(CHICAGO) The Higher Learning Commission has informed Chicago State University its precarious financial state has placed its accreditation in jeopardy.
The university has been hard hit by the budget stalemate in Springfield, which left state universities with little public funding for the last academic year. Chicago State declared a financial emergency earlier this year, laying off more than 300 administrators and staff after the spring semester ended.
In a statement, the Higher Learning Commission noted that despite the steps made by Chicago State in response to the budget impasse, the university’s difficulties continue. The university was given until June 2017 to prove financially stability, or lose accreditation.
University President Thomas Calhoun Jr. said that while he is disappointed by the agency’s conclusion, he is confident Chicago State will maintain full accreditation.
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