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POLICY 08:02:02

SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE

Purpose

Pellissippi State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree. Accreditation by SACSCOC assures the public that the institution meets defined standards of quality education and enables the institution to seek eligibility to participate in Title IV programs as authorized under the United States Education Amendments of 1972.

To maintain accreditation, the institution submits a self-study and undergoes a major review by the Commission every ten years and a limited review at the five-year point. In addition, SACSCOC requires its member institutions to inform the Commission of substantive changes as they occur. Substantive change is defined as significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of the accredited institution. Some changes require only notification; others require prior approval by the Commission. Reporting changes assures that all programs offered by the institution have undergone appropriate review and are recognized by the Commission. The SACSCOC Substantive Change policy delineates the types of changes and the process for notification and approval: https://sacscoc.org/app/uploads/2019/08/SubstantiveChange.pdf.

This Pellissippi State policy is intended to ensure that substantive changes are identified and reported to the Commission in a timely, accurate and complete manner, according to the SACSCOC policy. The College’s SACSCOC accreditation liaison works with the president and vice presidents to accomplish appropriate notification.

Policy Statement

Pellissippi State reports substantive changes to SACSCOC as required by the Commission. The SACSCOC liaison meets regularly with the president and vice presidents to stay informed about planned changes at the institution. The liaison reviews the SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy with senior leadership to ensure that relevant changes are reported and approved by SACSCOC before implementation.

Substantive change includes, but is not limited to, the following actions:

  • Any change in the established mission or objectives of the institution.
  • Any change in legal status, form of control, ownership, or governance 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 addition of competency-based education programs.
  • The addition of programs with completion pathways that recognize and accommodate a student’s prior or existing knowledge or competency.
  • The establishment of a new off-campus instructional site/additional location including a branch campus.
  • Closing a program, off-campus site, branch campus or institution.
  • Entering into a collaborative academic arrangement that includes the initiation of a dual or joint academic program with another 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.

When a change such as those listed above is planned, the appropriate vice president or designee informs the president and the accreditation liaison, who reviews the SACSCOC policy and procedures to determine the appropriate action. For changes that require prior approval, the liaison prepares the appropriate documentation and submits it to the Commission according to the timeline included in the SACSCOC policy. In the case of uncertainty as to what is required, the liaison contacts the SACSCOC vice president assigned to the College for clarification.

Failure to follow SACSCOC substantive change policy and procedures may result in serious consequences, including the loss of Title IV funding or the necessity to reimburse the U.S. Department of Education for money received for programs related to the unreported substantive change.

Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council, March 28, 2016
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise, Jr., March 28, 2016
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council, November 29, 2021
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise Jr., November 29, 2021