Substantive Change: Mission or Student Body
Prior HLC approval is required for any changes in the actual or apparent mission of an institution or its educational objectives, as well as for significant changes in the character or nature of the student body of the institution.
Note: When an institution applies for approval of the following types of changes, HLC also will require an application for a change in mission or student body:
- An institution’s third program at a lower degree level
- An institution’s third program at a higher degree level
- The rapid expansion of an institution’s additional locations
Types of Requests
The following information is provided for general guidance. Institutions planning a change related to their mission or student body should contact their HLC staff liaison to confirm that prior HLC approval or notification is required.
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Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Submit the Mission or Student Body Application
Review Process
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately three months from submission of complete application
Note: These requests may also be reviewed in conjunction with another request during a Change Visit. In that case, the timeline would be nine months from the submission of the application.
Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Submit the Mission or Student Body Application
Review Process
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately three months from submission of complete application
Note: These requests may also be reviewed in conjunction with another request during a Change Visit. In that case, the timeline would be nine months from the submission of the application.
Significant changes may include, but are not limited to, seeking international students for the first time or acquiring students being taught-out of programs provided by a closing institution.
Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Submit the Mission or Student Body Application
Review Process
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately three months from submission of complete application
Note: These requests may also be reviewed in conjunction with another request during a Change Visit. In that case, the timeline would be nine months from the submission of the application.
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.
