The oldest historically black private university in the United States is at risk of losing accreditation.

Wilberforce University in Ohio received a "Show-Cause" order from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association earlier this week asking the school to give specific reasons and evidence that it should not lose accreditation.

The order outlines multiple problems with the school related to administration and board issues.

"The University has not demonstrated its ability to make adequate and realistic plans for the future," the commission outlined in a letter sent to Interim President Wilma Mishoe.

The letter also states that Wilberforce is not in compliance with key requirements, such as having an effectively functioning board and sufficient financial resources. The university has a deficit in its main operating fund of nearly $10 million, is in default on some bond debt, and there is extensive evidence of significant deterioration and deferred maintenance that makes the campus "unsafe and unhealthy."

The institution is required to present its case for accreditation by means of a Show-Cause Report due Dec. 15, or eight weeks prior to the Show-Cause Visit that will validate the contents of the report.

They have to show evidence that the University Board has hired a president capable of moving the institution to fiscal viability, and that they have a comprehensive and integrated business plan that will lead to financial stability and addressing, at a minimum, enrollment, operating revenue and expense, debt service, facilities planning, and fund-raising.

John Hausaman, public information officer with the Higher Learning Commission, told WHIO News that the university will remain accredited during the "Show-Cause" period.

Richard Dearing, president of the Wilberforce Faculty Association, told WHIO News that the notification did not come as a surprise.

"It's a matter of great sadness on the one hand and on the other hand we have known because we had a regular accreditation review in '09 and 2010," Dearing, who has been at the school since 1968, said. "Based on that review the university was originally recommended to be placed on probation."

The order, which is procedural, is effective as of June 12 - the date the board of Higher Learning Commission issued it.