SACSCOC Substantive Change Reporting Policy

As an accredited member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), McNeese State University adheres to all relevant SACSCOC standards 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 substantial change in the established mission or objectives of the institution or its programs;
• Any change in legal status, form of control, or ownership, or governance 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 or relocation of a branch campus;
• Closing a program, off-campus site, branch campus, or institution;
• Entering into a collaborative academic arrangement;
• 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;
• Initiating programs by distance education or correspondence courses;
• Adding an additional method of delivery to a currently offered program.

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

The institutional accreditation liaison (IAL) will maintain current knowledge of the SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy and Procedures. The IAL is also responsible for maintaining contact with the relevant curriculum committees and report any substantive changes to 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 institutional accreditation liaison in the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness must be contacted. 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.