- SACSCOC received the SAU’s Letter of Arbitration on March 14th.
- The arbitration proceedings shall be completed within 90 calendar days of the convening of the arbitration.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC through the Arbitration Process.
- The University received an action letter from SACSCOC on March 5 outlining the February 2025 decision and providing an opportunity for SAU to submit their dispute to arbitration.
- Saint Augustine’s University can submit a notification of arbitration to the SACSCOC President within 10 calendar days of the Appeals Committee’s decision. If the notification is submitted within that timeframe, Saint Augustine’s University will remain an accredited institution on Probation for Good Cause until the arbitrators render a decision.
- The arbitration proceedings shall be completed within 90 calendar days of the convening of the arbitration.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC through the Arbitration Process.
- SAU was granted an Appeal Hearing on February 27, 2025 in Atlanta, GA.
- SAU argued in its appeal that new and verifiable financial information material to the Board’s adverse decision was evidence of grounds for the adverse action to be remanded to the Board.
- SACSCOC decided to uphold its decision to remove SAU from membership.
- The University received an action letter from SACSCOC on January 14 outlining the December 2024 decision and providing an opportunity for SAU to appeal that decision.
- Saint Augustine’s University sent its Letter of Appeal to SACSCOC on January 24.
- SAU will be granted an Appeal Hearing in February. The University is awaiting a decision on that date.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC through the Appeals Process.
- On December 7, 2024, SAU appeared before the SACSCOC Board for a decision on its membership. SACSCOC voted to remove SAU from its membership but will allow the university to submit new financial information and appeal.
- Saint Augustine’s University was notified on July 21st that the arbitration committee overturned the ruling of The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), reinstating SAU’s membership with the sanction of Probation for Cause until December 2024.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC.
- Saint Augustine’s University sent its Letter of Arbitration to SACSCOC on March 8th.
- SACSCOC received the SAU’s Letter of Arbitration on March 11th.
- The arbitration proceedings shall be completed within 90 calendar days of the convening of the arbitration.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC through the Arbitration Process.
- The University received an action letter from SACSCOC on February 27 outlining the February 2024 decision and providing an opportunity for SAU to submit their dispute to arbitration.
- Saint Augustine’s University will send its Letter of Arbitration to SACSCOC on March 8.
- The arbitration proceedings shall be completed within 90 calendar days of the convening of the arbitration.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC through the Arbitration Process.
- SAU was granted an Appeal Hearing on February 20, 2024 in Atlanta, GA.
- SAU argued in its appeal that significant steps had been taken to correct areas of non-compliance with SACS-COC standards and that the University had the capacity to remedy areas of non-compliance within the next 12 months.
- SACSCOC decided to uphold its decision to remove SAU from membership and denied an extension of Probation for Good Cause until December 2025.
- Attorneys representing Saint Augustine’s University are planning to file an injunction requesting that courts weigh in on this case. During that injunction, SAU’s SACSCOC accreditation remains in place.
- The University received an action letter from SACSCOC on January 11 outlining the December 2023 decision and providing an opportunity for SAU to appeal that decision.
- Saint Augustine’s University sent its Letter of Appeal to SACSCOC on January 19.
- SAU will be granted an Appeal Hearing on February 19, 20, or 21. The University is awaiting a decision on that date.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC through the Appeals Process.
At its meeting on December 5, 2023, the SACSCOC Board of Trustees took the following actions regarding the accreditation status of Saint Augustine’s University:
The Board voted to remove the University from SACSCOC membership for failure to comply with:
Core Requirement 4.1 (Governing board characteristics), Core Requirement 13.1 (Financial resources), Core Requirement 13.2 (Financial documents), Standard 13.3 (Financial responsibility), Standard 13.4 (Control of finances), Standard 13.6 (Federal and state responsibilities) of the Principles of Accreditation, and failure to meet the provisions of Good Cause.
Saint Augustine’s University will appeal the decision of the SACSCOC Board of Trustees. Saint Augustine’s University remains an accredited institution on Probation until the Appeal process concludes.
The University’s leadership team continues to address the issues cited by the SACSCOC’s Board of Trustees and will work collaboratively with SACSCOC’s staff to restore full compliance across all Principles of Accreditation.
During the last two years, SAU has taken unprecedented action to protect and advance the fiscal health of Saint Augustine’s University. These efforts are reflected in the significant progress in areas such as increased enrollment, increased alumni and employee giving, increased grant activity, increased endowments, reduced student debt, improved upward mobility of graduates, and year-end balanced budgets. In addition, the University has increased the number of student internships, external partnerships, and strategic partnerships and alliances. While we at SAU are disappointed with the decision made by the SACSCOC Board, we are not discouraged; the entire SAU community has renewed its commitment to fulfill the University’s vision and remain focused to carry out our mission.
Our board of trustees, leadership team, faculty, staff, students and alumni look forward to collaborating with SACSCOC during the coming weeks to demonstrate that we have addressed the noncompliance issues to ensure the university’s good standing in all accreditation principles.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Issued March 7, 2025, by SACSCOC
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
KEY THEMES:
Accreditation Status and Process · Financial Challenges and Student Balances · Impact on Current and Future Students · Leadership’s Commitment to Students · Campus Issues (Housing, Dining, Employee Payments etc.)
ACCREDITATION STATUS AND PROCESS:
1. Has SAU lost its accreditation?
2. What are the next steps in the accreditation process?
The arbitration committee has overturned the unjust ruling of The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), reinstating SAU’s membership with the sanction of Probation for Cause until December 2024.
3. How long could the accreditation process take?
SAU will be at the end of its Probationary period in December 2024. The arbitration committee’s decision provides a path forward for SAU to demonstrate compliance with the Principles of Accreditation by December 2024.
4. What happens if SACSCOC rules that Saint Augustine’s has met all of its requirements and no sanctions, warning or probation is required?
This is the most optimistic outcome and it is certainly possible. But, with the time that it is taking to put in place all financial arrangements to ensure SAU’s long-term success, students, staff and faculty should be prepared for other outcomes.
5. What will happen if SACSCOC votes to remove Saint Augustine’s from its membership again?
If that were to happen, SAU would appeal, and its accreditation would be temporarily restored while the appeal process plays out. A hearing on the appeal would most likely take place in February, 2025. The result of that hearing could be restoration of SAU’s accreditation without interruption. Meanwhile, however, the university community should expect and be prepared for a period of negative media coverage similar to what we experienced in December of 2023.
6. If Saint Augustine’s made so much progress, why would SACSCOC still vote to remove the university from membership?
One important thing to note is that, if the university were unsuccessful in the December SACSCOC ruling, it would not be because SAU did not do a good job with its reports but because a major reason is likely to be that financial deals haven’t been finalized. University leaders and the board are working hard on financial arrangements to secure the university’s long-term success. If those arrangements come together successfully, SAU would have a good basis on which to appeal.
7. If SAU’s appeal is not successful, will the university still has a chance to maintain accreditation by filing for arbitration?
Yes. While the university was successful in this tactic in July 2024, there is no certainty that it will be successful again.
8. If arbitration is unsuccessful, is there still a chance that SAU could prevail in the accreditation process by filing litigation?
Yes. That decision is up to university leaders and the Board of Trustees.
FINANCIAL STABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY:
1. What does the university plan to do to ensure it can continue operating (i.e., borrow more money and explore other financing avenues)?
The Board is fully committed to exploring all avenues that will secure a sustainable financial future for SAU.
2. What efforts has the university made to remedy some of the findings in the recently submitted audits, including oversight and documentation?
The university is implementing a comprehensive cost optimization strategy and a robust financial sustainability plan. It is also strengthening and improving oversight of essential financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
3. Does university leadership think the public outcry regarding the Gothic Ventures loan is warranted?
The Board of Trustees acknowledges and appreciates the concerns raised by the community regarding our loan agreement with Gothic Ventures. In this pivotal moment, we call on all alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters to stand together as we work toward a stronger future for Saint Augustine’s University. With unity and collaboration, we can overcome challenges and continue to advance the mission of our institution.
4. Is it true that other banks and credit unions, including Self Help, that the university turned to reject its requests for financial support?
We want to assure all stakeholders that while one financial institution has recently raised objections, Gothic Ventures stepped in to provide crucial support when other lenders declined to engage with SAU, despite our ongoing efforts since February 7, 2024, to secure alternative funding.
5. Is the characterization of the loan as a "land grab" accurate because of the collateral attached to the loan?
No. The loan is a short-term solution to provide the university with time to secure long-term financial deals.
6. Has the university discussed opportunities to modify its loan agreement with Gothic Ventures or the board, or do you plan to do so?
The Board remains in constant communication with Gothic Ventures to ensure the terms of the agreement are in the best interest of our university.
7. What is the plan if the school can’t make the payments on the Gothic Ventures loan?
The university will consider restructuring the loan with Gothic Ventures. Additionally, we will continue exploring alternative funding sources, partnerships, and further our cost optimization efforts. These strategies reflect our commitment to financial responsibility and the university’s sustainability.
8. What do the university's cost optimization efforts entail? Will there be any additional reductions?
SAU has reduced its expenses by approximately $17 million in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023. Yes. The university will also eliminate several positions this month, including part-time and full-time non-faculty roles and some vacant positions. Specific details regarding the affected positions remain undisclosed.
9. Will the university remain in operation despite these reductions? Will SAU downsize the number of courses and programs?
SAU will remain in operation with faculty, staff, and programs that meet the needs of the university’s current student body.
IMPACT ON STUDENTS
1. Will current seniors graduate with accredited degrees?
2. Can students expect a “normal” semester in the spring?
3. If all options are unsuccessful, will all students enrolled at SAU for the spring semester attend an accredited institution? Will students receive full transfer of their credits to another institution?
If Saint Augustine’s were to ultimately lose accreditation, there would be a “teachout” period in the fall of 2025 in which staff and faculty would help and support students who wanted to transfer by identifying suitable programs at other institutions and assisting with transfer of credits. We are 100 percent supportive of students being successful elsewhere if they cannot attend college here. Unofficial transcripts are available in the student’s portal. Official transcripts can be obtained through the Registrar.
4. Are scholarships/financial aid impacted?
No. SAU remains accredited, and the availability of student aid remains in place.
LEADERSHIP'S COMMITMENT & GOVERNANCE
1. Why should students remain at SAU?
Leadership cares deeply about students and is committed to ensuring their academic success at SAU. Staff, faculty and administration are working hard daily to continue to provide an excellent academic and student experience.
2. What is being done for students?
Leadership is working to addressing issues like housing, dining and is committed to ensuring instructional continuity despite challenges.
3. Who are the Board of Trustees’ current members?
An updated SAU’s Board of Trustees listing can be found here.
4. Why are Saint Augustine’s University employees being asked to sign confidentiality agreements, specifically at this point in the academic term?
5. What is the SAVE SAU Coalition?
6. Why was the lawsuit filed by the SAVE SAU Coalition dismissed?
7. How will the university respond to the Attorney General’s investigation?
If the attorney general’s office decides to contact the University regarding the allegations made by SAVE SAU, the University will fully cooperate with them. Many of the allegations made by SAVE SAU in its lawsuit against the University are simply untrue, particularly that alleged criminality and personal financial benefits. The University would welcome the opportunity to provide the attorney general’s office with the truth regarding the Plaintiffs’ allegations. The nature of the hearing that was recently held required the Court to assume that all the allegations contained in the Plaintiffs’ complaint were true in order to determine whether the case should be dismissed pursuant to the NC Rules of Civil Procedure, so the University was unable to provide evidence to refute the Plaintiffs’ allegations. The University is grateful that the Court correctly applied the law when it decided to dismiss the Plaintiffs’ lawsuit, and it will look forward to the opportunity to provide the attorney general’s office with the facts regarding the Plaintiff’s allegations if the attorney general’s office decides to contact the University.