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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 12/10/02 ]
Life U gets probation, survives another year By
MARY MacDONALD
Life University has another year to prove it can survive a financial crisis brought about by the loss of its chiropractic accreditation. Its regional accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, has placed the university on probation for the next year, Life President Ben DeSpain said today. The Marietta university keeps its SACS accreditation under this status. DeSpain told students the news in an assembly this morning, and said it will give Life another year to correct the remaining concerns, which include assuring financial stability. "What happened was basically what we expected," DeSpain said. "Which is good news." Enrollment has plummeted since June, when a different accrediting agency, the Council on Chiropractic Education, revoked the good standing of its chiropractic program. The university lost its chiropractic accreditation in October, after a failed appeal. About 1,300 students remain on campus, almost evenly divided between the chiropractic program and a variety of undergraduate and master's level programs that are accredited through SACS. A year ago, SACS issued a public sanction against Life that was one step
shy of probation. Accreditation through the regional organization is
critical because it is required for students to obtain federally subsidized
loans and other aid. |
