Classes will start later than planned at Saint Augustine’s University.
According to the university website, the fall semester will start on Sept. 3. That’s two weeks later than its initial start date, which was scheduled for Aug. 19.
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In a statement, interim university President Marcus Burgess said the university needed more time to make maintenance upgrades to dorms and classrooms, restore power and water to buildings affected by Tropical Storm Debby, and finalize funding to pay its staff and student refunds.
WRAL News previously reported missing pay for faculty and staff, incorrect student balances and lawsuits for money owed.
The chairman of the board previously announced a short-term financial solution to address that. Burgess also told WRAL News in July that the university was in the final stages of securing a $7 million bridge loan.
“We have been tightening our belts and refining our budget to make sure we’re not doing the same things that got us in financial trouble in the past,” Burgess said in a video posted to the university’s website.
Burgess also asked students to:
- Complete applications for federal financial aid (FAFSA) and class registration
- Complete housing applications and pay housing fees if students plan to live on campus
- Be on the lookout for information related to the university's new learning management system, Brightspace, and complete the activities to get oriented to the system
"As we work to improve this university, we promise to communicate regularly with you about all updates and improvements across campus," Burgess wrote in the statement.
Last month, the university announced it was able to keep its accreditation.
The arbitration committee appointed by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) decided to reverse the decision to strip SAU of its membership.
The accreditation and membership with SACSCOC is directly tied to federal funding for the school and financial aid for students.
Move-in has also been pushed back. Now, move-in for all students will be Aug. 27-28, according to the university's site. Check in and move-in for new students was originally scheduled for Wednesday. WRAL is working to learn when students were notified of the change.
Burgess previously told WRAL News that the university is expecting a much smaller student body this school year.
"We’re going to probably be a lot smaller, anywhere from 200 to 300 students, but we’ll be open," Burgess said.
The university still plans to return for in-person instruction in the spring 2025 semester. The university still has not announced a food service provider for the upcoming school year.
Despite what the university acknowledges as a ‘frustrating delay,’ Burgess says this is a ‘new day’ for the school.
“This fall, we plan to celebrate all that’s good about SAU,” he said.
Burgess also announced new equipment in laundry rooms, a refreshed student center, a new management system and upgrades to its HVAC system. He said the university is making upgrades to dorms and classrooms.
Burgess made a promise to students:
“As we work to improve this University, we promise to communicate regularly with you about all updates and improvements across campus," Burgess wrote. "We promise to have more activities and events to keep you engaged on campus. We promise to continue to find ways to help make college more affordable for you. And we promise to continue to staff our campus with kind, caring, and supportive individuals who are here to help you succeed.
"My belief in the Falcon spirit is unshakable, and my belief in you as students is unwavering. As Interim President, I want to encourage you to continue believing in us. Continue to believe in SAU. I want each of you to know that our campus is not the same without you. We miss you dearly, and we look forward to seeing you on campus on August 27th!”