RALEIGH, N.C.—The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Board of Trustees committee affirmed their December 2023 ruling on Tuesday, to remove Saint Augustine’s University‘s status as an accredited institution.
The school had an appeal hearing with the Board of Trustees on Feb. 20. The committee that heard that appeal rendered their decision yesterday afternoon.
“A SACSCOC Appeals Committee of the College Delegate Assembly unanimously affirmed the December 3, 2023, decision of the SACSCOC Board of Trustees to terminate the accreditation of Saint Augustine’s University, Raleigh, North Carolina. The Appeals Committee found the SACSCOC Board of Trustees’ decision to be reasonable, not arbitrary, and based on the standards cited,” the decision began.
Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, interim president at Saint Augustine’s University, says the school will not accept the decision lying down.
“Students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters out there, –we still have our accreditation and we’re going to continue to fight for this great institution,” Burgess told CBS17. “157 years of great support, we’re going to continue fight on.”
SAU was placed on probation back in December 2023 for failure to comply with core requirements. The university had since been placed on probation pending last week’s committee meeting.
The termination impacts over 85% of the student population who will no longer be able to receive financial aid under a non-accredited status. The ruling has left students and parents confused and desperate for answers.
“It’s very, very scary to me. I was hoping to graduate this year, but with the school and accreditation, I don’t know what to do,” student Nicholas Castro said.
“It’s sad for our children, sad for us as people. It shouldn’t have gotten to this point. Now we have to figure our way out of this if there’s a way out of this,” parent Andrea Parham said.
Representatives with Saint Augustine’s said they disagreed with the board’s ruling, saying they felt the decision was arbitrary, unreasonable and inconsistent with the board’s policies.
“We disagree with the decision made by SACSCOC and plan to appeal to a higher authority with evidence supporting the institution’s progress in resolving non-compliance,” said Dr. Burgess. “We will move quickly to file a lawsuit against SACSCOC seeking an injunction that, if granted, will allow Saint Augustine’s University to remain accredited with SACSCOC on Probation for Good Cause until the conclusion of litigation.”
SAU has also been facing payroll issues since early February. President Burgess sent out an email regarding the school’s delayed Feb 9th payroll.
“Our current financial situation, or lack thereof, has significantly hindered the operations across our campus, and I am acutely aware of the hardships it has caused,” interim president Marcus Burgess said in an e-mail obtained by WRAL.com.
Earlier this month, the university launched a fundraising campaign with a goal of $5 million to prove to SACSCOC that the university is financially stable. The school also held a candlelight vigil on Feb. 18 in an effort to show physical and spiritual support to those who have been affected by the concerns of the university’s status.
*This story is still developing and will be updated as more info is provided.
