In the past year, we’ve seen a number of universities turn into complete dumpster fires, whether it’s Baylor, North Carolina, Minnesota, and plenty more.
But as of now, Louisville has a definite argument to be in that conversation, whether you’re talking about the scandal-filled athletics department or the problematic university leadership. All of this has led to plenty of ridicule, but a new Washington Post article suggests this turmoil could mean Louisville no longer being a member of the NCAA.
This all started due to actions taken this week by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools:
This week, the head of the agency, Belle Wheelan, sent Louisville’s acting president Neville G. Pinto a letter clarifying SACS’s decision to sanction the university because Bevin has “considerable external control and influence” that “places in jeopardy board capacity to be ultimately responsible for providing a sound education program.”
University officials had asked Wheelan for more information after the accrediting agency placed the school on a year-long probation in December. Probation is the most serious public sanction imposed by SACS, short of loss of accreditation, which is a seal of approval needed for colleges to receive federal student loans and grants. Schools can face probation for failing to comply with the agency’s education, governing or administrative standards, among other things.
Here’s what Louisville has to do in light of this news:
Louisville must submit a progress report no later than Sept. 8 and in advance of a visit from SACS, according to the letter. If the university remains on probation for two successive years, it will lose accreditation.
You might be asking how this affects the Cardinals in an athletic sense. Well, if the school loses its accreditation, Louisville is at risk of losing its NCAA membership. That would mean the school would not be eligible for NCAA events.
There are a lot of things that could result in the Cardinals’ turmoil, but this seems like the ultimate worst-case scenario. Think about all the money the school makes as a result of the Cardinals being in the NCAA (and having success in a number of sports). Now, take a lot of that away. That would hurt just about everyone.
Louisville better get its act together — and fast. There are some serious consequences if they don’t.
