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Clarks Summit University Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Clarks Summit University Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Clarks Summit University announced on July 1, 2024, that it will close. Clarks Summit University has reported that it will close on August 9, 2024.

Clarks Summit University has provided additional information regarding closure, including a frequently asked questions (FAQ) resource, on the Clarks Summit University website.

Students

International Students

Student Athletes

Institutions Interested in Teach-Out Agreements with Clarks Summit University

Additional Resources

MSCHE Policies and Procedures

Contact

Students

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

The Commission required Clarks Summit University to complete and submit for approval a comprehensive, implementable teach-out plan with signed teach-out agreements.

On June 26, 2024, the Commission acted to request an updated teach-out plan, due August 1, 2024.

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 Clarks Summit University and other institutions with similar programs of study. Teach-out agreements must focus on students and offer a variety of options for students to complete their educations; therefore, institutions cannot designate a preferred or legacy teach-out partner institution.

Can students transfer to another institution?

The institution has announced its closure as of August 9, 2024. 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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit University charge students additional fees if they withdraw or transfer?

No, Clarks Summit University cannot charge students additional fees for withdrawing or transferring.

Will all students receive a copy of their transcripts?

Clarks Summit University has reported that students can obtain transcripts from the university until an undetermined date.

Commission policy and procedure require the institution to provide a copy of transcripts to all current students. Clarks Summit University cannot withhold student transcripts.

International Students

How does Clarks Summit University’s closure affect international students?

International students attending Clarks Summit University on a student visa have unique considerations. International students may find more information at EducationUSA’s International Student Visas page.

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 SEVP School Search.

Visit Resources for additional information.

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: [email protected].

Student Athletes

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

Clarks Summit University has reported that student athletes will be entered into the NCAA Transfer Portal within two weeks of the institution’s closure.

Visit Resources for additional information.

Institutions Interested in Teach-Out Agreements with Clarks Summit University

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

In accordance with the Commission’s Teach-Out Plans and Agreement(s) Policy and Procedures, the teach-out institutions must have candidate for accreditation status or accreditation status and be in good standing with an accrediting agency recognized by the USDE. In addition, the teach-out institution must not be subject to any of the following criteria:

A determination by an independent auditor expressing doubt about the institution’s ability to operate as a going concern, or an adverse opinion, or a finding of material weakness;
The institution is on probation or equivalent status;
The institution is participating in title IV, HEA under a provisional participation agreement;
The Secretary has placed the institution on heightened cash management (HCM2);
The Secretary has initiated an emergency action against the institution to limit participation in any title IV, HEA program;
An agency has acted to withdraw, terminate, or suspend the accreditation or preaccreditation of the institution;
The institution intends to cease operations entirely;
A state licensing or authorizing agency will or has revoked the institution’s legal authorization;
The institution is under investigation, subject to an action, or being prosecuted for an issue related to academic quality, misrepresentation, fraud, or other severe matters by a law enforcement agency.

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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit University?

Yes, any institution can consider transfer students from Clarks Summit University. Institutions without an approved teach-out agreement can accept students who wish to transfer from Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit 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 Clarks Summit 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.

Additional Resources

United States Department of Education

Federal Student Aid Closed School Contacts

Office of Federal Student Aid

Federal Student Aid Feedback Center

Federal Student Aid Closed School

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

Federal Student Aid Borrower Defense Loan Discharge

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.