The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has placed historically Black Norfolk State University on probation. A year ago the accrediting agency placed the university on warning status. In July 2013, the accrediting agency had notified the university of several problems in finances, administration, and management. Tony Atwater, president of Norfolk State, was fired in August 2013.
Norfolk State will have 12 months to reassure the accrediting agency that it has corrected its problems. Next December, the agency could extend the probation for a year, restore the university to good standing, or revoke accreditation.
Colleges and universities that have their accreditation revoked are no longer eligible to participate in any federal student financial aid program. According to the latest Department of Education figures, two thirds of all Norfolk State University students receive federal financial aid.
Interim Norfolk State President Eddie Moore Jr. issued a statement that read in part: “Norfolk State has made substantial progress in the past 15 months. The University is on track to becoming more efficient and focused on ensuring the success of the institution and its students. An extensive overhaul of institutional policies and practices is continuing to ensure compliance with requirements on the federal and state levels, proper reporting, and operational efficiency.”
So, will the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools place UNC Chapel Hill on probation due to their problems with administration and management over the course of a 20 year period? If they do not, accrediting agencies should be seen as a joke and the U.S. Department of Education should find another way that will allow colleges and universities to participate in federal student aid programs.
Is UNC Chapel Hill too big to lose accreditation? Is UNC Chapel Hill too big to be placed on probation? What will the “community” do if neither happens to Chapel Hill?