The Resource Library contains all the core information we consider important to understanding of the various pieces of the accreditation experience. Here you will find guides to help you navigate the accreditation experience, relevant policies, reports used for data gathering, templates and samples of related documents, and more.
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Substantive Change Resources
About the Accreditation Management Portal (AMP)
Agreements with Unaccredited Entities Guide
This guide is for institutions considering entering into agreements with unaccredited providers and is designed to be referenced in conjunction with the Agreements with Unaccredited Entities Policy.
Agreements with Unaccredited Entities Policy
When an accredited institution enters into an agreement with an unaccredited entity with the intent that the latter will provide services to the accredited institution, the accredited institution must ensure that the services provided by the unaccredited entity comply with the Commission’s Standards and policies.
Change in Ownership Implementation Form
Institutions must submit this form regarding Changes of Ownership, Mission or Form of Control within 30 days after implementation of the change.
Common Issues in Sub Change Proposals
This list identifies the most commonly cited areas of revision in substantive change proposals. The first section lists issues commonly caught in the preliminary staff review done by WSCUC staff. Other sections identify common issues specific to undergraduate, graduate and distance education programs.
Developing Substantive Change Proposals
Dual Degrees Policy
A dual degree program is defined as a program of study offered collaboratively by two institutions that leads to the award of a separate degree from each of the participating institutions. This policy outlines the expectations for institutions offering dual degree programs in conformity with the Standards of Accreditation (the Standards).
Graduate Program Review Guide
The purpose of these guidelines is to complement and inform the WSCUC Standards of Accreditation, providing more specific guidance about the planning, development, and evaluation of graduate programs. These guidelines are minimal baseline standards for quality and do not necessarily reflect robust or ideal characteristics of graduate programs.
Joint Degrees Policy
A joint degree program is one in which a program is offered collaboratively by two or more accredited institutions and leads to the award of a single degree issued jointly by participating institutions. As outlined in this policy, institutions are expected to design and operate joint degree offerings in conformity with the Standards of Accreditation (the Standards) and relevant policies.
Peer Review Committee Charges
This document describes the roles and responsibilities of the three WSCUC peer review committees: the Substantive Change Committee, the Eligibility Review Committee, and the Interim Report Committee
Peer Review Committees
Substantive Change Committee
Substantive Change Follow-up Site Visit Guidelines and Checklist
This guide describes the Substantive Change follow-up visit and provides the report template for teams to submit to WSCUC after the visit.
Substantive Change Manual
Substantive Change Policy
This document describes WSCUC’s Substantive Change Policy for institutions. A substantive change is one that may significantly affect the institution’s quality, objectives, scope, or control, or that triggers conditions established under federal law.
Substantive Change Pre-Approval Site Visit Guide
This guide describes the Substantive Change pre-approval site visit and the template for the visit report
Substantive Change Proposal Templates
Template: Change in Mission, Ownership, or Form of Control
Template completed by institutions when submitting a Substantive Change Proposal related to change in mission, ownership, or form of control
Template: Degree Progam (Doctoral) (On-ground or Distance Education)
This Substantive Change template is to be completed for new doctoral degree programs.
Template: Degree Program (Assoc, Bachelor’s or Master’s) (On-ground or Distance Education)
This Substantive Change template is to be completed by institutions for the following types of programs at the Associates, Bachelors, or Masters level: New degree program offered at any location (main campus or any off-campus location, including international), distance education program (if 50% of more of the program will be offered by distance modality); joint or dual degree program
Template: Degree Program (Competency-based or Direct Assessment)
This Substantive Change template is designed to frame a substantive Change proposal for awarding an academic degree that is based on measurable learning outcomes (competencies) or a combination of competencies and credit hours (hybrid model).
Template: Staff Review–New Non-Degree Program
This Substantive Change template is to be completed for the following types of non-degree programs carrying academic credit (as determined by the institution): New program offered at any location (main campus or any off-campus location, including international); Distance education program (if 50% of more of the program will be offered by distance modality)
Template: Standalone Location or Branch Campus
This Substantive Change template is for a new Additional Location or Branch Campus at which an institution plans to offer already approved degree programs.