Bethune-Cookman University Accreditation in Jeopardy; School Going into Second Year of Academic Probation.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Back in June of 2018 Bethune-Cookman University was placed on academic probation for non-compliance for multiple infractions according to the Board of Trustees of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

They were given a 12-month probationary period to fix the issues regarding the Core Requirements including the Principle of Integrity, The Governing Board, and Financial and Physical Resources.

While the University and its officials worked hard to try and resolve all issues that were an area of concern for the Board of Trustees, they still found non-compliance in 2019 and extended the probationary term.

Now, B-CU Administration and their Officials have a deadline of March 2020 to finalize their probation and meet the SACSCOC compliance concerning its integrity and control of finances.

The SACSCOC is requiring B-CU to raise or cut a total of $8 Million to balance the university’s operating budget. The deadline is when officials submit their application for re-accreditation in a few weeks.

Without the school’s accreditation status, Bethune-Cookman will lose federal funding; more than $7 Million in grants and $7.5 Million in Financial Aid.

Current President of B-CU, Brent Chrite reduced the operating budget $20 Million since taking over the role in July.

Chrite believes the original reduction is due to dwindling enrollment, as enrollment for 2020 is down 20% from last year.