PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Cheyney University leaders joined by state officials gathered Friday, addressing what they feel are unjust actions taken by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) last year.
In November 2023, MSCHE placed the nation’s first historically Black college on probationary status, citing standards surrounding ongoing issues related to the program review and recommendations around assessment that were given by visiting teams, according to the university. This ruling came just four years after Cheyney had its accreditation reaffirmed.
"Cheyney University's probationary status by MSCHE does not reflect the real progress we have made in academics, infrastructure, and student services," said President Aaron A. Walton.
In the last two years, Walton noted the university has made “significant strides” with the implementation of a new student information system and strategy to improve compliance with Title IV student aid, as well as achieving Title IV recertification from Federal Student Aid through June 2026.
Walton feels the school’s probationary status is unjust, given that accreditation was recommended after two recent evaluations.
“Two teams visiting a school and giving a positive review is unprecedented that a commission would not accept the reports coming from the commission.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro echoed this sentiment and backed the university in a letter to MSCHE.
“Given the University’s close work with the commission’s liaison and clear progress over the past several years, I believe Middle States erred in its hasty decision to place Cheyney on probationary status without rationale and without warning,” he said.
State Senator Vincent Hughes said he feels the commission’s decision is wrong and should be rescinded.
Walton says they are calling for an urgent meeting with representatives from Cheyney and the Department of Education within 30 days to discuss a plan to end the probationary status and delay any further reviews.
The university remains accredited during this time.
MSCHE denied an interview request on the grounds that communications between institutions and the commission are confidential.