Arcadia welcomes former UArts students amidst closure rallies, lawsuits, resignations

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June 6th, 2024 | By Ryan Genova

As the University of Arts in Philadelphia closes for good on Friday, June 7, roughly 100 faculty, staff and supporters rallied on Wednesday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

According to the story, the rally involved waving signs and chanting “shame! shame! shame!” to protest the school’s handling of the closure.

President Kerry Walk resigned this week, and the university has hired consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal to help navigate the shutdown.

The university is facing at least two closure-related lawsuits: One came from a group of staff, and the other on behalf of the United Academics of Philadelphia, the union that represents the faculty, the Inquirer said.

“The cruelty around this ongoing lack of communication from their employer remains disturbing, and the university instead communicates in the media rather than with their community,” union leaders said in a statement. “Workers at the University of the Arts deserve answers, pay for work completed, and clarity on severance and benefits.”

Governor Josh Shapiro is involved in helping to broker a potential merger with Temple University, the Inquirer said.

The university says it is now focused on ironing out its teach-out plans for its students seeking to finish their studies at other institutions.

Arcadia University has been quick to woo UArts students to Glenside, as it did in the aftermath of Cabrini University’s closure last summer. Arcadia also allowed Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ students to transfer their credits after the school announced its closure in March.

From Arcadia’s announcement, titled “Welcome Students from the University of the Arts!”:

Venture toward greatness at Arcadia University, where authenticity is celebrated. Arcadia is a leader in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and students learn, live, and work in a welcoming and supportive community. U.S. News & World Report ranks Arcadia as among the most innovative colleges, as well as the #1 college in Pennsylvania for study abroad. Arcadia’s quality academic programs and campus life opportunities help guide students toward career success and fulfillment.

All credits successfully completed by students at University of the Arts will be accepted toward an equal or comparable degree program at Arcadia University. Arcadia will accept 100 percent of all credits granted or accepted in transfer by University of the Arts for programs that Arcadia offers, and guarantee admission to University of the Arts students in good academic standing with no outstanding disciplinary sanctions or pending disciplinary matters. No application fees will be charged.

Arcadia University will provide a concise and streamlined application process for University of the Arts students. Students can provide unofficial copies of their transcripts to be reviewed for admission. Additionally, the university will waive the portfolio review requirement. For students transitioning to Arcadia University, their financial aid offer will be the same or better than their  University of the Arts financial aid offer, meaning their out-of-pocket costs will be the same.  Please review this FAQ document for additional information about the financial aid offer.

In addition, for students commuting from Philadelphia, Arcadia will provide an annual SEPTA award to help cover the added transportation costs.

A Virtual Info Session is scheduled for today at 4:00pm, Arcadia said in the announcement.

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Screengrab: Twitter