Wilberforce University Has a Lot of Work to Do to Satisfy Its Accrediting Body

Wilberforce_University_SealThe board of trustees of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association has issued a “show-cause order” to historically Black Wilberforce University in Ohio. A show-cause order is a procedural order that requires an institution to present its case as to why its accreditation should not be withdrawn. The university has until December 15, 2014 to respond and a committee will visit the Wilberforce campus in February to see if its concerns have been addressed.

In a letter to Wilma Mishoe, interim president of Wilberforce University, the commission raised a large number of concerns about management, financial stability, and campus facilities. Specifically, the commission noted an accumulated debt of $9.7 million in the university’s operating fund resulting from four straight years of operating deficits. Also, the commission noted $23 million in debt and said the university is “has been in technical default on the requirements of these bonds.” The commission also stated that “the campus had extensive evidence of significant deterioration and deferred maintenance that indicated an unsafe and unhealthy environment for the campus community.”

The commission stated that “the University Board does not function effectively to oversee the institution or its operations” and that “the University administration does not function effectively to help the University realistically meet its challenges.”

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Get the JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Placed on Accreditation Probation

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education stated that the university fell short in meeting requirements in financial planning and budget processes and compliance with laws, regulations, and commission policies.

Two Black Women Scholars Who Are Taking on New Assignments in Higher Education

Penelope Andrews was appointed the John Marshall Harlan II Professor of Law at New York Law School and Angela D. Dillard, the Richard A. Meisler Collegiate Professor of Afroamerican and African Studies at the University of Michigan, was given the added duties of the inaugural vice provost for undergraduate education.

Tuskegee University Partners With Intel to Boost Black Presence in the Semiconductor Industry

Participating Tuskegee students will have a chance to gain hands-on skills in engineering design, semiconductor processing, and device fabrication technologies and an overall valuable experience working in the microelectronics cleanroom fabrication facility at Tuskegee University.

K.C. Mmeje Honored by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Foundation

K.C. Mmeje is vice president for student affairs at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The NASPA Pillars of the Profession Award acknowledges remarkable individuals within the student affairs and higher education community who demonstrate exceptional contributions to both the profession and the organization.

Featured Jobs