4-1-1 SACSCOC SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Area Commission
  3. Information Technology
  4. Plans and Analysis

    4-0-2 Survey Research Studies

    4-1-1 SACSCOC Substantive Changes

  5. Marketing
  6. Financial Affairs
  7. Facilities Management
  8. Human Resources and Employee Relations
  9. Development
  10. Procurement and Inventory Control
  11. Auxiliary Enterprises and Printing Services
  12. Public Safety
  13. Division of Education
  14. Intentionally Left Blank for Future Use
  15. Intentionally Left Blank for Future Use
  16. Admissions and Registrar
  17. Student Services

NUMBER: 4-1-1 APPROVED DATE: 03-08-2010

BASED ON POLICY NUMBER AND TITLE: SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE FOR ACCREDITED INSTITUTIONS OF THE SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS COMMISSION ON COLLEGES

Purpose:  To establish a process for adherence to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Substantive Change Policy and Procedures. In accordance with SACSCOC policies, Trident Technical College (TTC) will notify or secure SACSCOC approval prior to implementing a substantive change.

DEFINITIONS

The following table list substantive changes most likeley to apply to TTC. For a complete list see the SACSCOC Substantive Changes website: https://sacscoc.org/accrediting-standards/substantive-changes/

Substantive Change Type Sub-Category Explanation Requires SACSCOC Submission Deadlines Accreditation Liason Deadline
Lead Time Required for Writing
Notification Approval No Action Required
Program Changes New 50-100% new content.   X*   January for fall Implementation

July for Spring implementation		 October 15th for January deadline

May 15th for July deadline
25-49% new content. X     Submit when new curriculum is approved by curriculum committee  
Less than 25% new content.     X    
Closure Submit Teach-Out Plan as soon as closure is determined.   X   Submit when closure is determined by the college.  
Length Change Program credit hours increase or decrease by 25% or more AND students' expected time to completion increases or decreases by more than one term.   X*   January for fall Implementation

July for Spring implementation		 October 15th for January deadline

May 15th for July deadline
Re-open Program may re-open within five years of the closure date. X        
Off-campus Instructional Site (OCIS) New 50-100% of a program's instruction.   X*   January for fall Implementation

July for Spring implementation		 October 15th for January deadline

May 15th for July deadline
25-49% of a program's instruction. X     Submit when program's instruction is scheduled to meet the 25% threshold  
Less than 25% of a program's instruction.     X    
Site Change New location of site. X        
Change of name or address at current site. X        
Closure Submit Teach-Out Plan as soon as closure is determined.   X   Submit when closure is determined by the college.  
Re-open Site may re-open within five years of the closure date. X        

* Requires SACSCOC approval prior to implementation.

ACTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE

  • The president, vice president(s), program/site coordinator, or designees notifies the institutional liaison of planned changes in curriculum or at off-campus instructional sites that may require substantive change notification or approval.
    • The institutional liaison monitors Curriculum Committee agendas and materials for potential substantive change notifications or required approvals.
    • The institutional liaison monitors course offerings at off-campus instructional sites for potential substantive change notifications or required approvals.
  • For each change identified as substantive, the institutional liaison works with the president, vice president, program/site coordinator, or designee to complete the required materials for submission to SACSCOC.
  • The president submits completed substantive change documents via the institutional liaison to SACSCOC.
  • The institutional liaison keeps the appropriate parties informed of the SACSCOC notification or approval process and maintains appropriate documentation.
  • The institutional liaison provides training on substantive change as needed.

 

Updated: 05-02-2016

Reviewed: 02-01-2021

Updated:  07-28-2025