Sanctions for JCSU pending accrediting agency review

JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY

Biddle Hall anchors the campus of Johnson C. Smith University in Historic West End. JCSU is on probation for failing to meet accrediting standards for financial responsiblities by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Johnson C. Smith University has been sanctioned by a regional accrediting agency for financial responsibility issues.

The university was placed on probation for good cause – the most severe sanction short of accreditation loss – June 12 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. JCSU’s next review is in June 2026.

JCSU, which is still accredited, remains on probation for a year after the board reviewed a second monitoring report that was originally initiated in June 2023. Two years is the maximum amount allowed for such observation before a decision is made to declare a school in full compliance or levy penalties.

“We are fully committed to strengthening all of our internal controls as we strive to become a nationally ranked, top-performing HBCU,” JCSU President Valerie Kinloch said in a statement. “Over the last year and a half, we have worked hard to improve our overall operations. In the weeks and months ahead, additional improvements will be made as we prepare for an on-campus SACSCOC Special Committee visit in 2026. Being placed on Good Cause provides us with an important opportunity to ensure continuous internal controls.”

JCSU was asked to submit a third monitoring report because SACSCOC determined the school failed to demonstrate compliance with standards for fiscal responsibility, control of finances and sponsored research/external funds as well as federal and state responsibilities. A Special Committee visited the campus to review its progress.

“Our university will always act with integrity, responsibility, and trust. We are a beacon of light, a storied institution that values intellectual rigor,” Kinloch said. “We are an economic engine in the city of Charlotte, across the nation, and around the world. Our core values will not change: excellence, integrity, civic engagement, social justice, student centeredness, and innovation. We will continue to provide fully accredited, higher education access to our students and their families.”

SACSCOC’s board can extend accreditation for good cause if JCSU demonstrates significant recent accomplishments in addressing noncompliance and provides evidence that it will remedy all deficiencies within a 12–month period and has provided assurance it is not aware of any reasons why it can’t be continued. 

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