Policies and Procedures: Manual, Substantive Change Guidelines and Templates

The ACEND Policy and Procedure Manual outlines an effective and efficient accreditation process, including fair and uniform application of the accreditation standards. This manual was developed for use by program directors, administrators, the ACEND® board, program reviewers and staff. ACEND policies and procedures align with U.S. Department of Education requirements of accreditors.

• ACEND Policy and Procedures Manual

The ACEND Substantive Change Guidelines are meant to encourage responsible educational change and innovation for quality improvement, while protecting students and the public. These guidelines allow ACEND to monitor and approve substantive changes that have the potential to affect an ACEND-accredited program's ability to meet the accreditation standards.

• Substantive Change Guidelines: Free-Standing DI Programs and All Programs Under the 2022 Standards are to be used by all ACEND-accredited programs following the 2022 ACEND Accreditation Standards.
• Substantive Change Guidelines: Future Education Model Graduate Program Standards (GP) are to be used for demonstration programs following the FEM Graduate Program Standards.

This page also has additional resources and templates to assist ACEND constituents in following the accreditation process.

Resources

• Distance Education: Substantive Change Determination Guide
• Guidance Document: Options for DI to Ensure Compliance with Standard 1, Required Element 1.4 (i.e., Graduate Degree)

Templates

• Program Director Change Template
• Teach out Plan Template
• Admission Hold Template
• Compliance with Required Element 1.4 – Graduate Degree Completion Template
• Distance Education Substantive Change Template (CP, DPD, DT, GP, FDE)
• Distance Education Substantive Change Template (DI and ISPP)
• Reorganization Report Template US-Based Programs (2022 Standards)
• Reorganization Report Template International Programs (2022 Standards)