ALBANY, NY - College of Saint Rose President, Marcia White, held a meeting on Saturday with students to address their concerns regarding the college's plans for closure. The students expressed their disappointment at not being given the opportunity to ask questions earlier, but they were granted that chance during this meeting.

One student, sharing a video of the meeting, requested an apology for what they considered a lack of transparency. The students raised questions about the lack of notice regarding the college's financial situation before the board meeting on Thursday. They also sought clarity on the next steps, particularly in terms of teach-out plans.

President Marcia White responded to these concerns by acknowledging the delay in informing the students about the closure decision. She attributed the delayed notification to the media leak that occurred immediately after the board vote. White empathized with the students and expressed her regret for the manner in which they received the news.

In response to the demand for an apology, White affirmed the student's request, stating, "You deserve an apology for the way you heard this information." She further emphasized her commitment to providing the necessary information and addressing the concerns of the students.

During the meeting, President White was also questioned about the timeline for the teach-out agreements. She explained that a teach-out agreement can only be established after a decision to close has been made. White assured the students that the college had prepared an outline for a teach-out program and that they would be holding calls in accordance with the requirements of the New York State Education Department and Middle States. She acknowledged the importance of the teach-out plan for the well-being of the students.

However, President White did not specify a timeline for the completion of the teach-out agreements, leaving the students seeking clarification on when this would occur.

The imminent closure of College of Saint Rose has raised concerns not only among the students but also within the local community, especially considering the impact on special education and the supply of teachers.

As the conversations between the college administration and students continue, the hope for transparency and a clear path forward remains crucial for all parties involved.