1. Smooth Transitions to Making Program Modifications or Expansions

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

3. 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

4. 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.

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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/ % 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Resources
Christine Robinson, Executive Director, Office of Assessment and Accreditation, serves as the SACSCOC accreditation liaison for UNC Charlotte.
Leslie R. Zenk, Assistant Provost, serves as the Campus Program Coordinator for UNC Charlotte and UNC General Administration.
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.
Lori McMahon, Associate Provost for Academic Budget and Personnel, serves as a resource for faculty credentials.

14. Website Resources
Office of Assessment and Accreditation:
Office of Academic Affairs:
Office of Legal Affairs:
SACSCOC:
UNC General Administration (State approval process): programs-0

15. Questions?