The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board has denied Saint Augustine’s University's appeal to fully regain its accreditation.
The school has been on probation since December. Issues with financial management and lack of oversight at the school put the its accreditation in jeopardy. SAU said they addressed all of those concerns in the leadup to their appeal – except financial stability. SACSCOC’s policies allowed Saint Augustine’s University to submit additional financial information to an appeals committee.
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The school had appealed the accrediting board's decision to remove the university's accreditation in December.
Since SACSCOC is standing by its decision to revoke St. Aug’s membership, the school is pursuing a 90-day arbitration process and clarified that they are not closing in a release sent out on Thursday. SAU said May 2025 graduates will receive degrees from an accredited institution.
During that appeal process, the school said it planned to lease the property to 50 Plus 1 Sports for 99 years. The North Carolina Attorney General's Office raised "serious concerns" about the plan to sell much of the school's property to the Florida-based developer.
The developments have some alums on edge with some expressing hurt and stress over the decision.
"As a graduate, I'm very embarrassed right now," said Steven Williams. "The rubber meets the road right now. We have to come together and build our university back for the better."
After withdrawing and modifying that deal, the university now says it has secured a separate $70 million bridge loan that leaders plan to use for eliminating past debt, improve campus and carry out a long-term plan. The university said it could not share who they are working with on the new agreement due to non-disclosure agreements.
“We have made substantial progress and are confident that our strengthened financial position and governance will ensure a positive outcome,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware. “SAU is resilient, and we are resolute in our commitment to academic excellence.”