November 2002

Life University Denied in Accreditation Appeal

Marietta, GA – Following the June 6 revocation of Life University College of Chiropractic’s accreditation and subsequent appeal, The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) denied the appeal request at a hearing on October 20. The College remained accredited during the appeal process, but is now officially unaccredited. College officials filed a new letter requesting accreditation on October 21, and anticipate receiving it by December 2003.

Since the announcement, 20 students have withdrawn or transferred to another school out of 2,000 enrolled. According to company spokesman William Hurst, lower quarter students (those who are just starting or not far into their programs) will probably not feel the effects if accreditation is granted in the next year. Upper quarter students however (those who are nearing the end of their program) could potentially be seriously affected. The school will not graduate any class until they are accredited again, as those students would not be allowed to practice in most states. According to Hurst, the University is sympathetic to those students, although no plan has been put into place as of press time to assist those students who will be in limbo until this issue is resolved.

In an open letter from Dr. Michael J. Schmidt, interim president, he said, “The Council on Chiropractic Education denied Life’s appeal of the June decision to revoke our chiropractic program’s accreditation.

“Clearly, we are disappointed, but we cannot dwell on what has passed. We must now concentrate all our efforts on rescuing CCE accreditation and meeting students’ needs.

“Let me assure you that the school will not close. Financially, we are capable of keeping the school operating throughout the re-accreditation process, which we are already preparing for.

“Speaking on behalf of the administration and the Board of Trustees, we are committed to ensuring the free flow of information as this situation evolves in the coming weeks. You can rest assured that the information you need to make the best decisions for your education and your future will be disseminated as quickly as it is available.

“I cannot thank you enough for the support shown by the students, faculty and staff during these difficult times. I hope that your support will continue as we plan Life’s next steps.”

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