University of Maryland at risk of losing accreditation

The accreditation of the University of Maryland, College Park, is in jeopardy a year after a football player died following a preseason workout.

WJZ-TV reports that the Middle States Commission of Higher Education has placed the school on warning after finding insufficient evidence that it is complying with governance, leadership and administration standards.

Brian Kirschner, the commission’s communications director, says the decision was prompted by the fallout following the death of Maryland offensive lineman Jordan McNair.

McNair collapsed during practice in May 2018 and subsequently died of heatstroke. His death led to leadership changes, including the removal of the football coach and the appointment of a new Board of Regents chair.

The school now has to demonstrate changes by March 1, 2020. The university and its Board of Regents must be able to prove it as a “clearly articulated and transparent governance structure.”

Federal financial aid would be out of reach of students should the university lose accreditation.