Some options for displaced academics

MT. PLEASANT — As students and staff rush to find backup schools in the wake of Iowa Wesleyan’s closure announcement, some early options have presented themselves.

In a news release announcing the coming closure of the school, Wesleyan said the school had secured at least four “teach-out agreements” with William Penn University, Upper Iowa University, University of Dubuque, and Culver-Stockton College. The release said those arrangements would, “Ensure the students can complete their program on time and for a comparable cost to Iowa Wesleyan.”

By Tuesday afternoon, Cornell College announced that it would push financial aid to students from Wesleyan in an effort to minimize the fallout. Cornell representatives said the school would honor current financial aid awards from the Mt. Pleasant institution, and offer some undergraduates an additional $1,000 transfer scholarship.

“Iowa is our home and we are committed to helping Iowa students stay in our state and welcoming students from other states and countries as this closure takes place,” Cornell Vice President for Enrollment Management Wendy Beckemeyer said. “We look forward to meeting with students and helping to create a smooth transition to our campus.”

The Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce plans to hold a career fair, tentatively scheduled for April 10, aimed mainly at school staff, although details are not yet ironed out.

“Our top issue right now is to make sure these people get on the path to what’s next,” Chamber Executive Vice President Rachel Lindeen said.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com