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.
Note: Programs new to the institution may require separate approval from HLC regardless of the method of delivery.
New Federal Requirements for Approval of Distance Education Programs
In January 2021, the U.S. Department of Education informed accreditors and institutions that it rescinded Dear Colleague Letter-06-17. That correspondence had been interpreted to mean that an institution’s distance education programs were not required to be evaluated or approved by an accrediting agency if the institution did not offer more than 50% of its courses via distance education, have more than 50% of its students enrolled in distance education, or offer more than 50% of an educational program via distance education. The Department determined that the Dear Colleague Letter conflicted with federal regulations that reference programs offered “in whole or in part” through telecommunications for purposes of Title IV Eligibility (34 CFR 668.8(m)).
In effect, this change means that if an institution offers any program in whole or in part through distance education—even as little as one distance education course in an otherwise in-person program—it must be evaluated and approved to offer distance education programs by its accreditor.
HLC strongly encourages institutions that are not already approved for the highest stipulation level for distance education offerings ("courses and programs") to review their current offerings and apply for the appropriate level of HLC approval. An institution's distance education stipulation is provided in its Institutional Status and Requirements Report.
Institutions with questions about this change should contact their HLC staff liaison.
Definitions of distance and correspondence education
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
For Institutions That Offer Seven or More Total Academic Programs
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.
- If HLC approves the institution's application, the institution may offer up to three distance education programs.
Review Process
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately eight 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 five to eight months from submission of complete application, depending on review process
For Institutions That Offer Six or Fewer Total Academic Programs
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 eight 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 five to eight 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 five to eight 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 five to eight 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.
