LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The University of Louisville has been informed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) that its accreditation is being maintained, but that it will be placed on a one-year probation with the potential extension of an additional year.
The probation is based on issues with SACSCOC Core Requirement 2.2 on Board of Trustee membership and underpinning standards related to selection and evaluation of the university president (Comprehensive Standard 3.2.1), external influence (Comprehensive Standard 3.2.4), and Board of Trustee dismissal (Comprehensive Standard 3.2.5).
“It is important to note that the commission’s decision does not reflect on the quality of our curriculum or our core academic strengths,” said UofL Acting President Neville Pinto. “It is focused entirely on issues related to governance of the institution. Probationary status will have no impact on degrees, federal funding for student financial aid or research grants awarded to faculty.”
In early 2017, SACSCOC will present details from the commission regarding their findings around Core Requirement 2.2. UofL will then have the opportunity to gather and present information to make changes that will bring the university into compliance with the core requirement. A special visiting committee appointed by the commission will review the written report submitted by UofL prior to a visit tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2017. The committee will come to UofL to corroborate information provided in the written report.
UofL was in the midst of a reaffirmation of its accreditation. A planned April visit by the commission has been postponed. A new reaffirmation visit date will be determined upon completion of the probationary period.
“It should be emphasized that the University of Louisville still is an accredited institution,” Pinto said. “We have strong academic and research programs and a great track record of demonstrating compliance in all areas of review by SACS. We will do all in our power to address the concerns that have been raised.”
UofL administrators will meet with media representatives today at 3 p.m. in the President’s Conference Room, Grawemeyer Hall, to discuss the commission’s decision and next steps.
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