UPDATED DEC. 10, 2013 5:45 P.M.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- The Florida A & M University community breathed a sigh of relief, after learning their probation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has been lifted.
"If the world ever questioned whether or not we could work together," said FAMU Student Body President Anthony Siders, "well ladies and gentlemen, here's your answer."
FAMU was placed on probation and their accreditation reviewed after the university was criticized for several reasons, including whether students were safe. That question was raised just after the hazing death of Marching 100 drum major Robert Champion in 2011.
"Our seriousness was demonstrated in the collective effort the administration, faculty and staff put together in addressing and resolving the issues," said FAMU Board of Trustees member Narayan Persaud.
Without accreditation, students would be ineligible for federal financial aid, something freshman Deaira Hill says would be an unexpected blow to her college experience.
"I wouldn't want to lose my financial aid," said Hill, "that's how I pay for school."
But students say their school pride has always been strong, and now it feels stronger than ever.
"We have good people here that help you along the way," said student Andrea Bailey. "We really do have good teachers that show you that they care about you."
"We've always been really outgoing when it comes to our spirt, our FAMU spirit," said Hill."
Although he's pleased with the decision, Interim President Dr. Larry Robinson says it doesn't mean the school is in the clear, maintaining there is still more work to be done.
"While we celebrate this moment, and we're all extremely proud, one of the things we're committed to is to ensure that we don't go down this road again," said Robinson.
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida A&M University is no longer on probation.
In December, 2012, a regional accrediting organization gave FAMU officials a year to fix several problems. The university came under fire for several items, including whether or not students were safe in the wake of the hazing death of a marching band member.
The accrediting organization voted Tuesday on FAMU's status. Interim President Larry Robinson says the vote to lift FAMU's probation was the best possible outcome.
If accreditation had been revoked, students would not have been eligible for federal financial aid.
A committee that visited FAMU's campus this fall concluded the university made progress in dealing with problems at the school. But that report cautioned it was unclear if improvements would remain once a new president is named.
