More officials are pledging support to students and staff following the unexpected closure announcement of Wells College in Aurora, Cayuga County.
The small private institution will be closing after more than 150 years due to escalating financial difficulties and declining enrollment. The college has seen enrollment drop from 524 students in 2016 to just 351, with last year’s operating deficit nearing $5 million. The closure announcement comes as the college’s accreditation body took action for not being properly notified about the shutdown plans.
Senator Rachel May has voiced concerns over the lack of proper notification to accrediting bodies and the state, including the absence of a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN), which is required for significant layoffs or closures. She emphasized the importance of state involvement to ensure minimal harm to students and the community.
In response to the closure, Senator May has proposed legislation to support communities affected by such institutional shutdowns, aiming to facilitate workforce transitions and new uses for vacated educational facilities.
MORE COVERAGE:
- REPORT: Wells College criticized by accreditor for mishandling closure announcement
- Wells College notified state of closure just days before telling students, faculty
- Wells College’s financial woes exposed: Why did president collect $310K in bonuses during final years?
- Community frustrated over Wells College sudden closure; enrollment and financial viability was in decline for years
- Wells College shutting down: Officials say financial hurdles were too great
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].