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A national accreditation agency is raising an alarm about the financial future of one of the state’s universities, the latest in a recent string of money concerns for the school.
On Monday Wheeling University was assigned a Financial Issue designation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The commission validates the quality of institutions of higher learning as part of the university accreditation process.
In a public disclosure, the commission said the designation was based on information provided by Wheeling University that indicates the institution’s own auditors expressed substantial doubt about the institution’s financial ability to continue.
“A financial issue designation is meant to apprise the public that current conditions at an accredited college or university raise potential concerns about its resource base to support its educational programs as required by HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation,” the release states. “HLC does not undertake an independent evaluation of the institution in advance of assigning a designation.”
The disclosure goes on to clarify that Wheeling University remains accredited while assigned the designation.
The commission now requires that Wheeling University host an advisory visit no later than December 2025 on various requirements. The financial issue will remain in place until the advisory visit process concludes, and the commission will determine whether the designation can be removed or if other action is necessary following action on the advisory visit.
On the same day as the disclosure, Wheeling University announced the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer, alumna and CPA Lisa Simon.
Wheeling University did not immediately reply to requests for comment.
Known as Wheeling Jesuit University until 2019, the institution has dealt with financial issues that saw the elimination of several majors, including theology, philosophy, history, engineering and literature in recent years. In 2021, the university was placed on probation by the commission for not meeting accreditation criteria, including a determination the school did not have sufficient fiscal resources to support its operation. That probation was lifted in 2023.