A tiny HBCU that always seems to end up as a big topic of debate during football season is in big trouble.
Virginia University of Lynchburg, an HBCU located in Lynchburg, VA was placed on probation by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) late last month.
The probation status stems from VUL’s significant non-compliance with TRACS Standards 11.2 (Financial Operations) and 17.12 (Title IV Participation), which question the institution’s ability to fulfill its mission and provide a quality educational experience. To address these issues, VUL is required to submit its June 30, 2023, audit and provide a plan for operating under restricted cash flow conditions, documenting available reserves.
Additionally, VUL must submit regular progress reports to TRACS, detailing their efforts to comply with the specified standards. An updated Compliance Report, addressing the deficiencies and any other required information, must be submitted by September 1, 2024, for review at the October meeting.
TRACS has outlined several possible outcomes depending on VUL’s progress: removing the probation if compliance is achieved, continuing probation, extending probation (with a strict six-month limit), imposing a more severe sanction (Show Cause), a less severe sanction (Warning), or taking adverse action. The next steps for VUL are crucial as it works to rectify its non-compliance and ensure it meets the accreditation standards to maintain its accredited status.
VUL football is a member of the NCCAA – the National Christian College Athletic Association – but it often plays against FCS level opponents – HBCU and otherwise. It is currently scheduled to play Texas Southern, Morgan State and North Carolina Central at the Division I level as well as Livingstone College at the D2 level.