St. Augustine's won't offer classes this Fall amid bankruptcy
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- St. Augustine's University has an update on fall classes for the upcoming semester.
According to our news gathering partners at The News & Observer, the historically Black college will not offer any classes or educational programs this fall.
The school ended its lengthy court battle over accreditation and filed for bankruptcy. St. Augustine's had developed plans to launch eight online, non-degree programs in September. The courses focused on topics such as programming, artificial intelligence and public health, and would have cost students between $1,100 and $4,500.
The university had already created course syllabi, hired instructors and marketed the programs. Classes were expected to begin within weeks. Earlier this month, bankruptcy Judge David Warren raised concerns about the effort, saying he did not believe the university was in a position to make promises to prospective students.
The university is now pausing development of the programs, according to Ciara Rogers, the school's attorney, who spoke in bankruptcy court Thursday.
Bankruptcy administrator Brian Behr called the decision to halt educational offerings a "very good decision" because it will reduce the school's budget and slow the rate at which it is spending money. He also said the university's priority should be emerging from bankruptcy in a stronger financial position.
Judge David Warren described the university as "essentially closed."
The university is expected to return to court Aug. 26 at 10 a.m.
