Athens State University strives to adhere to the Commission on Colleges’ substantive change policy. The institution has maintained an ongoing, open dialogue with the Commission based on the unique mission of the University. This documentation is provided as evidence of ASU’s commitment to be in accordance with all Commission policies.

Listed below is a detailed chronological history of all substantive change issues since the last reaffirmation of the institution, including specific actions by the institution along with the Commission’s response for each of these actions.

Type of Change: Initiating Off-Campus Sites
In October 2001, Athens State notified the Commission that an off-campus site would be initiated in Spring 2002 at the campus of Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Alabama. At this site, Athens State would deliver between 25% and less than 50% of coursework toward the baccalaureate degree. In August 2002, Athens State notified the Commission of a similar initiative at Northeast Alabama Community College in Rainsville, Alabama.

Type of Change: Expanding at Current Degree Level
Also in August 2002, Athens State University submitted to the SACS Commission a substantive change for a new Bachelor of Science program in Applied Technology (complete hard copy available onsite). This program had received prior approval from the institution’s governing board, the Alabama State Board of Education. A Substantive Change Committee, selected by the Commission, visited Athens State in October 2002 and issued subsequent recommendations. Follow-up reporting was prepared by the institution and submitted in accordance with prescribed timetables. Due to an unexpected decline in state revenues two years later, Athens State determined the program was unsustainable and decided to close the program. Based on that notification, the Commission concluded no additional reporting was necessary.

Type of Change: Initiating Coursework or Programs at a More Advanced Level
In April 2003, Athens State notified the Commission of an intent to initiate a graduate program in Library Media, and that a prospectus regarding the move from Level II to Level III status would be forthcoming. The institution decided to postpone this initiative, and no further action was taken.

Type of Change: Initiating Distance Learning (25%-49% of credit)
In August 2004, Athens State notified the Commission of an intent, within six months, to offer between 25 to 49 per cent of courses toward baccalaureate degrees in liberal studies, religious studies, elementary education, business management, behavioral science, and public safety and health administration through distance learning technology at Wallace State Community College-Hanceville, Snead State Community College, Northeast Alabama Community College, and Northwest-Shoals Community College. The Commission sent notification of acceptance in October 2004.

Type of Change: Initiating Distance Learning (Over 50% of credit)
In June 2005, the institution notified the Commission of the intent, within six to nine months, to offer 50% of the program in the fields listed above to students at those same campuses through distance learning. In the letter, ASU President Bartlett cited the institution’s mission as upper-level undergraduate only, and that the Commission had in the most recent reaffirmation approved Athens State as exempt from Condition of Eligibility Six (“The institution must offer one or more degree programs based on at least two academic years at the associate level, at least four academic years at the baccalaureate level, or at least one academic year at the post-baccalaureate level”). The Executive Director of the Commission replied that as long as 49% of a program’s credits are offered, the Commission required notification only and not a prospectus.

In completing a distance learning readiness audit for the 2011 reaffirmation, ASU’s SACS Liaison contacted Commission staff in June 2008 to clarify the definition of programs with respect to distance education. In a follow-up telephone conversation in October 2008, the Commission Vice-President notified Athens State’s SACS liaison of changes in the Commission’s substantive change policy that might result in requiring a prospectus from the institution about online course delivery. As the institution was discussing the possible need for a prospectus, the Athens State SACS Liaison received communication from the SACS Vice-President that he had found evidence of some programs exceeding the 49% threshold. In his reply, the SACS Liaison notified the Commission representative that a prospectus would be developed, while acknowledging the difficulty of ensuring that the institution remain at certain thresholds of delivery, given that Athens State’s upper-level mission requires acceptance of credits at the lower level from other colleges and method of delivery for those courses is not always indicated. Athens State submitted the prospectus in September 2009. In February 2010, the Commission requested additional information regarding the prospectus, and that documentation is being gathered for submission before the stated deadline of March 12.

Type of Change: Expanding at Current Degree Level
In December 2009, the Athens State President e-mailed the Commission Vice-President that three new undergraduate programs in the College of Business had been approved by the Alabama State Department of Postsecondary Education and by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education for delivery in the next semester. The Vice-President of the Commission requested that further details and clarification be submitted in a formal letter to the Commission’s Executive Director. That narrative is being prepared for submission.