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June 20, 2024 Statement from the Board of Trustees
We want to thank the dedicated, student-focused efforts of our faculty, staff and partners, alongside education regulators and local and state officials. Their work has led to the securing of teach-out agreements with eight institutions so that our students may begin, or complete, their education at the following partner institutions:
- Alfred University
- Arcadia University
- Drexel University
- Montclair State University
- Moore College of Art and Design
- The New School
- Point Park University
- Temple University
We remain committed to navigating this transition.
Judson Aaron, Chair of the Board of Trustees
June 4, 2024 Statement from the Board of Trustees
To our University of the Arts Community:
Last week’s announcement of the imminent closure of University of the Arts on Friday, June 7, 2024 was devastating for every member of this community. With the resignation of Dr. Kerry Walk from the role of President, the Board of Trustees has engaged Alvarez & Marsal, a firm with deep experience advising and managing educational institutions through complex challenges. They will help us urgently address the needs of our students, faculty, and staff as we work through this process.
Our next steps include developing a teach-out plan to enable our students to seamlessly continue their degrees at other high-quality institutions. We also remain committed to taking whatever actions are feasible to support our incredible faculty and staff through this challenging time.
We understand how painful and difficult the past few days have been, and the Board is dedicated to doing all we can to support our beloved UArts community as we move forward. We recognize that you have many questions, and we will share more information as this process continues.
Judson Aaron, Chair of the Board of Trustees
June 2, 2024 Statement from the Board of Trustees
To our University of the Arts students and families, alumni, faculty, staff, supporters, friends, and Philadelphia community:
With deepest sadness, we must confirm that University of the Arts will close on June 7, 2024. The Board of Trustees formally voted on June 1 to approve the closure. Under extraordinary circ*mstances, we diligently assessed the urgent crisis presented and pathways to keep the institution open. Despite our best efforts, we could not ultimately identify a viable path for the institution to remain open and in the service of its mission. With the priority of addressing the impact that our decision will have on the UArts community, as well as our home in the City of Philadelphia, we are committed to supporting our students, faculty, and staff through this heartbreaking transition.
Friday, May 31, Statement
Dear Members of the UArts Community:
Today is a heartbreaking day.
University of the Arts will close as of Friday June 7, 2024.
The closure means that we will be canceling our summer courses, we will not enroll a new class in the fall, and we will support our continuing students in their progress to degree by developing seamless transfer pathways to our partners: Temple University, Drexel University, and Moore College of Art and Design, among others.
We know that the news of UArts’ closure comes as a shock. Like you, we are struggling to make sense of the present moment. But like many institutions of higher learning, UArts has been in a fragile financial state, with many years of declining enrollments, declining revenues, and increasing expenses. We have worked hard this year alongside many of you to take steps that would secure the University’s sustainability. The progress we made together has been impressive.
Unfortunately, however, we could not overcome the ultimate challenge we faced: with a cash position that has steadily weakened, we could not cover significant, unanticipated expenses. The situation came to light very suddenly. Despite swift action, we were unable to bridge the necessary gaps.
On Monday, June 3, 2024, we will host separate town hall meetings for students, faculty, and staff; we will send times and details for those town halls over the coming weekend. We are committed to providing a space for your questions and concerns.
We have done everything in our power to address this crisis and avoid the worst possible outcome: an abrupt closure. Yet we have reached this deeply painful outcome, which we know affects our entire community. We are grateful for all you’re doing to support one another during this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Judson Aaron, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Kerry Walk, President
(statement corrected June 3)
