When the University of the Arts (UArts) announced its closure, it marked the end of an era for Philadelphia’s vibrant arts community. Established as a cornerstone of creative education, the university had been instrumental in shaping the careers of thousands of artists, performers, and creators. However, the abrupt announcement of its shutdown on May 31 left many questioning the transparency and management of the situation.
The news of UArt’s closure broke early in the day via the Philadelphia Inquirer and was later confirmed on Instagram. The university stated it would cease operations on June 7, citing a declining financial state as the primary reason for the sudden closure. Students and faculty were left to grapple with the news through social media and third-party sources, rather than receiving direct communication from the institution. Students worried whether their credits would transfer and how they would find another school willing to take them. Many had received aid to attend UArts and did not know if they would even be able to receive financial support anywhere else. Similarly, faculty were dealing with the sudden loss of their employment without any word from their employers.
On June 1, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education revoked the university’s accreditation, leaving the school with no more viable way to stay open. To offset the distress, the university had initially planned to hold town hall meetings for students, faculty, and staff to address concerns and provide further information, as it stated in its Instagram post. However, these meetings were abruptly canceled without any explanation, prompting student protests outside of the university building. The continuous lack of communication from the school added to the uncertainty surrounding its closure.
The situation has also led to legal challenges. A faculty union filed a lawsuit against UArts, claiming that it violated a federal law, the WARN Act, which states that employers must provide a 60-day notice to employees before shutting down. Additionally, the lawsuit addressed the issue of unpaid wages, as faculty and staff had not received their paychecks. While the university has assured that they intend to settle all outstanding payments, the exact details of how and when these payments will be made remain unclear.
While much of the university’s closure remains shrouded in mystery, the community around the school has come together to support students and faculty during the difficult time. Many universities, including American University and Saint Joseph’s University, have offered admission and credit transfer to former UArts students. Alumni of the university, _ expressed their sympathies on social media for the students of the school, and Mayara Pineiro, a principal dancer with Philadelphia Ballet, made a dance video outside of the school’s main building to mourn its loss. While the closing of the school has raised many questions about the institution’s integrity, it is encouraging that there is still a strong community surrounding its legacy.
