Substantive Change
HLC recognizes that change at institutions of higher learning is constant, and it supports institutional efforts to improve educational quality. Depending on the type of change an institution plans to make—expanding its academic offerings, opening a new location, changing its mission, etc.—it may be required to apply for prior HLC approval or notify HLC of the change.
When prior approval is required, the institution must submit an application describing the change. The application will be reviewed by HLC staff or peer reviewers (depending on the complexity of the change), and an HLC decision-making body will take final action to approve or deny the request. Some changes also require a follow-up review after approval. This process ensures that institutions continue to meet HLC's standards as they evolve and grow.
Changes Requiring Prior HLC Approval or Notification
Federal Regulations: HLC has provided guidance on properly declaring program activity to comply with U.S. Department of Education regulations on substantive change that went into effect on July 1, 2020.
Consortial Arrangements: While HLC does not specifically review consortial arrangements, institutions must still notify HLC or obtain prior approval for any new academic program offered through a consortial arrangement. (See HLC's Glossary for the definition of consortial arrangement.)
New Academic Programs
Offering a new degree or certificate program.
Changes to Existing Programs
Changes involving clock or credit hours, length of term, program content, method of delivery, customized pathways or suspension of a degree or certificate program.
Off-Campus Activities
Opening, closing, relocating or reclassifying a branch campus or additional location. Joining or expanding access to HLC's Notification Program for Additional Locations.
Distance Delivery
Initiating or expanding courses and/or programs offered through distance education or correspondence education.
Competency-Based Education
Offering academic programs through competency-based education (CBE), including direct assessment, hybrid or credit-based CBE.
Contractual Arrangements
Initiating, modifying or renewing arrangements to outsource a portion of an academic program to a corporate entity or institution that does not qualify as a consortial party within HLC's definition of a consortial arrangement.
Mission or Student Body
Changing the institution's mission, educational objectives or the character or nature of its student body.
Control, Structure or Organization
Undergoing a transaction, such as a merger or acquisition, or other change that may affect the institution's corporate control, structure or organization.
Related Policies
- Substantive Change (INST.F.20.040)
- Review of Substantive Change (INST.F.20.050)
- Monitoring of Substantive Change (INST.F.20.060)
- Change of Control, Structure, or Organization (INST.B.20.040)
- Processes for Seeking Approval of Change of Control (INST.F.20.070)
- Monitoring Related to Change of Control, Structure, or Organization (INST.F.20.080)
Questions?
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