- Court-stamped documents were filed on August 14 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia to continue SAU’s active litigation in defense of the University’s mission, students, and community.
- SAU successfully secured a preliminary injunction on August 15 to maintain the university’s accreditation, ensuring that classes will begin on September 2, 2025
- SAU will remain accredited and operational as legal proceedings continue.
- Saint Augustine’s University was notified on July 14th that the arbitration committee affirmed the ruling of The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), removing SAU’s membership.
- SACSCOC received the SAU’s Letter of Arbitration on March 14th.
- The arbitration proceedings shall be completed within 90 calendar days of the convening of the arbitration.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC through the Arbitration Process.
- The University received an action letter from SACSCOC on March 5 outlining the February 2025 decision and providing an opportunity for SAU to submit their dispute to arbitration.
- Saint Augustine’s University can submit a notification of arbitration to the SACSCOC President within 10 calendar days of the Appeals Committee’s decision. If the notification is submitted within that timeframe, Saint Augustine’s University will remain an accredited institution on Probation for Good Cause until the arbitrators render a decision.
- The arbitration proceedings shall be completed within 90 calendar days of the convening of the arbitration.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC through the Arbitration Process.
- SAU was granted an Appeal Hearing on February 27, 2025 in Atlanta, GA.
- SAU argued in its appeal that new and verifiable financial information material to the Board’s adverse decision was evidence of grounds for the adverse action to be remanded to the Board.
- SACSCOC decided to uphold its decision to remove SAU from membership.
- The University received an action letter from SACSCOC on January 14 outlining the December 2024 decision and providing an opportunity for SAU to appeal that decision.
- Saint Augustine’s University sent its Letter of Appeal to SACSCOC on January 24.
- SAU will be granted an Appeal Hearing in February. The University is awaiting a decision on that date.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC through the Appeals Process.
- On December 7, 2024, SAU appeared before the SACSCOC Board for a decision on its membership. SACSCOC voted to remove SAU from its membership but will allow the university to submit new financial information and appeal.
- Saint Augustine’s University was notified on July 21st that the arbitration committee overturned the 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.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC.
- Saint Augustine’s University sent its Letter of Arbitration to SACSCOC on March 8th.
- SACSCOC received the SAU’s Letter of Arbitration on March 11th.
- The arbitration proceedings shall be completed within 90 calendar days of the convening of the arbitration.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC through the Arbitration Process.
- The University received an action letter from SACSCOC on February 27 outlining the February 2024 decision and providing an opportunity for SAU to submit their dispute to arbitration.
- Saint Augustine’s University will send its Letter of Arbitration to SACSCOC on March 8.
- The arbitration proceedings shall be completed within 90 calendar days of the convening of the arbitration.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC through the Arbitration Process.
- SAU was granted an Appeal Hearing on February 20, 2024 in Atlanta, GA.
- SAU argued in its appeal that significant steps had been taken to correct areas of non-compliance with SACS-COC standards and that the University had the capacity to remedy areas of non-compliance within the next 12 months.
- SACSCOC decided to uphold its decision to remove SAU from membership and denied an extension of Probation for Good Cause until December 2025.
- Attorneys representing Saint Augustine’s University are planning to file an injunction requesting that courts weigh in on this case. During that injunction, SAU’s SACSCOC accreditation remains in place.
- The University received an action letter from SACSCOC on January 11 outlining the December 2023 decision and providing an opportunity for SAU to appeal that decision.
- Saint Augustine’s University sent its Letter of Appeal to SACSCOC on January 19.
- SAU will be granted an Appeal Hearing on February 19, 20, or 21. The University is awaiting a decision on that date.
- SAU remains accredited by SACSCOC through the Appeals Process.
At its meeting on December 5, 2023, the SACSCOC Board of Trustees took the following actions regarding the accreditation status of Saint Augustine’s University:
The Board voted to remove the University from SACSCOC membership for failure to comply with:
Core Requirement 4.1 (Governing board characteristics), Core Requirement 13.1 (Financial resources), Core Requirement 13.2 (Financial documents), Standard 13.3 (Financial responsibility), Standard 13.4 (Control of finances), Standard 13.6 (Federal and state responsibilities) of the Principles of Accreditation, and failure to meet the provisions of Good Cause.
Saint Augustine’s University will appeal the decision of the SACSCOC Board of Trustees. Saint Augustine’s University remains an accredited institution on Probation until the Appeal process concludes.
The University’s leadership team continues to address the issues cited by the SACSCOC’s Board of Trustees and will work collaboratively with SACSCOC’s staff to restore full compliance across all Principles of Accreditation.
During the last two years, SAU has taken unprecedented action to protect and advance the fiscal health of Saint Augustine’s University. These efforts are reflected in the significant progress in areas such as increased enrollment, increased alumni and employee giving, increased grant activity, increased endowments, reduced student debt, improved upward mobility of graduates, and year-end balanced budgets. In addition, the University has increased the number of student internships, external partnerships, and strategic partnerships and alliances. While we at SAU are disappointed with the decision made by the SACSCOC Board, we are not discouraged; the entire SAU community has renewed its commitment to fulfill the University’s vision and remain focused to carry out our mission.
Our board of trustees, leadership team, faculty, staff, students and alumni look forward to collaborating with SACSCOC during the coming weeks to demonstrate that we have addressed the noncompliance issues to ensure the university’s good standing in all accreditation principles.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Issued August 18, 2025, by SACSCOC
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
KEY THEMES:
Accreditation Status and Process · Financial Challenges and Student Balances · Impact on Current and Future Students · Leadership’s Commitment to Students · Campus Issues (Housing, Dining, Employee Payments etc.)
ACCREDITATION STATUS AND PROCESS:
1. Has SAU lost its accreditation?
No, SAU remains accredited with its accreditor, SACSCOC, through litigation.
2. What are the next steps in the accreditation process?
Although the arbitration committee affirmed the ruling of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to remove SAU’s membership, the university secured a preliminary injunction allowing us to remain accredited throughout the litigation process.
3. How long could the litigation process take?
SAU ended the Arbitration period in July 2025. The litigation period typically lasts between 1 and 2 years. SAU will remain accredited throughout the litigation process.
4. What happens if the Court rules that Saint Augustine’s has met all of its requirements and no sanctions, warning or probation is required?
This is the most optimistic outcome, and it is certainly possible. We are working tirelessly to ensure SAU’s long-term success, and students, staff, and faculty should be prepared for a range of outcomes.
5. What will happen if the Court rules to uphold SACSCOC's decision to remove Saint Augustine’s from its membership again?
If necessary, SAU will pursue accreditation with other entities as the litigation process is underway. The litigation timeframe will allow the university to prepare the application for candidacy for whichever accrediting entity we choose.
IMPACT ON STUDENTS
1. Will current seniors graduate with accredited degrees?
Yes. Currently enrolled seniors will graduate with accredited degrees.
2. Can students expect a “normal” semester in the fall?
SAU administrators are doing everything in their power to ensure that new and returning students get a high-quality virtual college experience. Further staff and faculty reductions are expected, though, due to lower enrollment.
3. Are scholarships/financial aid impacted?
No. SAU remains accredited during the litigation process, and the availability of student aid remains in place.
4. If all options are unsuccessful, will all students enrolled at SAU for the fall semester attend an accredited institution? Will students receive full transfer of their credits to another institution?
If Saint Augustine’s were to lose accreditation permanently, a “teachout” period would occur in the following semester. During this period, staff and faculty would support students who wish to transfer by identifying suitable programs at other institutions and assisting with the transfer of credits. We are 100 percent supportive of students being successful elsewhere if they cannot attend college here. Unofficial transcripts are available in the student’s portal. Official transcripts can be obtained through the Registrar.
FINANCIAL STABILITY & SUSTAINABILITY:
1. What does the university plan to do to ensure it can continue operating (i.e., borrow more money and explore other financing avenues)?
The Board of Trustees and administration are fully committed to protecting the financial strength of the university. Through responsible financing, expanded partnerships, and innovative revenue strategies, we are working to build a secure and sustainable future for Saint Augustine’s University.
2. What efforts has the university made to remedy some of the findings in the recently submitted audits, including oversight and documentation?
The university continues to review a comprehensive cost optimization strategy and a robust financial sustainability plan. It is also strengthening and improving oversight of essential financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
3. What are the university’s prospects for acquiring financing?
The university is actively engaging with financial partners to secure the most suitable financing structure. Our priority is to ensure both immediate stability and long-term financial sustainability.
4. What do the university's cost optimization efforts entail? Will there be any additional reductions?
SAU’s cost optimization involves the analysis of all university departments and positions. Yes. Specific details regarding the affected positions remain undisclosed.
5. Will the university remain in operation despite these reductions? Will SAU downsize the number of courses and programs?
The university continues to operate on a reduced scale. SAU will remain operational with faculty, staff, and programs that meet the needs of the university’s current student body.
LEADERSHIP'S COMMITMENT & GOVERNANCE
1. Why should students remain at SAU?
Leadership cares deeply about students and is committed to ensuring their academic success at SAU. Staff, faculty and administration are working hard daily to continue to provide an excellent academic and student experience.
2. What is being done for students?
Leadership is working to address issues like financial aid, registration and is committed to ensuring instructional continuity despite challenges.
3. Who are the Board of Trustees’ current members?
An updated SAU’s Board of Trustees listing can be found here.