" Cherokee, this stuff sounds great. where is the facts??? show up or shut up. stop spreading(cancer) false information about SCSU. "

" I will say that I am a PROUD member of the Bulldog Alumni Association (C/O 2006) and a product of the turmoil that has been a part of SCSU history. As rich as the school's history is, I will admit it has its problems (financial, admin., buildings etc...). I will defend my Alma Mater tooth and nail. SCSU has been a great influence in my life and I'm prety sure that there are others that feel the same way when I say its an anxious-ambivalent attachment/relationship when it comes to SCSU. The school provides you with what you need to be a competitor in your career field (mine was Psychology). Its up to you to apply these tools once you graduate! You cannot put all the blame on one person, as I have stated there has been this problem before I got to state, while I was there, and they are still going on.

What I will say about this blog...post...whatever is this. If you are SCSU Alumni and are on here bashing the school you are in the wrong place to be doing so. Feeding these vultures the fuel that they need to desecrate SCSU is not the proper way to support your school. If you ARE NOT ALUMNI (i.e. didn't attend the school, or people that have been career students and never received a diploma) DO NOT...I REPEAT...DO NOT blasphemy my Alma Mater by posing, or speaking of something you do not know much about; or maybe nothing at all.

I am presuming that all of us here are African American? Why are we attempting to destroy a school that supports our heritage, one of our own? Why are we attempting to tear eachother down? Why? As Red DAWG stated, this is not an english class so if that user so chooses to slacken his jaw, then so be it. Though I choose not to, I see where that user is coming from.

All of these are valid arguments, but where is it going to get SCSU? NOWHERE! Are you going to run for president of SCSU. Are you going to run for a board seat to make a change? If you are not going to contribute, then I suggest closing your mouth toward comments. I put on for my school...what about you? Where did you go? How have you contributed? I am 24 years old and I support my school to the fullest financially and in other ways.

Someone made a comment of SCSU not being able to handle SCSU as a president because of the tools in their tool box...maybe that is true, but this president matriculated @ FAMU, so what does that have to do with the current situation? This is what I mean about opening mouths with nothing to say. Don't get me wrong you are all making intresting arguments, but some of you should be mute when it comes to these situations because its a "family affair", we don't need to be airing out our laundry either. If you want to get into discussion with family about family business then log onto somwhere else...the newspaper is not the place to do this at all.

Holla @ ya boy...to all that know SCOONEY! to my P Slash family, and Yo to my NUPES.

-D'Back...out. "

" And wonder why we can't succeed. Somebody in the front Office needs some Bulldog Tenacity. The Board needs to swallow their pride and step up, support Dr. Cooper and stop blaming some of the past. As of now the only good thing going on at SCSU is Football. "

" The management of the University is in question. Yes, there may be some Departments (Colleges) that have problems too, but not all. Case in point - does the public know the only BS level Nuclear Engineering program in South Carolina is being taught at SCSU? Did you also know this fairly new program recently received their engineering accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)? The same Board that accredits Clemson, USC, and The Citadel - Yes, SCSU now is the fourth engineering university in the State. Want to change the problems at SCSU? - Then get involve as a Community and demand the politicans at all levels be held accountable. "

" For decades SCSU has hosted the "Good Old Boys" club on campus. They have ruled with an iron fist intimidating Faculty and Staff to the point that the majority are afraid of making comments to the general public (and to the Administration) about problems around campus that directly affect their abilities in providing a proper and meaningful education to our Students.

The attitude of Administration has been one of telling Faculty that they must "award" passing grades where a failure grade was warranted. This stern approach to give unfounded grades have led to a very submissive Faculty and Staff. If the warnings are ignored Faculty tenure and possible firings were hinted at and actually have occurred.

Then there is the problem with Faculty being "graded" by each class the has been taught. If the grades submitted by his/her class is negative, then that Faculty member could suffer, and indeed be fired, even if the class were subjected to the very best teaching.

With the appointment of a new VP, however, much has changed. Students who complain about poor grades have a tough road to travel in obtaining better unwarranted grades. Wonder how long this VP will be on campus or be forced to change his instructions?

Another problem, originating with the "Good Old Boys" club has its basis in the Financial Department. We have been the victim of many cases of downright theft. One FO served time for his part but several others that stole tens of thousands of dollars from the University were merely fired. No restitution was ever collected from these thieves. And this Department has not been the only Department so affected with theft. Bet you can name at least one other Department.

Under Hugine's rule, it became commonplace for the University to hire companies owned or operated by relatives or friends. Sometimes they delivered and other times they didn't. In fact, bidding was bypassed in many instances by issuing contracts of less than $1,500 so that these companies would not have to compete. These contracts, also, were doled out multiple times, sometimes to do the same job. One thing is certain. They walked off campus with money in their pocket even if they didn't finish the job.

Another Hugine legacy is the fact that Administration had a policy in effect wherein certain VP's could hire friends and relatives for jobs under their immediate control at salaries that didn't match their duties.

One factor that is negative is the requirement that all incoming students to take part (and pay for) a semester of PE. Very few other Universities and Colleges require PE. This cost to the students was set in place when the Athletics Department ran into the red. To make up for this, SCSU decided to start PE as a requirement.

Another factor was the confiscation of "Laboratory Fees" by the University for uses not connected with Laboratories. Originally designed to offset some of the costs by several Academic Departments in the purchase of expendable materials require to conduct required laboratory classes, these fees now are used by another Department to pay for phones, TV, and Internet connections in the dorms. Who suffers? The Departments that need to have Laboratories. And the worst part is that every student has to pay these fees even if the student lives off campus so the students also suffer.

Mr. President. Stop these practices now. "

" First! excuse the spelling and grammar because this aint ya class. Dissension,adversity and power struggles exist at all Universities. When this occurs, it's considered to be in house business and not public news. people involved will eventually work these matters out in a professional manner. The media reports any discord involving SCSU, because they know the public reaction. The negativity began to flow from qising and crying bloggers without any solution,but plenty criticism. Then, here come the misinformed and degrading comments from people like ICU81,CH-kee, BEA 22.Outsiders just eats it up and you are so blind and db. Stop comparing SCSU to other Universities. Winthrop is a good University. It is fair to compare if all the ingredients are placed on the table. SCSU ROTC program produced thirteen alumni which achieved the rank of General. SCSU Football program produced three Football Hall of Famer. SCSU served as host of the first US Presidential Primary Debate of 2008, leading to the President-Elected Barrack H. Obama. SCSU played a major role in the civil Right Movement with the loss of lives of our beloved brother and heros, Smith, Hamilton and Middleton. SCSU produced, South Carolina's first African American federal Distric Judge. Don't compare Universities unless you have all the facts, furthermore, there are many more facts about SCSU. All the negativity lessens the value of your hard earned accomplishment from this institution. Stop killing yourself softly for other to get that cheap thrill. Dr. Cooper is smart enough to analyze the problems @SCSU, that what he got hired for. He doesn't need your degrading two cents. He need you to help build SCSU into the empire, in which its about to become. SCSU will always have a special place in my heart. SHADY REST..Rm 219 Lowman Hall..Lets work together and Support SCSU and it new adminstration...Change "

" A shame... S.C. State has so much potential. Just a shame that a school so rich in history, a campus that has grown through so much, now of all things falls victim to mismanagement. It is not the white man of days of old, it is not civil rights, it is not the economy, it is S.C. State itself that is burying S.C. State.

With all this going on, it is only logical for businesses and organizations to believe that a graduate of S.C. State may not have the best tools in their tool box.

And, honestly, they are correct most of the time. There are several reasons Winthrop University is considered the premiere school for teachers in South Carolina as opposed to S.C. State. This is not to talk down on S.C. State, it just seems that the school has not been able adapt to change and continues to be content with less than best.

Maybe I'm wrong.

If so, please explain. "

" It appears that I was correct in assuming that the reader identified as "RedDawg" is and was a sham. Apparently he was trying to fabricate a notion that SCSU students could not use proper English. My comments about him fabricating his earlier comments actually was sent in prior to his latest outburst of nonsensical rantings.

His prior dissertation was a dis-service to both the educators and to the students at SCSU. However, in his rebuttal he still doesn't get the fact that we are offering positive comments -- unless Dr. Cooper knows about the problems, they will never be corrected. I can bet that some of the problems on campus have been hidden from him or he has been told something else instead of the truth. To only be told "rosy" half-truths is inane. He must know the actual truth.

Hey. Maybe "RedDawg" is a member of the "Good Old Boys Club" and doesn't want Dr. Cooper to know about what has and what may be occurring on campus. This would keep SCSU near bottom.

All Dr. Coope3r has to do is to look, listen, and heed our prayers. "

" Dr. Hugine's reign began with a sham. I know because I was there. Contrary to "popular" belief, I think he was bad when he was chosen from a field of other losers and he departed much the same way. The Board appointed him President and the Board removed him as President. Simple enough. He was removed because he was not doing his job and was arguably wasting tens of thousands of dollars at the same time.

I fully agree with "TotallyDisgusted" and with ICU81 in their comments. Some of the Comments from readers appear to be totally uneducated, perhaps never graduating from high school or else 'they were fabricated' to make it appear that SCSU's students are not being educated properly.

We can bring about changes by insuring that Administrators down to the Faculty are fully capable of providing the education opportunities that our students deserve. This is accomplished by insuring that the best Administrators and the best Faculty are available to do the job. However, due to favoritism, kinmanship, and ignorance, we have had to endure untold hazards that is unknown to the general public. The hiring practices, decades old, must be revamped and the "Good Old Boys" club vanquished. It is time to come from the dark ages into the light. We deserve this. "

" Totally Disgusted, My concerned is only for the improvement of such a great University, SCSU. I am not applying for a job with you. I have been happily employed for almost thirty years. Thanks to the skills taught at SCSU. I do have an opening for a clerk, if you are interested. It sounds like you can type very well. Use your skills by offering something positive for South Carolina State University because they are the best around and they have the opportunity to be the best in the state of South Carolina. Dr Cooper will get them to the top. we need support from each and everyone to keep this University strong. so, don't voice your 2 cents, if you are not offering anything $$.... "

" REDDAWG, YOU SPEAK OF HOW GOOD THE EDUCATION IS THAT YOU RECEIVED AT SCSU----DID YOU PASS SPELLING AND ENGLISH? JUST WONDERING----MAYBE YOU NEED A FEW MORE YEARS THERE TO WORK ON THAT. "

" If 'Reddawg' truly believes SCSU properly prepared him, to compete in the outside world, he is sorely mistaken.
As an employer, any resume that reached my desk, with that many spelling and grammatical errors, would promptly be DISCARDED. "

" What do you think we are trying to do. If the school loses it's accredidation then where will all these people go that you speak of that have been given a second chance at life by attending SCSU. If we don't toughen our standards how do you expect us to compete in this global economy, we won't be able to compete. This is about accountability and being held to a higher standards and so far the University has failed to do so. I would ask that future posters ask for accountability and standards. No Hugine was not, nor will ever be the best president the school ever had. If you want proof I've got mounds of it if you want to see it. Some things all you have to do is go on campus and see it for yourself... "

" To Bloggers on this page. Many of them do'nt have facts but a lot of negative information about SCSU and their Educational Departments. I do'nt know whom you are, maybe students. well let me tell you, SCSU takes some of the most disavantage students from some of the most disvantage schools, Cities, towns and communities and train you by bringing you up to the standards required by this high Tech and competitive society. Many cases the schools just did'nt teach you, did'nt have the resources or you fail to perform on you own and guess what, SCSU gave you a chance to compete in this world and not let you hang around on the streets or hole in the wall places, drinking, dancing and shooting pool. You cannot shoot me a line I have been there at SCSU and I know what its all about. They perpare me to compete with graduates and workers from many universities to name some Kanas, penn state, Okahom, south Fla, George Wash, Clem. and many more. Please stop downing them and telling lies to the media. They are quick to believe the negative stuff about this school. place something positive on this page and you will not hear any thing about it. Example SACS. They cannot tell you why they issued a warning other than a tom report something to them or your negative blogs. Trust me, you will apprecicated SCSU one day because this maybe the only ammunition under your belt to say that I have a degree from SCSU. You'll need it in the work place. Lets stop this mess, because the board have taken them down enough. "

" The inferiority complex demonstrated by "cloths" is disturbing. I guess based on this individual's remarks, SCSU does not need to provide recognized standards of education for its students? The students should DEMAND these results be reported. Their future is in jeopardy if their degree is found to be lacking. How discouraging it would be, as a SCSU graduate, to watch others with a similar degree gain employment, while they are left behind because of where their degree came from. Come on "cloths" stop with the excuses and start demanding some accountability. "

" SACS's response to questions is both right and wrong. Even though SACS is a private organization, FOIA should still apply because their actions directly affects public institutions of higher learning. Thus, their reports and findings should be public domain. Their refusal could be the basis of a lawsuit. "

" ICU81 is correct about people being fired when they speak up about problems on campus. One question President Cooper: If people do not speak up, how can SCSU resolve the problem?

He is also correct about Hugine. But Hugine was not the only one that got us into trouble. He omitted Davis as one of the factors. As to both previous Presidents, both failed to do their job as required. Neither can claim success only failure. Promises made. Promises broken. That is their legacy.

It is also a well known fact that both the Faculty Senate and the Staff Senate are pawns of the Administration and can only praise the Administration. Neither Senate are willing to express themselves honestly. The same can be said about your Committee on Campus Safety. There are enough safety problems on campus that could cause us to be shut down because they affect all Schools and Colleges.

As to campus security. SCSU is known for its cover up of crimes committed by its students and others and its failure to publish information correctly as required by Federal law. Campus Police are also known for their willingness to fire its officers when they either speak out or fully follow the law. It has happened too many times in the past for it not to be happening today.

There is another problem that needs to be addressed and resolved immediately. That is the failure of Campus Police to deliver to the Deans of Schools and Colleges a copy of any report of theft, break ins, etc. that affect their areas of responsibility. Without proper knowledge, these Deans are being left out of the loop. Also these Deans cannot file Insurance Claims if they never receive this information. Also please note that thefts of equipment around campus costs the University tens of thousands of dollars per year. Prevention of these thefts could be a key factor in resolving money crunches.

PS Campus Police: SODEXO plays no role in these reports except knowing of any damage to the building.

Now for another problem. The present Chief of Police has instigated some new features that could be of significant benefit to the Faculty, Staff, and Students around campus. That is if these suggestions are ever implemented and they do need to be implemented immediately. Several could save lives.

Let it be known that you have inherited these problems from previous Presidents. However only you can resolve these problems. "

" Chriscloths must drink a lot or else he just can't grasp simple facts. The USC baseball players and football players have nothing to do with SACS. SACS is an accreditation organization not a law enforcement agency. The academics is ultimately responsible for the athletics so that ineligible players do not participate and that athletics do not run the show and make up their own rules. When players break laws like burglary, assault etc the cops are called not SACS. The comments you make here are so skewed and based in nonfactual events that I feel that professional help may be the only hope for you. SC State has a minor accredidation issue but you want to make it racial because the Larger universities don't have these problems. They do not have these problems because they have qualified people on board that actually do their jobs and they do not want the publicity that comes from not doing the job properly. SC STate seems to relish attention be it negative or positive. The most harm done in times like these is people like you who cry racism over everything. This was simply an oversight by the administration not some racist agenda. When I hear these type comments I can't help but feel dismayed because nothing ever changes with some people. "

" ICU81 is an embarrassment to all and continues to show her complete lack of knowledge of any thing at all. "

" To the current president Dr. Cooper how is it that you have campus police officers making 40K a year and/are getting $5,000 bonuses that don't have degrees during this crucial budget crunch? "

" Why is it that people failed Hugine's class and they are mad at him? Why can't it be that Hugine failed the people? I was there during his administration and He was another absent minded president like our current president with Kevin Rolle running the show. I can say that Hugines' cabinet was full of failed administrators that were run off from other Colleges and Universities. Those who did ask the tough questions were fired for doing so. Let's call it what it is. Hugine made one big mess the school fired him and this was his chance to get back at the School who took away his $200,000 pay day "

" This is mere grandstanding by SACS to show their superiors they are doing their jobs so taxpayers can keep paying their salaries and they won't get furloughed. It's the oldest trick in the book. Drug dealers do it all the time. You can't warn Clemson or USC(the 2 Mr. Biggs) that's the backbone of education in this state. You can't diss Newberry who would care. WIS or the papers won't talk about them. So you pick on the taboo-BLACK COLLEGE. It makes people say"Boy that SACS organization is on top of things"when they really ani't doing jack bone. This is the dumbest so call violation-Making the administration ultimately responsible for the athletic program. Ok where was SACS when USC QB Garcia was keying a professor's car. When RB Mike Davis broke into a coke machine. When 2 USC baseball players stole money and equipment from the team and coaches, when the football team a few years ago stole laptops, Where the heck was SACS huh! Where is USC's warning. SCSU players don't do dumb stuff. Our kids tests scores are the lowest in the country and SACS is worrying about SCSU's flurishing sports program. They should change the name from SACS to SCROTM. SACS don't do jack. "

" Bosshogg must have the brain of a hog or he's Washington's brother. He is so lost in the mud. "

" I'm convinced! We have some bitter individuals who probably failed Dr. Hugine's classes and uses this forum to voice their gripes. You are blaming President Hugine for taking the issue to SACS, when they have clear rules that aren't being adhered to. That's like being mad at your sister, because you got in trouble, after she told mom and dad you took a cookie when you were told not to. You violating rules, but you don't want nobody to tell. What's the common denominator? The BOT. oops... you may not know that denominator is a mathematical term since you didn't pass Dr. Hugine's classes. I'll stop using mathematical references.

So, minus bosshogg, whose fault is this? Is it that the BOT won't relinquish any control? Or is it that the President won't take control? Is it that the rules we've been governed under this long is just a mish-mash of stuff we put together over the years with exceptions to the rules, and exceptions to the exceptions of the rules?

Who enjoys going to homecoming? You cry and complain about not having enough people in the stands... you won't have anyone in the stands if we lose our accreditation. Ask Morris Brown. So, continue to take this lightly! "

" First and foremost I just want to say yes,SCSU school is in need of a bad fix from the financial aid department on out. But im most concerned with whats going on in the nursing department, the rumors of its accreditation being lost in April of 2009 and most importantly the unfairness amongst the senoir nursing students. I have a relative who attends SCSU Nursing program, and she told me about a certain amount of students failing NURS401 because they did not maintain a "B" average. Well that's not all, She also said how 2 students with a "D" average in that class was able to graduate due to favortism and the one student out of the 2 using well known faculty from the Biology department to help represent them and convince nursing faculty to pass these students and which they prevailed. How unfair is this? It is also said how the 2 students went to the president and he immediately sided with the students and didnt even take time out to investigate this matter!! I think that someone anyone should look into this matter because there are a lot of angry nursing students of all classifications, not only just the ones who didnt pass that class. "

" It's really not a surprise to hear this. As an May '08 alumni and currently a graduate student I have been caught in the middle of this turmoil as well as others. Our future rides on this educational opportunity. I pray that the up coming graduates and myself don't get caufht in the crossfire. As for Hugine he shouldn't want to do dirt like that knowing that it will affect the many individuals who are trying to better themselves. Grow up!!! "

" norweigian....you mention that this does not happen at any other university.....SACS brought up AUBURN UNIVERSITY on the exact same charges a few years ago....

and lost.

these charges were brought up based on info sent to SACS by Andrew Hugine. And you know why he did that....because he LOVES his alma mata so much "

" State needs to get itself together and right this ship before it sinks. As an alum I hate to continously read these articles about the wrongdoings and mis-management of the institution. Hopefully Dr. Cooper can help get SCSU back on course and restore the university back to its glory. "

" Mr. President,

I know that problems with SACS did not occur under your tenure, but you need to know that SACS isn't your lone accreditation agency. There are others in the wind that may cause accreditation problems also. In fact, some of these agencies may be on campus this year to gather preliminary facts about the Programs they certify and accredit.

Problems with SACS isn't new. Previous Presidential actions have jeopardized accreditation time and again. Also please realize that there are other parties within the State that would love us to fail.

Please let us have an uneventful re-certification this time. "

" Is this even surprising? The administration at State would be hard pressed to run a middle school correctly. This does not happen at ANY other state funded college. Why does the board and the general assembly put up with this? It is because they do not want to be labled racist. This school really is a laughing stock and a comedy of errors when it comes to Board Chair Maurice Washington and his bumbling board members. Its time to indict those that use their board seat for personal gain and move this school forward. Sc State really is a great assett and we need to get behind them. "

" the sad part about this is that Dr. Hugine sent SACS the info to start the investigation. And before anyone ask how we know this, contact SACS for yourself. its public info. "