| Revision Responsibility: |
Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Compliance |
| Responsible Executive Officer: |
Vice President for Strategic Communications and Effectiveness |
| Source/Reference: |
SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy and Procedures and SACSCOC Standard 14.2
TBR Policy 2.01.01.00; TBR Guideline A-010; THEC Policies A1.0-1.6 |
Purpose
To facilitate compliance with the substantive change policy of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Policy
I. Definitions
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC): The regional body for the accreditaiton of degree-granting institutions of higher education, including the College.
- SACSCOC Liaison: The individual designated by the president to serve as the College’s representative to SACSCOC. The College’s SACSCOC liaison is responsible for familiarizing his/herself with the SACSCOC policy on substantive change; and assisting the College in complying with the SACSCOC policy on substantive change.
- Substantive Change: A significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution.
II. General
As a regionally accredited institution of higher education, WSCC is responsible for compliance with the substantive change requriements of the U.S. Department of Education as oultine in 34 C.F.R. § 602.22 and the SACSCOC Substantive Change Policy and Procedures.
To maintain compliance, Walters State notifies the SACSCOC of significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of the college and, when required, seeks approval prior to the initiation of changes. If unclear as to whether a change is substantive in nature, the SACSCOC liaison will contact Commission staff for consultation.
Walters State recognizes the responsibility of the SACSCOC to review substantive changes that occur between decennial reviews and to determine if the college continues to meet defined standards and federal regulations.
The president, in consultation with the vice president of Academic Affairs and the SACSCOC liaison, approves substantive changes as appropriate, including changes in academic programs, distance education, off-campus sites, dual enrollment, partnerships with other institutions, and other circumstances identified in the SACSCOC policy.
Changes in Academic Programs will be reviewed for compliance when submitted to the Curriculum Subcommittee of the Academic Affairs Committee, and must be submitted to and/or approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, as per their respective policies.
01/15; 05/16; 05/21; 06/23
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