The recent state hearing on the abrupt closure of the University of the Arts (UArts) has shed light on the red flags that were ignored, unsuccessful attempts to save the school, and accusations of cowardice directed towards the board. The hearing, convened by Rep. Ben Waxman (D., Philadelphia), provided a platform for administrators, students, staff, and alumni to share their perspectives and express their concerns.

One administrator, Erin Elman, the dean of UArts' division of Graduate and Professional Studies, revealed that high-level administrators made efforts to prevent the sudden shutdown, but were met with resistance and exclusion. Elman and other deans had pleaded for an appeal to the imminent closure during a meeting with the university's president and vice president. They subsequently spent the week leading up to the closure engaging with lawyers, public officials, and others in hopes of finding a solution to keep the university running. Unfortunately, their efforts were in vain.

Elman, along with other panelists, added more troubling information to the narrative surrounding the closure. Red flags were raised when the monthly meetings with the President's Council significantly declined under the leadership of President Kerry Walk, with only three meetings held over the past year. Elman considered this a cause for alarm.

During a May meeting, enrollment concerns were discussed, which Elman acknowledged was not surprising considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on enrollments nationwide. However, the deans were under the impression that the university's enrollment targets were being met and the situation was being managed. Elman stated that if they had known otherwise, they would have been actively seeking other job opportunities.

Another concerning revelation was that President Walk made a unilateral decision to close the university without consulting the President's Council, acting out of order in terms of governance. While the board of trustees only voted on the closure on June 1, Walk had already informed the accreditation agency, Middle States, of the decision on May 29. Walk resigned shortly after the closure was announced.

Additional perspectives were shared, with Kevin Mercer, an associate professor of illustration, highlighting dysfunction within the administration prior to the closure. Mercer, who was part of the negotiating team for the school's first union contract, witnessed a lack of preparedness and a seeming lack of understanding in handling business matters.

During the hearing, State Rep. Joseph Ciresi (D., Montgomery County) expressed anger towards the university's leadership, referring to the board as "a bunch of cowards." State Rep. Paul Friel (D., Chester County) also expressed shock and called the situation a tragedy, expressing hope that none of the board members would hold positions on boards again.

The concerns expressed during the hearing have prompted possible investigations into the closure. State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D., Philadelphia) noted the timeline, lack of transparency, and information as potential indicators of criminality. State Rep. Jordan Harris (D., Philadelphia) indicated that the state Attorney General, Michelle Henry, may initiate a formal investigation. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has also announced their investigation into the closure.

The UArts closure has left hundreds of lives upended, with students facing uncertain futures and faculty and staff facing financial challenges. The fate of the university's tuition benefits program and the personal and financial implications for those associated with UArts remain uncertain.

As the investigations continue, more information is expected to emerge in the coming weeks. The state legislature is determined to address the issues that led to the closure and ensure that such a situation never occurs again.