Eastern Gateway’s regional accreditation on probation
YOUNGSTOWN — Eastern Gateway Community College's accreditation status through the regional Higher Learning Commission has been placed on probation.
According to a news release from the college, the commission informed Eastern Gateway President Michael Geoghegan of the decision in a Monday letter. The change took effect last week.
The commission determined the college, which is based in Steubenville but operates a campus in downtown Youngstown, didn't meet accreditation criteria for teaching and learning in two separate areas: quality, resources and support; and evaluation and improvement, according to a public disclosure letter on the commission's website.
The college in the Tuesday release noted the commission's findings were "operational, not financial," and that the commission's review centered on "assessment, data collection and analysis, human resources record keeping.".
The college cited "significant leadership turmoil" in 2020 in its Tuesday release.
The college's board of trustees terminated former President Jimmie Bruce in January 2020 for "dereliction of duty" and "inappropriate management practices."
The college's probation status does not affect current student financial aid, student transfer credits or interfere with students' abilities to earn degrees, according to Eastern Gateway.
The college will be required to show it's addressed the commission's concerns by February 2023. The commission would then visit the college in April and meet the following November to consider removing the probationary status.
Probationary periods last no more than two years, according to the commission.
Ohio Education Association President Scott DiMauro was quoted in the release, voicing the national union's support of Eastern Gateway faculty, staff and students.
"Our members meet students wherever they are in their academic journey, helping them achieve their goals, whether it's advancing their careers, upping their skills, or simply furthering their education," he said. "OEA and EGCC are aligned in our commitment to the success of all students."
This story was originally published November 9, 2021 at 4:58 PM with the headline "Eastern Gateway’s regional accreditation on probation."