PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The University of the Arts in Philadelphia will close, President Kelly Walker announced Friday night.
In the letter obtained by Action News, Walk said the nearly 150-year-old college will close permanently on June 7.
“We wanted to share this news with you directly, but the Midstate Commission of Higher Education decided to revoke UArts’ accreditation and made the announcement before we could reach you,” the letter said.
However, the committee reported that the university did not notify the committee of its decision to close in a timely manner or follow proper procedures.
Walk said the closure comes amid financial difficulties and declining enrollment.
“However, unfortunately, we were unable to overcome the biggest challenge we faced – our cash balance steadily decreased and we were unable to cover large unexpected expenses. The situation became suddenly clear and, despite our swift actions, we were unable to close the necessary gap,” the letter said.
Ev Dowling, a prospective fourth-year student, said she, along with other students, faculty and staff, were shocked to hear the news.
“I feel like I’m at the end of that period. Three years have passed, I was making plans after graduation, and now I have to make plans to graduate somewhere else,” Dowling said.
According to the university’s website, in 2022 the student population was approximately 1,300 and the number of full-time faculty members was 77.
“The faculty and staff have worked so hard. They’ve really given all of us the best opportunities, so for them to lose their jobs while I’m not at school is just terrible news,” Dowling added.
Upcoming summer courses have been canceled and the university will not be accepting new classes for the fall semester.
The university said it will help current students by developing “seamless transfer pathways” to other Philadelphia universities, including Temple University, Drexel University and Moore College of Art and Design.
A town hall meeting for students, faculty and staff will be held on June 3. The university says it will announce the time and details over the weekend.
The full letter from Chancellor Kelly Walke and Board of Trustees Chair Judson Aaron can be read below.
“Today is a heartbreaking day.
The University of the Arts will close on Friday, June 7, 2024. We would have loved to share this news with you directly, but the Midstate Commission of Higher Education decided to revoke UArts’ accreditation and made the announcement before we could reach out to you. We know this makes the news of UArts’ sudden closure even more painful to hear.
Due to the closure, summer courses have been canceled and no new classes will be offered in the fall semester.
Drexel University, Moore College of Art and Design, etc.
We know the news of UArts’ closure is shocking. Like you, we are struggling to make sense of the current situation. But like many institutions of higher education, UArts is in a precarious financial position, with years of declining enrollment, declining revenue, and rising expenses. We have worked hard this year, along with many of you, to take steps to ensure the sustainability of our university. The progress we have made together has been remarkable.
Unfortunately, this did not overcome the biggest challenge we faced: our steadily declining cash balance and inability to cover large, unexpected expenses. The situation suddenly became clear. Despite our quick response, we were unable to close the gap as needed.
We will be holding separate town hall meetings for students, faculty and staff on Monday, June 3, 2024. Town hall meeting times and details will be sent out the following weekend. We are committed to providing a space to answer your questions and concerns.
We have done all we can to manage this crisis and avoid the worst possible outcome – a sudden closure – but we have reached this extremely painful outcome and know it will impact our entire community.
Thank you for all you are doing to support each other during this difficult time.”
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