The Art Institute of Wisconsin on Wednesday notified students and school employees that it will no longer enroll new students as it prepares to shutter its doors in the next two to three years.
The for-profit school is part of a national network of art institutions owned by Pittsburgh, Pa.-based Education Management Corporation, which has announced plans to close 15 schools across the country.
“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,” Education Management Corporation spokesman Chris Hardman said in an email. “That alignment demands a comprehensive and strategic examination of our schools and programs to ensure we are fully focused on providing the best student, graduate and employer outcomes. As a result of that examination – and as the next step in our transformation – we, together with the respective local boards of trustees, have made the difficult decision to cease new enrollments at a select number of our institutions.”
About 400 students attend the Art Institute of Wisconsin, which opened in 2010 and is located at 320 E. Buffalo Street, Suite 100, in Milwaukee. Academic pathways include disciplines in culinary arts, fashion, design and media arts.
Current students are encouraged to continue their education at the school and complete their degrees, according to Hardman.
The school will operate “until the last student has graduated,” Hardman said.
The Wisconsin campus is powered by about 100 employees, including about a dozen who were notified on Wednesday that it would be their last day, Hardman said.
“They will receive severance benefits and will be encouraged to apply for positions at other EDMC locations if they so choose,” he said. “Other employees will remain as we continue to provide a quality educational experience for our students.”
