regulations and SACSCOC, include—but are not limited to—the following actions:

• 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;
• 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 or 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.

Certain substantive changes require only prior notification, while others require notification and submission of a substantive change prospectus six to 12 months before initiation. Many substantive changes also necessitate on-site committee reviews by SACSCOC.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the provost and vice president for academic affairs, college deans, department heads, the chair of the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, and the chair of the Graduate Council to be familiar with SACSCOC’s Substantive Change Policy and Procedures and to promptly inform the University’s SACSCOC institutional accreditation liaison (IAL) if a proposed change appears to be substantive and may require prior notification or approval from SACSCOC.

Procedures

When discussions begin regarding any modification to an existing program, the implementation of a new program, a change in the mode of delivery, an agreement with another institution, or any other action that may be considered a substantive change, the University’s SACSCOC IAL must be contacted immediately. This step ensures that the appropriate process is followed. Once the required SACSCOC documentation is submitted, SACSCOC will either acknowledge the notification or consider it for approval, depending on the requirements for that particular substantive change. Note that some changes may also require prior approval by the University of Louisiana System and the Louisiana Board of Regents.

Communication

This policy is distributed via the University Policies webpage.