Accreditation FAQ

The following Accreditation FAQ is posted to help explain the CBU’s current probation status under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Is CBU closing?
No. CBU is not closing.

Is CBU still accredited?
Yes. CBU remains continued in accreditation for Good Cause and placed on Probation.

Why is CBU on probation?
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board communicated its determination that Christian Brothers University will remain continued in accreditation for Good Cause and placed on Probation for a duration of 12 months for failure to comply with the following Principles of Accreditation: 

  • Core Requirement 4.1 Governing board characteristics (expects an institution to have a governing board that exercises fiduciary oversight of the institution)
  • Standard 13.3 Financial responsibility (expects an institution to manage its financial resources in a responsible manner)

What is probation for Good Cause? 
SACSCOC has been monitoring CBU for two (2) years, which is the maximum consecutive time for a monitoring period by the accrediting body. The SACSCOC Board of Trustees has the option to extend accreditation for Good Cause (rather than removing accreditation) after the monitoring period if:

  • The institution has demonstrated significant recent accomplishments in addressing non-compliance, and 
  • The institution has provided evidence which makes it reasonable for the Board to assume it will remedy all deficiencies within a 12–month period, and 
  • The institution has provided assurance to the Board that it is not aware of any other reasons, other than those identified by the Board, why the institution cannot be continued for Good Cause.

In CBU’s case, non-compliance with two of SACSCOC’s 72 Standards are the issues being monitored:

  • Core Requirement 4.1 Governing board characteristics (expects an institution to have a governing board that exercises fiduciary oversight of the institution)
  • Standard 13.3 Financial responsibility (expects an institution to manage its financial resources in a responsible manner)

Did financial exigency cause our probation? 
No, CBU remains continued in accreditation for Good Cause and on Probation because it did not comply with two (2) of SACSCOC’s 72 Standards: Core Requirement 4.1 (Governing board characteristics) and Standard 13.3 (Financial responsibility). 

Does financial exigency help with the probation? 
The declaration of financial exigency and the steps that CBU is taking because of it are, in fact, proactive steps toward relieving any financial responsibility issues going forward.

How does the decision affect me as a student?

  • Your financial aid will not be affected. The University remains accredited by SACSCOC and is still recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) in the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to offer and award federal financial aid to eligible students.
  • You will continue to receive a first-class education and receive full credit for classes. 

How long will CBU remain continued in accreditation for Good Cause and on Probation? 
CBU will remain continued in accreditation for Good Cause and on Probation for 12 months, at which point SACSCOC will reevaluate. 

What are the next steps?
 The SACSCOC Board of Trustees will consider the accreditation status of Christian Brothers University following a review of a monitoring report submitted by the institution addressing the standards cited above for non-compliance. The Board will have the following options: (1) remove the institution from Probation without an additional report; (2) Recommend removal from sanction and request a Follow-Up Report at the time of submission of the Fifth-Year Interim Report (only if applicable and if institution complies with all standards at the time); (3) continue accreditation, continue on Probation for Good Cause, request a monitoring report, and authorize a Special Committee visit the institution; or (4) remove the institution from membership for failure to comply with the Principles of Accreditation.