Notification related to Degree Program

The Policies and Procedures (e.g., VI.A.6) require schools to notify ATS Commission staff of certain types of changes and, in most cases, to receive acknowledgement by staff before implementing those changes (as defined below). The Policies and Procedures (IV.D.1) state further that schools not on probation "must notify Commission staff within 30 days of offering an approved degree through a new delivery method or changing by 25 percent or more the total credits or content of an approved degree." Adding a new specialization to an approved degree does not require notification.

This form covers four catregories of notification: (1) changing the name of an approved degree, (2) adding a new degree that is NOT in a new degree category or does NOT represent a significant departure from currently approved degrees, and (3) discontinuing a degree that does NOT also involve closing a location or site that offers at least half of that degree (NB: adding a degree in a new degree category or one that represents a significant departure from currently approved degrees, as well as discontinuing a degree that involves closing a location too, would require a petition rather than this notification; see ATS petitions and notifications webpage). The final category covered by this notification form is (4) changing delivery, duration, or content of certain approved degrees, as described in IV.D.1 (NB: any school on probation looking to make such changes must first receive approval from the Board before implementing any such changes, which would require a petition rather than this notification; see "Petition for Substantively New Degree Program" on the ATS petitions and notifications webpage).

Regarding the first three categories described above, this notification form may be submitted at any time, though at least 30 days before implementing the change (adding a new degree requires 60 days). Regarding the fourth category described above, this notification form may be submitted at any time, but no later than 30 days after implementing the change. Commission staff will typically acknowledge this notification within 30 days of submission, whereas allowing 60 days to acknowledge new degrees both allows more time to ensure that the new degree does not constitute a substantive change that would require Board approval and ensures accurate Commission records. Schools are to use this form to notify staff for each degree-related change by completing the relevant portion, without using your web browser's back button (i.e., submit one notification form per change). In completing this form, please include links to additional documentation as requested or as deemed helpful.

Part A. Changing the delivery method of an approved degree

Part B. Changing the duration (total credits) of an approved degree by at least 25 percent

NOTE: For minimum credit requirements, see Standards 4.1, 4.6, 4.10, 5.1, 5.7, and 5.11.

Part C. Changing the content of an approved degree by at least 25 percent

When finished, please submit this petition to the ATS Accrediting Records Coordinator by hitting the "submit" button below. You can expect an automated confirmation email within a few minutes—and formal acknowledgement by your Commission staff liaison usually within 30 days. There is no fee for any notification (or any petition). Please do not send any paper copies or any emailed attachments; submit only this completed, online form (including any links to additional information deemed helpful).