The Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science has been placed on probation by its regional accreditor — a move that comes at a time when the financially stressed institution in Los Angeles is trying to recruit faculty members for its new nursing school, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The historically black university, which remains accredited, was told it needs to improve “campuswide communication, financial and budgetary systems, and data-based systems.” The accrediting commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges also cited a need for “greater stability at the university-presidential level and increased board involvement in fiduciary and strategic planning.”

The university’s embattled president, Susan A. Kelly, resigned in May after a three-year stint during which the university built a nursing school but had to cut faculty positions and salaries elsewhere as its expansion plans collided with an economic meltdown in California. The nursing school is expected to open early next year.

The interim president, Keith C. Norris, said he would use the commission’s recommendations to “strengthen the university and ensure the highest level of quality education for our students.”

It was unclear what effect, if any, news of the probation might have on efforts to recruit nursing faculty members. A severe shortage of nursing professors nationwide has forced many programs to limit enrollments even though more nurses are badly needed.

Ronald Edelstein, the university’s dean of academic affairs, said in an interview today that he was optimistic that the university’s mission of treating poor and underserved communities would continue to be a strong draw for nursing educators. —Katherine Mangan