The University Planning and Assessment office facilitates the institution's reporting and compliance activities for accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

As a member of the SACSCOC, Lamar University is responsible for notifying and, when necessary, seeking approval for substantive changes from the Commission in accordance with the SACSCOC substantive change policy.

In addition, some substantive changes require notification to the Department of Education for federal financial aid purposes.

LU Pending Substantive Changes

Lamar University Substantive Change Policy (PDF)

What is a Substantive Change?

As defined by the SACSCOC, a “substantive change is a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution.”

Substantive changes include, but are not limited to:

• Initiating coursework or programs at a different level than currently approved
• Expanding at current degree level (significant departure from current programs)
• Initiating a branch campus
• Initiating certificate programs
• Altering significantly the educational mission of the institution
• Initiating joint or dual degrees with another institution
• Initiating a certificate program at employer’s request and on short notice
• Initiating off-campus sites
• Expanding program offerings at previously approved off-campus sites
• Altering significantly the length of a program
• Changing from clock hours to credit hours
• Initiating a direct assessment competency-based program
• Initiating distance learning
• Entering into a contract with an entity not certified to participate in UDOE Title IV programs (for the delivery of an educational program)
• Initiating programs/courses offered through contractual agreement or consortium
• Initiating a merger/consolidation with another institution
• Changing governance, ownership, control, or legal status of an institution
• Adding a permanent location at a site where the institution is conducting a teach-out for students from another institution that is closing
• Closing a program, approved off-campus site, branch campus, or institution

Why must we report substantive changes to SACSCOC and other relevant entities?

Failure to comply with the SACSCOC Substantive Change policy and report substantive changes in a time-appropriate manner may result in negative actions being taken against Lamar University by the Commission or the Department of Education. Specifically, potential consequences include:

• Loss of Title IV Funding
• Repayment of monies received from the U.S. Department of Education for programs related to the unreported substantive change
• Sanctions or removal from membership of the SACSCOC

Some substantive changes must also be reported to the Department of Education for federal financial aid purposes. The SACSCOC Liaison will notify the Office of Financial Aid of substantive changes involving off-site locations and initiation of new programs.

What are my responsibilities in reporting a substantive change?

As changes occur at all levels of the institution, it is the responsibility of each unit to ensure that appropriate reporting to all oversight agencies and accreditors occurs.

If you believe an upcoming change within your unit may qualify as a substantive change, please notify the institution's SACSCOC Liaison, Theresa Hefner-Babb, at your earliest convenience. The SACSCOC Liaison will work with you in determining if the change is substantive in nature and requires notification and/or approval from the Commission.

Procedures have been implemented to ensure that the academic deans and the division vice presidents receive training in substantive change procedures. In addition, University Planning and Assessment has made available on this website a number of substantive change resources to include:

• Lamar University policies and procedures
• SACSCOC policies and guidelines
• Additional educational training materials

Who should I contact if I have questions?

For questions related to substantive changes, please contact Lamar University’s SACSCOC Liaison:

Dr. Theresa Hefner-Babb
SACSCOC Liaison
Assistant Provost for Accreditation and Assessment
Office of Accreditation and Assessment
Reaud Building, Suite 301 Office 301B
409-880-8175
storey@lamar.edu