U.S. Department of Education (USDE) regulations that went into effect on July 1, 2020, instituted new substantive change notification and approval requirements related to academic program activity. The regulations also set new requirements for institutions on sanction or under a Show-Cause Order with HLC, or under provisional certification status with the USDE.

Properly Declaring Program Activity

Institutions should read the following carefully to properly declare program activity to HLC, in accordance with the USDE regulations.

• New degree programs: Complete the New Degree Program Screening Form.
• New certificate programs: Complete the Certificate Program Screening Form.
• New or renewed contractual arrangements: Complete the Contractual Arrangement Screening Form.
• Certain changes to existing degree or certificate programs: Complete the Screening Form for Changes to Existing Academic Programs.
• Official HLC letter in support of the information the institution has declared: Complete the Official Letter Request Form.

Requirements for Institutions on Sanction, Show-Cause Order or Provisional Certification Status

Institutions placed on a sanction or under a Show-Cause Order with HLC since July 1, 2020, or those on a provisional certification status with the USDE that was assigned on or after July 1, 2020, are subject to additional requirements:

• These institutions are required to apply for HLC approval prior to making the changes listed below while on a sanction or under a Show-Cause Order and for three years thereafter, or while on a provisional certification status. See Changes to Existing Programs and Contractual Arrangements for more information.
  • Increasing or decreasing the number of credit or clock hours required for successful completion of a certificate program by 25% or more since the institution’s last accreditation review.
  • Changing the content of a program by 25% or more since the institution’s last accreditation review.
  • Changing a program’s method of delivery.
  • Developing customized pathways or abbreviated or modified courses or programs.
  • Initiating any contractual arrangement.
• These institutions are ineligible to participate in HLC’s Notification Program for Additional Locations. Institutions that are in the Notification Program will be suspended or removed from the program. An institution may be eligible to re-apply or regain access to the program when it meets all of the criteria for eligibility, per HLC policy.