Amanda McElfresh

amcelfresh@theadvertiser.com

Louisiana colleges and universities could be sanctioned by a regional accrediting board if state officials cannot stabilize higher education funding.

Belle Wheelan, president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, sent the letter Thursday to Jay Dardenne, Louisiana’s commissioner of administration.

The Daily Advertiser obtained the letter Friday from the University of Louisiana System.

The association is responsible for accrediting all Louisiana higher education institutions.

“If the institutions are unable to demonstrate continued financial stability or continue to enroll students, the Board of SACSCOC would have to consider a public sanction of the institutions or a withdrawal of their accreditation,” Wheelan wrote. “Public sanctions have a chilling effect on the enrollment of potential students and withdrawal of accreditation results in the loss of federal financial aid.”

Wheelan noted that, to remain accredited, institutions must demonstrate sound financial footing. She also noted that, in a worst case scenario, some colleges and universities could have to close before the end of the spring semester.

If that were to happen, federal regulations state that the institutions must provide a plan on how students can continue their studies at another college or university, Wheelan wrote.

“This would create a tremendous hardship on students who might be unable to get a job because the completion of their degree is needed, or worst case scenario, they might drop out of college all together,” Wheelan wrote.

Wheelan continued that she is “painfully aware” of the state’s position, “but the lack of state funding is putting Louisiana colleges and universities in SERIOUS risk and placing students’ academic careers in jeopardy.”

According to the SACSCOC website, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is up for re-accreditation in 2020. South Louisiana Community College is up in 2018.

In addition, LSU’s next accreditation is in 2020, Louisiana Tech’s is in 2025, McNeese State’s is in 2017, Northwestern State’s is in 2017, Southern University’s is in 2020 and the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s is in 2019.