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Wells College Fails to Submit Records Agreements as Closure Nears

As Wells College approaches its closure on June 30, it has not complied with requests to finalize where institutional and student records will be stored, according to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The ... more
Wells College Parts Ways with President Gibralter as Closure Takes Place

Wells College announced Thursday that President Jonathan Gibralter has left his position, effective June 20, 2024. The Board of Trustees thanked Gibralter for his nine years of service. Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs ... more
Wells College’s historic Minerva statue damaged during move

The Minerva statue, a cherished symbol of Wells College for 156 years, was damaged Wednesday while being moved indoors to protect it from theft. The college announced the move but later reported that the statue's ... more
Petition urges return of Wells College land to Cayuga Nation

As the New York State Attorney General's Office decides the future of Wells College's properties, an online petition is calling for the land to be returned to the Cayuga Nation. The petition, titled "Revitalize Wells ... more
Wells College teach-out plan with HWS still pending approval; some other arrangements approved by commission

Following Wells College's announcement of its upcoming closure, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education has approved teach-out agreements with 20 institutions to ensure students can complete their education. The approved schools include Manhattanville University, ... more
What happens to water treatment plant on Wells College campus after closure? Officials working through answer

There's some uncertainty, but officials are working through answering questions about a 90-year-old water treatment plant on the Wells College campus. This plant treats drinking water for the village of Aurora, drawing from Cayuga Lake ... more
Some students scrambling after Wells College shuts down

Wells College announced its closure due to financial struggles and low enrollment, leaving many students, including committed high school athletes, in a difficult position. Students chose Wells College for its small campus and proximity to ... more
More public meetings scheduled for Aurora, Cayuga, and Union Springs’ DRI projects

The villages of Aurora, Cayuga, and Union Springs are progressing in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) process by scheduling a public meeting and issuing an open call for projects. Project submissions are due by noon ... more
Nonprofit makes last-ditch effort to save Wells College from closure

In a final effort to prevent Wells College from closing, Dr. Jim Malatras of The Fedcap Group has reached out to the college's leadership. The 156-year-old institution announced it would close at the end of ... more
Three villages hold first DRI meeting in Cayuga County: Planning process begins as Wells College shuts down

Three Cayuga County villages have embarked on a months-long planning process to determine the allocation of a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant. Representatives from Aurora, Cayuga, and Union Springs attended the first local ... more
Wells College closure means 100+ will lose jobs

Over 100 people will lose their jobs as result of the Wells College closure, according to a Workforce Adjustment and Retraining (WARN) notice. The private college, a community cornerstone since 1868, cited inadequate financial resources ... more
REPORT: Did Wells College accidentally release closure announcement over the winter?

Did Wells College accidentally signal that they were shutting down months before a formal announcement was made? While college officials have been adamant that the decision was made in the last two weeks, with official ... more
Sen. May proposes legislation to support communities impacted by closures like Wells College

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 ... more
Aurora, Seneca Falls, and Skaneateles make list for best places to visit in Upstate NY
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While New York City often captures the spotlight, the state is home to numerous picturesque historic towns that boast a rich heritage and scenic beauty. A new list from World Atlas spotlighted three local communities ... more
Village of Aurora, Cayuga, and Union Springs will host downtown revitalization meeting on May 13

The villages of Aurora, Cayuga, and Union Springs are advancing plans to allocate a $10 million state grant aimed at downtown revitalization. A Local Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 13, from 4 ... more
REPORT: Wells College criticized by accreditor for mishandling closure announcement

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education criticized Wells College for failing to adequately plan and notify the accrediting body in a timely manner regarding its decision to close. Earlier this week Wells College announced ... more
Wells College notified state of closure just days before telling students, faculty

After announcing its closure due to financial difficulties, Wells College has swiftly implemented measures to support its students and staff. The college, which will cease operations at the end of the spring semester, has entered ... more
Aurora assistant fire chief had illegal, sexual contact with teen for months; held on $10,000 bail

Sheriff Brian Schenck reports the arrest of an Aurora man following an investigation into inappropriate sexual conduct. In late-March, investigators with the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation after it was reported that 34-year-old ... more
Wells College’s financial woes exposed: Why did president collect $310K in bonuses during final years?

Wells College in Aurora is shutting down. While that news has reverberated throughout the Central New York community over the last three days since the College's surprise announcement, questions have swirled about notification. Students and ... more
Community frustrated over Wells College sudden closure; enrollment and financial viability was in decline for years

Fallout continues in the small community of Aurora, as well as others in Cayuga County, after the sudden closure announcement of Wells College. The small institution, which has served as a pillar in the community ... more
Wells College shutting down: Officials say financial hurdles were too great

In a significant announcement, Wells College has announced its upcoming closure at the end of this academic semester, citing financial struggles. The esteemed institution, which has been an integral part of the community since 1868, ... more
