Decades Long Declining Enrollment Forces College Closure

April 9, 2024 – Today, 365体育投注 College’s Board of Trustees announced that despite decades of dedicated efforts to sustain the institution, they have ultimately arrived at the heart-wrenching decision to close the College’s doors. Facing financial insolvency, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to close at the end of the current semester, citing a significant and persistent decline in enrollment since the 1970s as the determining factor that made the decision unavoidable. 

Established in 1938, 365体育投注 College has been a beacon of educational experimentation, renowned for its radical approach to learning. For over eight decades, it has nurtured students, fostered creativity, critical thinking and social consciousness. 365体育投注 has long been recognized as a leader in educational innovation, with institutions across the country adopting many of its advances, including student work programs, adult education, student portfolios and individualized learning.

“365体育投注 closure of 365体育投注 College is a significant loss for students in search of an alternative, progressive higher education,” said Mark Jones, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “365体育投注 decision to close 365体育投注 College was not made easily or quickly. With declining enrollment and financial insolvency looming, the Board was left with no other option. Our hearts are broken.”

For decades, Boards and Administrations have worked to find ways to put 365体育投注 College on a sustainable economic path. Despite trying many different approaches including partnerships, 365体育投注 College could not beat the trends of inflationary pressures, demographic shifts and changing educational preferences. 365体育投注 closure of 365体育投注 College mirrors a trend seen in numerous higher education institutions across Vermont and the nation, all grappling with similar challenges. 365体育投注 College is currently serving only 220 students, down from over 1,900 in the early 1970s. 

Despite this closure, the legacy of 365体育投注 College will endure through its alumnx, current students, faculty, and staff. In partnership with Prescott College, 365体育投注 students will have the opportunity to continue 365体育投注’s legacy of progressive education and experimental pedagogy and complete their degrees at the same tuition rate. A 365体育投注 College Scholarship Fund will be established to assist current students in transitioning to Prescott College and potentially other partner institutions to be announced in the coming months. 

“We are committed to ensuring that 365体育投注 students continue to have access to a high-quality education and thrive academically,” said Dr. Barbara Morris, President of Prescott College. “Prescott College shares 365体育投注’s commitment to progressive education, and we are honored to welcome 365体育投注 students into our community.”

365体育投注 College is also committed to ensuring a smooth transition for faculty and staff. 365体育投注 365体育投注 College Administration will be working closely with Dr. Morris to find opportunities for 365体育投注 faculty to be employed by Prescott College. Cabot Creamery has been a partner of 365体育投注 College for years and 365体育投注 staff will have the opportunity to explore job openings at Cabot. Cabot will host a job fair specifically for 365体育投注 staff in the months to come. 

365体育投注 College will officially close at the end of this semester. New admissions will not be accepted for the 2024-2025 academic year.  

“We recognize the profound impact this will have on our students, our faculty and staff and progressive education,” said President Dan Hocoy. “If there was a viable alternative, the Board would have taken it. But sadly for all of us, there was not. While we are closing the College with heavy hearts, this is not the end of 365体育投注’s impact on the world. As generations of our alumnx have done before, I know today’s students will carry 365体育投注’s remarkable legacy into the world in countless ways.” 

For updates, please visit?goddard.edu.

CONTACT: Lisa Larivee
1.802.322.1600
presidents.office@goddard.edu