Even though Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) in Raleigh, NC has been placed on probation by the accrediting agency The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), SAU President Dr. Christine McPhail isn’t slowing down.
Dr. Christine McPhail, president of Saint Augustine's University,
McPhail said she believes her institution will not only meet SACSCOC’s requirements by the end of the year but will continue to grow, expanding opportunities for students across the nation and the world.
The Historically Black College and University (HBCU) was placed on probation for good cause on Dec. 9, according to SACSCOC’s disclosure statement, which explains that SAU failed to meet compliance with core requirements regarding financial resources and documents. Further specifics will be given to the institution in a letter they are set to receive later this month.
“The president is aware of the issues, and she and her staff are working hard to get the institution back into good standing,” said Dr. Belle S. Wheelan, president of SACSCOC. Probation, while rare and serious, most commonly occurs due to concerns over fiscal management, Wheelan said.
But “good cause” is an important qualifier for SAU, Wheelan added. The term specifically acknowledges that SAU has taken extensive measures to meet compliance within the last two years and the SACSCOC board feels confident SAU will meet expectations by the end of 2023.
McPhail agreed, adding that if SACSCOC could “come back in here today, they’d say, ‘Well done.’”
