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. Under federal regulations, substantive change includes:

  • Any change in the established mission or objectives of the institution
  • Any change in legal status, form of control, or ownership of the institution
  • The addition of courses or programs that represent a significant departure, either in content or method of delivery, from those that were offered when the institution was last evaluated
  • The addition of courses or programs of study at a degree or credential level different from that which is included in the institution’s current accreditation or reaffirmation.
  • A change from clock hours to credit hours
  • A substantial increase in the number of clock or credit hours awarded for successful completion of a program
  • The establishment of an additional location geographically apart from the main campus at which the institution offers at least 50% of an educational program.
  • The establishment of a branch campus
  • Closing a program, off-campus site, branch campus or institution
  • Entering into a collaborative academic arrangement that includes only the initiation of a dual or joint academic program with another institution
  • Acquiring another institution or a program or location of another institution
  • Adding a permanent location at a site where the institution is conducting a teach-out program for a closed institution
  • Entering into a contract by which an entity not eligible for Title IV funding offers 25% or more of one or more of the accredited institution’s programs

Valencia Substantive Change Flow Chart

Common Sustantive Changes:

  • Any change in the established mission or objectives of the institution
  • Entering a contract with an institution or organization not eligible for Title IV funds
  • The establishment of an additional location geographically apart from the main campus at which the institution offers at least 50% of an educational program (degree, diploma or certificate, but not PSAV)
  • The addition of new courses or programs of study at a degree or credential level different from that which is included in the institution’s current accreditation or reaffirmation
  • A change from clock hours to credit hours
  • A substantial increase in the number of clock or credit hours awarded for successful completion of a program
  • Any change in legal status, form of control, or ownership of the institution
  • The addition of courses or programs that represent a significant departure, either in content or method of delivery, from those that were offered when the institution was last evaluated.


Answer these questions:

Significant departure: a program that is not closely related to previously approved programs at the institution or site or for the mode of delivery in question. To determine whether a new program is a “significant departure,” it is helpful to consider the following questions:

  • What previously approved programs does the institution offer that are closely related to the new program and how are they related?
  • Will significant additional equipment or facilities be needed?
  • Will significant additional financial resources be needed?
  • Will a significant number of new courses will be required?
  • Will a significant number of new faculty members will be required?
  • Will significant additional library/learning resources be needed?

Note: For additional questions about "significant," please contact the SACSCOC Liaison.


Determination and recommendations for substantive change:

Determination (notification, modified porspectus, prospectus) and recommendations from appropriate academic department, academic/discipline dean, and/or administrator

  1. Notification: a letter from an institution’s chief executive officer, or his/her designated representative, to SACSCOC President summarizing a proposed change, providing the intended implementation date, and listing the complete physical address if the change involves the initiation of an off-campus site or branch campus. The policy and procedures for reporting and review of institutional substantive change are outlined in the document “Substantive Change for Accredited Institutions of the Commission on Colleges.
  2. Modified prospectus: a prospectus submitted in lieu of a full prospectus for certain designated substantive changes. When a modified prospectus is acceptable, the Commission specifies requested information from the institution.

  • Recommendations from appropriate committee or council (i.e. Leadership Forum, Learning Council, Faculty Council, Facilities Offices, Curriculum Committee, General Counsel, etc.) to appropriate campus SACSCOC representative
  • Notification to Valencia's SACSCOC laison from appropriate department, academic/discipline dean, and other administrator. Include all recommendations from each area. Note: Valencia's liaison to be included in subsequent meetings/communications related to the substantive change


Internal submissions for reviews and approval:

  • Documentation submitted to Valencia's SACSCOC liaison for review (i.e. notification, modified prospectus, prospectus) and final recommendations. Note: For collegewide initiatives, please send to SACSCOC lisaison; for campus-based initiatives, please send to appropriate campus SACSCOC representative
  • Feedback submitted to appropriate department for final edits if necessary
  • Final report submitted to Valencia's Vice President of Academic Affairs and President for approval

Important: SACSCOC submission deadlines for Board of Trustees are April 8 for June meetings and September 15 for December meetings


Submit to SACSCOC:

  • Final report submitted to SACSCOC
  • Determinations by SACSCOC are as follows:
    • Notification: The institution sends a letter to Dr. Wheelan to inform the Commission of a change. SACSCOC sends a letter in return that says, “We accept notification of…” (there may also be a request for additional information).
    • Approval: The institution sends a cover letter with a prospectus or modified prospectus. The documentation is reviewed, and the Commission sends a response that says, “It was the decision of the Board to approve the [site/program] and include it in the scope of the current accreditation.”