National University Placed on 2-Year Probation

National University has been placed on probation by the Western Assn. of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which cited the school’s rapid growth as detrimental to the quality of its educational programs, an association official said.

Ralph Wolff, associate executive director of the independent accreditation agency, said Tuesday that the probation, apparently designed to limit the university’s growth, is scheduled to last until June 30, 1989.

National University, which has four learning centers in Orange County, will immediately appeal the probation, said the school’s public relations director, Arleen Tuchscher.

“We believe the (association) has erred in its judgment to place the university on probation,” the university stated. “We will immediately ask for a review of the decision, as is our right under WASC rules.

“In the meantime, we will continue with our mission, which is innovative delivery of education to working adults near where they work or live. We do not expect the WASC action to have a negative effect on the staff nor the students that attend our campuses.”

The university was established by its current president, David Chigos, in 1971, starting with 27 students, Tuchscher said. Since then the university has expanded to 12 campuses throughout the state and has an enrollment of 13,000 students, she said.

The university’s centers in Orange County are at 8 Executive Circle, Irvine; 27405 Puerta Real, Mission Viejo; 2080 Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, and 5505 Garden Grove Blvd., Westminster.

But the booming growth has been challenged over the years by criticism from some in the education community, who have accused the university of being a “diploma mill.” Critics have also said the institution has minimal admission standards and few full-time faculty members.