The institution notifies the Commission of changes in accordance with the substantive change policy and, when required, seeks approval prior to the initiation of changes.

   X   Compliance                    ___Partial Compliance                       ___Non-Compliance

Narrative

St. Petersburg College is in compliance with this comprehensive standard because it has informed the Commission of all substantive changes in accordance with the procedures of the Commission.

Since the last accreditation visit, St. Petersburg College has submitted several substantive change requests requiring approval from SACS prior to implementation:

·         Initiating degree programs at a more advanced degree level than previously approved by the Commission (Level I to Level II) in order to offer the following degrees:  B.S. in Education, B.S.N. in Nursing, and B.A.S. in Technology Management.  The Commission on Colleges approved membership at Level II in December, 2001, and in November, 2002, SPC hosted a Substantive Change Committee visit to review continued compliance with the Criteria.   At that time, the Committee commended St. Petersburg College “for their vision, planning, and implementation of a creative and innovative expansion of programs to include baccalaureate degrees in high-need areas of Nursing, Teacher Education, and Technology Management in their service region.” In December 2004, the Commission on Colleges affirmed that SPC had responded appropriately to all long-term recommendations from the Substantive Change Committee regarding evaluation of educational goals of the Baccalaureate programs following the first graduations from the programs.

SPC has submitted several substantive changes requiring notification only:

·         A physical address change for the President of the College, from District Office to the EpiCenter.

·         A physical address change of the SPC Downtown Center, various programs relocated to the new EpiCenter, and an additional location at the SPC Midtown Center.  In no case are more than 50% of courses offered at the new locations.

·         Expanding the institution’s current degrees to include a B.A.S. in Dental Hygiene, Paralegal, Public Safety Administration, Orthotics and Prosthetics, International Business, Veterinary Technology, and, most recently, Banking (individual submissions for each added program).  Approval was received on each detailed program proposal submitted outlining the need, the scope, faculty credentials, program of study, and the assessment process.

    Dates of COC Approval for new Baccalaureate Programs

References