Home »
Wells College Closure
Indigenous college, senior housing proposed for Wells campus
A partnership between Grande Venues and the Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge has submitted a $10.7 million bid to purchase the former Wells College campus in Aurora. Their revised plan includes an Indigenous college and ... more
Alumni-led group wants to reopen Wells College: Petition gains hundreds of signatures
As Wells College approaches a full-year since shutting down due to financial hardships, The Cleveland Commission for Wells, an alumni-led initiative, has opened up about its plan to reopen the school and return it to ... more
Alumni groups propose new futures for Wells College
Following Wells College’s abrupt closure in May 2024, two distinct proposals have emerged to repurpose the historic campus. Initially, the Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge submitted an independent bid aimed at transforming the site into ... more
Proposed redevelopment plan aims to revitalize Wells College
A new proposal seeks to transform the historic Wells College campus into a dynamic educational and residential community, integrating an International Baccalaureate (IB) boarding school, an Indigenous college, and a senior living community. The plan ... more
Landmark Society’s ‘Five to Revive’ spotlights Wells College and Bellona Mill
The Landmark Society of Western New York has unveiled its 2025 "Five to Revive" list, highlighting historic properties in need of preservation and investment. Among this year's selections are Wells College in Cayuga County and ... more
Hiawatha Institute submits bid to acquire former Wells College for Indigenous college
The Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge has officially submitted a bid to purchase the former Wells College campus in Aurora, New York, with the goal of establishing an Indigenous college dedicated to preserving and sharing ... more
What’s next for Wells? Developers say there’s strong interest in former college
The Wells College campus, listed for sale in November after the school announced its closure, has attracted serious interest, according to CBRE representatives. According to new reporting by The Citizen, the firm noted over 60 ... more
Wells College opposes Aurora landmark designations
Wells College has accused the village of Aurora of obstructing its closure process by proposing local landmark status for three college-owned properties, according to new reporting by The Citizen. Aurora residents and preservation advocates argue ... more
Wells College to present campus sale process
Wells College will host a presentation on January 21 at the Morgan Opera House in Aurora to discuss plans for selling its 127-acre campus. The event, led by college officials and real estate firm CBRE, ... more
Wells College faculty accused administration of unfair labor practices amid sudden closure
Contingent faculty members at Wells College, represented by SEIU Local 200United, have filed an unfair labor practice charge against the college with the National Labor Relations Board. The charge comes after the college’s administration allegedly ... more
Peachtown Elementary School and Wells College: Community hopes for positive outcome
Peachtown Elementary School has formally requested Wells College to donate the campus cottage it has rented since 1992, as the college prepares to close and liquidate its assets. According to The Citizen, the school's petition ... more
HWS welcomes 98 transfer students from Wells College after unexpected closure
Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) are preparing to welcome 98 transfer students this fall, including 67 from the recently closed Wells College in Aurora. Following Wells College's closure announcement in May, HWS quickly mobilized ... more
What’s next in Aurora after Wells College closure?
With Wells College set to close this year, Aurora is planning for the future of the village and its land. The Citizen reports the village is revising zoning laws and addressing short-term rental regulations to ... 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
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
