CONCORD, N.C.
Financially troubled Barber-Scotia College opened for classes last week with its residence halls shut down as it fights to stay open.
The school is also remaking its curriculum to focus on business instead of liberal arts, trying to build partnerships and working toward regaining its accreditation by next year, college President Gloria Bromell-Tinubu said.
The historically Black college founded in 1867 lost its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools last year after giving 30 degrees to adult-education students who hadn’t completed requirements.
Enrollment fell from nearly 600 students in 2004 to 91 in January. The college expelled 42 students in may who owed money.
Enrollment figures weren’t available for the fall.
Closing the dorms saves the college money on staffing, food and utility costs, Bromell-Tinubu said. School leaders hope to offer housing next year.
They also hope to have a partnership with an accredited college in place by then, Bromell-Tinubu said. Such an agreement would allow the other school to count students on the Barber-Scotia campus in its enrollment, while giving the students access to federal financial aid and accredited courses.
By the time students finish their first two years of college, Barber-Scotia may have regained its accreditation, Bromell-Tinubu said.
— Associated Press
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