Elizabeth City, NC –November 24, 2014
A single tragic event on the campus of Mid-Atlantic Christian University in 2010 precipitated a routine investigation by the Department of Education’s (DOE) Clery Act Compliance Team. The investigation focused upon Mid-Atlantic’s response to that incident, campus safety issues, as well as policies, procedures, and documents from 2009 and 2010. This comprehensive evaluation determined that Mid-Atlantic’s response to that incident, including our communication with students, staff and others was in full compliance with Clery Act requirements. While there were no findings of any campus safety issues, the DOE discovered minor administrative and policy deficiencies of a technical nature that did not fully comply with certain Clery Act reporting and recordkeeping requirements. On January 30, 2014 the DOE released its Final Program Review Determination (FPRD) indicating that the university had satisfactorily addressed the deficiencies.
As is often the case following tragedies of this nature, reviewers carefully scrutinized “the University’s adherence to its ‘Timely Warning’ policy in response to the shooting incident.” The review determined “that the University acted in a compliant manner in this instance.” It should be noted that none of these actions, policies, or procedures contributed to the tragedy on the college campus.
While Mid-Atlantic has made the necessary administrative and policy corrections to comply with the Clery Act, the DOE has now informed Mid-Atlantic, for the first time, that it intends to fine the university a total of $90,000 citing that “the revision of procedures after the Department alerted the University of its legal obligations does not excuse its earlier failure to comply with the law.” This notice is contained in a November 14, 2014 letter from DOE that also states that Mid-Atlantic may request a hearing or present written material indicating why the fine should not be imposed. MACU intends to request a hearing and to seek relief from these sanctions.
Mid-Atlantic Christian University cooperated fully with the investigative team and took appropriate actions to ensure compliance with each area of safety and security addressed by the Clery Act standards. Student, staff, and community safety and security are a primary concern of the University.
Questions or comments may be directed to the Office of the President.
| Mid-Atlantic Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Mid-Atlantic Christian University.
Mid-Atlantic Christian University, a private, faith based, four year college is committed to equality of educational opportunity and will not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, disability, or prior military service. Federal guidelines (Sections 702-703 of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act) clearly recognize the right of church related institutions to seek personnel who will support the goals of the institution. Being a student or employee at Mid-Atlantic Christian University requires a commitment and lifestyle consistent with the institution’s mission and values. |
Media Contact
John Maurice, VP for Institutional Advancement
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