Substantive Change

From time to time, institutions make major changes in the period between regularly scheduled accreditation visits. NAST member institutions are obligated to present such “Substantive Changes” for Commission review and approval. Normally, the procedure involves the institution’s providing written materials and submission of publications appropriate to the nature of the change and consequent Commission action. Under certain conditions, on-site visits may be required by NAST Handbook provisions or at the discretion of the Commission. NAST also offers the opportunity for member institutions to receive an optional consultative review of proposed Substantive Changes by the Commission prior to submission of an official request for Substantive Change. Substantive Changes occurring during accreditation review periods are reported and considered as part of the Self-Study, on-site visit, and Commission review.

“Substantive Change” includes but is not limited to:

• Any fundamental change in the established mission, goals, or objectives of the institution or theatre unit.
• Any change in the legal status, form of control, or ownership of the institution.
• The acquisition of any other institution or any program or location of another institution.
• The addition of or change to curricular programs that represent a significant departure from the existing offerings or educational programs, or method of delivery, from those that were offered when NAST most recently evaluated the institution. This provision includes significant changes made in conjunction with a change from quarter to semester hours or vice versa. These programs are normally considered in the Plan Approval process described in New Curricula Applications.
• The addition of curricular programs at a degree or credential level other than the curricular level(s) included in the institution’s current accreditation (i.e., the offer of a graduate degree in theatre by an institution that previously offered only undergraduate degrees in theatre). These programs are normally considered in the Plan Approval process described in New Curricula Applications.
• A change in the measurement of credit or time requirements (i.e., from quarter hours to semester hours or vice versa, from clock hours to credit hours or vice versa, etc.).
• A substantial increase or decrease in
  1. The number of clock or credit hours awarded for successful completion of a program; or
  2. The length of a program.
• Adding a branch campus or other entity (such as an additional location, extension program, other external program) at which the institution offers at least fifty percent of any educational program in theatre, regardless of how many such campuses or other entities have been approved previously by NAST.
• Participation in an agreement to teach-out students from an institution or program that is closing. (Institutions to which Standards for Accreditation XIX. pertains must review and demonstrate compliance with Standards for Accreditation XIX., Section 1.K.).
• The addition of a permanent location at a site at which the institution is conducting a teach-out for students of another institution that has ceased operating before all of the students have completed their programs of study.
• If NAST accreditation enables the institution to seek eligibility to participate in Title IV Higher Education Act (HEA) programs, the entering into written arrangement under which an institution or organization not approved to participate in Title IV Higher Education Act (HEA) programs offers more than twenty-five percent but less than fifty percent of one or more of the NAST accredited institution’s educational programs.
• An institution’s designation of NAST as its gatekeeper for the purpose of eligibility for participation in federal Title IV programs, irrespective of whether:
  1. The institution is accredited as a single-purpose institution by NAST and does not currently participate in Title IV programs, but plans to apply for participation in federal Title IV; or
  2. The institution is accredited as a single-purpose institution by NAST and another Secretaryrecognized institutional accrediting agency, has designated the other institutional accrediting agency as its gatekeeper for the purpose of eligibility for federal Title IV participation, and plans to relinquish such other institutional accreditation entirely; or
  3. The institution is accredited as a single-purpose institution by NAST and another Secretaryrecognized institutional accrediting agency, has designated the other institutional accrediting agency as its gatekeeper for the purpose of eligibility for federal Title IV participation, and plans to retain the other institutional accreditation and relinquish the connection between that accreditation and Title IV participation.
• With regard to an institution that has designated NAST as its gatekeeper for the purpose of eligibility for participation in federal Title IV programs that has been placed on probation or an equivalent status, has been subject to negative action by NAST over a period of three academic years, or is under provisional certification, as provided in 34 CFR 668.13:
  1. An aggregate change of twenty-five percent or more of the clock hours, credit hours, or content of a program since the agency’s most recent accreditation review.
  2. The development of customized pathways as defined in 34 CFR 602.22(b)(3)(i)–(ii).
  3. Entering into a written arrangement under which an institution or organization not certified to participate in the Title IV, HEA programs offers up to twenty-five percent of one or more of the programs.
• The addition of a direct assessment program.
• Other major changes that would impact continuing compliance with NAST standards applicable to degrees and programs being offered.

Substantive Change Application Procedures

Please see the NAST Handbook, Rules of Practice and Procedure, Part II, Article V, and contact the National Office for appropriate procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions: Substantive Change