Smooth Transitions to Making Program Modifications or Expansions

Substantive Change Overview Certain educational practices that trigger compliance concerns (quality) Procedures to address compliance Consequences exist when we are not vigilant

What is a substantive change? A significant modification or expansion in the nature and scope of an accredited institution. Major change examples New degree or certificate program New off-site w/ 50% or more of program credits Dual or joint degree New online degree or certificate program Minor change examples Moving a site location Closing a degree or certificate program Christine At my institution, I have categorized substantive changes Major changes require a prospectus Minor changes require a notification letter with supporting documentation Major changes Addition of courses or programs that are a significant departure either in content or delivery method from those offered when the institution was last evaluated (2013) Establishment of a location geographically apart from the main campus at which the institution offers 50% or more of a program Entering into a contract with an institution or organization not eligible for Title IV funds 7/22/2016

Question? Why is SACSCOC interested in changes that are occurring at institutions that are already accredited? SACSCOC accredits the entire institution, including all of its programs and services, including where they are located or how they are delivered. The Commission is interested in significant changes that are occurring because the scope of accreditation extends to the entire institution.

Review and Approval Processes University Curriculum Council Office of Academic Affairs Office of Assessment and Accreditation UNC General Administration SACSCOC Mia

What is the GA compliance process? New degree program Request for Authorization to Plan a New Degree Program (formerly “Appendix A”) Substantive Change Planning Questionnaire Request for Authorization to Establish a New Degree Program (formerly “Appendix C”) New online or off-campus delivery of existing program – Request to Deliver New certificate - Notification from Academic Affairs Program, site, delivery closure – Request to Discontinue

What is the SACSCOC compliance process for a major change? Department can review the Self Assessment Guideline Department to complete Substantive Change Planning Questionnaire Assessment & Accreditation will review the Questionnaire and consult with you about next steps and provide written examples. Department must contact Academic Budget and Personnel to complete the Faculty Roster Department to submit draft and work with Assessment & Accreditation to make edits Assessment & Accreditation submits final draft to Provost Provost will review and send to Chancellor for approval Provost’s Office will mail final documents to SACSCOC

How long will it take? GA Notification GA Approval SACSCOC Prior Notification only SACSCOC Prior Approval due dates New degree or certificate program New off-site w/ 50% or more of program credits Dual or joint degree (significant departure) New off-site w/ 25-49% or more of program credits n/a 1.5 years 2 - 3 months January 1 for 7/1-12/31 implementation July 1 for 1/1-6/30 implementation

How long will it take? GA Notification GA Approval SACSCOC Prior Notification only SACSCOC Prior Approval due dates Moving a site location Closing a degree or certificate program Altering significantly the length of a program 1-2 months n/a 2 - 3 months 6 months

If institution fails to follow the SACSCOC policy and procedures, what could happen? We must return financial aid $$. We receive sanctions from SACSCOC (probation, warning, or revocation). We must stop offering the program. All of the above

What must we do if our institution has implemented programs that should have been reported to SACSCOC? An institution that has implemented programs that should have been reported must notify the President of the Commission immediately in writing concerning the unreported substantive changes. The letter must address the policy and procedure which will now ensure timely reporting. Please see the Commission’s policy on Unreported Substantive Change.

FAQs Must I have GA approval before preparing a SACSCOC document? No Can I enroll students before SACSCOC approval? No Can I advertise a program before SACSCOC approval? You may recruit but must provide the disclaimer “contingent upon SACSCOC approval.” When do SACSCOC off-site approvals expire? 5 years Can I offer other approved programs at an approved site? Yes but if the site is only approved to offer less than 50% of a program and the new program plans to offer more than for what the site is approved then a prospectus is required.

Resources Christine Robinson, Executive Director, Office of Assessment and Accreditation, serves as the SACSCOC accreditation liaison for UNC Charlotte. crobinson@uncc.edu Leslie R. Zenk, Assistant Provost, serves as the Campus Program Coordinator for UNC Charlotte and UNC General Administration. lzenk@uncc.edu Jody Cebina, Director, Distance Education and Summer School, serves as a resource for Distance Education program approval and operation, including online and off-site instruction. jcebina@uncc.edu Lori McMahon, Associate Provost for Academic Budget and Personnel, serves as a resource for faculty credentials. lmmcmaho@uncc.edu

Website Resources Office of Assessment and Accreditation: http://assessment.uncc.edu/accreditation/sacscoc/substantive-change Office of Academic Affairs: http://provost.uncc.edu/planning/academic-programs/new Office of Legal Affairs: http://legal.uncc.edu/policies/up-208 SACSCOC: http://www.sacscoc.org/pdf/081705/SubstantiveChange.pdf UNC General Administration (State approval process): https://www.northcarolina.edu/academic-affairs/academic- programs-0

Questions?