Virginia University of Lynchburg, an HBCU located in Lynchburg, VA has been placed on accreditation probation by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) as of May 21, 2024, — changing its status from Accredited – Warning to Accredited – Probation.
The update comes after VUL was placed on an accreditation warning on April 22, 2024.
The probation status stems from VUL’s significant non-compliance with TRACS Standards 11.2 (Financial Operations) and 17.12 (Title IV Participation), which question the institution’s ability to fulfill its mission and provide a quality educational experience.
As a result of this probation, VUL is required to submit their June 30, 2023, audit, provide a plan for operations in a restricted cash flow environment, and detail available reserves to execute this plan.
Additionally, VUL must submit regular reports outlining their progress toward compliance and the anticipated timeframe for rectifying deficiencies.
VUL has until September 1, 2024, to submit an updated Compliance Report addressing the specified standards and any other necessary information for consideration at the October 2024 meeting of the Accreditation Commission.
Failure to demonstrate compliance within the specified timeframe may lead to continued probation, further sanctions, or adverse action.
TRACS has outlined several possible outcomes depending on VUL’s progress: removing the probation if compliance is achieved, continuing probation, extending probation (with a strict six-month limit), imposing a more severe sanction (Show Cause), a less severe sanction (Warning), or taking adverse action.
The next steps for VUL are crucial as it works to rectify its non-compliance and ensure it meets the accreditation standards to maintain its accredited status.
Virginia University of Lynchburg is the oldest school of higher learning in Lynchburg. The school was founded in 1886 and incorporated in 1888 by the Virginia Baptist State Convention as the coeducational “Lynchburg Baptist Seminary”.
