PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) announced Friday that it will revoke the accreditation of the University of the Arts, effective June 1. The decision comes after the university failed to properly notify MSCHE of its unplanned closure.
The art school is the second arts college to close in Philadelphia this year. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)announced that it will close at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
MSCHE decided to strip the institute of its accreditation for failing to comply with the commission’s requirements, including written reports and teaching plans.
The College of Arts must inform the college community, including students, staff and board members, of the college’s current situation.
Institutions are also required to maintain student and graduate records and provide transcripts free of charge to students seeking to transfer.
UArts posted on Facebook Friday night:
“Today is a heartbreaking day.
The University of the Arts will close on Friday, June 7, 2024.
“We will be hosting separate town hall meetings for students, faculty, and staff on a Monday in June. Town hall meeting times and details will be sent out the following weekend. We are committed to providing a forum to answer your questions and concerns.”
Universities are required to submit completed teach-out plans by June 7 to allow students to complete their education. Failure to comply with these requirements may lead to further action by MSCHE.
MSCHE noted multiple areas of non-compliance, including issues related to the university’s financial sustainability, teaching effectiveness and student learning experience.
Pennsylvania State Rep. Ben Waxman posted on X about the college closures.
We are saddened to hear about the closure of UArts. This sudden decision will impact hundreds of people in the community who work and learn at UArts. We ask for an explanation of the events that led to this shocking and sudden decision. Our office is here to support all students…
— Rep. Ben Waxman (@RepBenWaxman) May 31, 2024
The committee also highlighted the university’s lack of communication and failure to obtain necessary approvals for the planned closure.
The arts college has until June 7 to appeal the decision through the commission’s appeals procedure for adverse action.
