Dear Art Institutes Employee:
The past year has been a time of enormous change for both the organization and all of us as individuals. Our efforts to transform the company have faced the stiff headwinds of a higher education landscape that is, itself, going through a time of transformation.
To serve the needs and expectations of our students, faculty and staff, it is more important than ever that we align our organization with the realities of the education environment. That alignment demands a comprehensive and strategic examination of our schools and programs to ensure we are fully focused on providing the best student outcomes and on being the best stewards of our resources.
As a result of that examination, we, together with the respective governing boards, have made the difficult decision to cease new enrollments at The Art Institutes International Minnesota.
We recognize that there is an ongoing commitment to students currently enrolled at The Art Institutes International Minnesota. Accordingly, the school is not immediately closing. We will work with each student individually to determine the best path forward and to ensure that have as many choices as possible regarding their education.
We also intend to provide assistance to employees at the school. It is important to note that this decision is in no way a reflection of the work they have done on behalf of our students. We will extend the employment of many employees to see the school through the teach-out process. Unfortunately, however, it is necessary to eliminate some positions. We will be providing those employees with severance benefits.
I want to personally thank each and every employee at this location for the work that they have done on behalf of our students. This decision is in no way a reflection of them – they have worked hard, under difficult circumstances, for students at this location.
Now, more than ever, our focus must be on providing students at all Art Institutes locations the quality education they expect and the educational value they deserve – with the passion we all share for helping them to achieve their educational and career goals in the creative arts.