Statement Regarding The Art Institute of Pittsburgh (Feb. 5, 2019)

In response to a staff action on Jan. 15, 2019, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education received a supplemental information report (SIR) and an updated teach-out plan with teach-out agreements from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh on Jan. 25, 2019. During that time, the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, appointed a federal equity receiver, custodian, and liquidator for the institution on Jan. 18, 2019. According to the terms of the Court Order, the Commission is required to communicate with the federal equity receiver to verify information contained in the SIR. As a result, the Commission is awaiting information from the federal receiver that is due on Feb. 8, 2019, and will consider the institution’s report and any additional information from the receiver to determine the most appropriate next steps. While the Commission is cognizant of multiple media reports, which have included a reference to a submission from the institution to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Commission will continue to work with the federal receiver and the institution and make information available to the public as permissible.