Changes to Existing Graduate Certificates
Definitions & Requirements
To learn about university governance review process requirements for changes to an existing graduate certificate (e.g., modifications to specific courses and/or curriculum, changes to the certificate’s title or delivery format), contact the Office of the University Registrar (OUR). Changes to existing graduate certificates may also require review by SCHEV and/or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The SCHEV compliance team works with OUR to advise and coordinate the SCHEV review process, if needed.
Examples of changes to existing graduate certificates that require SCHEV review include:
- Changing the title of the certificate
- Changing the six-digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code designation used to classify the certificate
- Altering certificate requirements in a way that results in a fundamental change to the curriculum, purpose, focus, or identity of the program
- Increasing or decreasing certificate length (i.e., total credit hours) by more than three credits
- Modifying the certificate’s delivery format (e.g., adding online delivery in addition to face-to-face delivery, adding online delivery and eliminating face-to-face delivery)
- Initiating a discontinuation to end admission into and delivery of a certificate
For guidance on SACSCOC requirements for changes to existing graduate certificates, contact Virginia Tech’s SACSCOC accreditation team.
Review Process & Timeline
The process for changes to an existing graduate certificate depends on the specific change being proposed. However, it is realistic to expect at least 6 months from the start of a change to an existing graduate certificate to its final SCHEV decision. For estimates on SACSCOC review timelines, contact Virginia Tech’s SACSCOC accreditation team. Changes, including discontinuing a certificate, should not be implemented until they have received approval.
Step |
Notes |
|---|---|
| Proposal development | The SCHEV proposal document for a change to an existing graduate certificate should be completed prior to submission to the 15-day review process; proposal development typically lasts 1-2 months; depending on proposal complexity |
| Academic governance review | Process dependent on the nature of the proposal; contact OUR for more information |
| Review by SCHEV | SCHEV accepts change to graduate certificate proposals for review in July and March:
|
Review by SACSCOC |
Process dependent on the nature of the proposal; contact Virginia Tech’s SACSCOC accreditation team for more information |
Resources
The documents prepared to propose changes to an existing graduate certificate depend on the requested change. To receive sample documents, or request assistance in the creation of the SCHEV proposal for a change to an existing graduate certificate, contact us.