Substantive Changes Procedures

I. Definition

Substantive changes are significant modifications or expansions of the nature or scope of an accredited institution.

II. Purpose

To establish policy and procedures to ensure compliance with the “Substantive Change for SACSCOC Accredited Institutions Policy Statement” of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). In accordance with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges policies, Central Piedmont will notify the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges of proposed institutional and programmatic changes in a timely manner, will seek approval prior to the initiation of changes when appropriate, and will submit a substantive change prospectus, if necessary.

III. Procedures

A. In September and February of each year, the College's Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges liaison will distribute a “check sheet” to the vice president of Academic Affairs or their delegate(s) and the Central Piedmont Curriculum Committee requesting information on any program and off-campus instructional site/additional location changes that have taken place in their areas. The associate vice president for academic support will collaborate with Central Piedmont’s Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges liaison to ensure reporting processes are completed in a timely manner to support substantive change documentation submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

B. Annually, Central Piedmont’s Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges liaison will distribute a check sheet to Cabinet to capture any institutional, non- instructional substantive changes since the last report to Cabinet.

C. The College's Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges liaison and appropriate vice president or delegate will review all changes identified on the check sheets to determine which changes are substantive according to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges “Principles of Accreditation."

D. For each change identified as substantive, the appropriate vice president will assign responsibility to appropriate personnel to work with the College's Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges liaison to complete required materials for submission, including letters and a substantive change prospectus, as necessary.

E. The College's Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges liaison will provide training, monitor all institutional changes, and report potential substantive changes to the President.

F. As required, the president or designee will review, approve, and send completed substantive change documents to the Board of Trustees for their approval. Upon approval, the president or Central Piedmont’s Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges liaison shall submit the substantive change materials to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges for consideration.

G. Upon approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the president or designee will assign the appropriate vice president to implement the change(s).

Related Policies

Policy 2.18 Substantive Changes