Substantive Change Requirements for Institutions on Sanction, Show-Cause or Provisional Certification

Under federal regulations, certain substantive change requirements apply to institutions when:

• The institution was placed on a sanction or under a Show-Cause Order with HLC since July 1, 2020.
• In the prior three years, the institution has been removed from sanction or a Show-Cause Order with HLC (and was placed on the sanction or Show-Cause Order after July 1, 2020).
• The institution is currently on a provisional certification status with the U.S. Department of Education that was assigned on or after July 1, 2020.

Prior HLC Approval Required for Certain Changes

These institutions are required to apply for HLC approval prior to making any of the changes listed below, which in some cases would otherwise require HLC notification. These institutions are also subject to HLC’s approval and notification requirements for all institutions related to Changes to Existing Programs and Contractual Arrangements.

• Increasing or decreasing the number of credit or clock hours required to complete a certificate or degree program by 25% or more since the institution’s last accreditation review.
• Changing the content of a program by 25% or more since the institution’s last accreditation review.
• Changing a program’s method of delivery.
• Developing customized pathways or abbreviated or modified courses or programs.
• Initiating any contractual arrangement.