The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: 10/25/02 

OUR VIEW

Life shows it's deserving of help 

Once the world's largest chiropractic program, Life University has lost more 
than 1,000 students -- a 38 percent decline -- since its chiropractic 
accreditation was revoked in June. This week, the accreditation commission of 
the Council on Chiropractic Education rejected Life's appeal.
Apparently, the college did too little too late to satisfy the council. But there is 
still an excellent chance that the school can survive. The numerous steps 
school officials have taken in recent months to shore up the academic program 
should be enough for it to regain the accreditation. 
The new administration has resolved many of the cultural concerns that hurt 
the school's academic reputation and finances. The school cut ties with the 
traditionalist chiropractor founder, Sid Williams, and his overbearing family; it 
updated the anachronistic chiropractic program by finally offering courses that 
many states mandate before licensing chiropractors; it reduced student-
lecturer ratios and eliminated its money-draining athletic programs.
Reinforcing the culture change, the school's interim president, Michael J. 
Schmidt, has been admirably open and frank in addressing student concerns, 
a quality long lacking at Life. Furthermore, the administration is showing a 
strong commitment to put students first and take "all steps necessary" to 
regain accreditation: The very day after its appeal was rejected, Life applied 
anew for accreditation. 
Unfortunately, the accreditation panel could take months to review the changes. 
That may be too long. Declining admissions -- hence, fees -- will continue to 
hurt the school's efforts at recovery. 
Even transferring to another college could set students back. The chiropractic 
council warned admitting chiropractic colleges to be sure that the transferred 
courses from Life are equivalent, and even then to obtain a signed waiver from 
Life students, who still could face licensing problems in some states.
Life, which has a $100 million-a-year economic impact on the surrounding 
community, could use a little help. The Marietta City Council recently passed a 
resolution of support, acknowledging Life's contributions to the community. The 
Cobb County Commission has been a spectator. Schmidt should seek a 
resolution from the commission urging the accreditation committee to act 
quickly. Urging expedited consideration can't hurt.