Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Compliance

UNC Charlotte is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges.  UNC Charlotte’s last reaffirmation of accreditation was granted in 2002.  The next reaffirmation of accreditation is scheduled for 2013.

SACS criteria require accredited institutions to report substantive changes that occur after the reaffirmation visit.  A substantive change is defined by the SACS Commission on Colleges as “a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution.”  Some substantive changes require prior SACS notification and approval as much as 6 months in advance of implementation.  Other substantive changes require SACS notification only.

SACS Commission on Colleges’ Substantive Change for Accredited Institutions of the Commission on Colleges is available online. 

It is critical that you contact UNC Charlotte’s SACS liaison, Steve Coppola, Office of Academic Affairs, early-on to discuss all proposed plans for the establishment of new educational programs and modified delivery of existing educational programs.  SACS prior approval and/or notification will not be required in every instance but because of the sanctions associated with non-compliance, Steve should always be consulted beforehand.

Non-compliance with Reporting Requirements

“If an institution fails to follow this substantive change policy and its procedures, the accreditation of the institution may be placed in jeopardy, the institution’s case may be referred to the Commission for the imposition of a sanction, or the institution may lose its Title IV funding or be required by the U.S. Department of Education to reimburse it for money received by the institution for unreported substantive changes.”