TEACH-OUTS & PROGRAM CLOSURES
A college or university that establishes a CAHSM-accredited program incurs a significant obligation to its students to conduct the program as planned. In the event that an institution decides to discontinue a program or if accreditation is involuntarily withdrawn, CAHSM requires a formal process to ensure the equitable treatment of all remaining students.
Below is essential information regarding your rights and the protections in place during a program closure.
Understanding the Teach-Out Plan
When an accredited program is phasing out or intends to withdraw its accreditation, it must submit a Teach-Out Plan to CAHSM no later than 30 days after the decision is made. This plan is a strategy designed to complete the education of all students currently enrolled in the program.
A comprehensive Teach-Out Plan must include:
- A clear description of how the program will be completed.
- The names and credentials of the faculty members who will teach the remaining professional courses.
- The exact number of students remaining and the final graduation dates for the last group of students.
- Provisions for students to either complete their degree at the current institution or transfer to another academic unit or institution.
Your Accreditation Status Upon Graduation
One of the most critical protections for students involves the recognition of their degree if a program closes due to a loss of accreditation.
- Protection for Current Students: Students who are enrolled in a program at the exact time the CAHSM Board of Directors awards an “Accreditation Withdrawn” status are still considered graduates of an accredited program.
- Enrolling After Closure: Students who enroll in a program after the date accreditation has been withdrawn will not be considered graduates of an accredited program.
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Closure
Voluntary Withdrawal: An institution may request to discontinue its accreditation once all current students have graduated or have been accommodated through a teach-out or transfer. The institution must continue to pay annual accreditation fees until the last student has graduated.
Inactive Status: A program may enter a two-year Inactive Status period where it voluntarily suspends the enrollment of new students. During this time, the program may still be in the process of a teach-out for its currently enrolled students.
Involuntary Withdrawal: If a program fails to resolve issues during a period of Show Cause or Administrative Probation, accreditation may be involuntarily withdrawn. Even in these cases, the institution is still required to provide a teach-out plan for its remaining students.
Next Steps for Impacted Students
If your program has announced a closure or has been moved to Inactive Status, you should:
- Request the Official Teach-Out Plan: Ask your Program Director for the specifics of the plan submitted to CAHSM to understand your graduation timeline and course availability.
- Verify Program Status: Use the CAHSM Official Program Directory to check the current status of your program, which will be updated to “Inactive” or “Accreditation Withdrawn” as decisions are finalized.
- Contact CAHSM for Guidance: If you believe your institution is not following a proper teach-out plan or if you have concerns about your ability to graduate, you may contact CAHSM staff at info@CAHSM.org or (312) 235-3235.
CAHSM’s priority during any program closure is to ensure that the educational investment you have made remains worthwhile and that you are prepared to join the workforce as planned.
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