--- title: "LOCATIONS" canonical: "https://resources.acenursing.org/space/SC1/1997701167/LOCATIONS" format: markdown --- | | | --- | | Program locations are sites where a nursing program is delivered, in whole or part, including the main location for the nursing program (nursing education unit), off-campus instructional site(s), and branch campus(es). | | **Note:** All new off-campus instructional sites for the nursing program (where 50% or greater of the nursing credits are offered) must be reported whether or not a focused visit is required. If the program has already been approved for 2 or more additional locations that have been visited by the ACEN (excluding the main campus), then a letter of notification is sufficient for any subsequent locations in lieu of a substantive change report. New locations meeting this criteria may be submitted as a Non-Substantive Change using the [Non-Substantive Change Portal](https://acenursing.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/6/group/10/create/214). | | See and  for more information.
The ACEN reviews substantive changes related to the following types of locations: | ## **Branch Campus** | | | --- | | Although an institution may call a location “a campus,” most additional locations are actually off-campus instructional sites, in accordance with U.S. Department of Education regulations.
A **branch campus** is defined as a location of a **governing organization** that is geographically apart and independent of the main campus of the institution.
A location is independent of the main campus if the location:
- Is permanent in nature; - Offers courses in educational nursing programs leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential; - Has its own faculty and administrative or supervisory organization; and, - Has its own budgetary and hiring authority.
Note: Most institutional accreditors specify in their accredited institution directory listings whether an instructional site is considered a branch campus or an additional location (off-campus instructional site). | ## **Off-Campus Instructional Site** | | | --- | | An **off-campus instructional site** is any location that is physically apart from the main campus (nursing education unit) of the governing organization where a nursing program is offered, in whole or part.
If 50% or greater of the **nursing credits/clock hours** (not including general education/prerequisites) will be offered at a location, a substantive change is required.
Note: Once approved to offer any nursing program at an off-campus instructional site within the nursing education unit (NEU) per ACEN records, approval is not required to offer any subsequent nursing program(s) within the NEU at the off-campus instructional site. | | | | --- | | **Form for Reporting: **[https://acenursing.atlassian.net/helpcenter/sub-change/portal/6/group/10/create/74](https://acenursing.atlassian.net/helpcenter/sub-change/portal/6/group/10/create/74) | ## **Relocating the Nursing Education Unit** | | | | --- | --- | | When referring to location, the **nursing education unit** is the main campus for the nursing program. This location may be different from that of the main campus for the governing organization.
Note: This does not include moving to another building on the same campus or a change in mailing address in which the physical location has not changed. (To update a mailing address, see [Reporting Non-Substantive Changes](https://acenursing.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/SC1/pages/1997308088).) | **Form for Reporting: ** | ## **Adding a Teach-Out Site** | | | | --- | --- | | Adding a **permanent** branch campus or off-campus instructional site at which the governing organization is conducting a teach-out for students of another governing organization that has ceased operating before all students enrolled in an accredited or non-accredited nursing program have completed the nursing program of study. | **Form for Reporting:** | For more information please review [Policy #14 Reporting Substantive Changes](https://www.acenursing.org/accreditation/accred-manual/policy14)