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The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states (SACSCOC).
SACSCOC becomes involved in the curricular process when:
- a new program or program revision is considered Substantive Change;
- a program’s modality changes (new requirement starting 2021).
SACSCOC defines substantive change as “a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution” (SACSCOC). Under federal regulations, substantive change includes:
- Addition of programs that represent a significant departure from those that were offered when the institution was last evaluated
- Addition of programs of study at a degree or credential level different from that which is included in the institution’s current accreditation or reaffirmation.
- Increasing or decreasing a program’s length by 25% and increasing or decreasing students’ expected time to completion by one semester.
- Initiating programs by distance education.
- Adding an additional method of delivery to a currently offered program.
- Establishment of an additional location geographically apart from the main campus at which the institution offers at least 25% of an educational program.
- Closing a program leading to a credential (any program leading to a degree or certificate), closing a delivery mode for a program, or closing the delivery of a program at an off-site location.
- Adding competency-based education programs and/or competency-based education programs using prior learning credit or direct assessment.
- Entering a cooperative academic arrangement with non-Title IV entities.
- Entering into a contract by which an entity not eligible for Title IV funding offers any percentage of an education program.
Contact the Office of the Provost if your department is:
- Proposing a new program (including certificates) that has 25% or more in new content.
- Creating a dual or joint program with another institution.
- Creating new courses with new content not previously taught.
- Suspending or deleting a program.
- Proposing a new degree.
- Creating a new credential at a higher or lower level.
- Changing the program modality.
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