Reviews & Approvals
Review & Approval Process
Establishing a new degree or certificate program (what, where, and how) or making changes to existing programs require varying internal and external reviews and approvals.
Definitions of common types of actions that require review and approval are available in the Glossary of Terms.
Information regarding approvals and governing policies is set forth below.
University Policies & Contacts
Institutional Research and Analytics coordinates with school compliance contacts on all academic compliance review and approval processes beyond the school level guided by the following key university policies:
Go to School Academic Compliance Contacts
State Requirements: State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) serves as the coordinating body for higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia. SCHEV’s Academic Affairs Policy and Procedures inform academic and programmatic actions that require SCHEV approval.
Regional Accreditation Requirements: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting institutions in the Southern states. SACSCOC promulgates accreditation standards set forth in its Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement, which inform institutional and academic compliance requirements. In addition, SACSCOC review may be required for academic programs or initiatives that meet the SACSCOC definition of a substantive change, defined as any “significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution.” Additional Information about SACSCOC is available under Accreditation.
Federal Requirements
The University must comply with various requirements of the U.S. Department of Education, such as the program integrity regulations and those related to online education and distance learning. The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, in cooperation with relevant offices at the University, is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal regulations.