ARTICLE 7. Substantive Changes to an Approval to Operate [94893. - 94896.]

Cal. Education Code - EDC 7.
in effect

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 94893. Section 94893.

If an institution intends to make a substantive change to its approval to operate, the institution shall receive prior authorization from the bureau. Except as provided in subdivision (a) of Section 94896, if the institution makes the substantive change without prior bureau authorization, the institution’s approval to operate may be suspended or revoked.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 94894. Section 94894.

The following changes to an approval to operate are considered substantive changes and require prior authorization: (a) A change in educational objectives, including an addition of a new diploma or a degree educational program unrelated to the approved educational programs offered by the institution. (b) A change in ownership or person in control. (c) A change in control. (d) A change in business organization form. (e) A change of location. (f) A change of name. (g) A significant change in the method of instructional delivery. (h) An addition of a separate branch more than five miles from the main or branch campus. (i) An increase or decrease of 25 percent or more in the number of clock hours or credit hours required for successful completion of the program. (j) Participation in federal student financial aid programs authorized by Title IV of the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1070 et seq.). (k) A change in the academic measurement of an educational program from clock hours to credit hours. (l) A change in the distance education learning management system.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 94895. Section 94895.

The bureau shall, by January 1, 2011, adopt by regulation the process and procedures whereby an institution shall seek authorization for substantive changes to an approval to operate.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 94896. Section 94896.

(a) An institution that has been granted an approval to operate by means of accreditation shall only make a substantive change in accordance with the institution’s accreditation standards. (b) The institution shall notify the bureau of the substantive change on a form provided by the bureau.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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