The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) has ordered the University of Northern Virginia (UNVA) to shut down its campus immediately amid a pending investigation by the state.

On July 16, the council suspended the University's certificate to operate because for the past five years the school has failed to receive accreditation from any organisation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The university failed four state inspections and lost its accreditation several years ago.

 "Now that the council has determined that we are revoking the certification the official letter will go out (to the school) and they have to cease and desist," said Sylvia Rosa-Casanova, SCHEV's director for private and out-of-state postsecondary education. "They have to stop teaching."

The university, located at 7601 Little River Turnpike in Annandale, relied heavily on foreign students, particularly those from India. Overall, the campus has about 500 students.

"SCHEV has written the University of Northern Virginia seeking information regarding student academic and financial records," the council wrote. "When that information has been obtained, SCHEV will (1) communicate with students regarding the impact of revocation and currently enrolled students' options for continuing education."

Saim Turan, Annadale School's Facebook page administrator and student, said that the American College of Commerce and Technology (ACCT) has expressed its willingness to accept all UNVA students. ACCT has a certificate to operate from the SCHEV, the same certificate that UNVA operated on without accreditation for six years.

Bill Schipper, ACCT president, said that the college is trying to help UNVA students who are 'getting jerked around by the school and the eligibility for their F1 status.'

"Its like they walked them right off the plank of the pirate ship," Schipper said.