SACS Campus Letter

Dear Parents, Students and Community Members,

On Tuesday, June 26, 2007 the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) placed Paul Quinn College on probation for a one-year period. While this sanction is disappointing, we are committed to addressing the concerns of SACS in an appropriate and forthright manner.

Prior to the announcement of SACS’ findings, the College had already begun implementing changes that we feel will improve the educational experience of our students. Among these changes are: (1) extended library hours; (2) a remodeled cafeteria; (3) mandatory class attendance; (4) a revamped curriculum; (5) expanded career services office; (6) increased security presence; and (7)an improved financial aid office. Please visit our website, www.pqc.edu for a more detailed explanation of the changes students can expect in the fall.

For now, please understand that we remain fully accredited. Being placed on probation means the following:

  (1) Students can and will graduate in May;
  (2) Student services will not be reduced;
  (3) Federal funding and student aid remain unaffected; and
  (4) SACS representatives will return to the campus and re-evaluate the College in the spring.

Paul Quinn is not the first well-known institution of higher learning to have been placed on probation. Several Texas colleges have also received this warning from their accrediting agencies. Our sister schools were able to satisfy the guidelines set forth for them by their reviewing panels and we intend to do the same. I have personally spoken with the head of our committee at SACS and he will be monitoring our progress throughout the year. I feel confident that this is a hurdle we will be able to clear.

As we move forward through the year, I promise to keep you updated and abreast of our progress. I am extremely excited to be your president and a proud member of the Paul Quinn College family. We are going to get through this. Remember, we are going to be a great college. Probation does nothing to change that goal. It simply provides us an opportunity to be more aggressive in our pursuit of greatness.

As always, please do not hesitate to call my office if you have any questions or concerns. My number is (214) 302-3550.

Take care,
Michael Sorrell, Esq.
President
Paul Quinn College