As the 2023-24 academic year ends, the troubles at Virginia University of Lynchburg continue to mount as a Christian college governing body handed down disciplinary action against the school.
Last week, the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) announced VUL was placed on accreditation probation on April 22, citing the institution’s “non-compliance with the Accreditation Standards, TRACS policies and procedures or any applicable Federal Regulations is significant and / or concerns one or more of the Accreditation Standards associated with an Institutional Eligibility Requirement.”
The statement continues that VUL’s failure to meet standards “rises to the level where the institution’s ability to fulfill its mission or to provide a quality educational experience consistent with that associated with an accredited post-secondary institution is in question.”
Virginia University of Lynchburg was found in violation of TRACS standards 11.2 (Financial Operations) and 17.12 (Title IV Participation). The university must submit its June 30, 2023, financial audit and a “plan for operations through a restricted cash flow environment and document available reserves to carry [the plan] out” to TRACS no later than Sept. 1.
If VUL does not comply with TRACS’ ruling, the governing body has options, including a year of probation, a six-month extension of that probationary period, a “Show Cause” penalty, or TRACS can “take Adverse Action against the institution.”
TRACS’ findings were submitted on the heels of an earlier accreditation warning reported by HBCU Sports in December. Also in December, former VUL running backs coach and recruitment special Doe Edwards accused the Dragons’ football program, specifically head coach and athletic director Tim Newman, of financial impropriety and verbal abuse towards players and staff.
