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.
Failure to comply with SACSCOC’s Substantive Change Policy and Procedures, could put Auburn University’s accreditation status at risk. An unreported substantive change may trigger a review of Auburn’s substantive change policy and procedures by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees. Non-compliance could also subject Auburn 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 Auburn 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.