13.1 Substantive Change Policy
Approved by Administrative Council 04/04/22
LSUHSC-S adheres to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Substantive Change Policy, ensuring that any significant modifications or expansions to its operations are reported and approved in compliance with SACSCOC Standard 14.2. Substantive changes include alterations to institutional mission, governance, academic programs, off-campus sites, or instructional methods. LSUHSC-S’s Accreditation Liaison, located in the Office of Institutional Planning, Effectiveness, and Accreditation, is responsible for coordinating the notification or approval process with SACSCOC to maintain compliance and avoid disruptions to institutional operations.
Program directors, deans, and academic officers are required to familiarize themselves with this policy and inform the institution’s Accreditation Liaison about potential substantive changes early in the planning process. Depending on the type of change, advance notification or approval from SACSCOC, and in some cases, the Louisiana Board of Regents, may be required up to 12 months prior to implementation. Close coordination with the Accreditation Liaison ensures that all necessary approvals are obtained, and reporting deadlines are met to avoid delays in program implementation.
To read the full Substantive Change Policy, click here.
13.2 Academic Accreditation Compliance Policy
Approved by Administrative Council 12/08/22
LSUHSC-S ensures compliance with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and Louisiana Board of Regents (BOR) accreditation policies across all academic programs. LSUHSC-S follows SACSCOC Standard 14.5, which requires adherence to any new or additional obligations beyond the existing Principles of Accreditation. The institution’s SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison is responsible for communicating relevant accreditation policies to institutional personnel and ensuring that all eligible programs maintain accreditation through their respective accrediting agencies. Programs without professional accreditation must undergo a qualitative review every five years.
The policy mandates that any disciplinary actions affecting accreditation status, such as warnings or probation, must be reported to the BOR along with the institution’s response. Compliance with these requirements is monitored by the Office of Academic Affairs, with the Accreditation Liaison serving as the primary point of contact for SACSCOC. The Liaison also ensures proper communication regarding substantive changes or accreditation developments to both SACSCOC and the BOR.
To read the full Academic Accreditation Compliance Policy, click here.
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