A substantive change is a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution. Substantive change includes high-impact, high-risk changes and changes that can impact the quality of educational programs and services. Some examples of a substantive change are eliminating an academic degree program or offering coursework at an off-site location.

Why is this policy important and how might it impact North Alabama?

Failure to comply with SACSCOC’s Substantive Change Policy and Procedures, could put the University of North Alabama's accreditation status at risk. An unreported substantive change may trigger a review of UNA's substantive change policy and procedures by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees. Non-compliance could also subject UNA to monitoring, sanction, or removal from membership. Failure to secure approval, if required, of a substantive change involving programs or locations that qualify for Title IV federal funding may place UNA in jeopardy with the U.S. Department of Education; in these instances, sanctions could include loss of future federal funding or reimbursement of past funds related to the unreported substantive change.

Substantive Change FAQs and other resources

UNA Substantive Change Policy

As a condition of membership, institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) have responsibility for compliance with the Commission’s substantive change procedures and policy (Comprehensive Standard 3.12). The University of North Alabama is committed to ensuring that the institution meets that standard and all policies embedded therein. The following policies and procedures have been adopted by the institution to provide a framework for monitoring compliance.

UNA Substantive Change Policy