Substantive change is a significant modification or expansion in the nature and scope of an accredited institution. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Commission on Colleges, the university’s regional accrediting body, is required by the federal government to monitor the compliance of its members colleges and universities for substantive changes and to grant permission for major changes to occur. Some examples of substantive changes include, but are not limited to, offering coursework at an off-campus location, terminating an academic degree program, or initiating programs or courses offered through contractual agreement or consortium. There are several types of substantive change and the procedures for addressing them vary depending on the type of change.

The university's Substantive Change Policy can be found on the Regulations and Policies website.