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That changed when the college made the surprising announcement it would close at the end of the academic year in June. The closure marks the end of the institution's 156-year history in Aurora.Ìý

Four months after that announcement, the college's board of trustees is in the process of winding down operations and disposing of the remaining assets.Ìý

The board provided an update in a newsletter sent to alumni. In the same email, trustees accused two alumni groups that formed after the closure announcement of diverting funds from the college.Ìý

Wind-down planning

Wells College's board of trustees provided updates on this process, notably the creation of "several teams to collaborate with Wells leadership on duties for the legal wind-down of the institution." 

One of the issues being addressed by the teams is asset disposition planning. Wells owns the campus and other properties in Aurora. A few of those properties are part of the village of Aurora's Downtown Revitalization Initiative plan.Ìý

The board is inviting suggestions for the disposition of the assets. Stakeholders can submit ideas at . 

The plan for disposing of the college's assets must be reviewed by the state attorney general's office and approved by a state Supreme Court judge. The board estimates the plan won't be finalized until sometime next year.Ìý

Medical center, Peachtown update

Aside from Aurora's DRI project proposals, there are questions about the fate of the Community Medical Center and Peachtown Elementary School. Both are located on the Wells College campus and hope to remain in their current locations.Ìý

Peachtown recently asked Wells to gift the building to the school, while the Community Medical Center has proposed a project that includes acquiring the college's Schwartz Athletic Center.Ìý

The board does not address Peachtown's request or the medical center's proposal in its update. However, it "shares the goal of having the Community Medical Center and Peachtown school continue operations uninterrupted, and will work for possible solutions." 

"When the interests, including legal and financial as required, of Wells and stakeholder groups align, the board and management understand the mutual benefits," the board added.Ìý

Records

For now, the college has retained "all transcripts and business records," according to the board. Any transcript requests can be made through the college registrar's office.Ìý

When Wells announced its closure, it planned to transfer all records to Manhattanville University. The about the closure notes that it will provide an update when records are available from Manhattanville.Ìý

Middle States

Wells College provides an update on its standing with its former accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. But there are some key facts omitted.Ìý

The board said its "holistic wind-down plan," which covers the closure, asset disposition and records transfer, "remains in process." Middle States requires these items to approve the plan, according to the college.Ìý

However, Middle States has already classified Wells College's action as an "unapproved institutional closure." Nicole Biever, the commission's chief of staff, told Ë®¹ûÅÉAV the closure is deemed to be unapproved because Wells closed without an approved teach-out plan and did not provide other information about the closure, despite repeated requests.

Middle States' criticism began shortly after the closure announcement. The commission noted Wells did not properly plan for the closure and did not seek prior approval.Ìý

Wells notified Middle States on April 28 that it would close at the end of the academic year. One day later, the college made its public announcement.Ìý

The commission approved the college's teach-out plans that allow students to transfer to other institutions. Wells has teach-out agreements with 24 other colleges and universities.Ìý

'Duty of loyalty'

The college's leadership has not said much about the closure beyond what was detailed in the announcement.Ìý

The Cleveland Commission for Wells, an alumni group which formed to get answers about the closure, is pursuing a lawsuit in an attempt to get more information about the college's demise.Ìý

Ë®¹ûÅÉAV has requested interviews with the college's leaders. So far, those requests have been ignored.Ìý

According to the email, the board is claiming its "duty of loyalty" requires members to "maintain confidentiality of deliberations and discussions within the board and with retained legal and financial advisors." 

"The board pledges to continue to listen to ideas and to communicate its decisions promptly," the board said.Ìý