Substantive Change
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) defines a substantive change as “a significant modification or expansion in the nature and scope of an accredited institution.” There are two major types of substantive change: institutional-related substantive change and academic-related substantive change.
The UTSA Handbook of Operating Procedures addresses both types of substantive change in Section 2.35, Substantive Change Procedures Required to Obtain Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Approval. All substantive changes must be submitted to SACSCOC, through the Office of Continuous Improvement and Accreditation, either as a notification or as an approval, depending on the nature and complexity of the change involved.
Quick Reference by Substantive Change Type with Requirements/Restrictions
Academic-Related Substantive Changes
Reference Guide for Academic-Related Substantive Changes
***To start the process at UTSA, all proposals for academic-related substantive changes must be submitted thorugh the CourseLeaf system on the Academic Programs and Agreements Website.***
Below are the types of academic-related substantive change most frequently seen at UTSA and resources to aid you in obtaining SACSCOC approval:
Academic Agreements UTSA has SACSCOC notification and approval obligations for cooperative academic arrangements and joint and dual academic awards. Upon submission to the CourseLeaf system, the UTSA Accreditation Liaison will be notified and will work with you to obtain SACSCOC approvals. |
SACSCOC ‘Agreements Involving Joint and Dual Academic Awards’ Policy |
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Altering Significantly the Length or Scope of a Program (increase or decrease in semester credit hours) |
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New Academic Program |
UTSA Instructions, Process, and Prospectus Template for SACSCOC Approval |
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Adding a Method of Delivery
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Ending a Completion Option
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SACSCOC “Closing a Program, Site, Branch or Institution” – Good Practices |
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Initiating Off-Campus Instructional Sites (including dual-enrollment high school sites) |
List of SACSCOC-approved off-campus sites |
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For questions, to request a meeting, or for information about other substantive changes not listed here: |
Please contact us: Office of Continuous Improvement and AccreditationKasey Neece-Fielder, Associate Vice Provost for Strategic Planning and Assessment and SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison Lorrie Smith, Director, Accreditation and Process Improvement |
