Statement of Accreditation Status
Art Institute of Philadelphia, The
- Phase: Formerly Accredited
- Status: Institutional Closure
- Candidacy Granted: January 1, 2007
- Accreditation Granted: June 28, 2012
- Accreditation Ceased: December 28, 2018
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is unable to confirm the status of the teach-out plan for The Art Institute of Philadelphia, which closed on December 28, 2018. The Commission continues to request information from the court appointed federal equity receiver in an effort to provide useful information for the benefit of students impacted by the closure of the institution. Until that information is received, the Commission directs constituents to the federal equity receiver and any information that may be available 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 and (2) https://www.education.pa.gov/Postsecondary-Adult/College%20and%20Career%20Education/Pages/default.aspx. To note that accreditation ceased on December 28, 2018. As of December 29, 2018, The Art Institute of Philadelphia 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
1622 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia,
PA
19103
- April 18, 2019
To note that the supplemental information report due on March 15, 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 Philadelphia. The institution closed on December 28, 2018, and accreditation ceased effective December 29, 2018. - February 14, 2019
To acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report. To remind the institution of the Commission’s actions on November 15, 2018. To note the institution closed on December 28, 2018, and that accreditation ceased effective December 29, 2018. - February 14, 2019
To acknowledge receipt of the updated teach-out plan and teach-out agreements. To remind the institution of the Commission's actions on November 15, 2018. To note the institution closed on December 28, 2018, and that accreditation ceased effective December 29, 2018. To further 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 request a supplemental information report, due March 15, 2019, from the court-appointed federal equity receiver documenting how any and all recent changes relating to the Dream Center Education Holdings, the related entity of the institution, have impacted the December 14, 2018, teach-out plan and teach-out agreements submitted by the institution, including but not limited to evidence of: (1) 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; (2) provisions for career services being made available to students for six months following graduation; (3) the awarding of tuition grants to support students' completion of their studies; (4) the public disclosure of updated information, including the online Closed School Information Page; (5) the arrangements for the retention and preservation of employee records; and (6) any and all changes that have impacted the teach-out plan or teach-out agreements. To remind the institution, related entity, and federal equity receiver of the Commission's right to rescind approval of the teach-out plan if any developments reveal additional information that may have affected the Commission's decision. - November 15, 2018
To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To note the institution will close while on show cause. To note that the institution will close all locations on December 28, 2018. To note the institution remains accredited while on show cause, and to note that the accreditation of The Art Institute of Philadelphia will cease effective December 29, 2018. - 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 with Academy of Art University, Atlantic Cape Community College, Columbia College of Hollywood, Community College of Philadelphia, Delaware County Community College, DeVry University, Douglas Education Center, East Stroudsburg University, Full Sail University, Harcum College, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Hussian College, JNA Institute of Culinary Arts, Montgomery County Community College, Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design, Rowan College at Burlington County, Trident University International, Stevenson University, The University of the Arts, and Thomas Edison State University. To require an updated teach-out plan with teach-out agreements, due December 15, 2018, with (1) signed copies of teach-out agreements, including any documentation supporting the agreements; (2) the status of the implementation of the teach-out plan and teach-out agreements; (3) arrangements for the permanent disposition of student records so that students and alumni will be able to obtain accurate and complete transcripts in the future; and (4) evidence of the issuance of transcripts for any students wishing to transfer to another institution. To require notification to the Commission verifying the closure of the institution on December 28, 2018. To note the institution will close while on show cause. To note the institution remains accredited while on show cause, and to note that the accreditation of The Art Institute of Philadelphia will cease effective December 29, 2018. - November 15, 2018
To acknowledge receipt of the show cause report. To note the visit by the Commission's representatives. To note the institution will close while on show cause. To note that the institution will close all locations on December 28, 2018. To note the institution remains accredited while on show cause, and to note that the accreditation of The Art Institute of Philadelphia will cease effective December 29, 2018. To request a supplemental information report, due December 15, 2018, documenting evidence of: (1) official notification of the Commission's action to The Art Institute of Philadelphia community, including all governing board members, students, faculty, and staff, and others with significant roles; (2) notification to current and prospective students that the institution's accreditation will cease effective December 29, 2018, and (3) public disclosure regarding the institution's accreditation status provided wherever the institution's web pages, publications, and announcements make reference to accreditation and in all other appropriate places and venues. - July 18, 2018
To note that on July 5, 2018, the institution informed the Commission that it ceased new enrollments as of July 2, 2018, and will close. To remind the institution of its obligation to seek prior approval, in accordance with Commission policy, of planned institutional closure. To further 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 monitoring report. To request that the show cause report include (1) submission of a substantive change request for approval of planned institutional closure (Standard II; Substantive Change Policy; Merging or Closing a Postsecondary Institution or Program Site Policy); (2) evidence of adequate financial resources, funding base, and plans for financial development adequate to support the institution and ensure orderly closure and the continued delivery of a quality learning environment and education experience (Standards III, IV, VI, Requirement of Affiliation 11); and (3) evidence of the institution operating as an academic institution with a chief executive officer with appropriate credentials and experience, administrative members with appropriate credentials and experience, and appropriate autonomy (Standard VII). To require that the institution resubmit certification by the related entities, Dream Center Foundation and Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH), 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). To note that the evidence provided must include a comprehensive, implementable teach-out plan with detailed descriptions of how, if the Commission withdraws accreditation or the institution closes, 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 equitable treatment of students to complete their education and include signed teach-out agreements that the institution has entered into with another institution. Approvals from any licensing or other legal entities as may be necessary must also be provided. To direct a prompt liaison guidance visit 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. - June 21, 2018
To accept the focused report, note the visit by the Commission's representatives, and postpone a decision on accreditation. To remind the institution of the Commission's action of June 22, 2017, warning the institution that its accreditation may be in jeopardy because of insufficient evidence that it is currently in compliance with Requirement of Affiliation 11 and Standard VI (Institutional Resources). To request that the monitoring report due September 1, 2018, further document 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). 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. - March 15, 2018
To note the liaison guidance consultation by the Commission's representative. - November 16, 2017
To accept the monitoring report and to note the visit by the Commission representatives. To continue to warn the institution that its accreditation may be in jeopardy because of insufficient evidence that it is in compliance with Requirement of Affiliation #11 (documented financial resources, funding base, and plans for financial development adequate to support its educational purposes and programs and to assure financial stability) and Standard VI (Institutional Resources, formerly Standard 3). To note that the institution remains accredited while on warning and 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 September 1, 2018, documenting evidence that the institution has achieved and can sustain compliance with Requirement of Affiliation #11 and Standard VI, including but not limited to, evidence of (1) adequate financial resources, funding base, and plans for financial development adequate to supports its educational purposes and programs and to assure financial stability (Requirement of Affiliation #11) and (2) steps taken to improve the institution's short- and long-term financial viability and sustainability (Standard VI, formerly Standard 3). In addition, to request that the monitoring report further document evidence of adequate and qualified staffing appropriate to goals, type, size, and complexity of the institution (Standard VI, formerly Standard 3). A small team visit will follow submission of the monitoring report. - 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), and upon reaffirmation of accreditation, to direct the institution to commence early self-study in preparation for an evaluation visit in 2020-2021. - November 16, 2017
To note the visit by the Commission's representative. - June 22, 2017
To warn the institution that its accreditation may be in jeopardy because of insufficient evidence that the institution is currently in compliance with Requirement of Affiliation #8 (documented financial resources, funding base, and plans for financial development adequate to support its educational purposes and programs and to assure financial stability) and Standard 3 (Institutional Resources). To note that the institution remains accredited while on warning. To request a monitoring report, due September 15, 2017, documenting evidence that the institution has achieved and can sustain compliance with Requirement of Affiliation #8 and Standard 3, including but not limited to, evidence of (1) adequate financial resources, funding base, and plans for financial development adequate to supports its educational purposes and programs and to assure financial stability (Requirement of Affiliation #8) and (2) steps taken to improve the institution's short- and long-term financial viability and sustainability (Standard 3). In addition, to request that the monitoring report further document (1) steps taken to periodically assess the effectiveness of institutional leaders and governance (Standards 4 and 5); (2) evidence of adequate and qualified staffing appropriate to goals, type, size, and complexity of institution (Standard 5); and (3) the development and implementation of a comprehensive enrollment management plan (Standard 8). A small team visit will follow submission of the monitoring report. To direct a prompt Commission liaison guidance visit to discuss Commission expectations. Upon reaffirmation of accreditation, the next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2025-2026. - 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. - 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 next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2016-2017. - 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 next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2016-2017. - June 28, 2012
To accept the supplemental information report, to note the visit by the Commission's representatives, and to affirm compliance with the areas of concern noted in the Commission's deferral action on March 1, 2012 (Requirement of Affiliation 5 and Standards 6, 7, 8, and 14). To grant 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 next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2016-2017. - March 1, 2012
To defer action on initial accreditation to allow the Commission to further review issues related to accreditation requirements raised by the U.S. Department of Justice suit against the institution and its parent companies, and third party submissions, as well as in the Commission's review process. These issues are related to Requirement of Affiliation 5 (compliance with all applicable government policies, regulations, and requirements), Standard 6 (Integrity), and Standard 8 (Student Admissions and Retention), as well as Standard 7 (Institutional Assessment) and Standard 14 (Assessment of Student Learning). To note that the institution remains in Candidate for Accreditation Status pending further action by the Commission, which must be taken no later than November 15, 2012 (five years from the date Candidate for Accreditation Status was granted on November 15, 2007), and to note that any and all Commission actions relative to candidacy and initial accreditation must be taken by that date. To request a supplemental information report, due by April 1, 2012, documenting evidence of compliance with (1) Requirement of Affiliation 5, including without limitation compliance with all applicable government policies, regulations, and requirements; (2) Standard 6, including without limitation evidence of honesty and truthfulness in public relations announcements, advertisements, and recruiting and admissions materials and practices; and (3) Standard 8, including without limitation: (a) evidence of admissions policies, developed and implemented, that support and reflect the mission of the institution and that admissions decisions are made by appropriately qualified personnel; (b) evidence of accurate and comprehensive information, and advice where appropriate, regarding financial aid, scholarships, grants, loans, and refunds; and (c) evidence of programs and services to ensure that admitted students who marginally meet or do not meet the institution's qualifications achieve expected learning goals and higher education outcomes at appropriate points. To further request that the Supplemental Information Report document compliance with Standard 7, including without limitation: (a) evidence of a documented, organized, and sustained assessment process to evaluate and improve the total range of programs and services and the achievement of institutional mission, goals, and plans; (b) evidence that assessment results are shared and discussed with appropriate constituents and used in institutional planning, resource allocation, and renewal to improve and gain efficiencies in programs, services and processes, including activities specific to the institution's mission; and documenting compliance with Standard 14, including without limitation: (a) evidence of clearly articulated statements of expected student learning outcomes at all levels (institution, degree/program, course) and for all programs that aim to foster student learning and development and that are appropriately integrated with one another and consonant with the institution's mission; and (b) evidence of a documented, organized and sustained assessment process to evaluate and improve student learning that meets the following criteria: systematic, sustained, and thorough use of multiple qualitative and/or quantitative measures that maximize the use of existing data and information, clearly and purposefully related to the goals that they are assessing, of sufficient quality that results can be used with confidence to inform decisions, and include direct evidence of student learning. A team visit will follow submission of the supplemental information report. The institution retains its Candidate for Accreditation Status pending further action by the Commission.
