When a change is under consideration, CEA staff should be consulted to determine whether it is a substantive or minor change and whether a substantive change report must be filed, and to assess how the change will affect the program or institution in terms of meeting the CEA Standards. Please contact Masha Vassilieva, Director of Compliance at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (703) 665-3400.

The types of substantive changes that must be reported prior to the change taking place include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. any change in ownership, legal status, or form of control, including a change in the relationship with departments within a host institution. (Request and submit the appropriate document, either “Application for continuance of accreditation following a change of control” for programs or “Application for continuance of accreditation following a change of ownership” for institutions)
2. the acquisition of any other institution, or program or location of another institution
3. the addition of a permanent location at a site at which an accredited institution is conducting a teach-out for students of another institution that has ceased operating before students have completed their program of study
4. any change in mission
5. any change in location or the addition of an auxiliary location
6. any change in the type of students served (academic to nonacademic, for example)
7. any change in Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification
8. the addition of courses that represent a significant departure, in terms of either content or method of delivery, from those offered during the most recent accreditation evaluation, including distance education
9. the addition of courses or programs at a level below or a level above those included in the program or institution’s current accreditation
10. a change in the means for determining student hours and/or a substantial increase or decrease in the number of clock or credit hours awarded for the successful completion of any program of study
11. a substantial increase or decrease in the length of the program
12. an increase or decrease of more than 50% in distance education enrollment or educational offerings
13. change in resources that would affect the program or institution’s ability to provide its services

2024 CEA Substantive Change Reporting Guidelines.pdf