Alliance University Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are teach-out plans and teach-out agreements?

The Commission required Alliance University to complete and submit for approval a comprehensive, implementable teach-out plan with signed teach-out agreements. On June 22, 2023, the Commission acted to request an updated teach-out plan due August 15, 2023. The Commission acted to approve teach-out agreements for the benefit of students, but the teach-out plan was rejected.

A teach-out plan is a written plan developed by the institution that provides for the equitable treatment of students to complete their education. The purpose of the teach-out plan is to make reasonable accommodations and assist students with completing educational programs or credentials or transferring to a new institution. The Commission requires a teach-out plan and teach-out agreements when an institution risks the loss of accreditation or intends to close. Teach-out agreements are specific agreements made by the institution with appropriate teach-out partner institutions. The purpose of the teach-out agreement is to make accommodations for and assist students as much as possible and provide clear and transparent information regarding those arrangements. They are intended to facilitate students’ transition to another institution so they can graduate in a program of their choosing. These agreements are to be negotiated between Alliance University and other institutions with similar programs of study.

The Commission has approved teach-out agreements with the following MSCHE institutions:

Bard College, Annandale-On-Hudson, NY

Borough of Manhattan Community College, New York, NY

Eastern University, (Palmer Seminary) St. Davids, PA

Fordham University, Bronx, NY

Helene Fuld College of Nursing, New York, NY

Houghton University, Houghton, NY

Iona University, New Rochelle, NY

Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, PA

New Brunswick Theological Seminary, New Brunswick, NJ

Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, NY

Pillar College, Newark, NJ

Queens College of the City University of New York, Queens, NY

Roberts Wesleyan University, Rochester, NY

The Commission approved teach-out agreements with the following institutions that hold accreditation with another accreditor recognized by the United States Secretary of Education:

Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY (Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

Crown College, Saint Bonifacius, MN (Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission)

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Hamilton, MA (Accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools)

Indiana Wesleyan, Marion, IN (Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission)

Kairos University, Sioux Falls, SD (Accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools)

The Commission rejected the teach-out agreement with Seminario Evangelico de Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, because the institution is not in good standing with an accrediting agency recognized by the USDE.

Can students transfer to another institution?

Current students can transfer at any time and to any institution, including those without a teach-out agreement. Students are entitled to receive clear, accurate, and thorough information from Alliance University about their options to pursue other educational opportunities.

Students cannot be charged additional fees for exercising the option to transfer.

Where can students transfer?

Students can apply for transfer to any institution that meets their needs and where they may qualify for admission. Transfer opportunities are not limited to those institutions that have teach-out agreements with Alliance University. Students can transfer at any time and to any institution.

What other things should students consider when transferring?

Students should look for an institution that is in good standing with accreditors. Students should always research the accreditation status of the institution they are considering for transfer. MSCHE posts accreditation status for its member institutions in the Institution Directory on our website.

Individual programs may also be accredited by a programmatic accreditor. Students are encouraged to contact both the institutional and programmatic accreditors of institutions and programs to verify the accreditation status of the institution they are considering.

Visit the MSCHE Student Resources page for additional information.

Can Alliance University charge students additional fees if they withdraw or transfer?

No, Alliance University cannot charge students additional fees for withdrawing or transferring. In addition, the institution has reported that refunds have been issued to students who paid deposits for the fall 2023 semester.

Will all students receive a copy of their transcripts?

Alliance University has reported that students can obtain transcripts from Parchment Services. Active students can have one free transcript sent to the school of their choice using Alliance University’s Parchment Services link. Additional official transcripts can be ordered from Parchment Services.

Students can also make unlimited free copies of their unofficial transcripts through their student portal.

Commission policy and procedure require the institution to provide a copy of transcripts to all current students. Alliance University cannot withhold student transcripts. New York law prevents institutions from withholding student transcripts and from charging students higher fees for their transcripts if they have unpaid debts (N.Y. Educ. Law § 640).

Houghton University, Houghton, NY, has been designated as the final repository of all Alliance University student records available through Parchment. Alliance University has reported that student records for students at the Seminario Teologico de Puerto Rico location will remain at that location through fall 2023.

What does institutional closure mean for Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) students?

According to the Alliance University FAQ, students who are enrolled in the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) can transfer to another school with HEOP, EOP, or SEEK support. Access the teach-out arrangements by program resource (accessible by @allianceu.edu accounts only) for additional information.

What does the closure mean for students who expect to graduate by the closure date?

Alliance University has announced that it will hold its last graduation ceremony on August 29, 2023. In addition, A final graduation ceremony will be held at Fishkill Correctional Facility. No additional credentials will be awarded following that date, and accreditation for Alliance University, including all locations, will cease on August 31, 2023.

What does the closure mean for students who expect to graduate by the closure date?

Alliance University has announced that it will hold graduation on August 29, 2023.

Visit Resources for additional information.

How does Alliance University ’s closure affect international students?

International students attending Alliance University on a student visa have unique considerations. International students may find more information at https://educationusa.state.gov/foreign-institutions-and-governments/understanding-us-higher-education/international-student.

Please note that the institution cannot withhold the transfer of international students’ I-20 to another institution due to unpaid balances. International students should research the SEVP Certification status of the institution they are considering for transfer. SEVP posts SEVP Certified schools on its website: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search.

Who should international students contact for more information?

The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) encourages international students to contact the SEVP Response Center for assistance: Phone: 703-603-3400 Email: sevp@ice.dhs.gov.

Visit Resources for additional information.

How does Alliance University ’s loss of accreditation affect student athletes and eligibility?

Alliance University’s teach-out agreements account for student athletes, and these arrangements vary by institution. Refer to Alliance University’s teach-out arrangements by program resource (accessible by @allianceu.edu accounts only) to determine whether or not athletic try-outs were included in a particular teach-out.

According to the Alliance University FAQ, net tuition and fees would remain the same at most institutions for at least the first year. Scholarships may be taken into consideration.

In accordance with NCAA Bylaw 13.1.1.2, Alliance University has granted permission for student athletes to contact any institution due to Alliance University ceasing athletics operations.

Visit Resources for additional information.

What is Alliance University doing to support faculty and staff?

Alliance University indicates it is in contact with the New York Department of Labor and US Department of Labor to utilize the Rapid Response Team services to help employees.

What do other institutions with questions about teach-out agreements need to know?

Teach-Out Plans and Agreement(s) Policy and Procedures Section IV. Procedures for the Submission of Teach-Out Agreements of the Procedures outlines the purpose of teach-out agreements, what the agreements should include, and the conditions that a teach-out partner must meet. The responsibility to develop teach-out agreements rests with Alliance University, which is required to submit a teach-out plan and agreement(s), and MSCHE does not develop the agreements. Teach-out plans and agreements must be approved by MSCHE.

A teach-out agreement should include a comprehensive description of the arrangements being made for students between the two institutions, including at least the following critical information:

• Information on the number and types of credits that will be accepted by the teach-out institution.
• Information on the specific locations where instruction will be offered by the teach-out institution.
• Any additional financial charges or changes in tuition and fees.
• A description of the relevant educational program to ensure that it is comparable in quality and reasonably similar in content, delivery modality, and scheduling.
• Any institutional policy or curriculum exceptions for the benefit of the students.

Can institutions without an approved teach-out agreement accept students who wish to transfer from Alliance University?

Yes, any institution can consider transfer students from Alliance University. Institutions without an approved teach-out agreement can accept students who wish to transfer from Alliance University. If any exceptions to institutions’ policies or procedures are made to facilitate the award of transfer credit and academic progress for students, including but not limited to admissions, transfer of credit, or residency requirements, the exceptions and conditions under which the exception was applied must be justified and documented and must continue to comply with applicable law.

Can institutions receiving Alliance University students make exceptions to transfer policies or required residency policies to assist students?

Some institutions do include exceptions to transfer policies or required residency policies in the teach-out agreements; however, institutions must document under what circumstances an exception was made and the conditions that must be met for the exception to be applied. Without a teach-out agreement, institutions making exceptions to accommodate Alliance University students who transfer must also document exceptions.

Transfer Credit, Prior Learning, and Articulation Agreements Policy and Procedures requires institutions to seek to minimize the loss of credit for students wherever possible. Institutions should strive for appropriate balance among consistency, fairness, flexibility, good educational practice, and academic program integrity.

In addition, institutions must always remain mindful of state requirements and regulations and, in matters governed by state regulations, comply with state law or obtain an exception from the appropriate state agency. The institution must also comply with the requirements for programmatic accreditors.

Can institutions enter into a teach-out agreement that includes a program not currently offered?

The partner institution must have the appropriate state authority and the capacity to offer a program. Institutions are responsible for ensuring appropriate program approval and registration. Institutional representatives should outreach to their state licensing agency to ensure any requirements relating to programs delivered in the state are met. Institutions must be mindful of programmatic accreditor requirements and should consult with the programmatic accreditor to ensure that their requirements are met.

Can institutions make exceptions to some degree and/or general education requirements?

Partner institutions should do a program-to-program articulation, which includes an analysis of how student learning outcomes for courses in one institution are equivalent to outcomes for courses in the other institution. Institutions must determine degree requirements and any substitutions based on institutional policies and procedures. If exceptions are made, those should be documented and justified.

The Commission took an adverse action against Alliance University to withdraw accreditation.

Adverse actions, as defined by Accreditation Actions Policy and Procedures, include Deny Candidate Accreditation Status, Withdraw Candidate for Accreditation Status, Deny Accreditation, or Withdraw Accreditation. The Commission will take an adverse action when an institution has not demonstrated compliance, has had the opportunity to show cause, and/or the 36-month allowable time period for non-compliance has expired.

Can the institution appeal this action?

An institution has the right to appeal any adverse action pursuant to the Appeals from Adverse Actions Policy and Procedures. Alliance University has declined its right to appeal and announced institutional closure, effective August 31, 2023. Accreditation for Alliance University, including all locations, will cease on August 31, 2023.

Why did MSCHE take an action to withdraw Alliance University ’s accreditation?

For more information and further details regarding the withdrawal of accreditation, visit Alliance University ’s Statement of Accreditation Status (SAS) in the institution directory listing at the MSCHE website.

Accreditation Actions Policy and Procedures

Accreditation Review Cycle and Monitoring Policy and Procedures

Appeals from Adverse Accrediting Actions Procedures

Arbitration of Disputes Concerning Final Adverse Actions Procedures

Communication in the Accreditation Process Policy and Procedures

Public Disclosures Policy and Procedures

Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation

Substantive Change Policy and Procedures

Teach-Out Plans and Agreement(s) Policy and Procedures

Transfer Credit, Prior Learning, and Articulation Agreements Policy and Procedures

United States Department of Education

https://www.ed.gov/

https://studentaid.gov/feedback-center/

https://fsapartners.ed.gov/help-center/fsa-customer-service-center/service-centers-for-schools/closed-school-contacts

Office of Federal Student Aid

https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/closed-school

The above link can provide assistance if your college or career school closed while you were enrolled, or soon after you withdrew.

https://studentaid.gov/borrower-defense/

If your school misled you or engaged in other misconduct in violation of certain state laws, you may be eligible for “borrower defense to loan repayment,” sometimes shortened to “borrower defense.” This is the discharge of some or all of your federal student loan debt. Visit the link above for more information.

New York State Education Department

http://www.nysed.gov/

http://www.nysed.gov/college-university-evaluation/closures-degree-granting-institutions

http://www.nysed.gov/college-university-evaluation/transcripts

https://www.op.nysed.gov/

http://www.nysed.gov/college-university-evaluation/complaints

Student and Exchange Visitor Program

https://www.ice.gov/sevis/students

https://www.ice.gov/sevis/whats-new

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search

SEVP Response Center: Phone: 703-603-3400 Email: sevp@ice.dhs.gov

Education USA

https://educationusa.state.gov/foreign-institutions-and-governments/understanding-us-higher-education/international-student

New York Legal Assistance Group: Phone: 212-659-6166

National Collegiate Athletic Association

https://www.ncaa.org/index.aspx

https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2015/2/13/want-to-transfer.aspx

Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference

https://www.caccathletics.org/landing/index

Intra-Conference Transfer Policy

How can I contact MSCHE?

MSCHE welcomes inquiries and questions. Please email communications@msche.org.