© DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) – Philadelphia University of the Arts students and staff were shocked earlier this week when the news broke that their school would be closing down. The university has just under 1,350 students and 77 full-time faculty members.
The University blames the closure on decreased enrollment, mounting debt, and an urgent crisis but did not give any specific details.
The abrupt closure has caused students to rally across campus, and the faculty to explore the idea of a class-action lawsuit.
While the school is set to close, other Universities have reached out to show their support to the students, Temple University is exploring the idea of a merger with UArts to keep the school afloat. Drexel University, and Moore College of Art and Design and other are getting ready to help students as well. Montclair State University’s Cali School of Music said yesterday, they are working on a path for UArts students to finish their degree at the school.
UArts President Kerry Walk has resigned following the closure announcement.
The school is set to close this Friday, June 7th.
