Substantive Change Policy – SACSCOC Principle 14.2

Florida National University recognizes the necessity of reporting and reviewing substantive changes and appreciates the role of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in ensuring all changes are approved through the appropriate channels. To ensure compliance with this accreditation standard, FNU has a designated SACSCOC accreditation liaison.

It is the primary responsibility of the Accreditation Liaison to submit Substantive Changes in accordance with the substantive change policy and, when required, seek approval prior to initiating any changes.

According to SACSCOC, a substantive change is 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

The Office of the President is responsible for contacting the Office of Accreditation and Compliance in advance of any potential substantive change. The Office of Accreditation and Compliance, specifically the Accreditation Liaison, has primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with SACSCOC policies for reporting substantive changes, for the timely review of proposed actions, assisting campus leadership to identify ways to meet the requirements, and ensuring that campus leadership perform their responsibilities accordingly. The Office of Accreditation and Compliance is also responsible for alerting campus leadership of any significant changes in either the SACSCOC or Florida National University policy regarding substantive changes.