Enrollments Drop at Florida A&M University as the School Awaits Decision on Its Accreditation

From all indications, James Ammons, the new president of Florida A&M University, has hit the ground running in his effort to revitalize the struggling institution which has been beset by a host of financial and management problems. Currently, the university is on accreditation probation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Some students have been reluctant to enroll at an institution where its academic future is in doubt. Students at schools that lose their accreditation are no longer eligible for federal financial aid. As a result, enrollments at the university have dropped 12 percent since 2004 and are currently at a nine-year low.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools will meet on December 8 to decide on the university’s accreditation. The association could vote to continue the probation or to reinstate or revoke full accreditation.