Substantive Change

The Georgia Tech Substantive Change Policy was developed to meet  with SACSCOC Standard 14.2 Substantive Change, which ensures that substantive changes are reported in accordance with SACSCOC policy.  

link to policy library: https://policylibrary.gatech.edu/academic-affairs/substantive-change-policy-sacscoc 

Link to SACSCOC subchange policy: https://sacscoc.org/accrediting-standards/substantive-changes/ 

Common changes that occur at Georgia Tech that must be reported to SACSCOC are:  

  • New Dual Academic Award 

  • Change in Method of Delivery-Notification 

  • New Program- Notification or Approval 

  • Program Closure 

SACSCOC defines its terms in specific ways. Please see the table below for frequently referenced terms.  

Terms as defined by SACSCOC (alphabetically) 

Term 

Definition 

Approval 

An official action by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees enabling an institution to implement a proposed substantive change. All changes requiring approval are defined in Substantive Change Policy and Procedures. An institution secures approval by submitting a substantive change prospectus or application subject to satisfactory review by the Board of Trustees. 

Closure 

The ending of instruction in an educational program at an off-campus instructional site, in an educational program at an off-campus instructional site or main campus, by a method of delivery, or at an entire institution, such that a student cannot complete their program of study as planned. 

Distance education 

A method of delivery in which 50% or more of instruction occurs when students and instructors are not in the same location. It includes synchronous (live or in realtime) and asynchronous (not live or in real-time) instruction. 

Dual academic award 

A student receives instruction at two (or more) institutions in prescribed curricula leading to each institution granting academic awards at the same credential level. 

Face-to-face instruction 

A method of delivery in which 50% or more of instruction occurs when students and instructors are in the same location.   

Joint academic award 

A student receives instruction at two (or more) institutions in prescribed curricula leading to the institutions granting a single academic award bearing the names, seals, and officials’ signatures of each participating institution.   

Method of delivery 

The principal method by which instruction is delivered to include competency-based education (all forms), distance education, and face-to-face instruction. 

Notification 

An official communication from an institution to SACSCOC as defined in Substantive Change Policy and Procedures. A notification is complete only when accepted by SACSCOC upon satisfactory review by staff. 

Off-campus instructional site / additional location 

A location geographically apart from an institution’s sole main campus where instruction is delivered.  

Program 

A coherent course of study leading to a for-credit credential including a degree, diploma, certificate, or other generally recognized credential. 

Teach-out plan 

A written plan developed by an institution for students to complete their programs of study because it decided to end a program, off-campus instructional site, method of delivery, or to close the institution. A teach-out plan provides an orderly process, the equitable treatment of students, minimal disruption and additional costs to students, and covers all enrolled students regardless of their progress to completion. 

 

Please contact our office if you think you are making a substantive change that requires notification or approval by SACSCOC.