St. Augustine’s University, a private HBCU located in Raleigh, said it will remain open and “fully operational” despite an appeals committee’s decision to remove its status as an accredited university.

In a recent decision made by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, it reaffirmed the same call it made in December 2024 to remove the university from membership.

According to the commission, the following SACSCOC core requirements and standards were cited in the decision to remove SAU:

Governing board characteristics (core requirement)

Financial resources (core requirement)

Financial documents (core requirement)

Financial responsibility (standard)

Control of finances (standard)

Federal and state responsibilities (standard)

The university announced its next step will be to pursue a 90-day arbitration process so that all students graduating through May 2025 will earn accredited degrees.

“While this outcome was not what SAU had hoped for, it is essential to clarify that this decision does not mean SAU is closing. SAU remains fully operational and committed to its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community,” a press release from the university said on Thursday.

The decision comes after years of financial problems at the university. SAU’s Chairman of Trustees, Brian Boulware, said the board has however “made substantial progress and are confident that our strengthened financial position and governance will ensure a positive outcome”.

“This decision does not define us—our resilience does,” said Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “We urge our alumni and supporters to stand with SAU as we strengthen our foundation and ensure our mission continues for generations.”

What does this mean for current students?

According to the commission, SAU will remain accredited during the arbitration process if it elects to participate. If SAU does not initiate arbitration, the December 2024 decision to remove SAU will stand and the institution will no longer be accredited by SACSCOC.

All May 2025 graduates will earn degrees from an accredited institution, the university said in its statement. The plans going forward are to continue to serve students as its leadership says it has “secured long-term financial stability”.

That plan includes welcoming the next generation of students in the fall of 2025.

Next steps for ‘future Falcons to thrive’

The path forward includes exploring arbitration and the university’s right to contest the accreditation decision. This process, the university said, will allow SAU to demonstrate its financial stability and future commitment to complying with the SACSCOC’s standards.

The university reports It has secured up to $70 million in sustainability-focused funding which is anticipated to be closed on later this month.

“This funding is a game-changer,” said Vice Chairman Hadley Evans. “We now have the financial leverage to protect SAU’s legacy, enhance academic offerings, and create sustainable revenue streams through strategic campus development.”

“The funds we have secured provide a bright future for the students coming in now and for generations to come,” said Trustee Sophie Gibson. “SAU is not just sustaining itself; we are building a foundation for future Falcons to thrive.”

Calls for further support

At the end of its Thursday announcement, SAU put out a call for help from alumni, corporate partners and the larger Raleigh community to “support its future.”

“This is the beginning of a new chapter,” said Vice President of Business Administration and COO Mark Yates. SAU is taking control of its future through strategic financial management and bold leadership.” (CBS 17: Text, Excluding Headline)