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Teach-out agreements

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which oversees accreditation of colleges and universities, acted Monday to approve teach-out agreements between Wells College and 20 institutions. The approved teach-out schools include Manhattanville University. When Wells announced its closure, Manhattanville was identified as its preferred teach-out partner.Ìý

Teach-out agreements have been approved for Alfred University, Binghamton University, Daeman University, Excelsior University, Hartwick College, Ithaca College, Keuka College, Le Moyne Collge, Mercy University, Niagara University, Russell Sage College, St. Thomas Aquinas College, SUNY Brockport, SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Potsdam and the University of Pittsburgh.Ìý

Middle States postponed a decision on four teach-out agreements — Albion College, Beloit College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Roanoke College — "pending confirmation that a determination has not been made by an independent auditor expressing doubt about the institution's ability to operate as a going concern, or an adverse opinion on a finding of material weakness, and evidence that the institution is not under a provisional program participation agreement with the U.S. Department of Education." 

Closing date

Wells College will close by June 30, according to Middle States. The date aligns with the end of the 2023-24 academic year.Ìý

The commission noted, though, that the college will close "while on probation and without prior approval." The accreditor previously criticized Wells for not properly planning its closure.Ìý

Legacy arrangements 'prohibited' 

Middle States reminded Wells College and its teach-out partners that "exclusivity agreements and legacy arrangements are prohibited." 

The commission's comment is an apparent response to a plan announced by Wells College that Manhattanville University will be its legacy partner.Ìý

Manhattanville University President Frank Sanchez told Ë®¹ûÅÉAV that his institution is discussing how to incorporate Wells College's name, whether it's renaming a building or a school. Sanchez said the university would also establish a Wells College student advisory board.Ìý

But the commission's statement raises doubts about that potential legacy partnership.

Updated teach-out plan

Wells College must submit an updated teach-out plan by June 5. This isn't the same as the teach-out agreements already approved or reviewed by the accreditor.Ìý

The commission is seeking additional information, including whether Wells College has the "financial and human resources necessary to implement the teach-out plan" and is complying with federal and state laws.Ìý

"In accordance with commission policy and federal regulations, the teach-out plan must provide for the equitable treatment of students to complete their education or transfer to another institution, if the commission were to withdraw accreditation," Middle States said, adding it may reject the teach-out plan "if all of the required information is not provided." 

Accreditation

Middle States has not yet determined when its accreditation of Wells College will end, but that decision will be made after the school submits an updated teach-out plan.Ìý