Substantive Change Policy Term Definition


a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution.  Under federal regulations, substantive change includes:

  1. Any change in the established mission or objectives of the institution
  2. Any change in legal status, form of control, or ownership of the institution
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. A change from clock hours to credit hours
  6. A substantial increase in the number of clock or credit hours awarded for successful completion of a program
  7. The establishment of an additional location geographically apart from the main campus at which the institution offers at least 50 percent of an educational program.
  8. The establishment of a branch campus 
  9. Closing a program, off-campus site, branch campus or institution
  10. Entering into a collaborative academic arrangement such as a dual degree program or a joint degree program with another institution
  11. Acquiring another institution or a program or location of another institution
  12. Adding a permanent location at a site where the institution is conducting a teach-out program for a closed institution
  13. 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
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