SACSCOC Streamlines Program Offerings at Off-Campus Sites

DECATUR, Ga. – The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees has approved a revision to its Substantive Change procedures that allows member institutions to offer additional educational programs at already approved off-campus instructional sites (OCISs) that were previously limited to certificate programs.

The update removes a longstanding limitation requiring institutions to seek new approval when expanding beyond certificate-level offerings at sites previously categorized for certificates only.

Institutions may now use existing OCIS approvals to add programs such as associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degrees, provided all other standards for educational quality and compliance are maintained.

“This adjustment reflects SACSCOC’s commitment to being student focused, service oriented, and streamlined in our processes,” Dr. Stephen L. Pruitt, President of SACSCOC said. “By eliminating unnecessary redundancy in cases like this, we’re helping institutions respond more quickly to local and regional demands for accessible, high-quality academic and technical programs.”

The revision affects 60 member institutions and 147 off-campus instructional sites across the SACSCOC landscape. Institutions benefiting from the change include large public systems, regional universities, and community colleges with active workforce training partnerships. Those institutions include Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton, S.C., who currently operates 10 off-campus instructional programs.

“At Tri-County Technical College, we see this policy change by SACSCOC as a meaningful step forward,” Tri-County Technical College President Dr. Galen DeHay said. “Lifting the restriction on certificate-only off-campus sites empowers us to be more agile in meeting the workforce needs of our communities. Shifts in business and industry require us to be nimbler, and this change allows us to build on existing partnerships and deliver high-quality diploma and degree programs where they’re needed most, without unnecessary delays.”  

The revised procedure is effective immediately for all member institutions; institutions are not required to do anything to affect this change.

For more information about SACSCOC or to view the Substantive Change Policy, visit www.sacscoc.org.

Media Contact:

Eric Mann

Director of Public Information

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

emann@sacscoc.org | 404-994-6576