Policies & Procedures Manual

33

Policy No: 202.1

Policy Contact: Vice President for Institutional Research & Effectiveness

Policy Title: SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE Institutional integrity serves as the basic contract defining the relationship between the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and East Central Community College (ECCC). The College is committed to operating with integrity and in compliance in all matters. One effect of ECCC policies and procedures is to ensure that the institution maintains compliance with the Commission’s Substantive Change for SACSCOC Accredited Institutions Policy (Substantive Change Policy). Substantive change is defined as a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution. The following executive administrative officers serve on the SACSCOC Leadership Committee which is responsible for substantive change compliance review: Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness (Committee Chair and Accreditation Liaison); President; Vice President for Instruction; Vice President for Business Operations; Vice President for Student Services; Vice President for Public Information. The SACSCOC Leadership Committee is embedded within the Executive Council which considers all college business arising from the Council and Committee structure (see Policy 303). The regular meetings of the Executive Council provide the officers listed above the forum to regularly review for possible substantive change activity across all institutional functions. When a possible substantive change is identified in a meeting of the Executive Council, the SACSCOC Leadership Committee will convene within an appropriate timeframe to consider whether the change is substantive. In the event the SACSCOC Leadership Committee determines a change to be substantive, officers will collaborate (generally led by the Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness) to draft the notification (and, if required, a prospectus) applicable according to the Substantive Change Policy for review by the President. The President is responsible for notifying the Commission of any substantive changes. Possible substantive changes identified by councils or committees in the course of business are (1) noted in minutes for consideration by the next higher council or committee, and (2) immediately forwarded to the Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness/Accreditation Liaison for evaluation and potential consideration by the SACSCOC Leadership Committee. • 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 (note: councils and committees should notify the President, Vice President for Instruction, and Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness/Accreditation Liaison of any additional geographical location). • The establishment of a branch campus. Substantive changes include:

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker