Substantive Change

Substantive change is a federal term for any “significant modification of the nature and scope of an accredited institution.” The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), is required by the federal government to monitor compliance with the substantive change policy and to approve any major changes. The complete list of substantive change types and procedures for addressing them appropriately is provided in the Substantive Change for SACSCOC Accredited Institutions.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s responsibility is to:

• review academic program changes and new academic programs to determine if there are significant modifications in nature or scope;
• notify SACSCOC of substantive changes in a timely manner; and
• seek SACSCOC approval before implementing the change if required.

The University monitors the creation and significant modification of academic programs through its Office of Institutional Effectiveness.  Reporting substantive changes in a timely manner ensures compliance with federal regulations, federally funded financial aid, and with SACSCOC Comprehensive Standard 14.2.

Substantive changes occur at different levels of the University. The University must notify SACSCOC or obtain approval before the change can be implemented for any of the following changes at the Program/Course Level:

1. Adding coursework or programs at a different degree or credential level than currently approved; or
2. Adding courses or programs that represent a significant departure from current practice, either in content or method of delivery (such as distance learning); or
3. Initiating certificate programs at new off-campus sites or which differ significantly from existing programs; or
4. Initiating a collaborative academic arrangement, such as a joint or dual degree program with another institution; or
5. Increasing or decreasing the length of a program significantly; or
6. Closing a program approved at an off-campus site, branch campus, or institution.

The University must notify SACSCOC or obtain approval before the change can be implemented for any the following changes at the School/College/Department Level:

1. Initiating a new off-campus site; or
2. Expanding program offerings at previously approved off-campus sites; or
3. Initiating programs or courses offered through contractual agreement or consortium; or
4. Entering into a contract with an entity not certified to participate in USDOE Title IV programs.

Finally, the University must notify SACSCOC or obtain approval before the change can be implemented for any of the following Institutional Level changes:

1. Initiating a branch campus; or
2. Altering significantly the educational mission of the institution; or
3. Initiating a merger/consolidation with another institution; or
4. Changing governance, ownership, control, or legal status of an institution; or
5. Relocating a main or branch campus; or
6. Moving an off-campus instructional site (serving the same geographical area); or
7. Changing from clock hours to credit hours; or
8. Acquiring any program or site from another institution; or
9. Adding a permanent location at a site where the institution is conducting a teach-out for students from another institution that is closing.

Please contact the University’s SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison, Dr. Nancy Biggio, for more information and for procedures to follow to obtain the necessary approvals prior to implementation of the proposed action.

Submission Deadlines Substantive change requiring approval by the Executive Council of the Board of Trustees (which meets year round), the submission deadlines are: January 1 for changes to be implemented July 1 through December 31 of the same calendar year, and July 1 for changes to be implemented January 1 through June 30 of the subsequent calendar year. For a Substantive Change requiring notification only, it can be submitted any time before implementation.

To determine whether a planned change constitutes a substantive change and level of notification or approval by SACSCOC prior to implementation, please take the Substantive Change Survey. Your results are submitted via email to the Accreditation Liaison.