缅北揭秘 SACSCOC Substantive Change Procedure
As per SACSCOC, 鈥淲hen an institution has earned accreditation by the Commission on
Colleges, it signifies that it has "a purpose appropriate to higher education and
has resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain that purpose."
In addition to ensuring that our institutions provide quality programs for students
which determines eligibility for Title IV funds (student financial aid), the Commission
on Colleges works to influence legislation and regulations that impact the work of
our member institutions. Our accrediting process and all of its policies, processes,
procedures, and decisions are based on the concepts of integrity or dealing openly
and honestly with the member institutions with which we work, and quality or an on-going
program of improvement that ensures fulfillment of their stated mission.鈥
From the SACSCOC Substantive Change Website,
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits an entire institution, including all of its programs and services, wherever they are located or however they are delivered. The Commission is interested in significant changes that are occurring at member institutions because the scope of accreditation extends to the total college or university. Significant changes are illustrated in the Commission鈥檚 policy Substantive Change for SACSCOC Accredited Institutions.
The most common substantive changes reported are new off-campus sites where 50% or more of the credits in a program are offered, offering for the first time 50% or more of an educational program delivered via technology-based instruction, and the addition of new site-based programs that are significantly different from current offerings (program expansion at the current level).
Some substantive changes require only prior notification to the Commission, some require prior notification and submission of a prospectus for approval, and some allow for the submission of a prospectus for approval to serve as the only notification of the change. These are detailed in the policy document Substantive Change for SACSCOC Accredited Institutions.
To ensure that HCC adheres with SACSCOC Substantive Change reporting procedures, the HCC SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison will be consulted prior to any change in program, delivery method, location coursework is offered, or other change that may result in the need to notify SACSCOC (note Attachment I, Substantive Change Checklist for HCC). The HCC President or the SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison will report any substantive change to the Commission in accordance with the SACSCOC Substantive Change policy.
If a division or program area is considering a change to a program鈥檚 length, its structure, its delivery mode, or the location where coursework is delivered, the Division Chair should first review the Substantive Change Checklist with the Chief Academic Officer and SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison to determine if the proposed modifications may constitute a substantive change. If the change meets the criteria for any change, as documented in the SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy, , then the proper documentation will be submitted within the timeline specified by SACSCOC. SACSCOC often needs 6-12 months notification prior to the implementation of a substantive change鈥攊t is important to be working ahead with SACSCOC before HCC initiates any new changes. A cost for review from SACSCOC is also assigned to the substantive change review; this should be considered when developing budgets to support new programs.
If a Prospectus is deemed necessary to request substantive change, the Division Chair or Program Coordinator initiating the change will work with the Accreditation Liaison to ensure the Substantive Change Prospectus is completed. The Accreditation Liaison will be responsible for helping to develop the Prospectus, reviewing the Prospectus, and answering related questions. The Accreditation Liaison will make a recommendation to the President when the Prospectus is complete, and standards are thoroughly covered. The Accreditation Liaison will then submit the Prospectus to SACSCOC following the guidelines set forth in the SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy.
Late Notification of Substantive Change: If a substantive change has occurred prior to notifying SACSCOC, the SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison will work with the SACSCOC Vice President to understand how best to address the issue. Not reporting a substantive change can place the institution in jeopardy of its accreditation and ability to award federal financial funds.
Approved by College Leadership Team, 8/25/2025
Approved by Faculty Council, 9/12/2025
Appendix 1
缅北揭秘
SACSCOC Substantive Change Checklist
HCC鈥檚 Division Chairs, Chiefs, Chief Academic Officer, and President are to review this checklist with any program or institutional/administrative change (course location; new certificate, diploma, degree, change in mission, etc.).
If a YES is checked for any entry, or it is not understood whether the change meets the guidelines or not, the HCC Accreditation Liaison must review the SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy at speak with the SACSCOC Liaison Vice President for HCC.
| Is this a new academic program, certificate, or diploma, or degree for HCC? | YES or NO |
| Will HCC be re-instating a credential-granting program? | YES or NO |
| Will HCC be discontinuing an academic program or approved off-campus site? | YES or NO |
| Will HCC be initiating distance learning for a program? | YES or NO |
| Will HCC be offering courses at a new off-campus site (e.g. high schools, prisons, etc.)? | YES or NO |
| Is this a new location where at least 50% of an educational program, certificate or degree will be offered? (Note some certificate programs have very few hours to the credential!) | YES or NO |
| Is HCC moving an off-campus instructional site? | YES or NO |
| Is there a substantial change in the number of credit hours required for a program? | YES or NO |
| Is HCC entering into a collaborative academic arrangement that includes a joint academic program with another institution? | YES or NO |
| Is HCC initiating coursework or programs at a more advanced level (i.e. B.A. or B.S.) than previously approved? | YES or NO |
| Is HCC entering into a contract by which an entity not eligible for Title IV funding offers 25% or more of one or more of HCC鈥檚 academic programs? | YES or NO |
| Institutional/Administrative Change | |
| Is HCC altering the educational mission of the institution? | YES or NO |
| Is HCC changing governance, ownership, control or legal status? | YES or NO |
| Is HCC merging with another institution? | YES or NO |
| Is HCC establishing a branch campus (separate budget and hiring authority)? | YES or NO |
| Is HCC changing from clock hours to credit hours? | YES or NO |
| Is HCC adding a permanent location at a site where the institution is conducting a teach-out for students from another institution that is closing? | YES or NO |
For questions pertaining to any of these statements, contact Brian McMurtry, 270-831-9674, Director of Knowledge Management and SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison. Also, consider reviewing the SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy Statement.
The SACSCOC Vice President supporting HCC is Patricia Parrish, (404) 994-6623 ext. 4541.