Statement of Accreditation Status
Art Institute of Pittsburgh, The
- CEO: Mrs. Jennifer Cooper, Dean of Online Programs
- Accreditation Liaison Officer: Mrs. Jennifer Cooper
- Commission Staff Liaison: Dr. Presence Product Group, Vice President
- Carnegie Classification: Special Focus Four-Year: Arts, Music & Design Schools » Four-year, very small, primarily residential
- Control: Private (For-Profit)
- Phase: Formerly Accredited
- Status: Unapproved Institutional Closure
- Candidacy Granted: 2003
- Accreditation Granted: 2008
- Last Reaffirmation: 2013
On April 18, 2019, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education acted to note that The Art Institute of Pittsburgh closed while on show cause status, without prior approval and without an approved teach-out plan and to end the accreditation for The Art Institute of Pittsburgh effective March 13, 2019. To note that the comprehensive, implementable teach-out plan with teach-out agreements, due May 3, 2019, was not received and that the federal equity receiver, custodian, and liquidator, after repeated requests, has failed to confirm the status of the teach-out plan and teach-out agreements for The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. The Commission directs constituents to the federal equity receiver and the following information online: https://www.artinstitutes.edu/closed-school-information-page. Please note that the Commission has been unable to confirm the accuracy of information posted at the Closed School Information Page. Other online resources include: (1) https://www.dottoreco.com/dream-center-education-holdings; (2) https://www.education.pa.gov/Postsecondary-Adult/College%20and%20Career%20Education/Pages/default.aspx, and (3) https://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/Postsecondary-Adult/College%20and%20Career%20Education/
Colleges%20and%20Universities/Art%20Institute%20of
%20Pittsburgh%20Closure%20Memo.pdf. To note that accreditation ceased on March 13, 2019. As of March 14, 2019, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is no longer accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, (267-284-5011) www.msche.org. For more information, please see the Commission's Teach-Out Plans and Agreements Policy and Procedures.
Contact Information
1400 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh,
PA
15222
- May 16, 2019
To note that the comprehensive, implementable teach-out plan with teach-out agreements, due May 3, 2019, was not received and that the federal equity receiver, custodian, and liquidator, after repeated requests, has failed to confirm the status of the teach-out plan and teach-out agreements for The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. The institution closed on March 8, 2019, and accreditation ceased effective March 13, 2019. - April 18, 2019
To note the visit by the Commission's representatives. To note The Art Institute of Pittsburgh closed while on show cause, without prior approval and without an approved teach-out plan. To note the accreditation of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh ceased on March 13, 2019. To note that the show cause report, due September 1, 2019, is no longer due, and the on-site show cause visit will not occur. - April 18, 2019
To note the teach-out plan with teach-out agreements, due April 1, 2019, was not received. To note the federal equity receiver, custodian, and liquidator, after repeated requests, has failed to confirm the status of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh and failed to provide a comprehensive, implementable teach-out plan with teach-out agreements. To require a comprehensive, implementable teach-out plan with teach-out agreements, due May 3, 2019, from the federal equity receiver, custodian, and liquidator documenting evidence of: (1) communications and information provided by the Receiver to the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the United States Department of Education relating to AI Pittsburgh relating to closure; (2) an updated teach-out plan with copies of all teach-out agreements relating to The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, including, but not limited to, verification that teach-out agreements received on January 25, 2019, from the institution are verified, ratified, or otherwise authorized by the Receiver; (3) the status of the term that abruptly ended on March 8, 2019, including whether grades were issued and the number of degrees that were awarded; (4) provisions for student records, including how students can obtain transcripts and the appropriate arrangement for the permanent disposition of all student records held by the institution so that students and alumni will be able to obtain accurate and complete transcripts in the future; (5) notification to all students that the institution's accreditation ceased effective March 13, 2019; and (6) public disclosure regarding the institution's accreditation status provided wherever the institution's web pages, publications, and announcements make reference to MSCHE accreditation and in all other appropriate places and venues. - April 18, 2019
To note the supplemental information report due April 1, 2019, regarding the status of the institution and addressing recent developments at the institution was not received and is no longer due. To further note a follow-up team visit will not occur because the institution closed while on show cause and without prior approval. - February 14, 2019
To acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report. To note the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, has appointed a federal equity receiver, custodian, and liquidator for the institution on January 18, 2019. To require a supplemental information report due April 1, 2019, regarding the status of the institution and addressing recent developments at the institution which may have implications for current and future compliance with all of the Commission's standards, requirements, policies and procedures, and federal compliance requirements. The report should address the institution's ability to comply with the Commission's standards, requirements, policies and procedures, and federal compliance requirements and include but not be limited to: (1) the status of the institution's operations, including enrollment (Requirement of Affiliation 1 and 2); (2) honesty and truthfulness in public relations announcements, advertisements, recruiting and admissions (Standard II); (3) the status of administration, faculty, and staff (Requirement of Affiliation 15 and Standard III and VII); (4) the status of the governing body (Requirement of Affiliation 12, 13, 14 and Standard VII); and (5) the status of institutional finances and financial stability (Requirement of Affiliation 11 and Standard VI). To note that the report must include evidence that the federal equity receiver, custodian, and liquidator reviewed and approved of the information in the report. To direct a prompt liaison guidance visit to discuss Commission expectations. A follow-up team visit may follow submission of the supplemental information report. - February 14, 2019
To acknowledge receipt of the updated teach-out plan and teach out-agreements. To note the teach-out plan received on January 25, 2019, provided insufficient information conducive to commission review. To require a comprehensive, implementable teach-out plan and teach-out agreements due April 1, 2019, in lieu of the teach-out plan that was requested March 1, 2019. To remind the institution that it must provide a teach-out plan that includes but is not limited to the following: (1) evidence of required notifications to all constituents; (2) detailed descriptions of how all students will be accommodated, including signed teach-out agreements; (3) the arrangements for the retention and preservation of records so that students and alumni will be able to obtain accurate and complete transcripts and other educational records in the future; (4) the public disclosure of updated information; (5) evidence of the issuance of transcripts for any students wishing to transfer to another institution; and (6) the arrangements for the retention and preservation of employee records (Commission's Teach-Out Plan Policy and Procedures). To remind the institution that the teach-out plan and teach-out agreements are required by Commission policy and procedures and require Commission approval. To further remind the institution and the federal equity receiver of its obligation to keep the Commission informed regarding the status of the institution. - February 14, 2019
To remind the institution of the Commission's actions on November 15, 2018, that required the institution to continue to show cause as to why its accreditation should not be withdrawn. To note the institution remains accredited while on show cause. To postpone the due date of the show cause report. The institution is required to present its case for continued accreditation by means of a show cause report, now due September 1, 2019, in lieu of the report that was requested March 1, 2019. To direct an on-site show cause visit following submission of the report. The purpose of the on-site show cause visit is to verify the information provided in the show cause report and the institution's ongoing and sustainable compliance with the Commission's standards, requirements, policies and procedures, and federal compliance requirements. To direct a prompt Commission liaison guidance visit to discuss the Commission's expectations. To note that the institution will be invited to appear before the Commission when it meets to consider the institution's show cause report. To note that the date of the next evaluation visit will be determined when accreditation is reaffirmed and early self-study will not be required at this time. - February 14, 2019
To remind the institution of the Commission's actions on November 15, 2018. To postpone the due date of the teach-out plan with teach-out agreements. To require a comprehensive, implementable teach-out plan and teach-out agreements now due April 1, 2019, in lieu of the teach-out plan that was requested March 1, 2019. - January 15, 2019
Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to request a supplemental information report, due January 25, 2019, addressing recent developments at the institution which may have implications for current and future compliance with Standard II: Ethics and Integrity; Standard III: Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience; Standard IV: Support of the Student Experience; Standard VII: Governance, Leadership, and Administration; Requirements of Affiliation 6, 12, and 14; Related Entities Policy; Substantive Change Policy and Procedures; and Teach-Out Plans and Agreements Policy and Procedures. - November 15, 2018
To acknowledge receipt of the show cause report. To note the visit by the Commission's representatives. To require the institution to continue to show cause, by March 1, 2019, to demonstrate why its accreditation should not be withdrawn because of insufficient evidence that the institution is in compliance with Standard II (Ethics and Integrity), Standard VII (Governance, Leadership, and Administration), Requirements of Affiliation 12, 13, and 14, and the Related Entities Policy. To note that the institution is now in compliance with Standard IV (Support of the Student Experience), Standard VI (Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement) and Requirements of Affiliation 11 and 15. To note that the institution remains accredited while on show cause. To note further that federal regulations limit the period during which an institution may be in non-compliance to two years. To require a show cause report, due March 1, 2019, documenting evidence that the institution has achieved and can sustain ongoing compliance with the Commission's standards, requirements, policies and procedures, and federal compliance requirements. The show cause report must include evidence of: (1) the breadth of the relationships involving the related entities, Dream Center Foundation and Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH), including the identification of contractual relationships, employment, and family or financial interests that could pose or be perceived as conflicts of interest (Standard II; Requirement of Affiliation 14; Related Entities Policy); and (2) a legally constituted governing body that has sufficient independence and expertise, with appropriate fiduciary responsibilities, is responsible and accountable for academic quality, planning, and the fiscal well-being of the institution, provides oversight at the policy level, and is informed in all its operations by principles of good practice in board governance (Standard VII and Requirements of Affiliation 12 and 13). In addition, to request that the show cause report also provide further evidence of (1) the institution's capacity to support increased enrollment in online programs, including fiscal and human resources as well as the physical and technical infrastructure adequate to support its operations (Standard IV and Requirement of Affiliation 15), and (2) strategies to address enrollment and improve the institution's financial viability and sustainability (Standard VI and Requirement of Affiliation 11). To direct an on-site show cause visit following submission of the report. The purpose of the on-site show cause visit is to verify the information provided in the show cause report and the institution's ongoing and sustainable compliance with the Commission's standards, requirements, policies and procedures, and federal compliance requirements. To direct a prompt Commission liaison guidance visit to discuss the Commission's expectations. To note that the institution will be invited to appear before the Commission when it meets to consider the institution's show cause report. To note that the date of the next evaluation visit will be determined when accreditation is reaffirmed and early self-study will not be required at this time. - November 15, 2018
To acknowledge receipt of the teach-out plan and teach-out agreements. To approve the teach-out plan and teach-out agreements. To require a teach-out plan and teach-out agreements, due March 1, 2019, documenting evidence of an updated teach-out plan with signed copies of teach-out agreements, including any documentation supporting the agreements. - July 18, 2018
To document receipt of the supplemental information report, noting that the report provided limited responses to requested information and was insufficient to address the Commission's concerns. To note that the institution failed to inform the Commission about any and all developments relevant to the terms of the change in ownership and legal status as directed in the Commission action of November 16, 2017. To require the institution to show cause, by August 31, 2018, as to why its accreditation should not be withdrawn. To note that the institution remains accredited while on show cause. The institution is required to present its case for continued accreditation by means of a show cause report, in lieu of the formerly requested supplemental information report. To request that the show cause report document evidence that the institution has achieved and can sustain ongoing compliance with Commission's Requirements of Affiliation, accreditation standards, and policies including, but not limited to evidence of (1) the capacity to support increased enrollment in online programs, including fiscal and human resources as well as the physical and technical infrastructure adequate to support its operations (Standards II, IV, VI, Requirements of Affiliation 11, 15) and adequate student support services (Standard IV); (2) clearly stated, ethical policies and processes to admit, retain, and facilitate the success of students whose interests, abilities, experiences, and goals provide a reasonable expectation for success and are compatible with institutional mission (Standard IV); and (3) honesty and truthfulness in all publications and communications, in all formats, for internal and external communities (Standard II). In addition, to request that the show cause report also document evidence (4) of the breadth of the relationships involving the related entities, Dream Center Foundation and Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH), including the identification of contractual relationships, employment, and family or financial interests that could pose or be perceived as conflicts of interest (Standards II, VII; Requirements of Affiliation 12, 13; Related Entities Policy); (5) of recertification by the related entities that they recognize the Commission's compliance requirements and will ensure that responsibilities of the related entities are fulfilled, including making freely available to the Commission accurate, fair, and complete information through disclosure of information required by the Commission to carry out its accrediting responsibilities (Related Entities Policy; Requirement of Affiliation 14); and (6) that the institution operates as an academic institution with appropriate autonomy (Standard VII). To also request that the institution complete and submit for approval, by August 31, 2018, a comprehensive, implementable teach-out plan describing how, if the Commission withdraws accreditation, all students including any student requiring access to Title IV funding will be accommodated. In accordance with Commission policy and federal regulations, the teach-out plan must provide for the equitable treatment of students to complete their education, and include any teach-out agreements that the institution has entered into or intends to enter into with another institution. Approvals from any licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities, as may be necessary, must also be provided to the Commission. To direct a prompt liaison guidance consultation to discuss Commission expectations. An on-site evaluation will follow submission of the report. The purpose of the on-site evaluation is to verify the information provided in the show cause report and the institution's ongoing and sustainable compliance with the Commission's Requirements of Affiliation, accreditation standards, and policies. To note that the institution will be invited to appear before the Commission when it meets to consider the institution's show cause report. - July 12, 2018
Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to request a supplemental information report, due July 16, 2018, addressing recent developments at the institution which may have implications for current and future compliance with Standard II (Ethics and Integrity), Standard III (Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience), Standard IV (Support of the Student Experience), Standard VI (Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement), Standard VII (Governance, Leadership, and Administration) and Requirements of Affiliation #9, #10, #11, #12, #14, #15. - June 21, 2018
To note the visit by the Commission's representative. - June 21, 2018
To accept the monitoring report and to note the visit by the Commission's representative. To postpone a decision on accreditation, and to request a supplemental information report due September 1, 2018, documenting evidence (1) of the breadth of the relationships involving the related entities, Dream Center Foundation and Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH), including the identification of contractual relationships, employment, and family or financial interests that could pose or be perceived as conflicts of interest (Standard II and Standard VII; Requirement of Affiliation 12 and 13; Related Entities Policy); (2) of certification by the related entities that it recognizes the Commission's compliance requirements and will ensure that responsibilities of the related entities are fulfilled, including making freely available to the Commission accurate, fair, and complete information through disclosure of information required by the Commission to carry out its accrediting responsibilities (Related Entities Policy; Requirement of Affiliation 14); and (3) that the institution operates as an academic institution with appropriate autonomy (Standard VII). A small team visit will follow the submission of supplemental information report. To remind the institution of the Commission's action of February 15, 2018, placing the institution on probation because of insufficient evidence that the institution is currently in compliance with Standard II (Integrity), Requirement of Affiliation 14, and the Related Entities Policy. To note that the date of the next evaluation visit will be determined when accreditation is reaffirmed and early self-study will not be required at this time. - June 21, 2018
To note the visit by the Commission's representative. To affirm inclusion of the relocation of the main campus from 420 Boulevard of The Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 to 1400 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 within the scope of the institution's accreditation. - March 15, 2018
To note the liaison guidance consultation by the Commission's representative. - February 15, 2018
To acknowledge receipt of the complex substantive change request and to note that on January 5, 2018, the institution requested to withdraw the request. - February 15, 2018
To accept the supplemental information report. To place the institution on probation because of insufficient evidence that the institution is currently in compliance with Standard II (Integrity), Requirement of Affiliation 14 (The institution and its governing body/bodies make freely available to the Commission accurate, fair, and complete information on all aspects of the institution and its operations; the governing body/bodies ensure that the institution describes itself in comparable and consistent terms to all of its accrediting and regulatory agencies, communicates any changes in accredited status, and agrees to disclose information required by the Commission to carry out its accrediting responsibilities); and the Related Entities Policy (documentation that the institution and its related entities comply with Commission standards and policies). To note that the institution remains accredited while on probation. To note further that federal regulations limit the period during which an institution may be in non-compliance to two years. To request a monitoring report due on March 15, 2018, in lieu of the previously requested focused report, documenting evidence that the institution has achieved and can sustain ongoing compliance with Commission standards, requirements, and policies, including, but not limited to (1) representing itself truthfully and disclosing information in a timely and accurate fashion (Standard II); (2) the institution and its governing body/bodies making freely available to the Commission accurate, fair, and complete information on all aspects of the institution and its operations and assurances that the institution describes itself in comparable and consistent terms to all of its accrediting and regulatory agencies, communicates any changes in accredited status, and agrees to disclose information required by the Commission to carry out its accrediting responsibilities (Requirement of Affiliation 14); and (3) the institution and its related entities comply with Commission standards and policies (Related Entities Policy). In addition, the monitoring report should document that the institution: (1) has complied with all applicable government and Commission policies, regulations, and requirements (Requirement of Affiliation 5 and Standard II), (2) has avoided conflicts of interest in all activities and among all constituents (Standard II), (3) has documented financial resources, funding base, and plans for financial development, including those from any related entities adequate to support its educational purposes and programs and to ensure financial stability (Requirement of Affiliation 11), and (4) has a governing body with sufficient independence and expertise to ensure the integrity of the institution (Standard VII). A small team visit will follow submission of the monitoring report. To direct a prompt Commission liaison guidance consultation to discuss the Commission's expectations. To further remind the institution of its obligation to inform the Commission about any and all developments relevant to the November 2017 Commission action, including any changes to the terms of the change in ownership and legal status. To remind the institution that it was directed to commence early self-study in preparation for an evaluation visit in 2020-2021. - December 22, 2017
Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to request a supplemental information report, due January 5, 2018, addressing recent developments at the institution which may have implications for current and future compliance with Requirements of Affiliation #5 , #12, #14; Standard II (Ethics and Integrity) and Standard VII (Governance, Leadership, and Administration). - November 16, 2017
To acknowledge receipt of the complex substantive change request. To provisionally include the change in ownership and legal status, from Education Management Corporation (EDMC), a for-profit corporation, to the Dream Center Foundation (DCF), a California Nonprofit Corporation, within the scope of the institution's accreditation, pending receipt of required federal and state approvals and completion of a required site visit within six months of the effective date of the change of ownership. To request a focused report due March 1, 2018, documenting that the institution: (1) has complied with all applicable government and Commission policies, regulations, and requirements (Requirement of Affiliation 5 and Standard II), (2) has avoided conflicts of interest in all activities and among all constituents (Standard II), (3) has documented financial resources, funding base, and plans for financial development, including those from any related entities adequate to support its educational purposes and programs and to ensure financial stability (Requirements of Affiliation 11), and (4) has a governing body with sufficient independence and expertise to ensure the integrity of the institution (Standard VII). A focused team visit will follow submission of the report. To remind the institution of its obligation to inform the Commission about any and all developments relevant to this action, including any changes to the terms of the change in ownership and legal status and the federal and state approvals, and to notify the Commission immediately of the date of the closing of the transaction. 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. To direct a prompt liaison guidance consultation to discuss Commission expectations. In accordance with the Commission's policy on Substantive Change (version 082516) to direct the institution to commence early self-study in preparation for an evaluation visit in 2020-2021. - June 22, 2017
To reject the complex substantive change request because of insufficient information and evidence conducive to Commission review. The institution may resubmit the request after additional information needed to complete the review can be made available. To remind the institution of the need for prior approval through complex substantive change of any plans for change in legal status, form of control, or ownership. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2021-2022. - August 29, 2016
To approve the relocation of the main campus from 420 Boulevard of The Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 to 1400 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 and to provisionally include the new campus within scope of the institution's accreditation pending a site visit within six months of commencing operations. The Commission requires written notification within thirty days of the commencement of operations at the new campus and closure of the old campus. Operations at the location must commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. The date for the next accreditation review will be determined by the Commission when it revises the accreditation cycle. - November 19, 2015
To accept the Supplemental Information Report. To remind the institution of its obligation to inform the Commission about any and all significant developments related to the Education Management Corporation (EDMC) et alia litigation. The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2018. - November 19, 2014
To acknowledge receipt of the complex substantive change request and to include the change of control and ownership within the scope of the institution's accreditation pending notification of the completion of the restructuring. The Commission reserves the right to rescind approval of this substantive change if subsequent developments might have affected the Commission's decision. To request a Supplemental Information Report, due September 1, 2015, documenting the impact of the change of ownership and control on the ability of the institution to continue to meet its educational and student support services mission. A small team visit may follow the submission of the Supplemental Information Report. To remind the institution of its obligation to inform the Commission about any and all significant developments related to Education Management Corporation (EDMC) et alia litigation. The Commission expects to be informed of such developments within ten business days of their occurrence. The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2018. - November 21, 2013
To accept the supplemental information report. To remind the institution of its obligation to inform the Commission about any and all significant developments related to the Education Management Corporation (EDMC) et alia litigation. The Commission expects to be informed of such developments within ten business days of their occurrence. The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2018. - September 20, 2013
To request a supplemental information report, due October 11, 2013, addressing recent concerns about the institution's online division, and its ongoing compliance with Standard 8 (Student Admissions and Retention), Standard 9 (Student Support Services) and Standard 13 (Educational Offerings). To remind the institution of its obligation to inform the Commission about any and all significant developments related to the Education Management Corporation (EDMC) et alia litigation. The Commission expects to be informed of such developments within ten business days of their occurrence. The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2018. - June 27, 2013
To reaffirm accreditation. To remind the institution of its obligation to inform the Commission about any and all significant developments related to the Education Management Corporation (EDMC) et alia litigation. The Commission expects to be informed of such developments within ten business days of their occurrence. The Periodic Review Report is due June 1, 2018. - June 28, 2012
To accept the supplemental information report. To remind the institution of its obligation to inform the Commission about any and all significant developments related to the Education Management Corporation (EDMC) et alia litigation. The Commission expects to be informed of such developments within ten business days of their occurrence. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2012-2013.
- 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 (1-2 years) Included within the scope
- Associate's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
- Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
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.
