JCSU’s approach to probation: ‘All hands on deck’ 

JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY

Johnson C. Smith University is on probation for good cause until June 2026 after the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges for fiscal responsibility issues. SACSCOC will review the school's progress on addressing the issues in June 2026.

Johnson C. Smith University is taking an “all-hands-on-deck” strategy to ensure its accreditation.

The school released a statement July 8 in response to probation for good cause by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges for fiscal responsibility issues. JCSU was placed on probation June 12 after two years of monitoring by the accrediting agency. The school remains accredited and SACSCOC will review its progress in June 2026.

“We take seriously the decision by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges … to place the University on probation for good cause,” the statement read.  “The designation reflects areas where we must strengthen financial compliance and controls.  The ‘good cause’ designation indicates the University has displayed evidence of improvements. SACSCOC assigns this designation when institutions have demonstrated the capacity to fix issues within the determined timeframe.” 

JCSU, which enrolled 1,302 students during the 2024-25 academic year, was placed on probation after SACSCOC reviewed a second monitoring report originally initiated in 2023. Two years is the maximum allowed for such observation before a decision is made to declare a school in full compliance or levy sanctions. Probation for good cause is the most serious penalty short of loss of accreditation. 

“Currently, we have an all-hands-on deck approach at the University which will allow us to not only identify the concerns in the SACSCOC communication, but to work to ensure that we make significant strides internally and externally,” JCSU said. “Over the past 18 months, we have implemented major improvements that align directly with the Commission’s expectations, and we are actively building upon that momentum throughout the probationary period, working with SACSCOC, strengthening fiscal processes.  We view this as an opportunity to further enhance our academic programs which remain strong. and administrative practices.”

JCSU was asked to submit a third monitoring report because SACSCOC determined the school failed to demonstrate compliance with its 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. 

Upon SACSCOC’s review, it 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 year and provides assurance it is not aware of any reasons why it can’t be continued. 

“During this period of growth, we will continue to provide fully accredited, higher education access to our students and their families,” the JCSU statement read. “Our academic programs are strong and thriving.  Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni can expect an exciting year ahead as we make progress on this journey together.”  

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