WHEELING — The Higher Learning Commission has questions about Wheeling University’s long-term financial status.

The HLC assigned a “Financial Issue” designation to WU posted July 15 based on information showing WU’s own auditors have expressed substantial doubt about the institution’s ability to continue.

A “Financial Issue” designation is intended to inform the public that current conditions at an accredited college or university raise potential concerns as to whether it can continue to support its programs to the level required by the HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation.

HLC does not undertake an independent evaluation of the institution in advance of assigning a designation. While assigned the designation, Wheeling University remains accredited.

A released statement from the HLC explains what the “Financial Issue” designation means for students.

Because WU is accredited, most colleges and universities will continue to accept the college’s credits for transfer and admission to other higher degree programs and institutions, according to the HLC. As all colleges and universities define their own transfer credit and admission policies, students interested in other institutions are advised to seek information on individual transfer and admission policies.

WU must next host an advisory visit with the HLC before the end of this year. The university will be expected to show at the time compliance on various HLC requirements, including Core Component 5.B (resource base).

Following the advisory visit, HLC will determine whether the designation can be removed or if other action is necessary.

HLC anticipates the “Financial Issue” designation will remain in place until the advisory visit process is complete.

No additional information about WU’s finances or what triggered the designation was revealed by the HLC.

“The HLC recommendations are for a snapshot in time concerning the 2023-2024 audit of Wheeling University,” WU said in a released statement. “They do not reflect or take into consideration the many, many changes that have occurred on this campus since July 1, 2024.

“We look forward to the HLC’s visit later this year so we can demonstrate to them how dramatically this university has changed.”

In February 2021, the Higher Learning Commission put the university on probation after it determined WU “does not have sufficient fiscal resources to support its operation,” and relied too heavily on subsidies it received from the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.

The probation was lifted in February 2023 after the university demonstrated improvements, though the HLC continued to monitor WU.

In February 2024, then WU President Ginny Favede was suspended and relieved of her duties. Dianna Vargo — the former superintendent of Ohio County Schools who had been serving as the university’s director of graduate education and accelerated certification for teaching programs — next stepped in as WU’s interim chief operations officer. In September 2024, Vargo was named as the new WU president.