SACS defines a substantive change as “a significant modification or expansion in the nature and scope of an accredited institution.” The college is required to notify SACS as much as one year in advance of a proposed substantive change. In addition, the college must complete a substantive change prospectus or a substantive change application.

Examples of substantive changes include: initiating coursework at a higher degree level, opening a new campus, offering a degree program that is substantially different than current degree programs. (see the web page at http://www.sacscoc.org/SubstantiveChange.asp for more detailed information).

The substantive change process has been incorporated into the curriculum process for new programs. An assessment form must be completed to see if a substantive change would be required for the proposed program.

Scheduled Subtantive Changes