The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) on Tuesday
placed Auburn University on probation for a one-year period. While this
sanction is both surprising and disappointing, Auburn is committed to
addressing any legitimate concerns of SACS in an appropriate and forthright
manner.
News of the SACS probation has already prompted concern from students,
prospective students and their parents. While SACS has provided the
university no specific details of the matters that merited probation,
it is imperative that students and parents of students be reassured
regarding Auburn's accreditation.
In an effort to provide that reassurance, Auburn University would like
to make clear to Auburn students, future students and their parents
the following:
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AU remains fully accredited. Federal funding and
student aid are not threatened. The SACS probationary period allows
us time to prove our compliance.
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The academic integrity of Auburn University is
not in question. The SACS action that resulted in the one-year probation
included nothing about the institution's academic quality. Auburn
is committed to maintaining, even enhancing, the quality of its academic
programs. The SACS probation has no effect on the day-to-day commitment
of the University community to its goals of instruction, research
and extension.
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Auburn University either has or will address in
an appropriate and forthright manner any legitimate concerns cited
by SACS.
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Auburn University is cognizant of the investment
students and parents have in an Auburn education, and is committed
to maintaining the high value of an Auburn degree. In addition, the
University will endeavor to preserve its ability to receive federal
funds for both the institution and its students.
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Auburn University's regular accreditation review
set for February 2004 will go forward as planned. The extensive self-study
preparing us for accreditation reaffirmation is complete, and addresses
all of the recommendations and suggestions from the University's steering
committee.
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After SACS provides Auburn specific reasons behind
the sanctions, the University will communicate steps it has already
taken or will take to immediately address those concerns.
