The interim president of Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, says he's confident the school will remain accredited.
Last week, the New England Commission of Higher Education announced it's holding a hearing next month for Hampshire to show why it should not lose its accreditation.
The organization is concerned about Hampshire's financial future and turnover in the college's leadership.
Interim President Ken Rosenthal said that while he'll give the commission more specifics, he thinks the college has a plan to address the money issue.
"We're going to have a smaller faculty and staff because we are going to be a smaller college," Rosenthal said. "We're going to have to raise between $15 and $20 million for the next 14 months, and we're about to begin a campaign to do just that."
And the school already has more than $4 million in pledges.
"I've heard from alumni who have supported us in the past with gifts and pledges greater than they ever have before," Rosenthal said. "I've also heard from people who know us and like us, but never contributed to us, who have come forward to say they want to help now."
As for governance, Rosenthal said Hampshire will be adding some board members who have served in the past, and have experience with the college, to help bolster its leadership.
The liberal arts college originally announced this winter it was seeking a "strategic partner" to help insure the college's future, given its financial troubles. It also announced it would admit a much smaller-than-usual first-year class in the fall.
After former President Miriam Nelson resigned earlier this month, Hampshire has reversed course, and is now seeking to remain independent.
