The University of Akron will NOT be entering a controversial agreement with the private college company ITT.
That's according to a letter to the campus community just released by UA.
University officials say they haven't been able to discuss talks with the for-profit educational company due to a non-disclosure agreement, but UA now says they won't be entering any agreement with ITT.
The letter says that UA "will continue to search for appropriate ways to strengthen" the university and enhance its profile, and mentions its new contract with the UA faculty union.
(University of Akron, letter/release) In recent months, there has been much public discussion about a potential collaboration by the University that included ITT Educational Services, Inc. – a major proprietary educational institution. ITT currently reports an enrollment of approximately 45,000 students at about 130 locations across 38 states. The University has been unable to discuss the scope of the discussions and considerations due to a non-disclosure agreement with ITT. Those discussions have concluded, and the University will not be entering into any agreement involving ITT.
We will continue to search for appropriate ways to strengthen The University of Akron and enhance its profile as a leading research and teaching institution, offering students unparalleled opportunities for an education that is rich in experiential learning and connects them with great career options.
We have recently reached agreement with the Akron Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) on a new, four-year contract. Both the Board and the AAUP believe this multi-year commitment will create the type of mutually supportive environment that will enable the administration, Board and faculty to help the University adapt and succeed in the changing higher education environment as well as to address more immediate financial and enrollment challenges. We hope that we all will be open to considering and evaluating options that can help make it even stronger going forward.