Substantive Change: Understanding Middle States Policy and Process Understanding Expectations for the Self-Study from the HEOA 11/11/2010 Substantive Change: Understanding Middle States Policy and Process Debra G. Klinman – Vice President Ellie A. Fogarty – Vice President MSCHE Annual Conference December 2011

Overview Federal Requirement Twelve Types of Substantive Change Review Process What Peer Reviewers Look For New Developments

Substantive Change is a Federal Requirement Accreditation decisions apply only to existing institutional conditions USDE requires that MSCHE determine the impact of any Substantive Change on the quality and effectiveness of the total institution Changes undertaken without appropriate review threaten the accreditation status of the entire institution

Substantive Change is a Federal Requirement Institutions must inform the Commission in advance and follow procedural guidelines. Prior approval is required. MSCHE can approve, reject, decline to act, or rescind approval of any Substantive Change. Policy Statement: www.msche.org/documents/updated-Substantive-Change-policy-11-18-10.pdf Procedural Guidelines: www.msche.org/documents/Substantive-Change-Processes-New-Version-January-2011.pdf

Types of Substantive Change Any change in the established mission or objectives of the institution Any change in the legal status, form of control, or ownership of the institution Initiation of a contractual arrangement wherein 25% of one or more educational programs is provided by unaccredited entity

Types of Substantive Change Addition of courses or programs representing a significant departure from existing offerings of educational programs, or method of delivery Addition of programs at a new degree or credential level Institutional closure or institutional status requiring a teach-out plan for approval

Types of Substantive Change Change from clock hours to credit hours in one or more programs Substantial increase or decrease in number of clock/credit hours for program completion Initiation/expansion of distance or correspondence education where 50% or more of courses/credits in an academic program are provided through alternative delivery

Types of Substantive Change Establishment of a branch campus, including a branch campus acquired from another institution Establishment of domestic and international additional locations Planned closure or relocation of additional location/branch campus (teach-out plan for approval)

Substantive Change Review Process Substantive Change Committee Submission deadlines are the first day of January, March, May, July, September, November every year Peer reviewers; chaired by Commissioner Conference call format Substantive Change Committee makes recommendations to Executive Committee of Commission for approval Institution receives formal notification of decision from the Commission

What Peer Reviewers Look For Type of change (be specific) Relationship to institutional mission and goals Readiness for review; are all supporting documents included? Evidence of sufficient resources, assessment of student learning outcomes, appropriate oversight, appropriate planning, and realistic projections, budget, other information as appropriate Analysis of impact on institution and assurance of continuing compliance with Standards

New Developments Templates for Substantive Change proposals Additional Locations (Domestic) http://www.msche.org/publications/Substantive-Change-Application-Form-Jan-2012.dot Other templates to follow Electronic submission of materials – evaluationservices@msche.org Peer reviewers visit additional locations Contact Jeff Ewing, Director for Volunteer and Accreditation Services (jfewing@msche.org)

Middle States Commission on Higher Education Questions? Middle States Commission on Higher Education