St. Aug's students forced to leave dorms Wednesday as virtual learning begins
Saint Augustine's University transitioned to remote learning on Monday as the school faces significant financial challenges.
Senior Kai’La James told WRAL News this is not how she envisioned her final weeks of college.
"It's still hard because like this was supposed to be our senior year," James said. "It's supposed to be smooth sailing, everything goes according to plan, get our classes done, we graduate and we move on with our lives. But now it's like this whole thing is like disrupting everything."
Students who still live on campus were asked to move out by Wednesday at the latest. There are some exceptions for international students and some athletes on the track team.
Alumni organizations and support groups held a sendoff for students before Easter weekend.
Asked if students would get discounts or refunds for pre-paid room and board, a St. Aug's spokesperson would only say that’s being handled on a case-by-case basis.
Students will finish the school year at home, with seniors returning in May to graduate in-person.
"We worked so hard to maintain our grades so we can finish," James said. "And then for this to happen, and it almost be ripped away from us after we've worked so hard ... it's upsetting."
The measures come as the university fights to maintain its accreditation due to a significant debt burden.
In February, WRAL News reported the IRS filed a $7.9 million tax lien on the school for unpaid taxes dating back to 2020. This significant debt contributes to the university's current accreditation risk.
Alum and support groups filed a petition demanding the current board of trustees resign, which, as of Sunday, had amassed 1,700 signatures.
Brian Boulware, chairman for Saint Augustine's board of trustees, said efforts to keep the school open continue, issuing a statement that reads in part:
"The board remains focused on preserving SAU's accreditation and stabilizing the university's finances under its new leadership."
