Substantive Change: Distance or Correspondence Education
Prior HLC approval may be required for the initiation or expansion of an institution’s distance or correspondence education courses and programs.
Definitions of distance and correspondence education
Note: Programs new to the institution may require separate approval from HLC regardless of the method of delivery.
Types of Requests
The following information is provided for general guidance. Institutions planning a change related to distance or correspondence education offerings should contact their HLC staff liaison to confirm that prior HLC approval or notification is required.
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Distance Education
Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Complete the Survey on Distance-Delivered Courses
Note: HLC does not charge a fee for requests to initiate distance education courses.
Review Process
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately three months from submission of survey response
Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Complete the Distance or Correspondence Education Change Application
Note: Distance education and correspondence education must be reviewed and approved separately.
Review Process
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately nine months from submission of complete application
Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Complete the Distance or Correspondence Education Change Application
Possible Review Processes
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately six to nine months from submission of complete application, depending on review process
Correspondence Education
Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Complete the Survey on Distance-Delivered Courses
Note: HLC does not charge a fee for requests to initiate correspondence education courses.
Review Process
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately three months from submission of survey response
Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Complete the Distance or Correspondence Education Change Application
Note: Distance education and correspondence education must be reviewed and approved separately.
Possible Review Processes
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately six to nine months from submission of complete application, depending on review process
Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Complete the Distance or Correspondence Education Change Application
Possible Review Processes
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately six to nine months from submission of complete application, depending on review process
Questions?
Contact HLC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Review HLC's Glossary for definitions of terms related to substantive change.