Substantive Change
Understanding Substantive Change
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) defines substantive change as a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution. Certain institutional, academic program, delivery-method and location changes require notification to or approval by SACSCOC before implementation.
Texas Tech Health El Paso coordinates substantive change review through the Office of Academic Affairs to help ensure institutional changes are evaluated and reported in accordance with SACSCOC requirements.
Because requirements vary by the type of change and may be updated by SACSCOC, faculty and staff should consult Academic Affairs early in the planning process and use the current institutional procedures before implementing a potentially substantive change.
Changes That May Require Review
Examples of changes addressed by SACSCOC substantive change requirements include:
- significant changes to an institution’s mission, objectives, governance, legal status or ownership;
- new programs or credentials at a different degree level, or programs that represent a significant departure from existing offerings;
- changes in how programs are delivered, including adding distance education or another method of delivery;
- new off-campus instructional sites or branch campuses;
- program, delivery-method or instructional-site closures;
- certain cooperative academic arrangements; and
- other institutional or program changes identified in the current SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy and Procedures.
This list is not exhaustive. The required review, notification, approval process and submission timing depend on the specific change.
Policies and Authoritative Resources
- SACSCOC Office of Substantive Change
- SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy and Procedures
- HSCEP OP 59.07, Substantive Change Reporting
- 34 CFR § 602.22 – Substantive Changes and Other Reporting Requirements
SACSCOC updates substantive change requirements and submission deadlines periodically. Refer to the SACSCOC substantive change website for the most current external requirements.
Questions About Substantive Change?
Dr. Christiane Herber-Valdez, Ed.D.
- Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
E-mail: christiane.herber-valdez@ttep.edu
Phone: 915-215-4796
Contact the Office of Academic Affairs with questions about whether a proposed institutional or academic change may require substantive change review.
Substantive Change Resources for Faculty and Staff
Texas Tech Health El Paso faculty, academic leaders and staff involved in planning program, delivery-method, location or other institutional changes can access internal guidance for routing, institutional approvals and substantive change procedures.
Access Internal Substantive Change ResourcesTexas Tech Health El Paso credentials may be required.