Keystone College must show why its doors shouldn’t close

Nico Rossi
·2 min read

EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Keystone College is now required to show cause as to why its accreditation should not be withdrawn by August 1.

According to the Middle State Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Keystone College will be required to demonstrate why its doors shouldn’t close and they must do so by August 1.

The MSCHE’s policies state that an institution is required to show cause when it doesn’t appear to demonstrate compliance with one or more of the standards set by MSCHE for accreditation, requirements of affiliation, policies, and procedures, or applicable federal regulatory requirements.

Keystone College released a statement on this stating:

“On April 30, 2024, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) notified Keystone College that it must “show cause” as to why its MSCHE accreditation should not be withdrawn because of an inability to comply with Standard VI, which requires an institution to have adequate financial resources to continue long-term viability.

As a result, MSCHE has required Keystone to submit three items: an updated Teach-Out Plan and a Supplemental Information Report, each due by May 15, 2024, and a Show Cause Report by August 1, 2024, demonstrating why its accreditation should not be withdrawn. The College remains accredited while on show cause.

As we notified members of our college community on April 26, 2024, we expected further action by MSCHE after we submitted necessary documentation regarding the College’s financial status. As we have in the past, Keystone College will comply with all information required by MSCHE within the timeframe in which it is requested.

While we continue that process, Keystone also continues substantive discussions with an investment partner which would provide the College with a long-term path forward. We remain hopeful that those discussions will be successful and we will keep the college community and the public informed of the results. Until that time, Keystone College will conclude its Spring semester and prepare for a wonderful 2024 Commencement, as well as a full schedule of summer classes, activities, and athletic camps.”

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The MSCHE policies and procedures state that an institution must show cause if its non-compliance raises concern about one or more of the following:

  • The institution has not made sufficient progress toward achieving compliance;

  • The institution does not appear to demonstrate the capacity to comply with one or more MSCHE standards for accreditation, requirements of affiliation, policies, and procedures, or applicable federal regulatory requirements within 36 months;

  • The institution is in imminent danger of closing;

  • The institution has demonstrated a lack of integrity, truthfulness, or responsibility, and the MSCHE believes that students may be harmed;

  • Information collected by the Commission suggests serious concerns related to student achievement, annual enrollment FTE, financial health, or federal financial responsibility.

While receiving the show cause action, Keystone College also received a notice of three more actions the Commission took involving the school.

For more information and to read the actions visit MSCHE’s website.

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