University of the Arts Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Middle States Commission on Higher Education (2024)

What are teach-out plans and teach-out agreements?

On May 31, 2024, the Commission required The University of the Arts to complete and submit for approval a comprehensive, implementable teach-out plan with signed teach-out agreements due June 7, 2024.

A teach-out plan is a written plan developed by the institution that provides for the equitable treatment of students to complete their education. The purpose of the teach-out plan is to make reasonable accommodations and assist students with completing educational programs or credentials or transferring to a new institution. The Commission requires a teach-out plan and teach-out agreements when an institution risks the loss of accreditation or intends to close. Teach-out agreements are specific agreements made by the institution with appropriate teach-out partner institutions. The purpose of the teach-out agreement is to make accommodations for and assist students as much as possible and provide clear and transparent information regarding those arrangements. They are intended to facilitate students’ transition to another institution so they can graduate in a program of their choosing. These agreements are to be negotiated between the University of the Arts and other institutions with similar programs of study. Teach-out agreements must focus on students and offer a variety of options for students to complete their educations; therefore, institutions cannot designate a preferred or legacy teach-out partner institution.

If a closure occurs, the Commission will continue working with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the United States Department of Education (USDE), to the extent feasible, to assist students in finding reasonable opportunities to complete their education without additional charge in accordance with federal regulation 34 CFR § 602.24(d).

The Commission has approved teach-out agreements with the following MSCHE institutions:

Alfred University, Alfred, NY (Alfred University Teach-Out Agreement)

Arcadia University, Glenside, PA (Arcadia University Teach-Out Agreement)

Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA (Drexel University Teach-Out Agreement)

Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD (Maryland Institute College of Art Teach-Out Agreement)

Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, NJ (Montclair State University Teach-Out Agreement)

Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA (Moore College of Art and Design Teach-Out Agreement)

Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA (Point Park University Teach-Out Agreement)

Temple University, Philadelphia, PA (Temple University Teach-Out Agreement)

The New School, New York, NY (The New School Teach-Out Agreement)

Other institutions have come forward to offer to help students with alternative academic options:

American University
AMDA College of the Performing Arts (accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission)
Art Academy of Cincinnati (accredited by the Higher Learning Commission)
Academy of Art University (accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission)
Baldwin Wallace University (accredited by the Higher Learning Commission)
Bennington College (accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education)
Berkeley College – New Jersey
Berklee College (accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education)
Bucks County Community College
College for Creative Studies (accredited by the Higher Learning Commission)
Community College of Philadelphia
Delaware County Community College
DeSales University
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, East Stroudsburg, PA
Emerson College (accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education)
Five Towns College, Dix Hills, NY
Georgian Court University
Goucher College
Harcum College, Bryn Mawr, PA
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
La Salle University
Maryland Institute College of Art
Marywood University
Montserrat College of Art (accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education)
Moravian University
Muhlenberg College
New Jersey City University
New World School of the Arts (accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theater and Art & Design)
New York Film Academy (accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission)
Niagara University
Northern Illinois University (accredited by the Higher Learning Commission)
Otis College of Art and Design (accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission)

Pennsylvania Western University
Queens College of the City University of New York
Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Rider University
Saint Joseph’s University
Savannah College of Art and Design (accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
SUNY Fredonia
SUNY Oneonta
School of Visual Arts
Texas A&M University (accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)
The Art of Education University (accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission)
The City College of New York of the City University of New York
The College of New Jersey
The Pennsylvania State University
Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Jefferson University
University of Baltimore
University of Delaware
University of Hartford (accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education)
Ursinus College
West Chester University of Pennsylvania

For additional information about how to contact institutions within our membership and view their accreditation status, please visit our Institution Directory. Once the Commission reviews and approves any teach-out agreements, the list of institutions will be made available on the University of the Arts’ Statement of Accreditation Status (SAS).

Institutions interested in supporting University of the Arts students should contact the Commission at [emailprotected].

Can students transfer to another institution?

Current students can transfer at any time and to any institution, including those without a teach-out agreement. Students are entitled to receive clear, accurate, and thorough information from the University of the Arts about their options to pursue other educational opportunities.

Students cannot be charged additional fees for exercising the option to transfer.

Where can students transfer?

Students can apply for transfer to any institution that meets their needs and where they may qualify for admission. Transfer opportunities are not limited to those institutions that have teach-out agreements with the University of the Arts. Students can transfer at any time and to any institution.

What other things should students consider when transferring?

Students should look for an institution that is in good standing with accreditors. Students should always research the accreditation status of the institution they are considering for transfer. MSCHE posts accreditation status for its member institutions in the Institution Directory on our website.

Individual programs may also be accredited by a programmatic accreditor. Students are encouraged to contact both the institutional and programmatic accreditors of institutions and programs to verify the accreditation status of the institution they are considering.

Visit the MSCHE Student Resources page for additional information.

Can the University of the Arts charge students additional fees if they withdraw or transfer?

No, the University of the Arts cannot charge students additional fees for withdrawing or transferring.

Will all students receive a copy of their transcripts?

Commission policy and procedure require the institution to provide a copy of transcripts to all current students. The University of the Arts cannot withhold student transcripts.

The University of the Arts has reported that students can obtain transcripts from the University of the Arts registrar by contacting [emailprotected] or by ordering from the National Clearinghouse Transcript Ordering Center. The University of the Arts has reported it will offer free transcripts, and students who already paid for transcripts will be able to request a refund by contacting the University of the Arts’ Website and Call Center: Phone: 888-546-3819 Email: [emailprotected].

Will students receive tuition reimbursem*nts?

The University of the Arts has promised to issue tuition reimbursem*nts for future instruction periods and deposit reimbursem*nts from admitted students who have not yet matriculated.

What does the closure of the University of the Arts mean for my federal student loans?

We encourage you to outreach to the United States Department of Education (USDE) Federal Student Aid (FSA) office. For additional information, visit the USDE FSA Borrower Defense Loan Discharge page. If your school misled you or engaged in other misconduct in violation of certain state laws, you may be eligible for “borrower defense to loan repayment,” sometimes shortened to “borrower defense.” This is the discharge of some or all of your federal student loan debt.

Will students be able to access campus and electronic systems after closure?

The University of the Arts has promised to create a process for retrieving personal items from University buildings such as art studios and performance spaces.

The University of the Arts has promised that students will continue to have access to the Student Information System (SIS) and to students’ University emails and electronic files. The institution has promised to provide advance notice of any changes to electronic access.

What options do students in foster care have in regard to financial aid?

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has information available regarding the PA Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver (FosterEd) Program. The FosterEd Program waives tuition and mandatory fees charged by most postsecondary institutions in the Commonwealth for youth who are or were in foster care.

How does the University of the Arts’ notification of imminent closure affect international students?

International students attending the University of the Arts on a student visa have unique considerations. International students may find more information at EducationUSA’s International Student Visas page.

Please note that the institution cannot withhold the transfer of international students’ I-20 to another institution due to unpaid balances. International students should research the SEVP Certification status of the institution they are considering for transfer. SEVP posts SEVP Certified schools on its SEVP School Search.

Visit Resources for additional information.

Who should international students contact for more information?

The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) encourages international students to contact the SEVP Response Center for assistance: Phone: 703-603-3400 Email: [emailprotected].

Visit Resources for additional information.

What do other institutions with questions about teach-out agreements need to know?

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) held an informational meeting on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET, for institutions interested in providing transfer and teach-out options for the University of the Arts students. Commission staff discussed MSCHE expectations for transfer approaches, teach-out agreements, and eligibility requirements. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions during the meeting and were encouraged to contact their vice president liaisons with questions.

In accordance with the Commission’s Teach-Out Plans and Agreement(s) Policy and Procedures, the teach-out institutions must have candidate for accreditation status or accreditation status and be in good standing with an accrediting agency recognized by the USDE.

In addition, the teach-out institution must not be subject to any of the following criteria:

1. A determination by an independent auditor expressing doubt about the institution’s ability to operate as a going concern, or an adverse opinion or a finding of material weakness;
2. The institution is on probation or equivalent status;
3. The institution is participating in title IV, HEA under a provisional participation agreement;
4. The Secretary has placed the institution on heightened cash management (HCM2);
5. The Secretary has initiated an emergency action against the institution to limit participation in any title IV, HEA program;
6. An agency has acted to withdraw, terminate or suspend the accreditation or pre-accreditation of the institution;
7. The institution intends to cease operations entirely;
8. A state licensing or authorizing agency will or has revoked the institution’s legal authorization; or
9. The institution is under investigation, subject to an action, or being prosecuted for an issue related to academic quality, misrepresentation, fraud, or other severe matters by a law enforcement agency.

Teach-Out Plans and Agreement(s) Policy and Procedures Section IV. Procedures for the Submission of Teach-Out Agreements of the Procedures outlines the purpose of teach-out agreements, what the agreements should include, and the conditions that a teach-out partner must meet. The responsibility to develop teach-out agreements rests with the University of the Arts, which is required to submit a teach-out plan and agreement(s), and MSCHE does not develop the agreements. Teach-out plans and agreements must be approved by MSCHE.

A teach-out agreement should include a comprehensive description of the arrangements being made for students between the two institutions, including at least the following critical information:

• Information on the number and types of credits that will be accepted by the teach-out institution.
• Information on the specific locations where instruction will be offered by the teach-out institution.
• Any additional financial charges or changes in tuition and fees.
• A description of the relevant educational program to ensure that it is comparable in quality and reasonably similar in content, delivery modality, and scheduling.
• Any institutional policy or curriculum exceptions for the benefit of the students.

Can institutions without an approved teach-out agreement accept students who wish to transfer from the University of the Arts?

Yes, any institution can consider transfer students from the University of the Arts. Institutions without an approved teach-out agreement can accept students who wish to transfer from the University of the Arts. If any exceptions to institutions’ policies or procedures are made to facilitate the award of transfer credit and academic progress for students, including but not limited to admissions, transfer of credit, or residency requirements, the exceptions and conditions under which the exception was applied must be justified and documented and must continue to comply with applicable law.

Can institutions receiving the University of the Arts students make exceptions to transfer policies or required residency policies to assist students?

Some institutions do include exceptions to transfer policies or required residency policies in the teach-out agreements; however, institutions must document under what circ*mstances an exception was made and the conditions that must be met for the exception to be applied. Without a teach-out agreement, institutions making exceptions to accommodate the University of the Arts students who transfer must also document exceptions.

Transfer Credit, Prior Learning, and Articulation Agreements Policy and Procedures requires institutions to seek to minimize the loss of credit for students wherever possible. Institutions should strive for appropriate balance among consistency, fairness, flexibility, good educational practice, and academic program integrity.

In addition, institutions must always remain mindful of state requirements and regulations and, in matters governed by state regulations, comply with state law or obtain an exception from the appropriate state agency. The institution must also comply with the requirements for programmatic accreditors.

Can institutions enter into a teach-out agreement that includes a program not currently offered?

The partner institution must have the appropriate state authority and the capacity to offer a program. Institutions are responsible for ensuring appropriate program approval and registration. Institutional representatives should outreach to their state licensing agency to ensure any requirements relating to programs delivered in the state are met. Institutions must be mindful of programmatic accreditor requirements and should consult with the programmatic accreditor to ensure that their requirements are met.

Can institutions make exceptions to some degree and/or general education requirements?

Partner institutions should do a program-to-program articulation, which includes an analysis of how student learning outcomes for courses in one institution are equivalent to outcomes for courses in the other institution. Institutions must determine degree requirements and any substitutions based on institutional policies and procedures. If exceptions are made, those should be documented and justified.

Who should institutions interested in teach-out agreements with the University of the Arts contact?

Institutions interested in supporting University of the Arts students should contact the Commission at [emailprotected].

The Commission took an adverse action against the University of the Arts to withdraw accreditation.

Adverse actions, as defined by Accreditation Actions Policy and Procedures, include Deny Candidate Accreditation Status, Withdraw Candidate for Accreditation Status, Deny Accreditation, or Withdraw Accreditation. The Commission will take an adverse action when an institution has not demonstrated compliance, has had the opportunity to show cause, and/or the 36-month allowable time period for non-compliance has expired.

Can the institution appeal this action?

An institution has the right to appeal any adverse action pursuant to theAppeals from Adverse Actions Procedures. On May 29, 2024, the University of the Arts notified the Commission of an anticipated closure on June 1, 2024.

Why did MSCHE take an action to withdraw?

For more information and further details regarding the withdrawal of accreditation, visit the University of the Arts’ Statement of Accreditation Status (SAS) in the institution directory listing at the MSCHE website.

Accreditation Actions Policy and Procedures

Accreditation Review Cycle and Monitoring Policy and Procedures

Appeals from Adverse Accrediting Actions Procedures

Communication in the Accreditation Process Policy and Procedures

Public Disclosures Policy and Procedures

Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation

Teach-Out Plans and Agreement(s) Policy and Procedures

Transfer Credit, Prior Learning, and Articulation Agreements Policy and Procedures

Substantive Change Policy and Procedures

United States Department of Education

United States Department of Education

Federal Student Aid Closed School Contacts

Office of Federal Student Aid

Closure of University of the Arts (PA): Fact Sheet

Federal Student Aid Feedback Center

Federal Student Aid Closed School

The above link can provide assistance if your college or career school closed while you were enrolled, or soon after you withdrew.

Federal Student Aid Borrower Defense Loan Discharge

If your school misled you or engaged in other misconduct in violation of certain state laws, you may be eligible for “borrower defense to loan repayment,” sometimes shortened to “borrower defense.” This is the discharge of some or all of your federal student loan debt. Visit the link above for more information.

Pennsylvania Education Department

Pennsylvania Department of Education Colleges and Universities

Pennsylvania Department of Education Closed Institutions

Pennsylvania Department of Education Veterans Education (email Emily Butler, Chief, Division Of Veterans And Military Education, [emailprotected])

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency

Student and Exchange Visitor Program

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)

SEVIS What’s New

Department of Homeland Security Study in the States

SEVP Response Center: Phone: 703-603-3400 Email: [emailprotected]

Education USA

Education USA International Student Visas

How can I contact MSCHE?

MSCHE welcomes inquiries and questions. Please email [emailprotected].