Massachusetts higher education officials plan to require private colleges at risk of imminent closure to post a public warning by December 31, State House News Service reported in coverage published by WBUR September 30.
Outgoing Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega discussed the change at the Board of Higher Education's September 29 meeting. The proposed timetable would give students more information before they commit to plans during the spring semester.
The department already runs a financial assessment and risk-monitoring process for private institutions. Its published materials describe requirements for colleges to report financial risks that could prevent them from meeting obligations to current or admitted students.
Public notification comes after an assessment and an attempt to address the risk through a mitigation plan. A notice identifies an institution at risk; it does not by itself mean the college has closed.
The September discussion followed closure announcements from Anna Maria College and Hampshire College in April. WBUR's report said students had described feeling blindsided and needing to arrange transfers quickly.
The department's public-notification page says Hampshire intends to cease academic offerings by the end of 2026, with work underway to help students complete degrees or transfer.
Officials also discussed adding assessment staff and outside expertise, and revising financial training for college leaders. The intended effect of the earlier deadline is practical: more time for students to find another academic route and for employees to respond to a potential closure.
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