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Statement of Accreditation Status

University of the Arts

  • CEO: Dr. Kerry Walk, President
  • Accreditation Liaison Officer: Ms. Carol Graney
  • Commission Staff Liaison: Dr. Tiffany Lee, Vice President
  • Carnegie Classification: Special Focus Four-Year: Arts, Music & Design Schools » Four-year, small, primarily residential
  • Control: Private (Non-Profit)
  • Phase: Accredited
  • Status: Accreditation Withdrawn Subject to Appeal
  • Accreditation Granted: 1969
  • Last Reaffirmation: 2019
  • Next Self-Study Evaluation: 2026-2027

Notification of Adverse Action

Contact Information

320 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102

(215) 717-6000

www.uarts.edu

  • May 31, 2024
    To acknowledge receipt of the institution's notification on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, regarding the status of the institution and unplanned, imminent closure. To note that the institution failed to inform the Commission of closure in a timely manner or to properly plan for closure with prior approval through substantive change. To require immediate notification to the Commission verifying the date of closure of the institution by email to actions@msche.org. To take an immediate adverse action to withdraw accreditation from University of the Arts effective June 1, 2024. To note that the Commission has determined that an immediate adverse action is necessary because the institution has not complied with the Commission's procedures, requests for written reports, teach-out plan, or other information, specifically (1) the institution is not in compliance with Standard I (Mission and Goals), Standard II (Ethics and Integrity), Standard III (Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience), Standard IV (Support of the Student Experience), Standard V (Educational Effectiveness Assessment), Standard VI (Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement), Standard VII (Governance, Leadership, and Administration), and Requirement of Affiliation 2; (2) the institution has failed to ensure all communications with constituents, regulatory agencies, and the Commission comply with the Communication in the Accreditation Process Policy and Procedures; (3) the institution has failed to obtain prior approval for closure through the Substantive Change Policy and Procedures; (4) the institution has not met the requirements of the Commission's Public Disclosures Policy and Procedures; (5) the institution has failed to demonstrate that it can provide a quality student learning experience (Accreditation Actions Policy and Procedures); (6) the institution has failed to demonstrate the capacity to make required improvements (Accreditation Actions Policy and Procedures); (7) the institution has failed to demonstrate that it can sustain itself in the short or long term (Accreditation Actions Policy and Procedures); (8) the institution has failed to demonstrate that it has documented financial resources, funding base, and plans for financial development (Standard VI); and (9) the institution is in imminent danger of closing (Accreditation Actions Policy and Procedures). This decision is based on the institution's current non-compliance and accreditation activities, including the institution's notification of closure dated May 29, 2024; the supplemental information report submitted after the 12:00 p.m., May 30, 2024, deadline, and subsequent communications and correspondence of record between the institution and the Commission. These institutional reports and responses have failed to document that the institution has achieved and can sustain ongoing compliance with the Commission's standards for accreditation, requirements of affiliation, policies and procedures, and applicable federal regulatory requirements, including Standard I (Mission and Goals), Standard II (Ethics and Integrity), Standard III (Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience), Standard IV (Support of the Student Experience), Standard V (Educational Effectiveness Assessment), Standard VI (Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement), Standard VII (Governance, Leadership, and Administration), Requirement of Affiliation 2, Accreditation Actions Policy and Procedures, Communication in the Accreditation Process Policy and Procedures, Public Disclosures Policy and Procedures, Substantive Change Policy and Procedures, and Teach-Out Plans and Agreements Policy and Procedures. To note that any adverse action is subject to appeal in accordance with the Commission's Appeals from Adverse Actions Procedures. To direct the institution to immediately (1) notify all constituents of the immediate withdrawal of accreditation; (2) notify the University of the Arts community, including all governing board members, students, faculty, staff, and others with significant roles, of the status of the institution; (3) provide accurate information regarding the institution's accreditation status with MSCHE on its website and wherever accreditation is referenced on the institution's web pages, publications, announcements, and in all other appropriate places and venues; (4) complete and issue transcripts at no cost to all students wishing to transfer to another institution; (5) enter into signed teach-out agreements; (6) identify a repository for student and institutional records so that students and alumni will be able to obtain accurate and complete transcripts in the future; and (7) report accurate, fair, and complete information on all aspects of the institution and its operations in a manner that allows the Commission to carry out its accrediting responsibilities (Accreditation Actions Policy and Procedures, Communication in the Accreditation Process Policy and Procedures, Public Disclosures Policy and Procedures, Substantive Change Policy and Procedures, and Teach-Out Plans and Agreements Policy and Procedures). To remind the institution that it must complete and submit for approval, by June 7, 2024, a comprehensive, implementable teach-out plan and signed teach-out agreements with appropriate teach-out partner institutions (Teach-Out Plans and Agreements Policy and Procedures). The teach-out plan must include evidence that the institution immediately made required notifications and disclosures. To note that if the institution is not operational with students actively enrolled in its degree granting programs in violation of Requirement of Affiliation 2, the Commission will consider the institution closed and terminate any pending appeal. To note that if the Commission determines that the institution has violated any other Commission policies and procedures, standards for accreditation, requirements of affiliation, or applicable federal regulatory requirements, the Commission will take additional action. To note all final adverse actions are subject to the arbitration requirements in the Commission's Arbitration of Disputes Concerning Final Adverse Actions Procedures and federal regulation 34 CFR §602.20(e). To note that accreditation will cease on June 1, 2024.
  • May 30, 2024
    Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to request a supplemental information report, due May 30, 2024, by 12:00 p.m. ET, providing an update on the status of the institution. To require that the institution complete and submit for approval, by June 7, 2024, a comprehensive, implementable teach-out plan and signed teach-out agreements with appropriate teach-out partner institutions (Teach-Out Plans and Agreements Policy and Procedures). 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. To note the Commission may reject the teach-out plan and require resubmission if all of the required information is not provided. To remind the institution and the governing body of its obligation to inform the Commission immediately about any and all significant developments relevant to this action and to make freely available to the Commission accurate, fair, and complete information on all aspects of the institution and its operations to all constituents.
  • March 28, 2024
    Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report requested by the Commission action of November 6, 2023, providing information on key data indicators (enrollment – FTE), as reported on the 2023 Annual Institutional Update (AIU) in accordance with federal regulation 34 CFR § 602.19(d). The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • November 6, 2023
    Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to request a supplemental information report, due December 13, 2023, providing information on key data indicators (enrollment – FTE) as reported on the 2023 Annual Institutional Update in accordance with federal regulation 34 CFR § 602.19 (d). The next evaluation date is scheduled for 2026-2027. 
  • January 4, 2021
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include alternative delivery method-distance education within the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that the Commission reserves the right to rescind approval of this substantive change if any developments reveal additional information that might have affected the Commission's decision and/or the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • April 16, 2020
    To acknowledge receipt of formal written notice from the institution in response to the Commission's request of March 9, 2020. To temporarily waive Substantive Change Policy and Procedures and allow the use of distance education to accommodate students impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) interruptions, in accordance with United States Department of Education (USDE) guidelines published March 5, 2020. Continued use of distance education beyond the limitations of USDE guidelines will require substantive change approval in accordance with Substantive Change Policy and Procedures. This flexibility is not available for clock-hour courses that lead to licensure if the licensing body will not accept distance learning courses or hours or give credit for them toward the number of hours a student must complete. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • November 21, 2019
    To note the substantive change site visit occurred on June 20 and July 24, 2019. To note the corrected address of the additional location previously listed as Centre National de la Danse (CND), 2 Quai de l'Aisne, 93500 Pantin, Paris, France, is Institut Choreographique International (ICI) – CCN Montpellier, Boulevard Louis Blanc, Montpellier 34000, France and the information provided in the substantive change request was verified. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • June 27, 2019
    To acknowledge receipt of the self-study report. To note the visit by the Commission's representatives. To reaffirm accreditation. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2026-2027.
  • January 4, 2019
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the first Doctor's-Research/Scholarship program (Ph.D. in Creativity) within the scope of the institution's accreditation. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2018-2019.
  • January 2, 2018
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include provisionally within the scope of the institution's accreditation the additional location at the Centre National de la Danse (CND), 2 Quai de l'Aisne, 93500 Pantin, Paris, France pending a site visit within six months of commencing operations. The Commission requires written notification within thirty days of the commencement of operations at this additional location. Operations at the additional location must commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2018-2019.
  • March 3, 2016
    To note the visit by the Commission's representative and to affirm inclusion of the additional location at Pig Iron Theater Company, 1417 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, within the scope of the institution's accreditation. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2018-2019.
  • August 31, 2015
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the additional location of Pig Iron Theater Company, 1417 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 provisionally within the scope of the institution's accreditation pending a site visit within six months of the commencement of operations. The Commission requires written notification within thirty days of the commencement of operations at this location. In the event that operations at the additional location do not commence within one calendar year from the approval of this action, approval will lapse. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2018-2019.
  • November 20, 2014
    To accept the Periodic Review Report and to reaffirm accreditation. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2018-2019.
  • November 15, 2012
    To note the visit by the Commission's representative and to affirm the inclusion of the additional location at Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085 within the scope of the institution's accreditation. The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2014.
  • June 28, 2012
    To accept the monitoring report. To remind the institution that the additional location at Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085-1699 has been included provisionally within the scope of the institution's accreditation, pending a site visit within six months of the February 28, 2012 date of approval. The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2014.
  • February 28, 2012
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request and to include the additional location at Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085-1699 provisionally within the scope of the institution's accreditation, pending a site visit within six months. To note that this action is not retroactive. To remind the institution of a request for a monitoring report, due April 1, 2012, documenting (1) finalization, dissemination and implementation of a strategic plan and its use in evaluating institutional effectiveness (Standards 2 and 7); (2) evidence that assessment information is used in budgeting, planning, and allocating resources (Standards 2 and 7); (3) refinement and implementation of recently developed learning goals at the institutional and program levels (Standard 14); (4) campus-wide use of appropriate assessments for and evidence of progress in student achievement of learning goals at the institutional and program levels (Standard 14); and (5) evidence that assessments of learning goals have been used to improve teaching and learning at the university (Standard 14). The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2014.
  • November 18, 2010
    To accept the monitoring report and to note the visit by the Commission's representatives. To request a further monitoring report, due April 1, 2012, documenting (1) finalization, dissemination and implementation of a strategic plan and its use in evaluating institutional effectiveness (Standards 2 and 7); (2) evidence that assessment information is used in budgeting, planning, and allocating resources (Standards 2 and 7); (3) refinement and implementation of recently developed learning goals at the institutional and program levels (Standard 14); (4) campus-wide use of appropriate assessments for and evidence of progress in student achievement of learning goals at the institutional and program levels (Standard 14); and (5) evidence that assessments of learning goals have been used to improve teaching and learning at the university (Standard 14). The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2014.
  • Distance Education
    Approved to offer programs by this delivery method
  • Correspondence Education
    Not approved for this delivery method

Approved Credential Levels

The following represents credential levels included in the scope of the institution’s accreditation:

  • Postsecondary award (2-4 years) Included within the scope
  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
  • Post-baccalaureate Certificate Included within the scope
  • Master's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
  • Doctor's Degree- Research/Scholarship Included within the scope to offer ONE program: Ph.D. in Creativity
  • Main Campus
    University of the Arts
    320 South Broad Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19102
  • Additional Location
    Institut Choreographique International (ICI) – CCN Montpellier
    Boulevard Louis Blanc
    Montpellier 34000, France
    Opened: 06/01/2019
  • Additional Location
    Pig Iron Theatre Company
    1417 North 2nd Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19122
    Opened: 08/31/2015
  • Additional Location
    Villanova University
    800 Lancaster Avenue
    Villanova, PA 19085-1699
    Opened: 02/28/2012
  • Other Instructional Site
    Bucks County Intermediate Unit
    705 Shady Retreat Road
    Doylestown, PA 18901
  • Other Instructional Site
    Centre National de la Danse (CND)
    2 Quai de l'Aisne 93500 Pantin Paris
    France
  • Other Instructional Site
    Chester County Intermediate Unit
    455 Boot Road
    Dowingtown, PA 19335
  • Other Instructional Site
    Festival International Montpellier Danse
    Agora cité internationale de la danse 18 rue Sante Ursule Montpellier 34961
    France
  • Other Instructional Site
    Googleworks Center for the Arts
    210 Washington Street
    Reading, PA 19601
  • Other Instructional Site
    Institut Choreographique International (ICI) – CCN Montpellier
    Boulevard Louis Blanc Montpellier 34000
    France
  • Other Instructional Site
    Parkland High School
    2700 N. Cedar Crest Blvd.
    Allentown, PA 18104
  • Other Instructional Site
    Philadelphia Academy Charter School
    11000 Roosevelt Blvd/Plaza Drive
    Philadelphia, PA 19116
  • Other Instructional Site
    Unionville Elementary School
    1775 West Doe Run Road
    Kennett Square, PA 19348
  • Other Instructional Site
    Ursinus College
    601 East Main Street
    Collegeville, PA 19426
  • Other Instructional Site
    Wayne Art Center
    413 Maplewood Avenue
    Wayne, PA 19087

The following are links to sites that are not maintained by the MSCHE. These are provided as additional external resources about each institution that the MSCHE accredits.