NORFOLK- The future of Norfolk State University is at stake after having its accreditation placed on probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools on Tuesday.
The agency gives accreditation to ensure the quality of the university.
"It's a double edged sword. People will look at Norfolk State and say, 'Will I want to send my children there?" accreditation expert David Hager said.
Last year, NSU's accreditation was placed on warning. University officials hoped that status would be removed, but instead the University was placed on probation. That's one step away from losing accreditation.
A spokeswoman for SACS cited 14 areas of deficiency as reasons for the downgrade. At least half of the areas involved finances, money or other physical assets.
"Being put on probation, it's the most serious sanction they have without losing accreditation," Hager said.
If Norfolk State University's accreditation is stripped away, it loses all access to federal funding and student aid. NSU would also lose its standing in the higher education community, meaning no one will accept NSU students as transfers.
In January, the citations against NSU will be made public, and NSU President Eddie Moore will present a report on how they will turn things around.
"We know there are financial auditing issues, but we don't know if other issues were identified. They have to make their case to provide the evidence that they are in compliance," accreditation consultant Marty Sharpe said.
"It's not impossible to correct what they have to correct," Hager said.
Experts say the problem NSU will face now is their enrollment is going to be affected.
"They'll be thinking what will happen to the value of my degree even in 10 or 15 years?" Sharpe remarked.
If accreditation is denied, officials have 20-30 days to appeal, and the university would keep its accreditation until the appeal has been resolved. Right now, Brewton-Parker College in Georgia is going through that legal process.
Universities without accreditation can legally stay open, but often times, the school is forced to close because of financial losses from declining enrollment.
In 2013, St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia shut down after losing accreditation.
Interim President and CEO Eddie N. Moore, Jr. sent the following message Wednesday:
December 10, 2014
Dear University Faculty, Staff, Students and Alumni,
I was informed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) on December 9, 2014, that Norfolk State University was placed on probation for the next 12 months. While many in the University community would have preferred to receive this information immediately from the University rather than media—the announcement was embargoed until it was publicly announced by SACSCOC. As of today, the University has not received an official notice from the accreditor outlining the agency's areas of concern. However, we have received insight from various media reports. My understanding is that a copy of the official SACSCOC decision will be provided to the University in January.
We are disappointed by this decision, but it is important to note that: (1) Norfolk State University remains a fully accredited institution and (2) the decision by SACSCOC will not impair our students' eligibility to secure federal financial aid. The sanction is also not reflective of the quality of our academic programs or standards. This decision was at a minimum, a possible outcome as a result of not being able to submit a completed fiscal year 2014 audit within the timeframe requested by SACSCOC. The fiscal year 2014 audit is currently being finalized by the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts and is expected to be completed by year's end. Without having the benefit of the official notice from SACSCOC, I believe the other concerns are a result of administrative and governance issues from previous years.
I am pleased with the substantial progress we have made in the past 15 months. I believe the University is on track to becoming more efficient and focused on ensuring the success of the institution and its students. We have completed financial audits for fiscal years 2011, 2012 and 2013, and have received favorable audits from the Commonwealth. 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.
Much of this work could not have been accomplished without the help of dedicated NSU employees—especially the staff in the Division of Finance and Administration. I am thankful for the hard work and commitment of our employees toward the success of this institution. I am also grateful for the support of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the University. There remains much work to be done and this decision creates an opportunity for our continued growth and improvement.
Finally, I acknowledge the work of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and appreciate the extension that was granted to the University earlier this year.
Norfolk State University is committed to complying with all rules and regulations under the accreditation agency to remain in good standing. We will keep the Spartan community informed as more information becomes available.
Forging Onward,
Eddie N. Moore, Jr.
Interim President and CEO
