Fine could impede merger of Southeastern University and GS Graduate School

From The Washington Post: A potential fine for an alleged violation of federal education regulations could imperil the prospective merger between ailing Southeastern University in Washington, D.C., and nearby GS Graduate School, according to a school official. The U.S. Department of Education found in a 2008 review that Southeastern had improperly disbursed federal aid to students in an unaccredited online education program. Southeastern lost its accreditation entirely at the end of August, and no classes are being offered this fall. School officials say the institution will shut down barring a merger with GS, whose primary location is a few blocks from Southeastern.

SEPTEMBER 2009....From The Washington Post: Southeastern University in Washington, D.C., has lost its accreditation, and officials at the 130-year-old school say they do not expect to offer a fall term. The institution's accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education lapsed Aug. 31. A report from the commission found that the small private college lacked rigor and was losing faculty, enrollment and financial stability. Southeastern has operated since 1879. Of the 645 students enrolled last fall, more than 300 graduated in June.