Arbitration process in accreditation dispute underway, Saint Augustine's University confirms

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Saint Augustine's University released new details about its push to regain accreditation.

The university posted to its website, laying out exactly where arbitration stands.

Arbitration is the last remaining step for the university to keep its accreditation with The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). That group previously ruled that the school had not done its part to stay accredited and then ruled against the school in an appeal of that initial decision.

Now, Saint Augustine's said it filed its Letter of Arbitration to SACSCOC on March 8 and the group received it on March 11.

By rule, the arbitration proceedings must wrap up within 90 days

The situation is dire for many staffers and faculty members because it's been one month without pay.

Falcons Unite and Students and Alumni United launched ten years ago as a voice for current students and alumni. The Oakwood Falcon Foundation is a separate entity, but a financial instrument used to be a conduit for donors and alumni to send contributions. Steven Williams is one of founders. He told ABC11 that he and other alumni are keeping a close watch on their HBCU's challenges.

Together, they have helped pick up trash on campus and donate food to the campus food pantry. Those Falcons have even united to raise money for staffers and faculty who are missing their paychecks.

"Some faculty and staff have reached out saying 'Look, our lights are about to get cut off,'" said Williams. "We have physically been paying light bills. We have been paying phone bills and sometimes rent so they won't get evicted. The thing about it is that we do it immediately."

According to Williams, these efforts have been taking place for the past month.

The nonprofit organization has paid out thousands of dollars in assistance.