As Saint Augustine’s University fights to keep its accreditation, the university plans to start the fall semester on time and in person.
According to the university's website, the fall 2024 semester will begin on Aug. 19 with in-person classes. In April, near the end of the spring semester, the school sent students home and switched to a remote learning curriculum in a bid to save money.
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A quick search on the university website shows links to apply and register for classes.
A graduation ceremony for students took place in May as planned.
Even as plans move forward for another school year, the university's debt continues to grow. In early July, the IRS filed another lien against the financially struggling school for $1.1 million, bringing the total number of tax liens filed this year against the HBCU to nearly $10 million.
School leaders say they're exploring several options to raise cash to catch up on unpaid salaries and pay other unpaid bills, which are the subject of lawsuits.
“SAU is also focused on rebuilding and retraining a strong business and finance office that will ensure future compliance and financial controls,” according to the university website.
The university website says the Board of Trustee is ‘finalizing business opportunities’ that will fill is funding gaps.
“SAU will be making improvements to classroom buildings and dormitories in preparation for the fall 2024 semester. Some buildings will be offline for the fall semester to allow for construction and remodeling,” according to the website.
It’s not clear what the ‘business opportunity’ is or when it will be finalized. In a letter dated June 17, the chairman of the board announced a "short-term financial solution" to help the university.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission voted in December 2023 to remove Saint Augustine's from its membership as an accredited university.
Saint Augustine’s appealed the decision but found out in February it lost the appeal. The university requested to enter arbitration. While in arbitration, the school maintains accreditation, but is scheduled to find out what happens later in July.
The website reveals the school has developed a "Teach-Out" plan in the event they lose it. That’s a contract between schools that will allow students to finish their program.
“SAU is currently accredited and is exploring all available options to continue its accreditation beyond the legal process with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Even in the worst-case scenario, no student who continues their journey with SAU will be in danger of earning a non-accredited degree,” reads the website.
WRAL News talked to a faculty member who said they were missing paychecks dating back to March.
The website does not address how the university plans to pay faculty and staff who haven’t been paid in months.
Dining services have not been secured at this point.
“SAU is also looking to find a food service partner to meet the culinary needs of our students, faculty, and staff. SAU will continue to provide strong support services and engaging student activities across campus,” according to the website.
Last month, Saint Augustine’s Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware rejected a call from community leaders to merge Saint Augustine's University with Shaw University, another HBCU in Raleigh.
Summer school starts virtually June 27.
The fall semester runs Aug. 19-Dec. 13. The last week of regular classes and final exams will be held virtually. The university also plans to return in person for the spring 2025 semester.