Petition demands accountability, investment in student resources, and clearer communication from the administration.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Students at Johnson C. Smith University are calling for greater transparency and accountability from school leaders after the university was placed on financial probation by its accrediting agency.
The petition comes after the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges cited JCSU for failing to meet four key standards, including financial responsibility, control of finances, and oversight of external funds.
Now, some students say those administrative missteps could have lasting impacts on their future.
“It is something that affects me quite deeply, financially and personally,” said Jade Alford, a JCSU student who started the petition. “Coming from a family of alumni as well, it hurts to see my institution hurting like this.”
Alford and other students are demanding open communication from the university, saying they learned about the probation largely through word of mouth rather than official channels.
“The way it came to me, it was through word of mouth, just hearing other students, other peers, talking about it,” said Chance Brown, another JCSU student. “That’s what raised the alarm.”
The petition also highlights growing concern about the school’s Career Services department, which currently operates with just one full-time employee and relies heavily on student workers. Students argue the lack of staffing could limit access to internships, jobs, and career support after graduation.
“I’m an adult student, so picking up and just transferring or finding other institutions that align with what I’m trying to do isn’t as easy,” Chelsea Bertrand, a JCSU student, said. “It does have a major effect on how I move forward.”
The petition calls for several reforms, including:
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Quarterly public reports on financial strategy and accreditation efforts
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Increased investment in student and professional support services
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Transparent communication between administrators and students about spending and priorities
Students say their goal isn’t to assign blame, but to find solutions.
“Coming together and being rooted in solving the problem and not pointing the finger,” Bertrand said. “We want solutions. We want answers. And we want transparency.”
Johnson C. Smith University remains accredited but is currently on probation. WCNC Charlotte reached out to the university for comment on the petition but has not received a response.
Students say they hope their efforts push school leaders to act — and help ensure a stronger future for every JCSU student.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.