As defined by federal regulations and the Commission Policy, Substantive Change, modifications to an institution are an institutional prerogative and responsibility; however, the Commission is obligated to ensure that any proposed changes do not adversely affect the capacity of the institution to continue to meet accreditation standards and requirements of membership/affiliation with NWCCU.
Substantive changes have impact on the resources and capacity of the institution and are defined in two categories – major or minor.
Substantive changes are not automatically included in the institution’s accredited or candidate status. In addition, substantive changes initiated subsequent to the most recent institutional evaluation are not automatically included in the institution’s accredited or candidate status.
It is the responsibility of an institution to follow the Commission’s Substantive Change Policy and to request a review from the Commission of substantive changes. Failure to obtain approval for substantive changes jeopardizes the institution’s accreditation status.Â
Please Note: Effective September 27, 2021 Substantive Changes may only be submitted through the NWCCU Institutional Portal.
Curious about what type of change you’re sending? View the Substantive Change Categories and Fees document to verify your change category.