Accrediting agency dismisses complaints filed against New College alleging violations

Herald-Tribune

Steven Walker

December 21, 2023

New College of Florida’s accrediting body sent two letters to President Richard Corcoran affirming that several complaints made against the college by third parties were without merit, the college announced Wednesday.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a regional higher education accrediting institution, contacted New College on Sept. 7, Sept. 25, and Oct. 2 for explanations of the school’s institutional mission, mission review, board/administrative distinction, academic freedom, academic governance, and hiring practices, according to a news release from the school.

SACSCOC’s inquiries into New College came as a result of complaints submitted by third parties. Following the inquiry, SACSCOC President Belle Wheelan sent two letters to Corcoran on Dec. 14 with the organization’s findings.

“Following this review, the SACSCOC staff and I have decided that the unsolicited information and its accompanying documents did not support the determination of your institution’s non compliance with the (accreditation) principles,” one letter read. “Therefore, no additional follow up is required by your institution.”

In the letters to Corcoran, Wheelan said the complaints included allegations that New College changed its mission without going through the appropriate governance and accreditation reporting processes and hired employees with “little to no experience in higher education and inadequate credentials.”

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