Morris Brown Shortens Spring Semester
ATLANTA
Troubled Morris Brown College announced it would abridge its 15-week spring semester into seven weeks so students can complete classes before an accreditation appeal hearing.
Last month, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools revoked accreditation at the private, historically Black college (see Black Issues, Jan. 2). Earlier this month, school officials filed an appeal of the decision. An appeals committee of 12 college presidents from schools in the region will meet in Atlanta to hear the school's case. The hearing is expected to be held in March. Until the hearing, Morris Brown can retain its accredited status. If the college loses, students will not be eligible for federal financial aid.
Officials said students, who returned to classes on Jan. 13, will double the amount of time spent in each course — ending the semester in early March rather than May.
"We made this decision with a desire to protect the integrity of their academic investment," says Charlyn Harper Browne, vice president of academic affairs. "There will be sacrifices, but students and faculty are committed to making it work."
The new schedule will require students to spend 110 minutes in each class rather than 50 minutes. Faculty members are trying to condense their lesson plans, school officials said, and professors will continue to teach four classes each.
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