Submitted by Cheryl Dowd on
Federal Regulation

Substantive Changes and Other Reporting Requirements

Description 

This regulation directs how accrediting agencies must review and approve substantive changes at institutions including new programs and delivery methods.  

Specific to distance education, direct assessment, and competency-based education (CBE), institutions must be aware of the following:

  • Institutions must obtain accreditor approval before offering programs in distance education, direct assessment, or CBE formats if these represent a significant departure from current offerings.
  • Accreditors must evaluate the institution’s capacity to ensure academic quality in these formats.
  • Institutions are required to report such changes and secure approval before students can receive Title IV federal financial aid for those programs.

Action to be taken

Institutions must take the following steps specific to distance education, direct assessment, and CBE.

  • Determine whether the new/expanded program is a substantive change.
  • Notify and submit documentation to the accreditor as required.
  • Obtain formal accreditor approval before launching the program.
  • Show evidence of institutional capacity to deliver and maintain academic quality.
  • Confirm approval is in place before students receive Title IV aid for the program.

Effective Date

  • July 1, 2020 amended July 1, 2023

Resources

Regulation progress: Step 8 of 8

  1. Step 1 Notice of Intent to Establish a Rulemaking with Public Comment Period.
  2. Step 2. Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Nominations and Schedule of Committee Meetings with Public Nominations.
  3. Step 3. Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Meetings
  4. Step 4 Office of Management & Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Review of Proposed Regulations
  5. Step 5 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and Public Comment Period (release of proposed regulations)
  6. Step 6 Office of Management & Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Review of Final Regulations
  7. Step 7 Release of Final Regulations
  8. Step 8 Effective Date