The first and oldest HBCU in the U.S., Cheyney University, has been released from accreditation probation. 

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education placed the university on probation in November 2023 after finding “insufficient evidence” that the university was compliant with multiple standards. The university has now received its accreditation reaffirmed.

Fox 29 reports that the HBCU issued the following statement on July 1 to express its gratitude in addition to acknowledging its disappointment in the length of the process.

“Cheyney University appreciates Middle States Commission on Higher Education’s (MSCHE) review of our accreditation and its decision to remove our probationary status as of June 27, 2024,” the statement read. “This reaffirmation of accreditation by MSCHE validates our unwavering commitment to academic and operational excellence. It also reinforces our view that an accreditation process must be fair and transparent for all institutions of higher education, including HBCUs.”

It continued, “While we agree with this decision, we remain disappointed by the process to arrive at this long-overdue outcome and will continue to advocate for equity and transparency.”

To maintain accreditation, MSCHE requested a customary monitoring report, which is due March 1, 2025. 

“Our next evaluation visit by Middle States is scheduled for 2030-2031, part of our eight-year accreditation cycle,” the statement read. “As a part of its accreditation action, MSCHE, has requested that the university submit a monitoring report, which is customary, due March 1, 2025.”