July 22, 2024

 

Dear Saint Augustine’s University Community,

It is with a sense of unity and shared purpose that I bring you this message of triumph and resilience. In a unanimous decision, the arbitration committee has overturned the unjust ruling of The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), reinstating SAU’s membership with the sanction of Probation for Cause until December 2024.

This monumental decision allows SAU to address its challenges and continue to carry out its mission and unwavering commitment to academic excellence. This decision is a testament to the shared belief in the value of Saint Augustine’s University and the importance of allowing us to continue this legacy.

The arbitration committee’s decision not only corrects the injustice inflicted upon us but also provides a path forward for SAU to demonstrate compliance with the Principles of Accreditation by December 2024. Armed with renewed purpose and determination, we stand ready to meet this challenge head-on.

Let us dispel any lingering doubts or misinformation about our university’s future. SAU will open its doors for the Fall semester as planned, reaffirming our tireless commitment to our students and the community we serve. We refuse to be defined by our challenges but rather by how we rise above them.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our board of trustees, faculty and staff, students, alumni, and all who stood by us during these trying times. Your relentless support has been a beacon of hope in our darkest hours. We will rebuild, thrive, and emerge more vital than ever.

As we look to the future with renewed confidence, let us remain united in our mission to uphold the legacy of Saint Augustine’s University. Our journey continues, and we are optimistic about the bright future.

 

With Falcon Pride,

 

Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, Interim President

Saint Augustine’s University

 

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