Substantive Change Compliance Policy

I. Policy Statement and Purpose

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte will maintain compliance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Substantive Change Policy and Procedures through appropriate and timely reporting on areas of Substantive Change, as that term is defined below.  This will ensure that changes to the institution, its programs, and/or off-campus instructional sites continue to meet SACSCOC’s compliance requirements and that changes do not go unreported and adversely affect the operational capacity of the University.

II. Definition

Substantive Change:

As defined by SACSCOC, a “Substantive Change” is a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution. Substantive Change includes high-impact, high-risk changes and changes that can impact the quality of educational programs and services. For a list of what Substantive Changes include, see the SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy and Procedures.

III. Applicability

This Policy applies to any Substantive Changes as required by the Federal Register, specifically Substantive Change (§ 602.22).

IV. Roles and Responsibilities

Chancellor:

The Chancellor is responsible for final approval of notifications to SACSCOC about institutional and programmatic substantive changes.

The Chancellor shall appoint a SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison from the Office of Assessment and Accreditation.

SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison (AL):

The SACSCOC AL will notify the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges of any substantive changes in accordance with the SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy and Procedures.

College Administration:

College Administration includes but not limited to the Deans, Associate Deans, Department Chairs, Program Directors, Program Coordinators, faculty, and related unit directors will prepare and provide documentation for substantive change notification or approval.

V. Procedures

The Substantive Change Compliance Procedure, supplemental to this Policy, describes the process the University shall use to ensure that it identifies, manages and reports substantive changes to its accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in accordance with the SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy and Procedures.