Accreditation at Rice

Substantive Change

A Substantive change is a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution such as adding degree programs, changes in the types of degrees offered at an institution, or the creation of off-campus instructional sites. Rice reports substantive changes to its institutional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

If Rice is found non-compliant with Substantive Change Policy and Procedures or Standard 14.2 (Substantive change), its accreditation may be in jeopardy, it could trigger a review by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees, or be subjected 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 the institution in jeopardy with the U.S. Department of Education, including reimbursement of funds received related to an unreported substantive change.

Substantive Change includes but is not limited to:

• Creation of new academic programs
• Initiating academic programs with an unapproved or new method of delivery
• Opening or closing of off-campus instructional sites or branch campuses
• Entering into a cooperative academic agreement
• Dual academic awards
• Closing of a academic program, method of delivery, or off-campus instructional site
• Significantly changing the mission or objectives of the institution