Substantive Change (A-70)
Original Implementation: August 26, 2008
Last Revision: None
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is committed to adhering to the policies and requirements of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). In accordance with THECB and SACS policies, Stephen F. Austin State University will notify THECB and SACS of substantive changes prior to implementation and, where required by rules, will request approval of changes. The university is also committed to establishing and maintaining procedures to ensure compliance with THECB and SACS policies and providing information to faculty and staff regarding curricular and organizational changes requiring notification and/or approval. This policy applies to vice presidents, deans, department chairs, school directors, undergraduate and graduate program coordinators, university, college and departmental curriculum committees, and faculty and staff wishing to make a curricular or organizational change.
Procedures
In accordance with THECB and SACS policies, Stephen F. Austin State University will notify THECB and SACS of substantive changes prior to initiation and, where required by rules, will request approval of changes. The Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for submitting all communication to the appropriate governing body.
Substantive changes include but are not limited to:
- off-campus course and program offerings
- distance education course and program offerings
- online course and program offerings
- transmission of courses or programs through electronic means including teleconferencing
- courses and programs offered in conjunction with another institution through consortia or dual degree agreements
- adding a significantly different program
- offering courses or programs at a more advanced or lower level
- significantly altering the length of a program
- initiating degree completion programs
- renaming or establishing new academic organizational units (e.g., departments or schools)
- establishing a branch campus or off-campus instructional site
- establishing a merger or consolidation
- discontinuing a program or instructional site
- changes in governance
Stephen F. Austin State University is required to notify THECB and SACS of substantive changes and to request approval in accordance with THECB and SACS policies. For example, SACS requires notification prior to implementation when offering 25-49% of the coursework required for program completion online, off-campus, or through distance education. SACS requires notification at least six months in advance and prior approval when offering 50% or more of the coursework required for program completion online, off-campus, or through distance education. Also, SACS requires notification, including submission of a prospectus, and approval six to 12 months before certain changes are initiated such as new degree programs that are a significant departure from current degree program offerings.
When preparing and reviewing course and program proposals that may involve a substantive change, proposal sponsors (i.e., faculty) and curriculum committees must follow and document adherence to curriculum review and approval policies and processes described in university Policy A-4, Academic Curricula Review and Approval. In addition, academic units proposing a new program or requesting approval for changes falling under the THECB or SACS definitions for substantive or organizational changes must prepare a prospectus in accordance with the requirements outlined in the SACS Substantive Change Policy and the THECB substantive change guidelines. The SACS prospectus and/or THECB proposal must accompany the Curriculum Change Request.
The Office of the Provost is responsible for conducting an ongoing review of curricular revisions to identify changes that may be substantive in nature and may require reporting or prior approval by THECB and/or SACS. The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will make the final determination of changes that are substantive in nature and will initiate appropriate reporting and approval processes in compliance with THECB and SACS policies and procedures.
Additional information about the SACS Substantive Change Policy is available on their website http://www.sacscoc.org/SubstantiveChange.asp Additional information about THECB Substantive Change procedures is available at http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/PDF/0205.PDF
Cross Reference: Policy A-4, Academic Curricula Review and Approval; SACS Substantive Change Policy; THECB Substantive Change guidelines
Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Contact for Revision: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Forms: Academic Affairs Forms