South Carolina State University has been placed under a one-year warning by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for failing to comply with the accrediting agency's standards.
S.C. State President Dr. George Cooper said that while a warning from SACS "is always serious," it does not affect the university's accreditation status.
"It's our intent to be fully compliant with SACS standards. We'll be doing so," Cooper said Wednesday following a three-hour board meeting held entirely in executive session.
The meeting was called to receive legal advice related to the SACS warning, Board Chairman Lumus Byrd said. Byrd referred any questions regarding the SACS warning to Cooper.
A warning is the lesser of two possible sanctions from SACS. If S.C. State fails to correct or make progress in the areas it was warned about, it could receive probation.
Calls to SACS officials were not returned on Wednesday.
Cooper believes the warning gives the university time to take corrective measures. S.C. State is up for reaccreditation by SACS in 2010.
The university has not received a full report from SACS yet on the warning, Cooper said. Once the final report is in hand, the university will be able to adequately respond, he said.
"The university will inform stakeholders following the submission of its response to the warning and final action by SACS," a university press release said.
SACS says it warned the university about its failure in:
* Following SACS requirements for governing boards.
* Maintaining a clear distinction between the role of the board and administration.
* Making the administration ultimately responsible for the athletic program.
* Giving the president control over university fundraising activities.
* Giving faculty primary responsibility for the execution of the university's academic programs.
Cooper said public statements and media coverage prompted SACS to send a special review team to S.C. State earlier this year. That team submitted its findings to SACS, which decided to warn the university.
Cooper said the concerns regarding the separate roles of the board and administration arose prior to his arrival at S.C. State.
During a March phone interview, SACS Vice President Dr. Rudolph Jackson said the accrediting body was looking into issues at S.C. State involving the separation of policy making and the administration.
Some university stakeholders had accused the board of micromanaging former President Dr. Andrew Hugine's administration.
The board's removal of Hugine last December was not an issue, Jackson said.
T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060.