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Update on Atlantic Union College - Nov 28 2011

Background

Shortly after AUC was informed in 2010 by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) that its accreditation would be discontinued as of July 31, 2011, for financial reasons, AUC officials began to explore the possibility of joining with another Seventh-day Adventist sister institution to form a branch campus on its location in South Lancaster, Massachusetts.

Formal talks commenced with Washington Adventist University (WAU) in Takoma Park, Maryland, in light of the two institutions already having had an articulation agreement for the teach-out of AUC students after July 2011. While both constituencies of AUC and WAU approved the concept, an operating agreement was never reached. On October 5, AUC’s board of trustees voted to suspend any further negotiations with WAU.

Latest Update

The following is an update of developments by the AUC board and college officials since the October 5 decision:

• AUC retained the Boston law firm of Rubin and Rudman, LLC, to provide legal counsel to assist AUC in matters relating to AUC’s standing with the state of Massachusetts and to examine the provisions of corporate law related to the AUC Charter issued in 1883.

• AUC officials met with the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (Massachusetts DHE) on October 13 to explore the process for continuing its degree-granting authority originally granted by state legislation back in 1883.

• In the October 13 meeting, the Massachusetts DHE informed AUC that it will entertain an application from AUC for the reestablishing of degree-granting authority, upon securing the necessary approvals by DHE and others.

• It was agreed that AUC must complete the application submission by January 1, 2012.

• Also, in the October 13 meeting, AUC informed the Massachusetts DHE that, given the fact that a WAU branch campus at AUC was no longer in the equation, AUC intends to apply for accreditation from a different accrediting body.

• Massachusetts DHE officials have confirmed that the national accreditor AUC is applying to is a legitimate alternative to NEASC accreditation, and the U.S. Department of Education lists this accrediting association as one that will qualify AUC to offer its students federal student aid (Title IV) funding.

• On October 25, the AUC board voted to secure the services of Gina Spivey Brown, Ph.D., a Maryland educator, as administrative consultant, to give leadership to the preparation of the DHE application documents, as well as the application for accreditation of selected degree programs (to be announced later).

Campus Status

Since the July 31 interim cessation of AUC’s educational operation, a small staff has been retained (mostly plant maintenance, records personnel, and Thayer Performing Arts Center (TPAC) which continues to operate as a non-higher education music program) while the college awaits the next steps in the application processes. Also, it is anticipated that a constituency meeting of the College will be called in the near future to help determine the direction, scope, and financial support by the Atlantic Union Conference and its six local conferences for AUC. For ongoing updates, kindly refer to AUC’s Web site (www.auc.edu).

Dr. Donald G. King is president of the Atlantic Union Conference and chairman of the Atlantic Union College Inc., Board of Trustees.

An Open Letter

To the Friends of Atlantic Union College

It was with deep disappointment that we have posted the news release informing the public that the planned merger of Washington Adventist University and Atlantic Union College will not happen.

Here are the answers to some of the resulting questions you may have:

Why aren’t AUC and WAU merging?

Although both institutions believed the relationship would be a mutually beneficial one, the cost of the transition is proving to be more than the institutions can absorb at this time.

Does this spell the end of AUC?

No! Although AUC is not currently accepting students, the Board of Trustees has voted to keep Atlantic Union College in operation as soon as approval is received from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.

What, if anything, is happening on the campus right now?

AUC is continuing to offer music and art lessons through the Thayer Performing Arts Center. These lessons are not part of any degree program, but they are excellent ways for those of you living in the greater Lancaster community to improve your musical and artistic skills. Campus facilities are available to groups who do not need support personnel while they are using the buildings. The Alumni and Development office remains open, as does Student Accounts. Most important, the Records Office continues to be open to students and alumni who need transcripts.

How do I contact someone at the college?

Because AUC is running with minimum personnel, offices are not accepting direct phone calls. The best way to reach someone on campus is to call the main number: (978) 368-2000. A receptionist will direct your call to the best person to help you.

I graduated a couple of years ago. Do these events affect my degree?

No. Because of AUC’s accreditation status, it is choosing not to offer any credit classes at this time. Atlantic Union College may offer courses and degrees again in the near future, but only after AUC is accredited in a way that will permit the College to serve its students well. All courses and degrees that have been offered in the past remain fully accredited. No student’s transcript and no alumni’s degree is compromised in any way.

Update on Atlantic Union College - Jan 03 2012

Application for the Reestablishment of Degree-granting Authority

Since our last AUC update on November 28, 2011, we reported that the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) gave us a January 1, 2012 deadline to submit an application for the reestablishment of degree-granting authority at Atlantic Union College.

I'm pleased to inform you with the fact that the application was sent off as planned almost a week before the deadline.

I wish to thank Dr. Gina Brown, Administrative Consultant, for spearheading the project and her team of assistants including former faculty/staff and Board members for making it possible as promised. We will await to hear from the DHE which will take several weeks. We will keep you abreast of their response as soon as we hear from them.

Audit of Financial Statement

Also, after many, many hours of earnest effort by Steve Blake from Cline Brandt Kochenower & Co. P.A., (external auditor) , Todd Mayer and team from the GC Auditing Service (GCAS), and Lloyd Brown and his team from the College -- the Audit: Financial Statement Year End May 31, 2011 was completed and sent to the DHE last Friday, December 30, 2011. The DHE has acknowledged receipt of both documents.

In addition to posting on this web site, this and all future information will also be sent out via the Union's communication network for the benefit of its constituency.

Dr. Donald G. King is president of the Atlantic Union Conference and chairman of the Atlantic Union College Inc., Board of Trustees.

Mother of Dr Norman Wendth

We regret to announce the passing of the mother of Dr. Norman Wendth, former president of Atlantic Union College. She passed to her rest late Wednesday night, January 4, 2012. May the God of all comfort bring peace to the grieving family of Dr. Wendth. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Atlantic Union College