Substantive Change Form
Including Documentation & Support
www.abhe.org
Institution Name:
City, ST/PR:
Proposed Change:
Date Submitted:
Type of Change (mark with X):
1 – Change in mission or objectives
2a – Initiation of program(s) at a new degree or credential level
2b – Major expansion at currently approved degree or credential level
2c – Introduction of an alternative Bible/Theology Studies requirement
2d – Discontinuation of all graduate level offerings or all undergraduate level offerings
2e – Initiation of a contractual, consortial, or cooperative agreement where a non-Title IV provider
offers more than 25% of an academic program
2f – Initiation of an adult degree completion program
2g – Change from clock hours to credit hours or a substantial increase in hours
2h – Acquisition another institution, program, or location of another institution*
2i – Addition of a permanent location at which the institution is conducting a teach-out*
3a - Initiation/discontinuation of a formal relationship with a denomination or fellowship
3b – Merge with another institution*
3c – Change in legal status, form of control, or ownership
4a – Relocation of main campus*
4b – Initiation or relocation of an additional location by course availability or institutional policy, via
classroom courses, hybrid courses, or a combination of both
4c – Initiation or relocation of a branch campus*
4d – Discontinuation of a branch campus*
5 –Initial offering of the first degree program(s) where 50% or more of the program is available via a
new modality (e.g., distance, hybrid, or correspondence education)
Institutions on Warning, Probation, Show Cause—Type of Change (mark with X):
6a – Initiation of a contractual, consortial, or cooperative agreement with another organization
6b – Initiation of extension classes in a new location (less than 50% of a degree program)*
6c – Initial offering of courses using a new modality (e.g., distance, hybrid, correspondence)
6d – Initiation of programs other than the first degree program where 50% or more of an academic
program may be completed by distance, hybrid, or correspondence education
*Include the street address of the location involved in the Proposed Change section above.
Voice: 407.207.0808
Email: [email protected]
5850 T G Lee Blvd, Suite 130, Orlando, FL 32822
Substantive Change Proposal
Page 2
INSTRUCTIONS
Follow the outline below and refer to the current Commission on Accreditation Manual for policies and
procedures related to change requests (this form may be used as a template). See the Report Guide at
forms.abhecoa.org for format and submission instructions. If you have questions, please contact your
Commission Staff Representative or the Commission Office at [email protected].
Substantive change proposal should not exceed 16 pages (excluding appendices).
Substantive changes will be reviewed by the Commission on Accreditation on the following schedule:
Proposal Received by
Commission Decision by
May 15
July 31
Sept. 15
Nov. 30
Dec. 15
Feb. 28
I. ONE-PAGE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
II. WHAT CHANGE IS BEING PROPOSED?
A. Describe the proposed change (if an off-campus location is involved, include the street
address).
B. State the expected outcomes of the proposed change (e.g., program learning outcomes,
service enhancements, key results in enrollment growth, financial growth, or outreach).
C. Project the impact of this proposal on the following:
1. Institutional Mission
2. Number and types of students served
3. Breadth of educational offerings required
III. WHAT FACTORS LED TO THE INSTITUTION RECOMMENDING THE PROPOSED CHANGE?
A. Describe the relationship between the proposed change and ongoing planning.
Substantive Change Proposal
B. Describe the needs analysis related to this proposed change.
C. Describe the involvement of various constituencies in developing this proposed change.
IV. WHAT NECESSARY APPROVALS HAVE BEEN OBTAINED TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSED
CHANGE?
A. Identify the internal approvals required (e.g., faculty, administration, board) and provide
documentation confirming these actions.
B. Identify the external approvals required (e.g., state/province, other recognized
accrediting body) and provide documentation confirming these actions.
V. WHAT IMPACT MIGHT THE PROPOSED CHANGE HAVE ON COMLIANCE WITH ABHE
STANDARDS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES?
A. Identify Commission’s Standards, policies, and procedures relevant to this change and
address how implementation will comply with those requirements. Institutions seeking
to offer 50% or more of a degree program via distance or hybrid courses must show
compliance with the applicable portions of the Best Practices for Online Distance
Education in the Policy on Alternative Academic Patterns in the substantive change
proposal.
B. Identify any concerns raised by the Commission as part of the last comprehensive
evaluation visit, subsequent Commission action letters, and/or consultation visit reports,
and address how this change will impact those challenges.
VI. WHAT ARE THE INSTITUTION’S PLANS TO IMPLEMENT AND SUSTAIN THE PROPOSED
CHANGE?
A. Describe adjustments in appropriately credentialed faculty necessary to accomplish the
proposed change (curriculum development and oversight, evaluation of instruction, and
assessment of learning outcomes), and document qualifications for faculty additions.
B. Describe adjustments in administration and support staff necessary to accomplish the
proposed change and document qualifications for administrative personnel additions.
Page 3
Substantive Change Proposal
C. Describe how the organization will make learning resources and support services
available to students (student support services, library resources, academic advising,
and financial aid counseling).
D. Specify the intended start date and timeline to implement the proposed change.
E. Detail the financial impact of the intended change over the first three years of
implementation (business plan). Be sure to include revenue and both direct and indirect
expenses.
VII. WHAT ARE THE INSTITUTION’S STRATEGIES TO EVALUATE THE PROPOSED CHANGE?
A. Describe the measures the organization will use to document the achievement of its
expected outcomes.
B. Describe how assessment of student learning is impacted by this change and integrated
into the assessment program.
VIII. PROOF OF AUTHORIZATION.
A. Include a signed and dated cover letter from a senior institutional administrator
authorizing the proposed change.
B. Provide proof of governmental authorization for the change (if applicable).
IX. LIST OF APPENDICES.
A. Attach documentation as appendices and identify in the responses above.
B. Do not submit documentation or appendices as separate files.
C. List appendices here:
Institutions that implement a substantive change which has been disapproved by the Commission will
automatically be placed under a "show cause" order. Follow-up reports may be requested by the
Commission for either substantive changes or required notification changes.
Institutions will be invoiced for the substantive change fee when the Substantive Change Proposal is
received by the Commission Office.
Page 4