PHILADELPHIA -- An accrediting body has warned Pennsylvania State University that its status �??is in jeopardy�?� after recent developments in the Jerry Sandusky scandal and that it needs to take steps to preserve its accreditation.

University leaders expressed confidence Monday that Penn State would address all the concerns expressed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

�??This action has nothing to do with the quality of education our students receive. Middle States is focusing on governance, integrity, and financial issues related to information in the Freeh report and other items related to our current situation,�?� said Blannie Bowen, vice provost for academic affairs.

The commission issued its warning to Penn State last week based on the investigative report issued July 12 by former FBI Director Louis Freeh, the NCAA sanctions that the university accepted on July 23, and what the commission said was insufficient evidence that the university was in compliance with certain Middle States rules.

Penn State is required to submit a report by the end of September detailing what it has done and will do to comply.

�??The commission wants us to document that steps we have already taken and are planning to take will ensure our full compliance with its requirements,�?� said university president Rodney Erickson.

A commission team will then visit the university to assess and report on Penn State�??s compliance efforts. The university will have an opportunity to respond to that report. The commission will ultimately render a verdict.

�??Based on the report and the visit, the commission could remove the warning, keep it in effect, or take other action,�?� Bowen said.